Best of Canberra

Day One

Lake Burley Griffin is the visual centrepiece of the city and is surrounded by a plethora of world class attractions, each offering visitors an engaging insight into the history, cultural and story of Australia.

Take a leisure cruise around the lake or sail close to the Captain Cook Memorial Water Jet and hear the Carillon (bell tower) as you pass Aspen Island.  A range of aquatic activities including sailing and stand up paddle boarding are also available.

The lake’s shoreline is lined with scenic pathways perfect for walking, cycling or riding a segway. Alternatively, pack a picnic and relax in the many parks and gardens surrounding the lake.

Canberra’s world class attractions are close to the lake and free entry to most means you are able to do more with less.

End the day feasting on the freshest fish and chips at the Canberra Yacht Club overlooking the lake.

Highlights:

• Cruise, sail, bike or segway around Lake Burley Griffin to get the best views some of the national attractions surrounding the Parliamentary Triangle.
  
• Visit the home of the world’s largest collection of Indigenous Australian artwork at the National Gallery of Australia.
  
• Enjoy the fun and excitement of live science demonstrations and eight interactive hands on galleries at Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre.
  
• Discover the place where Australian stories live at the National Museum of Australia.

Day Two

Start your morning with a scenic hot air balloon flight over Canberra, one of the only cities in the world where you may float directly over Parliament House.

Explore one of world’s most architecturally acclaimed buildings and go behind the scenes to learn more about the intriguing stories and insights of Australian politics at Parliament House.

Stop by Braddon, NewActon and the Kingston Foreshore and discover how architecture, cuisine and art is transforming these new precincts.

Visit one of the world’s great museums and get up close to some of the most significant military relics at the Australian War Memorial.

End your day with a gourmet feast of fresh local produce at Pilliago Estate Farmhouse located along the Molonglo river and home to Australia’s best bacon.

Highlights:

• Sail over Lake Burley Griffin in a hot air balloon to get a bird’s eye view of Canberra.
  
• See Australia’s democracy in action, or a take a lift to the roof top of Parliament House with views to the lake.
  
• Reflect on the diverse experiences of war and learn about their enduring impact at the Australian War Memorial.
  
• Dine at one of Canberra’s funky new precincts including NewActon, Kingston Foreshore and Braddon.
  
• Visit the award winning Pialligo Estate Farmhouse Restaurant situated along the Molonglo river.

Day Three

The perfect Sunday in Canberra starts at the Old Bus Depot Markets with more than 200 stalls of exceptional quality featuring items all handcrafted by local and regional artists.

Don’t miss Canberra’s world renowned Freakshakes at Patissez, a local café now with two locations in Manuka and the city, famous for its over the top milkshakes.

Reconnect with nature at Namadgi National Park, home to Gilbraltar Falls, a cascade waterfall with a 50m drop. Alternatively, choose from over 160 km of marked walking trails.

Stop by the Canberra Deep Space Communications Complex , one of only three NASA facilities around the world allowing the observation of spacecrafts.

With dusk approaching, hop on a Tid by Torchlight tour and go behind the scenes with a ranger to spot native wildlife and learn about their habitat at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.

Highlights:

• Find jewellery, art, clothing and regional produce at the award winning Old Bus Depot Markets next to Kingston Foreshore.
  
• Venture into the rugged Bimberi Wilderness at Namadgi National Park, home to the majestic Gibraltar falls.
  
• Check out a 3.8 billion-year-old piece of moon rock and discover what astronauts eat in space at the Canberra Deep Space Communication complex.
  
• Explore the Murrumbidgee River, the second longest river in Australia.
  
• Spot native Australian wildlife or go on a behind-the-scenes spotlight tour to experience nature at its best at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.

Day Four

Take a tour of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and learn about life as an elite athlete and their secrets to sporting success. 

A short 10 minute drive from the AIS will take you to Cockington Green Gardens, a world of miniature wonder filled with famous replica buildings from around the world and perfectly landscaped gardens.

Take a side trip and discover the Poachers Way, a self drive trail featuring some of the best cool climate wines and dining in the country.

End your Canberra journey by meeting a cheetah, hand feeding a Sun Bear, or getting up close and personal with a pride of white lions at Australia’s only combined Zoo and Aquarium.

Extend your trip at the zoo’s Jamala Wildlife Lodge for a once in a lifetime experience at Australia’s first luxury wildlife lodge including the opportunity to sleep next to some of the planet’s most exotic animals.

Highlights:

• Go on an athlete-guided tour of the Australian Institute of Sport and learn what it takes to be a world champion.
  
• Tower over famous miniature buildings from around the world and ride the mini steam train at Cockington Green Gardens.
  
• Dine at an old country smokehouse, learn the secrets of chocolate making or visit a cool climate winery along the Poachers Way.
  
• Be a zoo keeper for a day, pat a shark, look a big cat in the eye or handfeed a giraffe or bear at the National Zoo & Aquarium.