The 10 Best Things to Do in Australian Capital Territory, Australia

December 8, 2017 Marissa Gamble

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT; known as the Federal Capital Territory until 1938) is Australia's federal district, located in the south-east of the country and enclaved within the state of New South Wales. It contains Canberra, the capital city of Australia.
Restaurants in Australian Capital Territory

1. Australian War Memorial

Treloar Crescent, Canberra 2612, Australia +61 2 6243 4211
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5 based on 8 reviews

Australian War Memorial

The Australian War Memorial combines a shrine, a world-class museum, and an extensive archive. The Memorial's purpose is to commemorate the sacrifice of those Australians who have died in war. Its Mission is to assist Australians to remember, interpret and understand the Australian experience of war and its enduring impact on Australian society.

Reviewed By AmarilisVos - Jabbeke, Belgium

There is a parking lot next to the building. During weekdays you have to pay. After a security check of your bag you can enter the building. At certain moments there are guided tours. Ask at the information desk when the next one will start. The guide will show out the high lights of the museum. Afterwards you can visit the Exhibitions in detail and on your pace. Everyday at 16:55 hr there is a last post ceremony dedicated to a soldier who lost his/her life for our freedom.

2. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

RMB 141 Paddys River Rd | Paddys River, 2620, Australia +61 62051233
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4.5 based on 196 reviews

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is an iconic place to encounter native wildlife in their natural setting. Nestled at the base of the Tidbinbilla Range, the reserve is only a 40 minute drive south-west of Canberra’s city centre. Located within the reserve is a Wildlife Sanctuary Area of five ponds and weirs abundant with wildlife including platypus. There is an over 80% chance of seeing these rare and usually elusive animals! Other native animals you may encounter include koalas, emus, pelicans, brolgas, kangaroos and many bird and reptile species. Tidbinbilla is also a leader in conservation with a Threatened Species Breeding Program focusing on the Northern Corroboree Frog, Southern Brush-Tailed Rock-Wallaby and the Eastern Bettong. The landscape of the reserve is spectacular and varied with mountain ranges, peaceful dry eucalypt Forests, woodlands, sheltered streams, majestic open grasslands and calming wetlands. Facilities include the Visitor Centre, barbecues, picnic tables and playground. You can explore the reserve and experience all it has to offer by joining one of our popular ranger guided activities. Tidbinbilla has a rich cultural landscape dating back over 25 000 years and is the traditional Country of the Ngunnawal people. The Tidbinbilla Valley also reflects the European history of the area with historic homesteads and evidence of farming scattered throughout the reserve. Unique accommodation is available at one of the historic homesteads, Nils Desperandum.

Reviewed By tingdiver - Singapore, null, Singapore

This nature preserve gives visitors a great taste of proper Australian countryside complete with bush, forest, rolling hills and the various wildlife that live there.
There are different paths visitors can take and they're all clearly marked with good lookout points from which to view and take pictures. Expect to see wallabies, potteroos and the family of koalas that are part of a breeding program in one of the enclosed paths (The Sanctuary?). There are also ducks, black swans, river turtles and the rare platypus at Platypus dam. The front paddocks before the main entrance to the park hosts emus. And of course, kangaroos are everywhere just driving up and down the roads that you can easily get quite close to for a selfie before they hop away.
Tidbinbilla is just a 40-min drive from Canberra city. You'll need a car to get around but that's about it. Just bring a picnic basket, binoculars, sunscreen and good walking shoes and you're good to go. :)

3. Museum of Australian Democracy

Old Parliament House 18 King George Tce | Parkes, Canberra 2600, Australia +61 2 6270 8222
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4.5 based on 1 reviews

Museum of Australian Democracy

Housed in one of Australia’s most-loved buildings, the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House brings the journey of Australian democracy to life— presenting its past, present and possible futures.Enjoy a range of innovative Exhibitions, tours and Exhibitions that challenge and inspire. There are also special activities and spaces for children to explore.Open 9am - 5pm 7 days a week, except Christmas DayAdmission: $2.00 Adults $1.00 Concession $5.00 FamilyAll Exhibitions free after entryAssisted entry available

Reviewed By canningkath - Bermagui, Australia

Great exhibition of the previous years political cartoons. This is an annual event and excellent for Australians to review the political year through a graphic and Witt perspective. Great fun lots of laughing

4. Lake Burley Griffin

Canberra, Australia +61 419 418 846
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4.5 based on 1 reviews

Lake Burley Griffin

Reviewed By Paddy-Relle - Brisbane, Australia

A fantastic asset to Canberra creating a visual masterpiece with the city surrounding it and providing so many opportunities for recreation and relaxation.

5. ANZAC Parade Walk

Anzac Park West, Canberra, Australia +61 2 6262 7380
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4.5 based on 321 reviews

ANZAC Parade Walk

Reviewed By KylieIsTravelling - Perth, Australia

This walk is impressive and is well worth a visit, even if you’re not interested in history.
Along this walk there are many monuments to memorialise historic wars including the Boer War, Vietnam War, Australian Army, partnership with Australia and New Zealand, plus another one that I’ve now forgotten.
It’s well worth seeing and I’ll be back to visit it again.

6. Mount Ainslie Lookout

Mount Ainslie Drive, Canberra 2602, Australia
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4.5 based on 1 reviews

Mount Ainslie Lookout

Reviewed By Ree_Views1 - Goulburn, Australia

We chose to walk up Mount Ainslie from the War Memorial although you can also drive or cycle up to the lookout.
It was a little had to find where the walk began, it is not well signposted until you are actually on the track. We parked at the War Memorial and walked up. It is a good track, quite steep in parts. Make sure you take water as there is nothing available on the track. It took us almost 1 1/2 hours for the return trip including time to admire the amazing view and take pictures. Canberra is really a beautiful and well planned city.

King Edward Terrace, Canberra 2600, Australia +61 2 6102 7000
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4.5 based on 1 reviews

National Portrait Gallery

The new National Portrait Gallery building, situated on King Edward Terrace, Parkes, Canberra, bounded by the High Court of Australia and the National Gallery of Australia, displays some 400 portraits of people who have shaped Australia and who continue to shape our nation. Home to the nation's portrait collection the National Portrait Gallery comprises gallery spaces for the collection and temporary Exhibitions, public areas including a cafe, shop, function room, theatrette, education and school group areas, and basement car parking.

Reviewed By Lizafrancis - Melbourne, Australia

Loved this - went along rather reluctantly but MOTH was very keen. Surprised myself and enjoyed the visit tremendously. So many portraits with potted histories, so many well-known people, contributors to Australian life in so many fields. I learned a lot. Very pleasant staff at...MoreWe are so pleased you enjoyed your visit. We look forward to seeing you again soon!

Parkes Place, Canberra 2601, Australia +61 2 6240 6502
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4.5 based on 2 reviews

National Gallery of Australia

The NGA is home to Australia's national collection of visual arts. The national collection includes 170,000 iconic and highly celebrated works of art spanning four main areas: Australian art, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, Asian art, and European and American art.

Reviewed By Maria G - Melbourne, Australia

Filling in a couple of hours I took a tour through the gallery - led by the very capable and knowledgeable Pam. A quick overview from the latest acquisition in indigenous art to the Impressionists to the war art of Streeton, to Blue Poles and to the Sidney Nolan Ned Kelly series. You could spend hours here for sure and many do. I was just sorry to be too early for the Cartier exhibition- it starts next week!!

9. Australian Parliament House

The Parliamentary Triangle, Canberra 2600, Australia +61 2 6277 5399
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4.5 based on 3 reviews

Australian Parliament House

The home of Australia's Parliament and the meeting place of a nation, Australian Parliament House offers visitors to Canberra a unique experience.

Reviewed By Wingecarribee - Canberra, Australia

Was good to see (and get a feeling for) this place of politics, where we see so much happen in the news, etc. We visited on a Saturday of a public holiday weekend and had free parking in the building (there is paid parking for periods at other times). Strongly recommend taking one of the free guided tours. Our guide was very knowledgeable and made it interested, not only about the building but the processes of how Parliament works. Also how the design and architecture were part of a plan for the city. There are many art works and museum pieces to also see.

10. Questacon

King Edward Terrace | Act, Canberra 2600, Australia +61 2 6270 2800
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4.5 based on 2 reviews

Questacon

With over 200 educational and interactive exhibits, Questacon seeks to make science fun for all.

Reviewed By Danielle L - Canberra, Australia

Questacon is one of those places that you can go to again and again! With a combination of changing Exhibitions & permanent ones there is always something fun and engaging for everyone in your family! You might even learn something while your at it....

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