Visiting Canberra, an overlooked capital
Often overshadowed by Sydney or Melbourne, Canberra, the capital of Australia, is a fascinating destination for travelers looking to explore a quieter city rich in history, culture, and nature. Built from the ground up in 1913 to serve as the political and administrative seat of government, Canberra surprises visitors with its thoughtful layout centered around large green spaces, major national institutions, and museums. If you are curious about seeing another side of Australia, here is why Canberra belongs on your itinerary.
A planned city with exceptional green spaces
Canberra is known for its intentional urban planning, and it shows in every neighborhood. Built around the man-made Lake Burley Griffin, the city offers open public spaces and sweeping viewpoints, particularly from Mount Ainslie, which looks out over the capital's central axis running from the Australian War Memorial to Parliament House.
Nature lovers will find plenty to explore across the city parks and gardens. The Australian National Botanic Gardens showcase the country's native flora, while nearby Namadgi National Park offers rugged hiking trails and wild encounters with kangaroos and emus. For cyclists and walkers, the paved paths along the shores of Lake Burley Griffin provide an easy way to take in the quiet landscape.
Rich political and historical heritage
As the nation's capital, Canberra sits at the heart of Australian politics. A tour of Parliament House is essential for anyone interested in the country's legislative history, offering a chance to watch sessions from the public gallery and examine the striking modern architecture of the building.
The Australian War Memorial is another major stop. Combining a solemn shrine with extensive exhibition spaces, it traces Australia's military history through a massive collection of artifacts, personal stories, and interactive galleries.
A growing cultural hub
Canberra also holds its own in the arts. The National Gallery of Australia houses an extensive collection of Australian and international works, anchored by a prominent wing dedicated to Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander art.
For science and hands-on exhibits, Questacon draws visitors of all ages with interactive displays. The city also hosts annual events like the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, when dozens of hot air balloons fill the early morning sky above Lake Burley Griffin.
What to see in the surrounding region
Beyond the city limits, Canberra makes a convenient base for regional road trips. Less than an hour away, the cool-climate vineyards of Murrumbateman offer weekend tastings and pastoral views.
Further out, the Snowy Mountains provide winter ski resorts and summer hiking trails within a few hours' drive of the city. Whether you are after outdoor adventure or quiet countryside, the surrounding region delivers.
When to go
The best times to visit Canberra are during spring from September to November or autumn from March to May, when daytime temperatures are mild. These shoulder seasons bring changing foliage, major events like the Floriade flower festival, and comfortable weather for walking the city monuments. Summers can bring high heat, while winters drop to near freezing at night.
How to get there
Most travelers arrive via connecting flights through Sydney or Melbourne. From Sydney, you can catch a short domestic flight or take a three-hour drive, bus, or train down to the capital.
I didn't come to Australia for Canberra, which is relatively unknown even though it is the country's capital. I had checked it off as a stop between Melbourne and Sydney.
I don't regret it. The city is very clean, with big open spaces and wide-open views, like on the axis between Parliament and the Memorial. There are a few things to do, specifically the Parliament and the Memorial.
That being said, unless you have a lot of time, don't spend more than 2 days there. There is so much to see in the rest of the country!