Canberra, Australia: 5 Days of Fun on a Budget!

Discover Australia's capital city on a budget with a trip to Canberra.

21 June 2023

A trip to Canberra, Australia is a great choice for those on a tight budget. With plenty of free attractions such as the National Museum of Australia and the Australian War Memorial, there is something for everyone. Affordable accommodation options are also available, such as hostels or budget hotels.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival

  • Check-in at Dickson Central, a budget-friendly hotel located in the heart of Canberra
  • Head to the city center to visit the iconic Australian War Memorial and pay respects to the fallen soldiers
  • Explore the National Museum of Australia, showcasing the country's rich history and culture
  • Lunch at Brodburger, a food truck serving up the best burger in town
  • Wander around Lake Burley Griffin and enjoy the stunning views of the city skyline
  • Dinner at Grease Monkey, a retro-themed diner serving up delicious burgers, fries, and shakes
Day 2

Art & Gardens

  • Visit the National Gallery of Australia, showcasing a vast collection of Australian and international art
  • Take a stroll through the Australian National Botanic Gardens and discover the country's unique flora and fauna
  • Lunch at The Cupping Room, a popular café serving up great coffee and tasty brunch dishes
  • Visit the National Portrait Gallery and admire portraits of famous Australians
  • Experience the beauty of the Sculpture Garden and outdoor exhibitions at the National Gallery of Australia
  • Dinner at Malaysian Chapter, a family-owned restaurant serving up authentic Malaysian cuisine
Day 3

History & Politics

  • Take a guided tour of Parliament House, the seat of Australian democracy
  • Visit Old Parliament House and learn about the country's political history
  • Lunch at Patissez, the inventors of the infamous FreakShake™
  • Visit the nearby National Archives of Australia and explore the country's historical records
  • Explore the Australian Mint and learn about the production of Australian coins and medals
  • Dinner at Yat Bun Tong, a hidden gem serving up delicious Chinese food
Day 4

Wildlife & Nature

  • Visit Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and get up close with some of Australia's native wildlife
  • Take a hike through the picturesque Namadgi National Park
  • Lunch at Two Before Ten, a hip café serving up great coffee and fresh pastries
  • Visit Cockington Green Gardens and experience a miniature world of intricately crafted landscapes and buildings
  • Explore the tranquil Japanese gardens and tea house at the National Arboretum
  • Dinner at Daana, a modern Indian restaurant serving up delicious and innovative dishes
Day 5

Adventure & Fun

  • Experience the thrill of indoor skydiving at iFly Canberra
  • Visit Questacon The National Science and Technology Centre and have fun with interactive exhibits and hands-on activities
  • Lunch at Ricardo's Café, a family-owned restaurant serving up delicious homemade pasta and pastries
  • Take a tour of the Australian Institute of Sport and learn about the country's top athletes
  • Visit Lonsdale Street, a trendy hub of cool cafes, boutique shops, and street art
  • Dinner at Italian & Sons, a popular Italian restaurant serving up delicious wood-fired pizzas and handmade pasta
  • Enjoy your 5-day stay in Canberra, a city of culture, politics, and natural beauty!

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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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

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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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.