Canberra Adventures: 5 Days of Family Fun on a Budget

Discover the wonders of Australia's capital with a family fun-filled adventure in Canberra.

19 July 2023

A family friendly trip to Canberra, Australia promises a delightful blend of education and entertainment. Explore the city's renowned national attractions such as the Australian War Memorial, Questacon (the National Science and Technology Centre), and the National Zoo & Aquarium. With its vast network of parks, playgrounds, and bike trails, Canberra offers plenty of outdoor activities for kids, making it an ideal destination for an enriching and fun-filled family vacation.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Canberra Crawling

  • Kick off your family adventure with a stay at the fabulously quirky Hotel Hotel. Its artsy decor will have you feeling like creative geniuses in no time!
  • Start your day with a visit to the National Museum of Australia, where history comes alive with their interactive exhibitions and fun storytelling sessions.
  • For lunch, head to Pialligo Estate for some lip-smackingly delicious paddock-to-plate fare that even the pickiest eaters will devour.
  • Get your adrenaline pumping with a ride on the miniature steam train at the Canberra Miniature Railway. Choo-chooing through the park has never been more exciting!
  • End the day at Questacon, where science becomes a wild adventure. Dive into the Deep Oceans exhibit and let your little ones become marine biologists for the day – goggles and lab coat not included.
Day 2

Canberra's Cool Creatures

  • Wake up to the sound of chirping birds at Jamala Wildlife Lodge, your luxurious safari-inspired accommodation at the National Zoo & Aquarium.
  • Explore the zoo and get up close and personal with fascinating animals like lions, giraffes, and even sharks during a thrilling feeding session.
  • Refuel at the zoo's Rainforest Café, where you can munch on tasty treats surrounded by vibrant butterflies fluttering overhead.
  • Take a leisurely afternoon stroll through the Australian National Botanic Gardens and spot unique flora and fauna in its serene surroundings.
  • Head to the National Dinosaur Museum and unleash your inner paleontologist. With life-sized dinosaur replicas and fossils, you'll feel closer to Jurassic Park than ever before.
Day 3

Artistic Antics

  • Stay in the heart of Canberra's trendy NewActon precinct at the stylish Nishi Apartments. Their eco-friendly vibe will make you want to hug a tree!
  • Begin the day at the National Portrait Gallery, where famous faces, past and present, gaze into your soul. Strike your best pose beside your favorite celebrity.
  • Stroll along the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, taking in the stunning views of the city's landmarks, including the iconic Parliament House.
  • Satisfy your artistic cravings with a visit to the Canberra Glassworks, where you can witness breathtaking glassblowing demonstrations and even try it yourself.
  • Dine at Monster kitchen and bar for a taste bud-tingling feast inspired by local ingredients. Don't miss their scrumptious dessert—they're monstrously good!
Day 4

The Great Outdoors

  • Soak up the natural beauty of Canberra with a stay at the charming Little National Hotel, nestled in the leafy suburb of Barton.
  • Embark on a family bike ride along the Centenary Trail, winding through picturesque landscapes and past charming picnic spots.
  • Unleash your inner Indiana Jones at the Australian War Memorial, where stories of courage and sacrifice echo through its impressive halls.
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch by the shores of Lake Burley Griffin in Commonwealth Park, surrounded by blooming floral displays and quirky sculptures.
  • Cool off at Big Splash Waterpark, where slides, pools, and lazy rivers make for a splashtacular day of family fun.
Day 5

Capital Farewell

  • Stay at the elegant Hotel Realm, located in the vibrant Parliamentary Triangle, where you'll feel like a dignitary for your final night in the capital.
  • Explore the iconic Parliament House with a guided tour and immerse yourself in the rich history and democratic traditions of Australia.
  • Indulge in a gastronomic experience at the award-winning Ottoman Cuisine, where you can savor the flavors of the Ottoman Empire in a regal setting.
  • Take a relaxing stroll through the beautiful Australian National Botanic Gardens and discover the diverse plant species that call this land Down Under home.
  • Bid farewell to Canberra with a sunset hot air balloon ride, witnessing the city's splendid skyline from above. It's the perfect way to end your family adventure with a touch of whimsy.

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.

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Canberra Adventures: 5 Days of Family Fun on a Budget

A family friendly trip to Canberra, Australia promises a delightful blend of education and entertainment. Explore the city's renowned national attractions such as the Australian War Memorial, Questacon (the National Science and Technology Centre), and the National Zoo & Aquarium. With its vast network of parks, playgrounds, and bike trails, Canberra offers plenty of outdoor activities for kids, making it an ideal destination for an enriching and fun-filled family vacation.

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A family trip to Canberra, Australia promises a perfect blend of education and entertainment. Explore the iconic Parliament House, Australian War Memorial, and National Museum to ignite curiosity in kids. Take advantage of numerous parks, playgrounds, and interactive exhibits, ensuring a memorable and engaging trip for the entire family.

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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.

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A trip to Canberra promises a unique experience to travelers seeking to explore Australia's cultural heritage. The city is home to national monuments, museums, galleries, and botanical gardens that attract thousands of visitors all year round. Its historic sites, wildlife reserves, and scenic landscapes, provide an opportunity to immerse oneself in this eclectic destination, making it a must-visit for any tourism enthusiast.