As Australia’s capital, Canberra is far more than a political centre. With a huge concentration of public museums, galleries, and seasonal events, the ACT easily competes to be the country’s cultural capital. With more things to do in Canberra than ever, the city has undergone its own kind of renaissance. Explore beyond the typical attractions, and you’ll find artisanal cafes, premium dining hemmed by renowned chefs, a long calendar of seasonal events and hotel accommodation that have become destinations in their own right.
For many people who last visited the capital during school excursions, a whole world of surprises awaits. Today, its leafy boulevards offer more than just monuments and statues — you’ll find dimly lit bars with curated cocktail lists and interiors from which you’ll take design inspiration.
With direct flights from around the country and just a few hours’ drive from Sydney, visiting Canberra couldn’t be easier. Isn’t it time you rediscovered the country’s political and (new) cultural heartland?
To help you get the most out of your trip, our Canberra travel guide shares everything you need to create an action-packed Canberra itinerary. From the best accommodation in Canberra to where to eat and a list of activities that should be on your radar — you can plan the ultimate getaway for first-time and returning visitors.
When it comes to choosing where to stay, location, comfort, and convenience are key. As one of the city’s newest hotels, Meriton Suites Canberra delivers on all fronts. Set by City Hill and the Parliamentary Triangle, you’re positioned close to some of Canberra’s best places to eat, see and do, making it easy to explore the city on foot or by public transport and car.
A series of self-contained studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites and penthouses offer spacious apartment-style suites to comfortably accommodate couples, families, and business travellers. Whether planning a weekend getaway or an extended stay, Meriton Suites Canberra will host you in refined interiors with separate living spaces, fully equipped kitchens and private balconies — giving you expansive views over Lake Burley Griffin, the London Circuit and beyond.
Ready to elevate your Canberra visit? Book your Meriton Suites Canberra stay directly for the best rate.
From national landmarks to gallery hopping and landscaped gardens, no Canberra itinerary is complete without adding these top must-visit attractions to your list — all easily accessible from Meriton Suites Canberra.
Explore the heart of Australian democracy with a free tour of museum exhibits and parliamentary chambers to glimpse where laws are made. If you have time on your hands, walk through the Federation Mall to the Museum of Australian Democracy in Old Parliament House — Australia’s first and temporary parliamentary building in the capital.
Home to an expansive collection of more than 150,000 works, this world-class gallery showcases Indigenous masterpieces, contemporary exhibitions, and touring international collections in an architecturally striking riverside space.
A moving tribute to Australia’s military history, the Australian War Memorial honours soldiers who bravely served the country in the World Wars, the Vietnam War, Iraq and Afghanistan. The complex features the Hall of Memory, the tomb of the unknown soldier, and a museum, giving insight into the troops’ experiences and Australia’s role in international conflicts. If you’re visiting in the late afternoon, you have the opportunity to attend The Last Post Ceremony, allowing you to pay your respects.
Just behind the War Memorial lies the scenic Mount Ainslie Lookout, offering one of the best panoramic views over Canberra. Accessible by car, bike, or a rewarding uphill walk — it’s a favourite to see the Capital change colour at sunrise and sunset.
One of the best things to do in Canberra to impress children and curious minds is the National Science and Technology Centre. In a fun and engaging setting, interactive exhibits, science demonstrations, and hands-on learning experiences help explain science concepts in an easy-to-understand format.
Discover Canberra’s creative heart and spend your day doing yoga in art galleries, sipping warm brews in courtyard cafes, and trying the latest trending dishes in innovative restaurants. From gallery hopping to testing your movie trivia at the National Film and Sound Archive and finding new treasures in boutique shops — you’ll find Canberra’s artistic side and Instagrammable spots in NewActon.
Take a break from the hustle and bustle and visit Lake Burley Griffin for a picnic or walk and cycle the paths looping around the man-made lake. Alternatively, take a taxi or bus to the Kingston Foreshore, where you can enjoy brunch lakeside in one of the many popular eateries. For a different perspective, head to the lake’s shore in the suburb of Parkes to see the National Carillon — a bell tower gifted by the British — chiming on Queen Elizabeth II Island.
While many people opt to visit the National Botanical Gardens, instead, escape the crowds and see one of the world’s largest living collections of rare and endangered trees. The National Arboretum features over 90 forests, sweeping views, a bonsai collection, and tranquil spaces for nature lovers, photographers, and families.
Each spring in Commonwealth Park, throughout September and October, Canberra hosts one of its biggest celebrations of flowers, Floriade. With fields of blooming tulips, food trucks and music performances, there is something for the whole family to enjoy.
From innovative fine dining to cosy café corners, the capital’s culinary scene is one of its most underrated treasures. Satisfy your cravings and add these restaurants and cafes to your Canberra itinerary:
When the sun sets over the capital, Canberra comes alive with a sophisticated and diverse drinking scene. Whether you’re after a brooding wine bar, a hidden cocktail den, or a bustling craft brewery, our Canberra travel guide shares something for every palate and occasion.
If you like to get out and about, Canberra is the perfect hub to explore the region. From national parks to wineries and snow fields, there are always things to do in Canberra and beyond.
Known for its cool-climate wines and boutique cellar doors, Murrumbateman offers a relaxed day sampling Shiraz, Riesling, and gourmet platters at family-run vineyards. In the area, you’ll also find many options for horse riding too.
With easy walks for families and options for more experienced hikers, Tidbinbilla offers paths through eucalyptus forests. If luck is on your side, you could have wildlife encounters with kangaroos, koalas and platypuses.
This UNESCO-listed park is part of the Australian Alps, where bushwalking and mountain bike riding trails take you through alpine forests and Aboriginal rock art.
Discover a charming heritage village known for its arts and crafts scene. From finding a home decor piece at the local galleries and antique stores to enjoying a quiet lunch in a cosy country pub and cafe, Bungendore offers a relaxing break from the bustling Canberra CBD.
For a longer winter day trip, head to the Snowy Mountains for skiing or snowboarding at Perisher or Thredbo. During the warmer months, Mount Kosciuszko rewards hikers with expansive views and perfumed air from its alpine forests.
Organising a break in the ACT? Discover the easiest way to travel to and around Canberra below, and you’ll soon find out why the capital is a hidden gem for travellers.
Ready for a Canberra adventure and a stay at a spacious Meriton Suites hotel? Easily accessible by road, rail and air, you can arrive in a few hours and have the rest of the day to explore the city.
Rixons Buses and Premier Motor Service can help South Coast residents of Narooma, Moruya and Batemans Bay travel to Canberra via Queanbeyan, taking between 2 to 4 hours.
While the city is famous for its number of roundabouts, Canberra is a planned city whose roads are aligned to a grid, making it easy to navigate.
The ACT is an all-year destination, with many seasonal events providing the perfect excuse to travel and start planning where to stay in Canberra. While the Summer and Spring sun-filled months make it easy to explore the city and surrounding nature, Canberra is busiest in September and October during the Floriade Festival.
If you’re itching for a winter getaway or are a skier visiting Perisher, Thredbo, and Mount Kosciuszko, Canberra is just a few hours away by car. After slaloming down the slopes for a few hours, take a scenic detour to the nation’s capital, visit major attractions and relax in the sauna and spa at our Meriton Suites Canberra accommodation.
Whether you’re coming for the culture, cuisine, or a cosy escape, Canberra invites you to experience a side of the city full of surprises. With world-class galleries, immersive day trips, award-winning dining, and a calendar of events that celebrate every season, there are always things to do in Canberra around every corner.
Ready for a holiday where comfort, space, and style are a priority? Book a stay at Meriton Suites Canberra to make the most of your trip. As one of the most spacious hotels in Canberra, our generously sized two- and three-bedroom suites and penthouses are the ideal option for families and groups to indulge in a heightened level of comfort.
Whether visiting for a weekend, a festival, or a well-earned break, you’ll find everything you need to relax, recharge, and explore. So, what are you waiting for? Book your stay today directly to secure the best rate.
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