Australian Capital Territory

Home to the nation's capital, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is a compact region of political power, cultural treasures, and surprising natural beauty. Designed by American architect Walter Burley Griffin, Canberra is a city of planned boulevards, vast green spaces, and a lake at its heart. Beyond the parliamentary precincts, you'll find world-class museums, a thriving food scene, and easy access to the bushwalking trails of Namadgi National Park. The ACT punches well above its weight for a long weekend or a stopover on a Sydney–Melbourne road trip.

Highlights & What to See

• Parliament House – Sink into the grass-covered roof of this iconic building, then take a free tour through the democratic heart of Australia. The views from the forecourt stretch right down to Lake Burley Griffin.
• Australian War Memorial – A moving tribute to Australia's military history, combining a vast museum with the serene Hall of Memory. Don't miss the daily Last Post ceremony.
• National Gallery of Australia – Home to an impressive collection of Indigenous art, including the stunning Aboriginal Memorial of 200 hollow-log coffins, plus international masterpieces.
• Lake Burley Griffin – The centrepiece of Canberra's design; hire a kayak, cycle the 35km shoreline loop, or picnic beside the Captain Cook Memorial Jet.
• Namadgi National Park – Just 40 minutes from the city, this alpine wilderness offers hiking trails through snow-gum forests, Aboriginal rock art sites, and a chance to spot kangaroos and wombats.
• Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre – Hands-on exhibits that delight kids and adults alike, from earthquake simulators to free-fall slides.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two to three days gives you enough time to explore Canberra's major attractions at a relaxed pace. Spend day one on the parliamentary triangle (Parliament House, Old Parliament House, and the National Gallery). Dedicate day two to the Australian War Memorial and a stroll around Lake Burley Griffin. On day three, escape to Namadgi National Park for a morning hike before hitting the road. If you're on a longer self-drive itinerary, the ACT works perfectly as a two-night stopover between Sydney and Melbourne.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• New South Wales (NSW) – The ACT is entirely surrounded by NSW; combine with the Southern Highlands (Bowral, Berrima) or head south to the Snowy Mountains for skiing or summer hiking.
• Victoria (VIC) – A 7-hour drive south takes you to Melbourne, but break the journey with a stop in the historic gold-rush town of Beechworth or the alpine village of Falls Creek.
• South Coast of NSW – A 2-hour drive east reaches the pristine beaches of Batemans Bay and the Eurobodalla National Park – perfect for a coastal contrast.
• Blue Mountains (NSW) – About 3 hours north, the dramatic escarpments and bushwalks of the Blue Mountains make a natural add-on to a Canberra trip.

Please check official sources for current details.