Canberra 3 Day Itinerary, Things to Do and Must Sees

Traveling to Canberra can be an exciting experience, and luckily there are plenty of tips to make sure you get the most out of your trip. Here are a few essential travel tips for Canberra:

  1. Check out the local events calendar. Every month, the City of Canberra has a list of events that you can attend. From art exhibitions to music festivals, there’s always something going on.
  2. Dress for the weather. Canberra can get quite cold in the winter, and hot in the summer. Make sure to plan your wardrobe accordingly.
  3. Plan your trip in advance. Booking accommodations and activities ahead of time can save you stress and money.
  4. Take advantage of public transport. Canberra has a great public transport system, so make sure to take advantage of it.
  5. Bring cash. Not everywhere in Canberra accepts credit cards, so it’s best to bring some cash with you.

Now that you have the essentials, here are some of the must-see sites and monuments in Canberra:

  1. Australian War Memorial: Located in the heart of Canberra, this museum is dedicated to the honour and remembrance of Australians who have served in war. Admission is free and the site is open daily from 10am-5pm. https://www.awm.gov.au/
  2. National Museum of Australia: This fascinating museum showcases the history and culture of Australia and its people. Admission is free and the museum is open daily from 9am-5pm. https://nma.gov.au/
  3. National Zoo and Aquarium: This zoo and aquarium is home to a wide variety of exotic animals, from lions and tigers to seals and dolphins. Admission is $24 for adults and $17 for children. It is open daily from 9am-5pm. https://nationalzoo.com.au/
  4. National Gallery of Australia: This iconic gallery houses some of the most famous pieces of art from Australia and around the world. Admission is free and the gallery is open daily from 10am-5pm. https://nga.gov.au/
  5. Parliament House: This iconic building is the home of the Australian Parliament, and is open to the public for guided tours. Admission is free and the tours are available daily from 9am-4:30pm. https://www.aph.gov.au/Visit_Parliament
  6. Mount Ainslie Lookout: This stunning lookout offers unparalleled views of Canberra and its surrounding areas. Admission is free and the lookout is open daily from sunrise to sunset. https://www.visitcanberra.com.au/attractions/mount-ainslie-lookout
  7. Telstra Tower: This iconic tower offers panoramic views of Canberra from the top. Admission is $13 for adults and $8 for children. The tower is open daily from 9am-9pm. https://www.telstratower.com.au/
  8. Old Parliament House: This historic building was the home of the Australian Parliament from 1927-1988. Admission is free and the site is open daily from 9am-5pm. https://www.nfsa.gov.au/explore-collection/history/old-parliament-house
  9. Botanic Gardens: This gorgeous garden is home to over 5000 species of plants and animals. Admission is free and the gardens are open daily from 8am-6pm. https://www.environment.act.gov.au/parks-conservation/parks-and-reserves/botanic-gardens
  10. National Arboretum: This beautiful arboretum features over 94 forests of rare, endangered and symbolic trees from around the world. Admission is free and the arboretum is open daily from 9am-5pm. https://www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.au/
  11. Australian National Botanic Gardens: This stunning botanical garden is home to over 5000 species of native plants. Admission is free and the gardens are open daily from 9am-5pm. https://www.anbg.gov.au/
  12. Questacon: This interactive science and technology centre is home to hundreds of interactive exhibits. Admission is $27 for adults and $19 for children. It is open daily from 9am-5pm. https://www.questacon.edu.au/
  13. National Library of Australia: This iconic library houses a collection of over 10 million books, manuscripts and other materials. Admission is free and the library is open daily from 9am-5pm. https://www.nla.gov.au/
  14. National Portrait Gallery: This gallery features a collection of over 5000 portraits of renowned Australians. Admission is free and the gallery is open daily from 10am-5pm. https://portrait.gov.au/
  15. National Carillon: This iconic tower is home to a collection of 50 bells that can be heard throughout Canberra. Admission is free and the Carillon is open daily from 9am-5pm. https://www.nationalcapital.gov.au/visiting/national_carillon.asp
  16. National Dinosaur Museum: This museum is dedicated to the study of dinosaurs and prehistoric life. Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for children. It is open daily from 9am-5pm. https://www.dinomuseum.com.au/
  17. National Film and Sound Archive: This fascinating archive houses a collection of over 3 million items, from films to sound recordings. Admission is free and the archive is open daily from 9am-5pm. https://www.nfsa.gov.au/
  18. National Capital Exhibition: This fascinating exhibition showcases the history and culture of Canberra. Admission is free and the exhibition is open daily from 9am-5pm. https://www.nca.gov.au/visit/national-capital-exhibition
  19. The National Arboretum Canberra: This stunning arboretum features over 94 forests of rare and endangered trees. Admission is free and the arboretum is open daily from 9am-5pm. https://www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.au/
  20. Cockington Green Gardens: This gorgeous garden features miniature replicas of iconic buildings from around the world. Admission is $13 for adults and $7 for children. It is open daily from 9am-5pm. https://www.cockingtongreen.com.au/

Here is a 3-day itinerary to help you make the most of your trip to Canberra:

Day 1:

  • Visit the Australian War Memorial
  • Visit the National Museum of Australia
  • Visit the National Zoo and Aquarium
  • Explore the Parliament House

Day 2:

  • Take in the views from Mount Ainslie Lookout
  • Visit the National Gallery of Australia
  • Ride the Telstra Tower
  • Explore Old Parliament House
  • Visit the Botanic Gardens

Day 3:

  • Visit the National Arboretum
  • Explore the National Library of Australia
  • Visit the National Portrait Gallery
  • Experience the National Carillon
  • Visit the National Dinosaur Museum
  • Explore the National Film and Sound Archive
  • Visit the National Capital Exhibition
  • Explore the Cockington Green Gardens

By following these tips and exploring some of the amazing sites and monuments Canberra has to offer, you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip!