Discover Canberra in 3 Days: A Capital Adventure

Experience the capital city's natural beauty and modern charm in Canberra, Australia.

22 April 2023

Visiting Canberra, the capital city of Australia, offers a unique tourist experience. Highlights include the Australian War Memorial, Parliament House, the National Museum of Australia, along with numerous art galleries and cultural exhibits. The city also offers outdoor enthusiasts access to incredible hiking trails, nature reserves, and outdoor markets.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

A Capital Kickstart

  • Stay at Pacific Suites Canberra for a spacious and centrally located room.
  • Start at the Australian War Memorial for history, exhibits, and somber reflection.
  • Take in expansive views from Mount Ainslie Lookout.
  • Explore the boutiques and eateries of Braddon, Canberra's trendy district.
  • Caffeinate at The Cupping Room, one of Australia's best coffee shops.
  • End with cocktails at Molly, a cosy speakeasy-inspired bar.
Day 2

Artful Adventures

  • Rise early for breakfast at Farmer's Daughter.
  • Spend the morning exploring the National Gallery of Australia's extensive collection of Australian and international art.
  • Take a walk around Lake Burley Griffin for exercise and scenic views.
  • Visit the Old Bus Depot Markets for quirky souvenirs and local crafts.
  • Indulge in modern Italian cuisine at Italian & Sons.
  • Catch a show at the Canberra Theatre Centre or Palace Electric Cinema.
Day 3

Natural Wonders

  • Enjoy a healthy brunch at Local Press Cafe.
  • Drive or cycle (if feeling energetic) to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve for hiking and wildlife spotting.
  • Visit the National Zoo & Aquarium for up-close animal encounters.
  • Have a picnic lunch at Commonwealth Park's rose garden.
  • Discover the Australian Parliament House's architecture and history.
  • Dine at the Ottoman Cuisine, for Middle Eastern flavours with a modern twist.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Canberra, Australia by plane is to fly into Canberra Airport which has regular flights from major Australian cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide.

Car

Driving is a great way to explore Australia's scenic countryside while traveling to Canberra. The major highway, Hume Highway, connects Sydney and Canberra, while the Princes Highway links Canberra to Melbourne. There are also several car rental services available at the Sydney and Canberra airports.

Train

While there is no direct train service to Canberra, you can take a train to the nearby city of Queanbeyan and then catch a local bus to Canberra. However, flying into Canberra Airport is a much more convenient option.

Boat

As Canberra is located inland, there are no direct boat options available. However, you can take a cruise along the nearby Murray River, which is around a 3-4 hour drive from Canberra.

Bus

Taking a Greyhound or a Murrays bus is a good option to reach Canberra. Both services offer regular trips from Sydney and Melbourne to Canberra.

Destination

Canberra

Welcome to a city that is so confusing, it even has a roundabout with five exits. But don't worry, it's not just the street layout that will leave you feeling dazed and bewildered.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Canberra: a Quirky Family Adventure on a Budget!

Canberra, the capital city of Australia, offers a perfect family-friendly trip with its abundance of cultural and educational attractions. Explore the iconic landmarks such as Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial, where children can learn about Australia's history in an interactive way. Venture into the city's stunning national parks, like Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, where families can encounter unique wildlife and enjoy outdoor activities in a serene setting.

Canberra on a Budget: A 4-Day Adventure

Canberra is a great destination for budget travelers who want to explore Australia's capital city without spending too much money. The city offers a range of free activities, including visiting the National Gallery of Australia, the Australian War Memorial, and the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Additionally, there are many affordable accommodation options, budget-friendly restaurants, and public transportation is easy to use and reasonably priced.

Escape to Canberra: A Romantic 5-Day Getaway

A romantic trip to Canberra, Australia offers a perfect escape from the city life, where couples can admire the picturesque views and indulge in the serene beauty of nature. The trip offers a plethora of couple-friendly activities, including hot air balloon rides, winery visits, and sunset picnics. With its charming cafes, fine dining options, and luxurious spa treatments, Canberra provides couples with a chance to relax and enjoy each other's company in an intimate setting, making it the ultimate romantic getaway.

Canberra on a Budget: 2 Days of Fun

A budget trip to Canberra, Australia would involve exploring the city's numerous free attractions such as the Australian War Memorial, National Portrait Gallery and National Museum of Australia, all of which offer free admission. Opting for budget accommodation options like hostels or shared apartments and preparing your own meals at grocery stores instead of dining out can also help cut costs. For an affordable and convenient mode of transportation, the ACTION bus service and bike rentals are available within the city.