Tucked between Sydney and Melbourne, the Australian Capital Territory is often overlooked in favour of these two tourist havens. But, as the country’s political centre, the smallest Australian state is a paradise of cultural attractions and is home to some of the country’s best museums, landmarks, and festivals.
Any visit to the state starts within Canberra, the only city in the ACT and Australia’s capital city. From picturesque political complexes to international restaurants, Canberra blends historic landmarks with modern draws for an unforgettable cultural experience. Meanwhile, just outside of the city centre are surreal natural areas protected by numerous nature reserves and parks.
Plan the ultimate trip to the country’s capital with this Australian Capital Territory Travel Guide, including must-see attractions, the best time to visit, and more travel tips.
Facts & Information
- Size – 2,358 km2
- Population – 466,416
- Country – Australia
- Official Language – None (English is the predominant language.)
- Major Airports – Canberra International Airport (CBR)
- Time Zone – Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST)
- Nickname – The Nation’s Capital, The Bush Capital
- Currency – Australian Dollar (AUD)
ACT Destinations: Cities, Towns, & Parks
- Canberra – Indulge in the world-class restaurants, museums, and cultural festivals of Australia’s capital city.
- Tuggeranong – Escape to the city’s charming suburbs and embrace a quiet community base to explore surrounding attractions.
- Woden Valley – Enjoy upscale dining and shopping excursions in Canberra’s thriving business district.
- Tharwa – Explore the territory’s oldest settlement and enjoy breathtaking natural scenery within a historic community.
- Namadgi National Park – Hike, bike, or camp your way through ACT’s sole national park and uncover millenia of aboriginal history.
Things To Do In ACT
- Take a Walking Tour of the Capital – Take in the city’s top sights along with self-guided walking tours through each of its districts.
- Visit a Cultural Village – Find cultural serenity within the traditional villages of Uriarra Village, Tharwa,and Ginninderra.
- Attend a Local Festival – Celebrate the Australian identity at an annual festival within the capital city.
- Explore a Nature Preserve – Explore picturesque landscapes and unique flora and fauna within dozens of scenic natural areas.
- Tour a Museum – Uncover thousands of years of history at some of Australia’s most impressive museums.
Australian Capital Territory Attractions
- Australia’s National Museum – Discover what it means to be Australian through exhibits exploring the land, nation, and people that have influenced the country.
- National Gallery of Australia – Admire artistic masterpieces celebrating local and international talent.
- Australian War Memorial – Tour through a breathtaking sculpture garden and five exhibition buildings honouring Australia’s military veterans.
- Cockington Green Gardens – Explore a miniature world as you wander around the unique award-winning gardens.
- Parliament House – Marvel at grand architecture and historic exhibits within the political heart of Australia’s capital city.
ACT Festivals & Events
- Floriade – Enjoy live entertainment, workshops, and floral displays at the largest flower festival in the southern hemisphere.
- National Multicultural Festival – Celebrate the country’s cultural diversity with live performances, food stalls, and local vendors.
- Enlighten Festival – Wander the illuminated streets of Canberra and admire breathtaking displays and performances of this unique art festival.
- Canberra Balloon Spectacular – Take to the skies and join as dozens of hot air balloons drift their way through the city and surrounding skies.
- Christmas in July Festival – Get in the holiday spirit as Canberra is converted into a winter wonderland of light displays, festive decorations, and yuletide markets.
Where To Stay
- A by Adina Canberra – Luxurious accommodation with a central location in Civic Square.
- East Hotel & Apartments – Upscale hotel with onsite restaurants in Kingston suburbs.
- Mercure Canberra Belconnen – Family-friendly lodging in the Belconnen town centre.
- Deco Hotel Canberra – Quiet modern hotel just outside of the city centre.
- Avenue Hotel Canberra – Stylish accommodation near Civic Square.
When To Visit
- Spring (September – November) – Home to the Floriade Festival, the spring is the best time to visit the Australian Capital Territory, with the season rewarding exciting cultural events and scenic natural areas accentuated by the blossoming flowers.
- Summer (December – February) – With warm temperatures and dry weather conditions, the summer is the best time to visit for outdoor adventures, with Lake Burley Griffin rewarding the perfect way to escape the hot summer heat.
- Autumn (March-May) – Sombering hues of the city’s natural foliage make autumn a beautiful time to visit the region’s nature parks, while the Canberra Day celebrations promise exciting cultural events within the city.
- Winter (June – August) – While many tourists avoid visiting between June and August due to cooler temperatures, winter can be a great time to visit Canberra for fewer crowds while the Winter in July festival provides plenty of seasonal entertainment.
Learn more about Australia’s seasons and discover the best time for your visit.
Getting Here & Around
- Airports – Visitors arriving by air pass through Canberra International Airport (CBR). The airport is located just outside the city and is less than a 10-minute drive from Civic Square.
- Trains – The daily NSW TrainLink service connects Canberra to Sydney with three trains made each day. The scenic trip is 4.5 hours one way.
- Driving – Driving is perhaps the easiest way to get to ACT from within the country. The trip takes about three hours from Sydney, eight hours from Melbourne, and provides you the added bonus of having your own vehicle for getting around the region.
- Taxis – Taxi services are abundant in Canberra. However, these transportation options can become expensive when traversing further distances and visiting surrounding municipalities.
- Public Transportation – Transport Canberra operates an efficient bus and light rail network that is perfect for getting around the city on a budget.
- Biking – Known as the cycling capital of Australia, Canberra is the perfect destination to explore by bike, with several bike hires and paths throughout the city.
- Walking – Canberra is a relatively small city, with many of its top attractions concentrated around its city centre.
Discover the best ways to get around Australia.
Travel Tips
- Buy a MayWay card – This prepaid card is your ticket to local public transport.
- Apply for a visa early – All international visitors require a visa. Apply at least 30 days in advance.
- Book your hotel in advance – Accommodation options can be limited. Reserve your room early.
- Be aware of retail hours – Shops in Canberra close early, especially during the week.
- Take your time – Despite being the smallest territory, there is so much to see in ACT. Take your time and experience it all.
What To Pack
- Reusable water bottle – Stay hydrated and pack a water bottle.
- Layers – Temperatures can vary throughout the territory. Prepare for everything and pack in layers.
- Bug spray – Mosquitos can be a pest. Insect repellant is a must.
- Comfortable shoes – Whether exploring the city or a nature reserve, you are going to be on your feet a lot.
- Camera – Canberra and the surrounding area are beautiful. Pack a camera and be read to capture plenty of photos.
