Australia
Canberra
Canberra is Australia's capital, home to Parliament House and the country's major federal institutions. It is the largest inland city in Australia.
Updated August 15, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
- Gateway airport
- Canberra Airport (CBR)
- Best season
- Dec–Apr, Oct
- Time zone
- Australia/Lord_Howe
- Sights covered
- 45 places
Sights worth seeing
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Museums & galleries
National Library of Australia
Australia's largest reference library, located in Parkes, Canberra. It holds an extensive collection of material related to Australia, making it a great place to browse.
Museums & galleries
National Gallery of Australia
The National Gallery of Australia in Canberra is the country's largest art museum. Its collection of more than 160,000 works offers visitors a wide range of art to explore.
Nature
Lake Burley Griffin
Lake Burley Griffin is Canberra's iconic man-made lake, named after Walter Burley Griffin, the American architect who won the competition to design the city. It's a lovely spot for a lakeside walk with views of Canberra's skyline.
Museums & galleries
Parliament House
Parliament House in Canberra is where Australia's parliament actually convenes, making it one of the country's defining landmarks. Touring the interior lets you soak in the atmosphere of the nation's political heart.
Museums & galleries
National Museum of Australia
Australia's national museum, located in Canberra. It was established in the capital under a law enacted in 1980.
Attraction
Mount Stromlo Observatory
Mount Stromlo Observatory, west of Canberra, belongs to the Australian National University. Though it lost its historic telescopes in the 2003 bushfires, astronomical research continues there to this day.
Nature
Mount Stromlo
A 770-meter mountain near Canberra, known for its summit observatory and the forest park at its base. It's a great spot for stargazing or hiking through the woods.
Nature
Black Mountain
Black Mountain rises west of Canberra's city center, north of Lake Burley Griffin, Australia. Its untouched forest is well preserved, making it a great spot for a walk where you might spot wildlife.
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Routes grouped by travel distance so each day stays comfortable.
Average temperature by month
5-year average
Getting there
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Getting around the city
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Guides by theme
Best value
How to find the best value accommodation in Canberra
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5-star & luxury
Where to stay in Canberra for a luxury experience
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Pool villas & resorts
Where to find pool villas and resorts in Canberra
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Family travel
Where to stay in Canberra for a family trip
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Couples & honeymoon
Where to stay in Canberra for couples and honeymooners
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Central & near stations
Where to stay in Canberra for central access and transport
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Best time to visit
When is the best time to visit Canberra, Australia?
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First-time guide
How to visit Canberra for the first time
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Getting around
How to get around Canberra
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