What to Do in Canberra: 9 Things You’ll Love

You’ll find Canberra offers far more than political landmarks and government buildings. Australia’s capital combines world-class museums with outdoor adventures, from interactive science experiences to wildlife encounters in pristine nature reserves. Whether you’re drawn to moving war memorials, panoramic mountain views, or unique hot air balloon festivals, the city delivers unexpected depth and variety. These nine carefully selected activities will transform your perspective on what makes Canberra a compelling destination worth exploring.

Experience the Australian War Memorial’s Last Post Ceremony

When you visit the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, you’ll witness one of Australia’s most moving daily traditions at the Last Post Ceremony. This free event occurs at 4:30 PM AEDT in the Commemorative Courtyard beside the Pool of Reflection.

The ceremony begins with the Australian National Anthem, followed by a piper’s lament. You’ll hear a detailed story about one individual from the Roll of Honour‘s 103,000 names, researched by Memorial historians.

Australian Defence Force personnel recite the Ode before the Last Post concludes the ceremony. On certain days, Australia’s Federation Guard participates in the sounding of the Last Post.

You can lay wreaths or floral tributes by informing staff before 4 PM. If you can’t attend, watch the livestream on the Memorial’s YouTube channel for global access.

Cycle Around Lake Burley Griffin for Parliament House and Gallery Access

Why not explore Canberra’s political and cultural heart on two wheels? Cycling around Lake Burley Griffin offers unmatched access to Parliament House and major galleries through three distinct routes.

The Bridge to Bridge loop (4.9 km) provides the easiest access to cultural institutions—you’ll pass the National Gallery, High Court, and National Library along flat, sealed paths suitable for all skill levels. Listen for the National Carillon’s 55 bells that chime every quarter hour from their 50-meter tower.

For bike hire, visit Mr Spokes near Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, with rates from $11 hourly to $44 daily.

Parliament House remains visible throughout your ride, creating an iconic backdrop.

The Western loop extends your journey to the National Museum, while the Eastern loop showcases Kingston Foreshore‘s urban renewal.

Remember helmets are mandatory, and you’ll find free bike parking near major attractions.

Get Hands-On at Questacon’s Interactive Science Exhibits

Since opening in 1988, Questacon has evolved into Australia’s premier interactive science destination, housing over 200 hands-on exhibits across eight themed galleries that transform complex scientific concepts into engaging experiences.

You’ll discover diverse scientific fields including space, nanotechnology, electricity, and geology through immersive activities. Test your nerves on the six-metre free-fall slide at Excite@Q, demonstrating gravity and acceleration firsthand. Experience earthquake sensations at the Earthquake House, or explore the dedicated Mini Q children’s gallery for age-appropriate activities.

Don’t miss live demonstrations by the “Excited Particles” troupe, who perform enthralling chemistry and physics experiments in the science theatre.

Special exhibitions like “ZAP! CLANK! POW!” offer rotating content featuring cutting-edge technology. The museum also offers educational programs aligned with school curriculums, including coding workshops and science communication sessions for students and educators.

Plan several hours to fully explore this interactive wonderland that attracts 500,000 visitors annually.

Climb Mount Ainslie for Canberra’s Best City Views

Rising 843 meters above sea level in northeastern Canberra, Mount Ainslie delivers the city’s most spectacular panoramic views and serves as a cornerstone of Walter Burley Griffin’s original urban design.

You’ll spot the Australian War Memorial, Lake Burley Griffin, Parliament House, and the Brindabella Ranges from the summit lookout.

The one-hour walking track begins behind the War Memorial, offering a moderate uphill climb through preserved eucalyptus forests.

You can also drive or cycle to the top on sealed roads.

Visit at dawn or dusk for the most dramatic lighting and stunning sunsets over the cityscape.

Historical plaques along the trail commemorate WWII battles, while the 637-hectare nature reserve protects critical wildlife habitat. Keep an eye out for grey kangaroos and gang-gang cockatoos during your visit.

Dogs are welcome on-leash on designated tracks only.

Explore Aboriginal Art at the National Gallery of Australia

Housing the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, the National Gallery of Australia showcases over 65,000 years of continuous cultural expression through nearly 200 works in rotating exhibitions. You’ll encounter traditional ochre bark paintings alongside contemporary video installations and neon works, representing hundreds of Indigenous nations across Australia.

Don’t miss The Aboriginal Memorial, featuring 200 hollow log coffins that serve as a powerful statement on colonial impact and ancestral remembrance.

The gallery organizes displays by geographic regions, highlighting distinct artistic styles from Arnhem Land, Western Australia, and desert communities. These artworks communicate complex stories about country, spirituality, and traditional knowledge systems through symbolic imagery and innovative contemporary media. The gallery’s collection connects to the broader global recognition of Indigenous Australian art, as evidenced by major international exhibitions now touring museums across North America.

Discover Native Wildlife at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Where else can you observe a platypus in its natural habitat while spotting kangaroos grazing nearby and koalas nestled in eucalyptus canopies? Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve offers Australia’s most accessible wildlife viewing experience just 40 minutes from Canberra’s center.

You’ll find the world’s best platypus viewing at the small weir area, where these elusive creatures regularly surface.

The reserve’s diverse sub-alpine ecosystems—wetlands, grasslands, and forests—support over 200 species including endangered Northern Corroboree Frogs and Southern Brush-tailed Rock-Wallabies unique to this ACT location. The reserve also acknowledges the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT, respecting their continuing culture and contributions to environmental stewardship.

Follow marked trails like the Koala Path and Rock Wallaby Trail for top-notch sightings.

The 100-hectare feral-predator-free enclosures ensure healthy populations while maintaining natural behaviors.

Join guided safari tours or explore independently using detailed visitor center maps.

Wander Through the National Arboretum’s Rare Tree Collections

Though devastated by the 2003 bushfires, Canberra’s National Arboretum has transformed into the world’s largest living collection of rare and endangered trees, housing 44,000 specimens across 250 hectares.

You’ll explore 94 distinct forests featuring species from over 100 countries, including 31 threatened varieties—two extinct in the wild, five critically endangered, ten endangered, and fourteen vulnerable.

Navigate 20 kilometers of trails through themed collections organized by geographic origin and ecological importance.

You’ll discover remarkable survivors like Himalayan cedars planted between 1917-1930 and historic cork oaks that once supplied industrial materials.

Don’t miss the critically endangered Wollemi pines and the National Bonsai Collection. The site also features the Southern Tablelands Ecosystems Park with its native species and bush tucker garden.

The Arboretum functions as both conservation nursery and educational hub, offering guided tours that illuminate global biodiversity while preserving Australia’s botanical heritage.

Take a Hot Air Balloon Flight During Balloon Spectacular Season

Since 1986, Australia’s longest-running hot air balloon festival transforms Canberra’s skyline each March, offering you an unparalleled aerial perspective of the nation’s capital during the nine-day Balloon Spectacular.

You’ll experience 45-60 minute flights over iconic landmarks, with prices ranging from $345 weekdays to $395 weekends. Book directly with Balloon Aloft Canberra early—weekends sell out quickly.

Check-in occurs at 5:45 am at John Dunmore Lang Place for ideal dawn conditions. Over 40 vibrant balloons launch by 7:00 am, including special shapes like Simba the Lion. For the best viewing experience, arrive 30-45 minutes before the scheduled launch time to secure optimal positioning.

If you’re not flying, spectating is free—bring chairs and enjoy food vendors until 9:30 am.

Weather determines daily launches, announced at 6 am, so monitor official channels for updates.

Cool Off at Gibraltar Falls’ Swimming Holes

After floating above Canberra’s landscapes, you’ll want to explore the capital’s natural swimming spots on solid ground. Gibraltar Falls offers stunning swimming holes just 45 minutes southwest of the city center. You’ll find crystal-clear pools with coarse sand bottoms, including the famous “infinity pool” perched at the waterfall’s edge.

However, access is currently restricted until mid-2025 due to safety upgrades following serious accidents. The 50-meter waterfall and 160-meter cliffs present significant dangers from slippery rocks and steep drops. When reopened, you’ll reach the swimming areas via an 80-meter stepped descent from the sealed parking area. The small pools are quite shallow at waist-high depth, making them better suited for refreshing dips than serious swimming.

For safer alternatives, visit Gibraltar Creek at nearby Woods Reserve, which offers similar natural pools with picnic facilities and BBQ areas while maintaining that invigorating mountain water experience.

The Sum Up

You’ve now got nine incredible ways to experience Canberra’s unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Don’t miss the War Memorial’s moving ceremonies or Questacon’s engaging exhibits. Make time for Mount Ainslie’s panoramic views and the National Gallery’s Indigenous collections. Whether you’re cycling Lake Burley Griffin, spotting wildlife at Tidbinbilla, or cooling off at Gibraltar Falls, you’ll discover why Australia’s capital offers unforgettable adventures for every type of traveler.