List of Best Things to do in Canberra 2025

Canberra is the capital city of Australia and one of the most beautiful places to visit in the world. If you are new to the city and want to explore, you will find that there are a lot of fun things to do in Canberra. The city offers plenty of opportunities to be adventurous. From sightseeing in the city to visiting monuments, from taking a tour in the museums to exploring the war memorials and parks, there is something to suit everyone’s interests.   

Visit Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Only a short drive from the city, a visit to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is one of the best things to do in Canberra. It is a protected wildlife area. There are many different types of animals living in the nature reserve, including birds, kangaroos and koalas. You can also go on guided tours where you can learn more about the animals or take part in activities like bird watching or bushwalking. Tidbinbilla also offers opportunities for short walks, a day-hike, and coffee spots to relax and enjoy the surroundings. The Reserve is open from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm every day (except Christmas Day). There is an entry fee at the park. You can either take a day pass or an annual pass.      

The National Gallery Of Australia

Wandering around The National Gallery of Australia is one of the best things to do in Canberra. It is one of the largest art museums and is dedicated to collecting and displaying art from Australia and the world. The Gallery’s permanent collection includes works by artists such as Monet, Picasso, and Van Gogh. There are also Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artworks throughout the building. Head up to their rooftop bar that provides panoramic views over the city skyline to enjoy some incredible views. 

Take A Trip To Cockington Green Gardens

Cockington Green Gardens is one of the unique places to visit in Canberra. The garden has an interesting display of meticulously handcrafted miniature buildings from around the world. The buildings are beautifully set within landscaped gardens, which is a treat for the eyes. It is a great place to take a stroll and enjoy a quiet and peaceful getaway from the noise of city life. You can also spend some time having lunch or dinner in the garden, there’s plenty of room on the lawns, where you can enjoy your food while surrounded by nature. Located just outside Canberra’s centre, it’s only a 15-minute drive from the city. The park is open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year except Christmas Day. 

Head Over To The Australian War Memorial

The Australian War Memorial is a must-visit tourist attraction in Canberra. The memorial commemorates all Australians who have served and given their lives on active service or as veterans. It also celebrates peacekeeping efforts around the world, as well as international contributions made by Australia’s military forces to help others deal with conflict and war. The Memorial is a place of remembrance, education, research, discovery and healing. 

Visit The Mount Stromlo Observatory

If you’re a thrill-seeker, visiting the Mount Stromlo Observatory is one of the must things to do in Canberra. The observatory is an astronomical observatory and is owned by the Australian National University (ANU). Over its 90-year journey, it has made many contributions to both pure and applied astronomy research. At its establishment at Mount Stromlo, it was designed primarily for astrometry: i.e., measuring precise positions of celestial objects like stars or galaxies—but today its work covers most aspects of astronomy from radio through visible light up to X-rays!

Check Out The Australian Institute Of Sport

Sports lover or not, visiting the Australian Institute of Sport will be one of the best things to do in Canberra. The Institute is a sports facility where the country’s best athletes practice, train, and stay when they compete abroad. The institute was opened in 1981 and is spread across 66 hectares. In addition to its sports facilities, there’s also a café and shop where you can grab a coffee or browse through souvenirs that are uniquely Australian. Your tour of this facility wouldn’t be complete without checking out their Olympic Sports Museum—you will find tons of information on some of Australia’s most famous Olympians here! 

Enjoy The Views From Black Mountain Tower

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike up Black Mountain Tower. The lookout is at the top of Black Mountain. It is a 3-kilometre walk from City Walk along a wide dirt track. The tower itself offers magnificent views over Canberra, making it a great place to watch sunsets. There is also a cafe and gift shop at the base of the tower. It is one of the Canberra attractions that are open all 7 days a week. 

Explore Lake Burley Griffin

Visiting Lake Burley Griffin is one of the best things to do in Canberra. It is an artificial lake located in the centre of the city. The lake is an aquatic playground and offers numerous opportunities to get out on the water. Some of the best ways to explore and enjoy the Lake’s calm surface is by stand-up paddleboard. You can also cycle around the lake’s shoreline or book a hot air balloon and marvel at the aerial view of the lake. The lake is a great spot for picnics with friends and family. You can also hire a boat and enjoy a nice supper while enjoying the sunset. 

Conclusion

Lastly, there are a lot of things to do in Canberra, the options are endless. Apart from the above-mentioned list, you can also explore their local restaurants, pubs and cafes. The city is an easy place to live and study. Whichever kind of indoor or outdoor activities you like doing, the city has something for everyone. 

Thank you for reading this blog on ‘Must Visit Places & Things To Do In Canberra, Australia!’ If you’d like to read more, here are some blogs that may be of interest to you –

• The Best ANU Accommodation In Canberra, Australia
• Best Universities In Canberra
• Living In Australia As A Student