Canberra Travel Guide: More than just Australia's capital city

Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News.
My first visit to Canberra was at age six. Kylie Minogue's Locomotion played on the cassette deck, and my sister and I played I Spy in the back seat of the family car to help pass the hours on the long drive from Melbourne.
The Australian capital was a side note on the way to a beach holiday. We marvelled at tiny replicas of English villages at Cockington Green (before the international landmarks were added), were bored by the view from the top of Telecom Tower (now Telstra Tower), and Mum says we took a boat ride on Lake Burley Griffin that I don't remember.
I didn't return for 35 years. But in those intervening decades, the city transformed: it grew up as I did. I've been three times in the past two years, including for a five-day holiday with my husband and four-year-old son.
Call me a Canberra convert but there's so much to love, from its music and food festivals to its incredible galleries and museums, and don't get me started on the restaurant scene – chefs have abandoned posts in Melbourne and Sydney to move here.
Aside from a nonpartisan tour of Parliament House, this is a pollie-free zone.
With the federal election only days away, all eyes are on Canberra – don't worry, aside from a nonpartisan tour of Parliament House, this is a pollie-free zone. Here are three great ways to experience it.
Culture
Best time to go
The capital bursts to life in spring, when fresh mornings make way for 19C days. In October, the city's longest-running music festival, Stonefest, rocks out on the University of Canberra lawns while the Canberra Writer's Festival (October 22-26) delivers author talks, master classes and panel discussions at some of the city's most famous addresses.
What to do
Canberra is a city brimming with cultural institutions and exhibitions. The National Gallery of Australia is home to a whopping 155,000 artworks by more than 15,000 artists, and houses the world's largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. Its Know My Name program celebrates female artists, who have traditionally been under-represented. To wit: in October, the gallery revealed its most expensive buy, a $14 million, 13-tonne outdoor sculpture, Ouroboros, by Lindy Lee.
At the National Portrait Gallery, you'll find more characters that speak to our national identity.
Across the road at the National Portrait Gallery, you'll find more characters that speak to our national identity, from Vincent Namatjira's Albert and Vincent (2024) to Margaret Olley's Self Portrait with Bottlebrush (1991).
Prefer something a little grittier? A 20-minute drive west, in a converted 1920s homestead near the Murrumbidgee River, is Strathnairn Arts. The not-for-profit provides studios for artists and runs an art gallery and gift shop stocked with treasures on land overlooking the Brindabella Mountains.
On your way back into town, stop by the Gallery of Small Things in Watson. Less than 6m square, Canberra's tiniest gallery was founded by local ceramicist Anne Masters and showcases emerging and established artists. It also has a well-curated gift shop and cottage garden.
Head to Canberra Glassworks in Kingston and flex your creativity in one of their hands-on classes.
Feeling inspired? Head to Canberra Glassworks in Kingston and flex your creativity in one of their hands-on classes. Learn how to make a bird or vase in less than an hour or sign up for a longer workshop in glass blowing or neon bending.
Where to stay
Arguably Canberra's coolest hotel, the dimly lit Ovolo Nishi combines sustainability with style in NewActon, on the southern edge of the city centre. All 85 rooms feature restored vintage furniture and original artwork. There's also a gym, self-service laundry and flexible check-in and check-out times. The lobby is happening from day to night, with a hair salon, lolly bar, and the popular Monster Kitchen and Bar.
Arguably Canberra's coolest hotel, the dimly lit Ovolo Nishi combines sustainability with style. Picture: Supplied.
Want something a little brighter? The 120-room Little National Hotel in Barton, a stone's throw from Parliament House and the major galleries, has floor-to-ceiling windows, super king beds and rain showers. The hotel's two public spaces, the lounge and library, are open 24/7 and have high ceilings and cosy fireplaces, where you can work or relax with friends.
Tip: Cultural Attractions of Australia now leads premium, behind-the-scenes tours of Parliament House, which give you access to impressive artworks not usually seen by the public, including Arthur Boyd's Untitled (Shoalhaven Landscape), which formed the basis of the Great Hall Tapestry. It also gives you access to private areas such as the press gallery.
Families
Best time to go
Alert the Easter bunny – Canberra is the place to be for the April school holidays. In autumn, expect mild days, cool nights and red and orange foliage.
Questacon has been a favourite since it opened in 1998. Picture: Supplied.
The National Folk Festival kicks off in Exhibition Park with more than 350 events, including food stalls, circus acts and live music. For a moving Anzac Day experience, visit the Australian War Memorial.
What to do
With easy-to-navigate streets, fewer crowds and loads of free activities, Canberra is a stress-free school holiday destination. Early-risers can burn off some energy at the Pod Playground at the National Arboretum Canberra where there are giant acorn cubbies, nest swings and banksia pods to explore. It's close to National Zoo & Aquarium, which offers encounters with everything from barking owls to cheetahs.
Early-risers can burn off some energy at the Pod Playground at the National Arboretum Canberra. Picture: Supplied.
Back in the centre of town, Questacon has been a favourite since it opened in 1998. The museum's eight galleries and more than 200 interactive exhibits prove science and technology are fun. Peer up at a giant sculpture of the moon; visit Earthquake House, a simulation of a 5.8-magnitude earthquake; or see a colony of 10,000 European bees at work. Mini Q is a purpose-built space for kids aged up to six years that includes a construction zone, water play and more.
Rather pretend you're a giant? Drive 20 minutes north to Nicholls, where you'll find Cockington Green Gardens. Stroll past tiny replicas of international landmarks such as India's Red Fort and England's Stonehenge. After lunch, wander down the road to the National Dinosaur Museum to see huge fibreglass dinosaurs, including a 6m-tall T rex.
Where to stay
The stylish East Hotel in Kingston has a two-bedroom apartment that connects to a studio room called the Kids Cubby, which sleeps up to five (or seven with additional bedding). It has a kitchenette and two bathrooms, plus bunk beds, an Xbox and minibar stocked with kid-approved treats.
Wander down the road to the National Dinosaur Museum to see huge fibreglass dinosaurs, including a 6m-tall T rex. Picture: Supplied.
Kids also have their own amenities and board games at the Burbury Hotel in Barton, which is walking distance from Questacon, Parliament House and more. The hotel's VIP Kids package includes a stay in a one- or two-bedroom apartment with kids' tents, activity packs and – drumroll – a popcorn machine. Adults will love the free undercover secure parking, Chromecast and access to the luxe Hale Gym. burburyhotel.com.au; easthotel.com.au
Tip: Save on entry fees with a Gold Creek Adventure Ticket. One ticket provides access to three or four venues, including the Canberra Reptile Zoo, National Dinosaur Museum and Cockington Green Gardens.
Food and wine
Best time to go
Between June and August, when temperatures average between 1C and 12C, gourmands descend on the capital to enjoy the spoils of the winter season: truffles.
The Truffle Farm hosts one of Canberra's most memorable winter experiences. Picture: Supplied.
Sample the region's prized black Périgords at markets and restaurants all over town, join a truffle hunt, or head to the annual festival dedicated to the delectable fungus.
What to do
Canberra has more hatted restaurants per capita than any other Australian city, along with secret bars (cheers, High Jinks), high teas (The Marion), street vans (Mandalay Bus) and food tours (Eat Canberra Food Tours). Not to mention the Canberra District wine region, about 30 minutes from town, which is home to more than 40 wineries. Sip a shiraz-viognier at The Vintner's Daughter in Murrumbateman, or enjoy a long lunch at Pialligo Estate's Pavilion Restaurant, led by ex-Cumulus chef Mark Glenn.
Closer to the city, The Truffle Farm hosts one of Canberra's most memorable winter experiences. Step into an oak and hazelnut grove and watch a trained labrador unearth truffles. Then head into the restaurant for a three-course brunch or seven-course dégustation by chef Kanharith Kim, who honed her craft alongside Peter Gilmore at Quay. Périgords also find their way onto Sean McConnell's modern Aus menu at Rebel Rebel in New Acton – often in the form of a rich parmesan and black truffle doughnut.
The recently revitalised Red Hill Lookout serves up Italian fare and some of Canberra's best views at Lunetta. Picture: Supplied.
Still hungry? The recently revitalised mid-century Modernist landmark at Red Hill Lookout serves up Italian fare and some of Canberra's best views. The laid-back Lunetta Trattoria occupies the ground floor, while the more elevated Lunetta is upstairs.
If Bhutanese dumplings, Korean fried chicken and bubble tea are more your scene, head to the new food precinct Eat Street DKSN in Dickson. End on a sweet note, with a visit to award winning artisanal chocolatier Jasper and Myrtle Chocolates in Fyshwick. thevintnersdaughter.com.au
Where to stay
With access to the city's finest spas and gyms, the 163-room Hotel Realm in Barton is modern and elegant with great dining, including European bistro Louis, and Ostani's tapas and woodfired pizzas. Also in the Realm Precinct is wholefood café Maple + Clove; casual Greek, Lebanese and Turkish fusion restaurant Med; and pan-Asian institution Chairman & Yip.
Braddon is a gastronomic hotspot, where you can get upscale homemade pasta at Italian & Sons. Picture: Supplied.
Braddon is a gastronomic hotspot, with everything from upscale homemade pasta at Italian & Sons to bao burgers at buzzy Lazy Su. The moody 199-room Midnight Hotel is about a five-minute walk from the suburb's hottest tables. Rooms come with rain showers, custom artwork and a free minibar. Between meals, hang out in the hotel sauna, gym or 20m indoor pool.
Tip: On the banks of Lake Burley Griffin, the hatted Water's Edge is favoured by politicians, diplomats and celebrities. The must order dish from their modern Australian menu? Honey-spiced duck breast with macadamia purée, stone fruit and coffee jus. For a truly special experience, book one of their four heated outdoor dining domes, for two to 14 people, and dine under the winter stars.
Originally published as I went to Canberra for the first time in 35 years, now I'm a convert

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

7NEWS

34 minutes ago

• 7NEWS

Global travel warning: Smartraveller warns Australian travellers about risk, not just in the Middle East

The Australian Government has warned Aussies that the 'unpredictable' situation in the Middle East may put them at risk or leave them stranded and unable to get home, regardless of where they are globally. On Saturday night (local time), US President Donald Trump dropped a barrage of tactical bombs on uranium enrichment nuclear facilities across Iran, the first direct involvement from the superpower in the Israel-Iran war. In the wake of the strike, world leaders are calling for diplomacy as fears of retaliation grow. On Monday, Smartraveller, which is part of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, warned Australians about the 'global impacts of conflict in the Middle East'. 'The situation in the Middle East is unpredictable. It could get worse with little warning. Security risks may increase. There may be travel disruptions within the region and globally,' Smartraveller said. The advice followed a US State Department 'worldwide travel warning' issued on Sunday night. The new information from Smartraveller warned Aussies that they could be caught up in conflict 'even if your destination is not in the Middle East'. 'Closure of airspace around transit hubs in the Middle East may impact flights globally. It may cause flight delays and cancellations,' the warning said. 'If you travel to or through the Middle East, you may be unable to leave if conflict escalates. 'Local security situations could get worse with little warning. Flights can change or stop at short notice. Roads and borders can close.' Australians are being warned about safety and security globally, not just in the Middle East. 'Conflict in the Middle East could impact safety and security elsewhere. There is a risk of reprisal attacks and further escalation,' Smartraveller said. 'Protests and civil unrest may happen globally. The risk of terrorist attacks can increase, particularly around areas where foreign tourists gather, embassies and other foreign interests.' The new alert included information on the risks of armed conflict, terrorism, kidnapping, protests and civil unrest. United States issues 'worldwide travel warning' On Sunday night, the United States Government warned its citizens of increased risk globally. 'The conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in disruptions to travel and periodic closure of airspace across the Middle East,' the US State Department said in a statement. 'There is the potential for demonstrations against US citizens and interests abroad. 'The Department of State advises U.S. citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution.' What should Australian travellers do amid Middle East conflict? Before Aussies leave the country, they should contact their airline to ensure the flight is still planned. Smartraveller also encourages Aussies to check their travel insurance policy before travel. If Australians leave the country or are overseas, while travelling, they are encouraged to stay alert to possible threats, monitor local and international news for new threats, take official warnings seriously and follow the instructions of local authorities. Are there disruptions to flights because of the Israel-Iran war? Yes. There are currently large impacts on airline services due to the Middle East conflict. Flight routes were changed when war between Israel and Iran escalated and missiles were launched. Many airlines have temporarily suspended flight on some routes. Airlines including Etihad, Emirates, Flydubai, Wizz Air, Air Arabia, Watar Airways, Oman Air, Kuwait Airways, Gulf Air, Syrian Airlines, EgyptAir, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Air Canada, Air France, KLM, Ryan Air, Swiss Air Lines, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Aeroflot have current suspensions on services. Virgin Australia and Qantas are understood to be monitoring the situation closely, both for any direct flights and those carried out with partner airlines.

Courier-Mail

an hour ago

• Courier-Mail

Jane Seymour, 74, wows in red-hot swimsuit

Don't miss out on the headlines from Celebrity Life. Followed categories will be added to My News. Jane Seymour just keeps getting better with age and you can't convince us otherwise. The 74-year-old actress was seen enjoying the sunshine in Sardinia, Italy, looking effortlessly elegant and eternally youthful in a red one-piece swimsuit on Sunday. The former Bond girl looked stunning on the romantic getaway with her long-term partner John Zambetti, who was seen proudly taking photos of her as she dipped her toes into the Mediterranean. She's the latest of a slew of celebrities who've been spotted enjoying the sea, sand and sun of the European summer in recent weeks. Jane Seymour continues to defy age as she rocks a striking red swimsuit during a romantic getaway in Sardinia. Picture: Cobra Team / BACKGRID The British actress stuns at her beachfront resort with her longtime partner, John Zambetti, proudly taking photos. Picture: Cobra Team / BACKGRID 'Soaking up the sunshine and the solstice magic,' she gushed on Instagram over the weekend, while sharing a photo of herself in another red swimsuit. 'The longest day of the year calls for a little extra sparkle, a splash of sea, and a heart wide open to summer's beauty.' The Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman star is also in town for the Filming Italy Sardegna Festival. where she was honoured with a career achievement award last week. 'I just realised I've been doing this for 61 years,' she said onstage during her acceptance speech at the ceremony attended by the likes of Fran Drescher, Alec Baldwin, Heather Graham, Cuba Gooding Jr and Ashley Greene. 'I grew up with flat feet and a speech impediment, with my parents being told I had to have remedial classes for both,' Seymour added. 'Don't let anyone tell you you can't do it.' Seymour shared a photo of herself rocking another red swimsuit. Also spotted at the festival: Scandal-plagued actor Ezra Miller, making a red carpet return after several years spent out of the spotlight, and looking very different to how fans would remember them. Elsewhere at the festival, during masterclasses organised for the event, Seymour described the course of her career and how proud she is to have 'always broken the glass ceiling'. 'I started out, of course, playing ingenues and romantic heroines,' she said. 'Then when they realised I could cry, I played victims. And then, when they realised I could be evil, I got to play the killers. That was fun.' 'And then, you know, mamas, grandmothers. Then comedy, which is pretty much where I am now.' Seymour says there's no reason women need to slow down in their 70s. Picture:for Turner Now, Seymour is enjoying the success on the Irish mystery series Harry Wild, which was recently renewed for a fifth season on British streaming service Acorn TV. The actress is incredibly proud to be one of very few actresses her age to head a series. In Harry Wild, she plays the lead role as a retired English literature professor who becomes a super-sleuth. Seymour, seen here in 2005, has appeared in series such as The Kominsky Method and The Guardians of the Galaxy, as well as the hit comedy Wedding Crashers. Picture:'Nobody gets a series of their own at 70. Nobody,' she pointed out at one masterclass. '[Harry Wild is] very comedic, it's very intelligent – and I'm also a producer.' In a past interview with Hello!, Seymour also said there's no reason to stop living when you reach your seventies. 'The world is against ageing. We hate ageing. We look at ageing and we go, 'Oh, no, there's a wrinkle, oh my God. Get rid of it. Grey hair. No. Terrifying!'' she told the magazine. 'Whereas you can look at it the other way and you can say actually, I now have time in my life to do things I really want to do. Maybe I can now become the person I want to be.' Originally published as Jane Seymour, 74, wows in red-hot swimsuit on Italian holiday

Sky News AU

3 hours ago

• Sky News AU

'Big-time parliament powerhouse': The Hon Julie Bishop reveals her biggest poitical 'flex' during chat with surprising new bestie Tyra Banks

The Honourable Julie Bishop has revealed what it's like to be a "big-time parliament powerhouse" in a new interview with close friend Tyra Banks. The 68-year-old Australian politician, who was the first female Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2013 to 2018 and the first female deputy leader of the Liberal Party from 2007 to 2018, sat down for an interview with the American supermodel on Sunday. It's understood that the pair became fast friends after Banks moved to Australia with her family, including her nine-year-old son, York, and partner, Louis Bélanger-Martin, in late 2023. The unlikely duo were recently spotted dining together at Nobu in Sydney's Crown Casino, sharing happy snaps from the outing on social media. "I have a confession," the former America's Next Top Model judge told Bishop during the interview for The Daily Telegraph. "I kept forgetting you were this big-time parliament powerhouse because you were just so warm, inviting, lovely … and FUN! "It felt like girlfriends catching up – not a government icon and a retired-but-not-really-retired-now supermodel-turned-businesswoman. Ha!" When Banks asked Bishop what the most unexpected thing was in her handbag, the former MP offered a peek into her current work as the United Nations' Special Envoy to Myanmar. "My United Nations ID and the business cards of some very interesting people!" she revealed. Reflecting on her 21-year political career, the Perth-based former politician, who was MP for Curtin from 1998 to 2019, also served as Minister for Education, Science and Training, Minister for Women's Issues and Minister for Ageing. Banks asked her to recall the most unexpected "Julie Bishop flex" she'd ever pulled in a room full of "men in suits". "Sitting around a table with all men to discuss a proposal and trying unsuccessfully to get a word in," Bishop replied. "So waiting until they all agree with each other and are about to move on, then putting my hand up to say, 'There's a fundamental flaw in this. We'll need to start from the beginning, and here's why'." When asked about a time she nearly lost composure in Parliament from laughing, Bishop recounted being caught on live TV playing "rock-paper-scissors-lizard-Spock" with former Cabinet Minister Christopher Pyne while waiting for Question Time. "We then received a text from staff saying, 'You're on TV – stop it!'" she said. Banks, who recently launched her SMiZE & DREAM ice cream brand with a flagship store in Sydney's Darling Harbour, ended the chat by making plans with Bishop for their next girls' getaway. "I bonded with you in such a beautiful way when we had that first dinner at Nobu at the Crown. What should we do on our next girls' hangout?" she asked. Bishop replied: "I love that we connected so easily with lots to talk about, so I can't wait for our trip to Margaret River to explore the wine region and just hang out for a few relaxing days."