Canberra probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind when planning a budget holiday in Australia. But with some of the country’s best museums, galleries and national attractions offering free entry, it’s actually a fantastic place to visit without spending a fortune.
I’ll admit, Canberra wasn’t exactly at the top of my travel wish list either.
With just weeks left before we headed overseas for our year-long adventure, Simon and I found ourselves with a bit of a first-world problem. We had two free domestic flights to use, thanks to credit card benefits, but nowhere in particular we needed to go.
The only destinations that worked for both flights were Melbourne and Canberra. We’d been to Melbourne plenty of times, but Simon had never visited Canberra and wanted to see the Australian War Memorial.
I wasn’t quite so enthusiastic, but Canberra it was!
With our big trip coming up, we were watching every dollar, so this was going to be a budget weekend with just a few small splurges.
And what a surprise Canberra turned out to be!
Not only did we find more than enough to keep us busy, but many of the best things to do in Canberra were completely free.
If you’re planning to visit Canberra on a budget, here are my favourite free and cheap things to do, along with tips for accommodation, food and getting around Australia’s capital.
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Canberra on the Cheap at a Glance
- Best for: Museums, Australian history, art and outdoor activities
- How long to stay: Two to three days for the main attractions
- Best free attractions: Australian War Memorial, National Gallery, National Museum and Parliament House
- Getting around: Walking and public transport, with a car useful for attractions further out
- Best budget tip: Take advantage of Canberra’s many free national attractions
- Best time to visit: Spring and autumn for pleasant sightseeing weather
Where to Stay in Canberra on a Budget
Accommodation will probably be one of your biggest expenses when visiting Canberra, particularly if you’re travelling alone or want to stay close to the main attractions.
When we visited, we stayed at University House on the Australian National University campus in Acton.
It turned out to be a fantastic budget choice.
Our accommodation had a separate bedroom with an ensuite, a spacious living area and tea and coffee facilities. The furniture was a little dated, but everything was clean and comfortable.
The location was another bonus. We could walk into the city centre, and there were university facilities nearby, including places to eat.
University House closed following severe storm damage in 2020 and reopened in August 2026 after extensive restoration.
I haven’t stayed there since the refurbishment, and accommodation availability may have changed, so check the University House website for current information.
Other Areas to Stay in Canberra
If I were returning without a car, I’d look at accommodation in one of these areas.
Canberra City (Civic) is convenient for restaurants, supermarkets and public transport. You can walk to several attractions, and the central location may save you money on getting around.
Braddon, just north of the city centre, has plenty of cafes, restaurants and accommodation options. It’s a good choice if you like having places to eat within walking distance.
Kingston and Barton are convenient for the Parliamentary Triangle, including Parliament House, the National Gallery and National Library. They’re not necessarily the cheapest areas, but the location can make up for a slightly higher room rate.
My advice is to compare the total cost of accommodation and transport rather than simply booking the cheapest room.
It’s also worth comparing weekday and weekend rates. Canberra has a large government and business travel market, so prices can vary considerably.
You can compare Canberra accommodation prices on Booking.com.
Best Free Things to Do in Canberra
One of the things that surprised me most about Canberra was just how many attractions were free.
In most cities, visiting several major museums and galleries would quickly add up, but Canberra is different.
We filled almost our entire weekend with free or inexpensive activities, and there were still plenty of places we didn’t get to.
National Gallery of Australia
Cost: Free general admission
I’ll start by admitting something. I’m not really an art person.
I know a few famous artists, and I can appreciate a painting I like, but I’m certainly no expert. Usually, my visits to art galleries involve a fairly quick wander around, stopping at whatever catches my eye.
So I was quite pleased with myself at the National Gallery of Australia when I actually recognised some of the artists!
I particularly enjoyed seeing Sidney Nolan’s famous Ned Kelly paintings and Jackson Pollock’s Blue Poles. There were also works by Claude Monet.
We spent at least an hour, possibly two, wandering through the galleries, considerably longer than I expected.
And best of all, it didn’t cost us anything.
General admission to the National Gallery of Australia is free, although some temporary exhibitions require tickets.
There’s also an outdoor sculpture garden to explore, although some areas may be affected by ongoing building works.
Even if you’re not an art lover, don’t skip this one. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy it.
National Portrait Gallery
Cost: Free general admission
Right next door to the National Gallery is the National Portrait Gallery.
By the time we’d finished wandering through the National Gallery, we’d had enough art for one day, so we gave this one a miss.
It’s still on my list for a future visit.
The gallery tells the stories of Australians through portraits of people who have helped shape the country, from politicians and artists to sportspeople and musicians.
General admission is free, although some special exhibitions have an entry fee.
Find current exhibitions on the National Portrait Gallery website.
National Library of Australia
Cost: Free admission
Okay, I know. A library is a library. It has books, people go there to read and study, and that’s about it.
But I’m a book person, and if there’s an interesting library nearby, I can’t help myself. I have to go inside for a look.
The National Library of Australia is one of those buildings that’s hard to miss when you’re exploring Canberra, so naturally we stopped in.
During our visit, there was an exhibition called The Sell, looking at the history of advertising in Australia.
We had a great time recognising products from our childhood and laughing at some of the advertising techniques that would never be acceptable today.
Did you know the famous Minties advertising slogan, “It’s moments like these…” dates back about a hundred years?
For anyone unfamiliar with Minties, they’re a chewy Australian lolly that has been around for generations.
That exhibition has long since finished, but the National Library regularly hosts displays featuring items from its extensive collection.
There’s also the Treasures Gallery, where you can discover fascinating objects and documents from Australian history.
Check the National Library of Australia website to see what’s on during your visit.
National Museum of Australia
Cost: Free general admission
The National Museum of Australia is another Canberra building that’s almost as interesting on the outside as it is on the inside.
Located beside Lake Burley Griffin, its unusual architecture includes a huge looping structure rising above the building.
Inside, the museum explores Australia’s history, culture, environment and people.
We wandered through exhibits covering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, European settlement and more recent Australian life.
There were also some wonderfully quirky displays of everyday Australian objects.
I particularly remember a series of tall screens showing constantly changing Australian landscapes. I spent far longer watching them than I probably should have!
One of the things I liked about this museum was the variety. You could move from learning about thousands of years of First Nations history to looking at objects from your own childhood.
General admission to the National Museum of Australia is free, although some special exhibitions and experiences cost extra.
I’d recommend allowing at least two hours here.
Parliament House
Cost: Free general admission
Parliament House is one of Canberra’s most recognisable buildings, sitting on Capital Hill with its enormous flagpole visible from around the city.
Opened in 1988, it’s a relatively modern building by parliamentary standards, with more than 4,700 rooms.
Of course, visitors only get to see a small fraction of them!
When we visited, we’d just walked up the hill and arrived hot and sweaty, only to discover that a free guided tour was about to start.
Perfect timing!
Our guide took us through several public areas, including the Great Hall and the chambers of the House of Representatives and Senate.
We heard stories about Australian politicians, the building’s design and some of the interesting things that have happened there.
The guide was excellent.
The building itself, though? I have to admit I found it a little boring.
It’s very much a product of the 1980s, with vast spaces that felt a little sparse and characterless to me.
Perhaps visiting on a Sunday, when there wasn’t much happening, didn’t help.
I’d be interested in returning when Parliament is sitting to see if the atmosphere is different.
General admission to Parliament House is free, although guided tours vary in price and availability.
If Parliament is sitting, you can also enquire about watching proceedings from the public galleries.
One thing I wouldn’t miss is the view towards the Australian War Memorial and Mount Ainslie. The alignment of these buildings is part of Canberra’s carefully planned design, and it’s fascinating to see.
Old Parliament House – Museum of Australian Democracy
Cost: Free admission
Now this is more like what I expected a parliament building to look like!
Old Parliament House opened in 1927 as a temporary home for Australia’s federal parliament while a permanent building was planned.
Temporary turned out to mean 61 years!
Today, it houses the Museum of Australian Democracy, and it’s a fascinating place to explore.
Unlike the enormous spaces of the new Parliament House, the rooms here are surprisingly modest.
We saw the former Prime Minister’s office, preserved to reflect how it looked when Bob Hawke moved out in 1988.
I couldn’t believe how small some of the offices were.
I remember thinking that the Treasurer’s office was about half the size of the office I’d had when I was working!
Some senior politicians even had to share offices, and the press gallery was incredibly cramped.
There’s something about wandering through these rooms that makes history feel more real.
You can imagine politicians rushing along the corridors, journalists chasing stories and important decisions being made behind closed doors.
I enjoyed Old Parliament House considerably more than the new one.
Unfortunately, we left this attraction until late in the day and ran out of time to explore everything properly.
I’d recommend allowing at least two hours.
Entry to the Museum of Australian Democracy is now free, and free guided tours are available.
Don’t skip Old Parliament House because you’ve already visited the new one. They’re completely different experiences.
Australian War Memorial
Cost: Free admission
When I asked Simon why he wanted to visit Canberra, his answer was simple. He wanted to see the Australian War Memorial.
I wasn’t quite so enthusiastic.
I’m not particularly interested in military history, although we’d visited Gallipoli in Türkiye and several Vietnam War sites during our travels.
I figured an hour or two would be plenty.
How wrong I was!
We ended up spending almost five hours here, and still didn’t see everything.
We arrived just before a free guided tour was due to start, so we decided to join it.
Our volunteer guide took us through exhibits covering the First and Second World Wars, sharing stories about the people involved.
The tour was fascinating, although I did notice a factual mistake when our guide was talking about Gallipoli. Having visited Anzac Cove ourselves, I was familiar with the location he was describing.
Still, I would absolutely recommend taking a guided tour if you can.
Afterwards, we continued exploring independently.
I was particularly impressed by the incredibly detailed dioramas showing scenes from various battles. The work that must have gone into creating them is extraordinary.
The stories in the Hall of Valour, honouring Australian recipients of the Victoria Cross, were equally moving.
But my favourite part of the entire Australian War Memorial was the Hall of Memory.
This beautiful space contains the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier, with its soaring dome and stunning mosaics.
It’s a place to stop, reflect and remember the human cost of war.
The Australian War Memorial has undergone significant redevelopment since our visit, including the opening of the new Anzac Hall in June 2026.
There are now expanded displays covering more recent conflicts and Australia’s military history, although some further work is continuing.
General admission to the Australian War Memorial is free, with no entry ticket required. Free guided tours are also available.
Another experience worth planning around is the daily Last Post Ceremony at 4.30 pm, when the story of one person named on the Roll of Honour is shared.
We didn’t attend during our visit, but it’s something I’d make time for when we return.
My tip: Allow at least half a day here. Even if you’re not particularly interested in military history, you may be surprised by how much there is to see.
Royal Australian Mint
Cost: Free admission and free guided tours
I’d visited the Royal Australian Mint on a previous Canberra trip, so it wasn’t originally on our itinerary.
But when we happened to be driving past around coffee time, we decided to pop in for another look.
The Mint is where Australia’s circulating coins are produced, and it’s surprisingly interesting to see what goes into making the money we use every day.
There’s a museum covering the history of Australian currency, along with an elevated viewing area overlooking the factory floor.
It’s fascinating to see the machinery involved, although there’s no guarantee production will be happening during your visit.
And if you’re wondering where the banknotes are made, that’s a different facility in Melbourne.
There’s also a gift shop selling commemorative coins and collectibles.
The Royal Australian Mint offers free admission and 45-minute guided tours, which need to be booked in advance.
Allow around an hour for a visit, and there’s free parking if you have a car.
National Arboretum Canberra
Cost: Free admission, paid parking at the Village Centre
The National Arboretum is a little outside Canberra’s city centre, but it’s worth the trip if you enjoy gardens, nature and beautiful views.
When we visited, the Arboretum was still relatively new, and many of the trees were quite small.
I remember thinking it would be a fantastic place to return to in a few years when everything had grown.
Well, those trees have now had plenty more time to grow!
The Arboretum covers around 250 hectares, with forests of rare, endangered and significant trees from Australia and around the world.
We stopped for lunch at the Village Centre, which has enormous windows looking out towards the city.
I also particularly enjoyed the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection.
I’ve always been fascinated by bonsai. I understand how the trees can be kept small, but how do they manage to keep everything else looking perfectly in proportion?
There’s also the POD Playground, walking trails and scenic lookouts.
Entry to the National Arboretum Canberra is free, including the Bonsai and Penjing Collection.
Parking at the main Village Centre car park is paid during the day, although some smaller forest car parks offer free parking.
There’s no regular public transport service directly to the Arboretum, so it’s easiest to visit by car.
My tip: Bring a picnic rather than buying lunch at the cafe. There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the views.
Mount Ainslie Lookout
Cost: Free
If you want one of the best views of Canberra, head to the top of Mount Ainslie.
We drove up to the lookout, and the view was fantastic.
From the top, you can look straight down Anzac Parade towards the Australian War Memorial, Old Parliament House and Parliament House beyond.
It’s the perfect place to appreciate just how carefully Canberra was planned.
You can drive to the summit, but if you’re feeling energetic, the Mount Ainslie Summit Walk starts behind the Australian War Memorial.
The walk is approximately 4.5 kilometres return, with some steep sections and steps.
The views are particularly lovely around sunset, although allow enough time to walk back down before dark.
There’s no charge to visit the lookout, making it one of my favourite free activities in Canberra.
Even More Free Things to Do in Canberra
We certainly didn’t run out of things to do during our Canberra weekend, but there were plenty of other places we didn’t manage to squeeze in.
If you have more time, here are some other free attractions worth considering.
Lake Burley Griffin
We spent quite a bit of time walking beside Lake Burley Griffin, and it’s one of the things I particularly enjoyed about Canberra.
The popular 5 km Bridge-to-Bridge Walk is a great way to see some of the city’s landmarks, and there are plenty of lovely spots to sit and enjoy the views.
It’s particularly nice around sunset, and of course, walking doesn’t cost a cent.
Australian National Botanic Gardens
Located on the slopes of Black Mountain, the Australian National Botanic Gardens showcase native plants from all around Australia.
There are several walking trails, themed garden areas and plenty of opportunities to spot native birds and wildlife.
Admission is free, although parking is paid.
High Court of Australia
You don’t have to be interested in law to enjoy a visit to the High Court of Australia.
Located near the National Gallery, the building has impressive architecture, and visitors can explore the public areas and courtrooms.
If the court is sitting, you may even be able to watch proceedings.
Admission is free, making this an easy addition to a day exploring the Parliamentary Triangle.
National Capital Exhibition
Ever wondered why Canberra was designed the way it was?
The National Capital Exhibition at Regatta Point explains how Canberra became Australia’s capital and the thinking behind its unusual layout.
There are displays about the city’s history and design, and it’s particularly interesting after seeing the carefully aligned landmarks from Mount Ainslie.
Entry is free, and the location beside Lake Burley Griffin is another bonus.
National Archives of Australia
If you enjoy Australian history, the National Archives of Australia is worth adding to your itinerary.
Its exhibitions feature historical photographs, documents and stories that provide an interesting look at Australia’s past.
Located in the Parliamentary Triangle, it’s easy to combine with Parliament House or some of the nearby museums.
General admission is free, although some special exhibitions or events may have a charge.
Canberra Museum and Gallery
While the national museums focus on Australian history and culture, the Canberra Museum and Gallery looks more closely at Canberra itself.
You’ll find exhibitions exploring the city’s history, local artists and the people who have shaped the region.
It’s located in Civic, making it an easy stop if you’re staying in the city centre.
General admission is free.
National Carillon
Sitting on Aspen Island in Lake Burley Griffin, the National Carillon is one of Canberra’s more unusual landmarks.
The tower houses 57 bronze bells, which are played during regular recitals.
You can’t normally go inside the tower, but you can enjoy the music from the surrounding parkland when a recital is taking place.
It’s also a lovely spot for a walk and some photos, even if you don’t catch a performance.
Canberra Glassworks
Housed in a former power station in Kingston, Canberra Glassworks is a working glassmaking facility where you can see artists creating beautiful pieces of glass art.
There are exhibitions to explore, and it’s fascinating to watch the glassmaking process when artists are working.
Admission is by donation, although workshops and hands-on experiences cost extra.
Old Bus Depot Markets
If you’re visiting Canberra on a Sunday, the Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston are worth a look.
You’ll find stalls selling handmade crafts, jewellery, clothing, artwork and plenty of food.
Entry is free, although whether you manage to leave without buying anything is another matter!
The markets are right next to Canberra Glassworks, so it’s easy to visit both together.
Jerrabomberra Wetlands
For something completely different from Canberra’s museums and galleries, head to Jerrabomberra Wetlands.
This nature reserve near Lake Burley Griffin has walking trails, birdwatching hides and opportunities to spot native wildlife.
It’s home to a wide variety of bird species, making it particularly appealing if you enjoy nature or photography.
Entry is free, and it’s a lovely place to escape the city for a while.
Eating Cheaply in Canberra
One of the easiest ways to blow your travel budget is by eating out for every meal.
When we visited Canberra, we bought breakfast supplies and snacks from the supermarket, saving our money for meals out.
We were also lucky enough to have a friend invite us over for dinner one evening, which certainly helped!
Where to Find Cheap Eats in Canberra
Canberra City (Civic) is a good starting point. The Canberra Centre has casual food-court options, and there are plenty of Asian eateries around the city centre.
Braddon has everything from casual cafes to more expensive restaurants. Look for lunch specials and pub meal deals.
Dickson is another area I’d consider for affordable Asian food, with a wide selection of Chinese, Vietnamese and other restaurants.
Old Bus Depot Markets are worth considering for a casual Sunday lunch, with food stalls alongside the craft markets.
It’s also worth checking the ACT Government’s guide to eating out for less in Canberra, which includes discounted lunches and weekly meal specials.
Prices change, so check with the restaurant before making plans.
My tip: Buy breakfast supplies at the supermarket, make the most of lunchtime specials and pack a picnic for one of Canberra’s many parks.
We certainly didn’t feel like we missed out by keeping our food costs down. In fact, finding good-value local meals is part of the fun of travelling for me.
Getting Around Canberra on a Budget
Canberra is quite a spread-out city, but if you’re happy to walk, you can visit many of the main attractions without needing a car.
We walked almost everywhere during our visit, although a friend drove us around on our last day to see some of the places further from the centre.
Walking Around Canberra
Canberra has some lovely walking paths, particularly around Lake Burley Griffin.
Many attractions are concentrated around the Parliamentary Triangle, including the National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, National Library and both Parliament Houses.
I’d recommend grouping nearby attractions together rather than walking backwards and forwards across the city.
Just remember that distances can be longer than they appear on a map, and Canberra can get very hot in summer.
Public Transport in Canberra
Canberra has a network of buses and light rail operated by Transport Canberra.
Light rail connects the city centre with northern suburbs, including Dickson and Gungahlin, while buses serve most other areas.
The ticketing system is called MyWay+, and you can pay using a contactless Visa or Mastercard, a compatible phone or a MyWay+ card.
Remember to tap on and off using the same payment method.
As of 2026, standard adult fares are:
- Peak fare: $3.41
- Off-peak fare: $2.70
- Weekday daily cap: $10.16
- Weekend and public holiday daily cap: $6.22
Off-peak fares apply between 9 am and 4.30 pm, after 6 pm on weekdays, and all day on weekends and public holidays.
Paid trips also include a 90-minute transfer period.
Check Transport Canberra for current fares and the journey planner.
Getting from Canberra Airport to the City
When we visited, we took an Uber from the airport to our accommodation in Acton.
It was quick and convenient, but there’s also a good budget option.
Transport Canberra’s Rapid 3 bus connects Canberra Airport with the city centre, with the journey taking around 20 minutes.
It’s considerably cheaper than a taxi or rideshare, especially if you’re travelling alone.
However, if there are two or more of you with luggage, it’s worth comparing the cost and convenience.
Check the Canberra Airport website for current transport information.
Do You Need a Car in Canberra?
For a short visit focused on Canberra’s main museums, galleries and Parliament House, I don’t think you need a car.
We managed most of our sightseeing on foot, and public transport can fill in some of the gaps.
However, a car is useful for places such as the National Arboretum, Royal Australian Mint and Mount Ainslie.
It also gives you the freedom to explore the surrounding region.
I’d compare the cost of hiring a car against using public transport and the occasional Uber. You may find it’s cheaper to hire a car for just one day rather than keeping one for your entire stay.
I usually use Discover Cars to compare rental car prices.
My Tips for Saving Money in Canberra
After our budget weekend, these would be my main tips for keeping costs down.
- Prioritise free attractions. You could easily spend two or three days sightseeing without paying for admission.
- Group attractions by location. It saves time and transport costs, particularly if you’re walking.
- Check for free tours. A knowledgeable guide can make a museum or historical attraction much more interesting.
- Book accommodation with kitchen facilities. Even being able to make breakfast can save money.
- Take advantage of Canberra’s outdoor spaces. Walking around Lake Burley Griffin or enjoying the view from Mount Ainslie costs nothing.
- Choose your splurges. Save money where you can so you can spend it on the experiences that really matter to you.
Is Canberra Worth Visiting?
Before our trip, I really wasn’t convinced Canberra would be particularly interesting.
Simon wanted to visit the Australian War Memorial, we had some free flights to use, and that was about the extent of our enthusiasm.
But Canberra completely surprised me.
There’s so much more to Australia’s capital than politicians and government buildings.
We found fascinating museums, beautiful outdoor spaces, interesting Australian history and plenty to keep us busy without spending much money.
I particularly enjoyed walking around Lake Burley Griffin, and I was amazed at how long we spent at the Australian War Memorial.
And while I wasn’t a huge fan of the newer Parliament House, I loved exploring Old Parliament House and seeing where so much of Australia’s political history happened.
Would I go back? Absolutely.
We didn’t manage to see everything during our visit, and there are still plenty of places I’d like to explore.
If you’re looking for an affordable Australian city break, don’t overlook Canberra.
It might just surprise you too.
You might also like these posts
Things to do in Adelaide
Free Things to do in Melbourne
Alice Springs to Uluru on a Budget – Visiting the Red Centre, Australia
TRAVEL PLANNING ESSENTIALS
Flights – Book direct with the airline, always.
Book accommodation – My go to is Booking.com
Hire a rental car – DiscoverCars.com is where I search many car rental companies in one place
Get travel insurance – I use CoverMore for my insurance.
Pick up an eSIM – My eSIM of choice is Airalo
Book activities, tours & attractions – I use a few different websites for this. Viator, Get Your Guide and Klook are my first options.
Stay safe with a VPN – I use NordVPN to keep me safe online
Manage your money – I use Wise and ING (Australia) for my travel accounts.
I’m quite impressed with your tiny camera’s ability capture great shots, including that panorama from the Arboretum.
The War Memorial is an amazing place. Some superb artwork there, the Hall of Remembrance under that glorious dome is inspiring, and I never fail to get choked up over some of the displays. So much suffering and sacrifice.
I love Canberra. Not a huge city, but it has some excellent cultural locations worthy of far bigger cities. The Portrait Gallery is well worth a half-day, but there’s only so much you can see, I guess.
You did well for four days. Thanks for the quick tour in words and pictures.
Wow great post on our National Capital.
Beautiful photos.
Think I too would have been mesmerized by the changing Artwork on those Poles. Looks so interesting.
You managed to fit an awful lot in! I used to travel down to Canberra (it’s weird to think of anyone having to fly there, but then people obviously do!) when I lived in Newy every year to see a friend who went to University there and was also surprised by how much was on offer. It’s hard to compete with Sydney or Melbourne, but it puts up a fairly good fight. Really like it in the shoulder seasons too – especially in the spring when Floriade is on!
Thanks Pete. My opinion of Canberra has changed. It’s a great place to visit for a few days. Looks like I will have to go to the Portrait Gallery next time I am there!
Thanks Carol. Canberra was a great place to spend a few days. Definitely consider it if you are thinking of a short interstate break.
Hahaha, yes, some of us fly – it’s a bit of a drive from Adelaide 🙂 I want to go back during Floriade as I always hear a lot about it when it’s on and it has so many good reviews.
I went to Canberra last weekend for the Versailles exhibition but do go there often because I have family there. This time we stayed at Hotel Burbury which is an easy walk to NGA, High Court and Lake Burley Griffin to name a few places. Like you, I visited the Australian War Memorial which is brilliant – great for reflection but the museum is fabulous and very engaging on so many levels. I actually thought that it beat the National Gallery of Art and National Museum Australia hands down. I’m not sure if it’s because they have stuck to their mission, vision and have plenty of funding and good leadership or what’s going on but for me I was very satisfied with that visit in particular.
Wow! This is such a detailed guide of Canberra. The National Gallery intrigues me! I haven’t been to Australia yet. Now I will but Canberra on my list, too!.
Thanks Joanne. It’s definitely worth visiting for a couple of days. It’s not that far (in Australian terms anyway ?) from Sydney and easy to get to.
Canberra seems to be a great place to visit. Didn’t know that there are so many activities to do while at Canberra. Loved the pic of the War Memorial from the Parliament house. A very nicely written article and a great guide.
Great post and some stunning photos by the way 🙂 When we were in Australia it was so expensive, so it’s nice to know that there are things to do that are free and cheap. Really informative post. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks Lyndall. Yes, the Australian War Memorial is fantastic.
Thank you! I was surprised how much there was to do in Canberra too! And there is probably more that I have missed too.
Thank you 🙂 Yes, Australia is expensive – even for us as locals! I was happy to fond we could fill in four days for very little money.
Love the colors of that bonsai tree! ??
Thank you Kyle
You don’t see much written about Canberra, so most of this information was new to me. I love museums, especially free ones! Canberra seems to have a good appreciation of history and the arts– my kind of place.
Thanks Carmen. I think because Canberra was a planned city (it was only built in the 1920s) create to be Australia’s capital they planned to have the “National” version of every museum, art gallery, zoo etc – and they’ve done a pretty good job!
The War Memorial seems very interesting. The Hall of Memory has such a fabulous ceiling…would love to see that. There’s so much to occupy one’s days in Canberra.
There is such a lot to do in Canberra, I am sure there never will be a dull moment.I loved, “The Sell”, the journey of advertising is depicted so fascinatingly. The War memorial is another solemn yet wonderful place that fascinates me.
Thank you.
Thank you! Definitely no chance of being bored in Canberra – at least if you like museums etc.
Canberra has been on my travel list for so long so I’m glad to read something well written about it. Will definitely keep this post in mind for when I’ll visit!
Canberra on a budget sounds fantastic… Especially given the Australia is so expensive. I like the sound of national museum… Lots to see there. Thanks for this useful guide
Thanks Chiara. Hopefully you get a chance to visit there soon.
Thanks Ami
As you say, this is not known as a tourism destination, so I have never heard of this place before. But you have crafted such a complete guide! It really makes me want to go. Amazing pictures as well.
Yes, we are one of those strange countries where our capital city is not the most well known place!
Never been to Australia but it’s definitely on our list to visit
Thanks for sharing all the budget options in Canberra
Very helpful
Thanks Mayuri. Many Australians haven’t been to Canberra, even though it’s our capital city. There really is more to do there than we think.
This brings me back to my semester abroad in Australia! I didn’t make it to Canberra then but this reminds me a lot of Ottawa, our parliament city here in Canada. Thank you for sharing these budget-friendly tips!
Thanks Felicia 🙂