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Is Canberra Worth Visiting? It Is For a Stopover
Are you asking yourself: Is Canberra worth visiting? Australia’s capital is worth visiting as a stopover from Sydney to Melbourne
You hear a lot of times that Canberra is not worth visiting. But it’s the capital of Australia after all, so I wanted to visit it anyway.
I spent two nights there on my way from Sydney to Melbourne. And to be completely honest with you it’s not worth going out of your way to get there. But it is a convenient stop on the way from Sydney to Melbourne. And it’s worth visiting for one day.
I stayed in Canberra for two days but one would have been enough. There are basically only four things you should visit, the House of Parliament, the Australian War Memorial, Mount Ainslie Lookout and Lake Griffin.
Canberra is also known for its many festivals and maybe it’s worth spending more time there during a festival. To name just two at this point, the annual Ballon Festival and the Floriade in spring look amazing.
Top attractions in Canberra
The top attractions in Canberra which make you want to answer the question: Is Canberra worth visiting? with yes, can be seen in one full day. Those best places are basically grouped together in two places which makes them easy to visit.
New Parliament House
The best thing to do in Canberra is to visit the New Parliament House. It is Australia’s capital after all! You can catch the bus from the city centre but I would recommend walking at least one way so you can cross over the artificial Lake Burley Griffin.
Once you reach the Parliament House you can wander around the building on your own after a security check.
However, I would recommend doing one of the free guided tours. I did the Heart of the House Tour and it was super interesting.
I learned for example that there used to be a hill where the house is now, and after they dug up the hill and built the Parliament they put 80% of the soil back on the building. I thought that was very interesting and it gives the word capital hill a new meaning.
On a free tour, you also learn about the symbolism you can see everywhere around you and learn a bit about Australian politics and Australian history.
The most unexpected thing to find in the House of Parliament was a replica of the house made with Lego. Without the Lego replica, you can’t even comprehend the full scope of this enormous building.
Visiting the new Parliament House on the capital hill and seeing where Australia’s politics are made was definitely the highlight of my trip to Canberra.
If you’re just the slightest bit interested in Australian politics you should answer the question: Is Canberra worth visiting? with yes.
Fun fact: Did you know Melbourne was the capital of Australia for a few years before Canberra?
Lake Burley Griffin
Lake Burley Griffin is an artificial lake in the centre of Canberra, the capital of Australia. It was completed in 1963 after the Molonglo River, which ran between the city center and Parliamentary Triangle, was dammed.
The lake is named after Walter Burley Griffin, the American architect who won the competition to design the city of Canberra. It is an integral part of Canberra’s design and is a vital element in the plan for the nation’s capital.
The lake provides a scenic backdrop for many of Canberra’s imposing monumental structures and is an ideal water playground, whether you’re into rowing, sailing, kayaking or stand-up paddle-boarding.
Cyclists and walkers are well catered for along the 40km shoreline, and nothing beats a picnic in its numerous parks and gardens.
To be fair, Lake Griffin on its own is not gonna make you answer the question: Is Canberra worth visiting? with yes. But if you’re already in Canberra going for a walk on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin is well worth doing.
Australian War Memorial
The Australian War Memorial is definitely one of the best attractions in Canberra which should not be missed on any trip to Australia’s capital city.
It’s one of the landmarks of Australia which makes you say yes to the question: Is Canberra worth visiting?
Unfortunately, the Memorial was under construction when I visited. Even with the scaffolding, you can see that the Memorial is in a straight line with the House of Parliament.
During the free tour at the House of Parliament I learned that that’s in case the prime minister of Australia is ever considering going to war they have a straight view from their office to the memorial and they can think about what it means to go to war.
Inside the memorial, there’s a free museum about all the wars Australia was part of. It’s free but there are only a certain number of people allowed inside at a time. When I visited it was very quiet and I had no problem getting inside.
A big section is dedicated to the First and the Second World Wars. Then it goes up all the way to the Iraq war. It’s very interesting but also very depressing to see and read what humanity is capable of.
Mount Ainslie Lookout
Mount Ainslie Lookout is one of the top attractions in Canberra. It’s a great place for a panoramic view of the city and its surrounding areas, including Lake Burley Griffin and many of Canberra’s national attractions, framed by picturesque mountain ranges.
You can reach the lookout by walking, cycling, or driving to the summit, which is particularly lovely at sunrise and sunset. The lookout is located at the top of Mount Ainslie, at an elevation of 843 meters.
The hiking path starts just behind the Australian War Memorial. I couldn’t find the path on Google Maps but it’s easy enough to find when you know what you’re looking for (some friendly local people pointed it out to me).
Just behind the Australian War Memorial there’s a picnic area and that’s where the path starts. The path goes through a lovely forest and the return walk takes less than 2 hours.
From the lookout, you can see the true work of the architects who designed structures there such as the monumental Parliament House and Parliamentary Triangle, especially Anzac Parade. The view is seemingly symmetrical.
I found that the best view of the city is just below the lookout because the city looks a bit closer than from all the way to the top.
Getting a look at the unique geometric layout of this planned city from above is one of the best things to do in the city and it makes you want to say yes to: Is Canberra worth visiting?
Other attractions in Canberra: Museums
There are many museums next to the House of Parliament in Canberra, all in close proximity to each other. Some of them are free admission, like the National Gallery of Australia, while others require an entrance fee, like the National Science Museum.
National Gallery of Australia
The National Gallery of Australia houses an impressive collection of international and Australian art, ranging from indigenous works to modern masterpieces.
I went to the National Gallery of Australia after I heard some good things about it but left a bit disappointed. Maybe it was because quite a bit of the museum was under construction. At least it was free.
National Museum of Australia
You can experience Australian history first-hand at the National Museum of Australia. Exhibits cover the nation’s social, geographic, and political history, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of Australia’s development as a country.
National Portrait Gallery
Lastly, consider stopping by the National Portrait Gallery to admire a diverse collection of portraits, showcasing prominent and influential Australians throughout history. The gallery aims to capture the essence and spirit of the nation through the faces of its people.
Museum of Australian Democracy
The Museum of Australian Democracy is located in Old Parliament House, a nationally listed heritage building.
The museum offers an exciting adventure in one iconic building, with authentically restored heritage spaces and inspiring contemporary exhibitions that help you understand Australia’s social and political history by interpreting the past, illuminating the present, and imagining the future.
The best tours and guided experiences
If you visit the Australian city of Canberra only for a short time, taking a tour can help to make the most out of your time.
The local guides from a tour know exactly where to go and tell you interesting facts about the places you visit. And getting the most out of your trip is important to be able to answer, is Canberra worth visiting, with yes.
Highlights of Canberra
If you want to make sure to not miss any of the top attractions in Canberra, a great option is to take a guided tour.
On a tour, you’ll visit the best things like the Mount Ainslie Lookout, the Australian War Memorial and the Australian Parliament House. And you’ll have a knowledgeable guide with you.
🤩 Book the Highlights of Canberra Full Day Tour to make the most out of your day
Explore Canberra wineries and distilleries
Canberra has a variety of wineries, breweries and distilleries to explore, where you can taste locally-made beer, wine, and spirits.
The best option to get to those wineries, breweries and distilleries without having to worry about who the designated driver is gonna be, is with a tour.
With this Canberra Brewery Winery and Distillery Tour, you get to taste the best alcoholic beverages in Canberra. And the best part is that the alcoholic beverages are already included, you only need to pay extra if you want to bring some home with you.
See some wildlife at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is a protected area located on the fringe of Namadgi National Park, just a short drive from Canberra’s city centre.
A variety of Australian wildlife lives in the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. This makes it the perfect place to spot wildlife such as koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and even platypus. The best changes to find these animals is on a tour with a local guide.
An added bonus at a wildlife tour is a quick stop at the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex where you can learn about Australia’s contribution to the Apollo missions and the first moon landing.
I didn’t get a chance to do this highly-rated tour myself but I managed to see some kangaroos and wallabies on my trip to Wilsons Prom. And I even saw an echidna on my Great Ocean Road day trip. It’s so cool to see Australian wildlife in the wild!
🐨 Book the Best of Wildlife and Birds Tour to see some amazing Australian wildlife
Festivals and Events in Canberra
Canberra has a vibrant calendar of festivals and events throughout the year, showcasing the city’s culture, food, and entertainment. And experiencing one of the amazing festivals or events might sway to answer the question, Is Canberra worth visiting? with yes.
Some of the most popular events include the Enlighten Festival, Floriade, the National Multicultural Festival, the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, the Canberra Craft Beer and Cider Festival, the Canberra Writers Festival and many more.
The Enlighten Festival features stunning illuminations of the city’s iconic buildings. And the Floriade is a celebration of spring with a range of floral displays and entertainment. All the other festivals are pretty self-explanatory.
When I visited Canberra, there were, unfortunately, no festivals taking place. But I would. have loved to see hundreds of balloons rising into the air at the Canberra Balloon Spectacular.
So, whenever you visit Canberra make sure to check Canberra’s event calendar. Visiting Australia’s capital during a festival might make you answer the question: Is Canberra worth visiting? immediately with yes.
Best time to visit Canberra
The best time to visit Canberra is during the spring months from September to November when the weather is mild and pleasant.
This is also the time when the Floriade Festival takes place, which is a popular event featuring a range of floral displays and entertainment. However, this is also the busiest time for visitors, and hotel prices are usually higher.
Another great time to visit is during the autumn months from March to May when the leaves change colour, and the weather is still pleasant. Visitors can also enjoy the Canberra Balloon Spectacular and the Enlighten Canberra festival during this time, which features stunning illuminations of the city’s iconic buildings.
Overall, the best time to visit Canberra depends on personal preferences and interests, but the spring and autumn months are generally the most pleasant.
But also the summer months have their advantages since they are best for outdoor activities at Lake Burley Griffin. And in winter you can see the snowy mountains in the distance which make for a great view.
Just find what’s most important to you, so you can visit the city of Canberra at the perfect time for you. Visiting at the right time of the year, or rather at the time when the most interesting festival is on, might sway you towards answering: Is Canberra worth visiting? with yes.
Practical Information and Tips
If you decide the answer to the question, is Canberra worth visiting? is yes and you start planning your trip, here are some practical tips and information.
- Landmarks: Some top attractions in Canberra include the Australian War Memorial and the House of Parliament. Be sure to add these to your itinerary, so you don’t miss out on experiencing these important cultural and historical sites.
- Price: Many points of interest in Canberra, such as museums and galleries, offer free admission, making it an affordable destination for you to visit. For instance, the Australian War Memorial and Canberra Museum and Gallery are free to explore.
- Parking: If you’re driving in Canberra, parking can be found in the city center and at main attractions. Keep in mind that parking fees and restrictions may apply in some areas, so be prepared with change for meters and be aware of time limits.
- Control: If you prefer more control over your trip, you might consider a self-guided tour using your own transport or public transportation. Alternatively, you can join an organized day tour from Sydney that will cover the main sights without the need for planning.
- Beaches: While Canberra may not have beaches within the city limits, it is worth mentioning that you can always plan a day trip to the coastline. The city is located approximately 150 km away from the beaches of Batemans Bay and 280 km away from Jervis Bay, both famous for their stunning beaches and picturesque views.
- Vegan food: The vegan food scene in Canberra can’t compete with the vegan capitals of Australia, Sydney or Melbourne. There’s just so much delicious vegan food in Sydney.
FAQ about Canberra
How many days should I spend in Canberra?
One full day is enough to see the top attractions in Canberra. However, it might be worth spending more time in Canberra when you visit while one of the famous Canberra festivals takes place.
What is so great about Canberra?
Canberra is the Australian capital city and home to the Australian Parliament House where the country’s politics are decided.
Can I explore Canberra without a car?
You can easily explore Canberra without a car. Everything is reachable either on foot or by public transportation.
Why do tourists like to visit Canberra?
The most popular things to see in Canberra for tourists are the New Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial. Canberra is also home to many museums and art galleries.
Is Canberra a walkable city?
The city centre of Canberra is very walkable. Some of the main attractions, like the Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial, are a bit out of the city centre. They are still reachable on foot, although it is gonna be a bit of a longer walk.
Final thoughts: Is Canberra worth visiting?
So, once again: Is Canberra worth visiting? Australia’s capital is worth visiting if you’re in the Australian Capital Territory anyway or if you’re on your way from Sydney to Melbourne, or from Melbourne to Sydney.
You can get a Greyhound bus to Canberra, spend one or two nights in Australia’s capital city and be on your way again the day after.
But, is Canberra worth visiting on its own? To be completely honest, I don’t think Canberra is worth visiting on its own if it’s very far out of the way for you.
Then the more popular destinations Sydney or Melbourne are a better choice. There are just more amazing things to do in Sydney than in Canberra.
And Melbourne is a better base for incredible day tours. Within a few short hours, you can soak in some hot springs or you can go by helicopter from Melbourne over the beautiful coastline.
Read More:
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- Is Canberra Worth Visiting? It Is For a Stopover
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