Canberra: The Complete Guide To This Exciting City

Are you planning a visit to Australia’s beautiful Capital city, Canberra? With its stunning landscape, vibrant culture and plenty of attractions to explore, Canberra is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Discover all that the city has to offer with our complete guide detailing everything you need to know before taking a trip to Canberra.

An Overview Of Canberra

Canberra is the capital city of Australia and the eighth-largest city in the country. Located in the Australian Capital Territory, the city lies 280 km south-west of Sydney and 660 km north-east of Melbourne. As Australia’s political and administrative center, it is home to several government agencies and national museums, making it a popular tourist destination. The city is made up of several satellite regions, such as Civic and South Canberra — the largest — Belconnen, Weston Creek, and Gungahlin. Civic covers the city’s CBD and is home to many landmark buildings, including Parliament House and the High Court. South Canberra includes several neighbourhoods, namely Manuka, Red Hill, and Kingston. It borders the Woden Valley and Lake George, two of Canberra’s most popular tourist attractions. The other regions are Belconnen, which is home to the University of Canberra and the National Arboretum; Gungahlin, which features a large shopping mall; and Weston Creek and Tuggeranong, which offer sporting facilities, outdoor activities, and picnic areas.

Things To Do In Canberra

You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to things to do in Canberra. Whether your looking for cultural attractions or outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone. Take a look at some of Canberra’s best attractions and activities:

Parliament House

Parliament House is the most important building to visit when in Canberra. It serves as the meeting place of the Australian Federal Government and features a stunning sculpture garden, art gallery and open air cafes. A tour of Parliament House will give you an insight into the workings of Australia’s government and show you why it’s known as ‘the bush capital’.

Spas and Day Spas

If you’re after a relaxing experience during your trip to Canberra, there are plenty of spas and day spas to choose from. From luxury spa hotels to massage therapy treatments, you’ll find something for everyone in this vibrant city.

National Zoo and Aquarium

The National Zoo and Aquarium is one of Canberra’s top attractions. Home to numerous species of animals spanning across both land and sea life this aquarium offers a unique experience for families, couples or groups. You can explore an array of exhibits such expertly designed walk-through aviaries, or marvel at over 100 saltwater fish tanks from around the globe from one of the five underwater viewing galleries.

The Royal Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens provide serene relaxation amidst lush greenery and tranquil lagoons. The gardens showcase over 400 varieties of trees, shrubs and tropical plants. Popular activities here include canoeing, picnicking and walking around the grounds with a delicious ice cream in hand.

Outdoor Activities

Canberra also offers a range of outdoor activities that are perfect for those looking to experience a more adventurous side of this vibrant city. Popular activities include mountain biking, abseiling and rock climbing. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, there are plenty of paths to explore that are suitable for all levels.

Shopping And Dining In Canberra

Canberra’s shopping districts offer a range of stores that cater for all budgets and tastes. From bustling malls to boutique stores, you can buy everything from designer apparel to unique souvenirs. For food lovers, Canberra has plenty of international cuisine as well as traditional Australian fare such as Barramundi or Kangaroo Loin steak. Make sure to sample one of Canberra’s world-famous wines produced in surrounding vineyards.

Getting Around Canberra

Canberra offers several convenient transportation options for getting around the city. The Action Buses network provides frequent services throughout the city center with an interchange located at Civic Station in the CBD. Additionally, the Airport Express quickly connects travelers from Canberra International Airport to the city center in approximately 20 minutes with express services at peak times. For those travelling to Canberra by car, there is easy access along the Federal Highway connecting directly from Sydney via Queanbeyan or from Melbourne via Goulburn.

Accommodation In Canberra

When it comes to accommodation in Canberra there is something available for all visitors regardless of budget or needs. For those looking for luxury there are plenty of five star hotels with award-winning restaurants and spas located in the city center or near tourist attractions such as Parliament House or Kingston Foreshore. For those travelling on a tight budget there are affordable guesthouses, backpacker hostels or AirBnB options located throughout the city offering clean and comfortable rooms for an economical stay in Canberra.

Conclusion

Canberra has a lot to offer visitors from all walks of life. With its stunning landscape, exciting attractions, delicious food and wide range of accommodation options, visitors will find something to love about this vibrant city no matter what they’re looking for during their stay. Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, take a moment to experience everything this stunning destination has to offer — you won’t regret it! For more information visit Visit Canberrra, the official tourism organisation for Canberra.