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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

Canberra
Gateway airport
Canberra Airport (CBR)
Best season
Dec–Apr, Oct
Time zone
Australia/Lord_Howe
Sights covered
45 places

Sights worth seeing

See all 45 →
National Library of Australia

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.

National Gallery of Australia

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.

Lake Burley Griffin

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.

Parliament House

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.

National Museum of Australia

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.

Mount Stromlo Observatory

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.

Mount Stromlo

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.

Black Mountain

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.

How many days do you need?

Routes grouped by travel distance so each day stays comfortable.

Average temperature by month

5-year average

20° Jan
19° Feb
17° Mar
13° Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
10° Sep
13° Oct
16° Nov
18° Dec

Getting there

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Getting around the city

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Fares and timetables change often, so we don't list them here. Check the operator or the booking site for current prices and schedules.

Canberra Tours & Experiences Booking

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Local data

Get an eSIM for Australia before you go

Activate mobile data with a QR code instead of swapping SIM cards. Buy it before departure and switch it on the moment you land.

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Where to stay

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