Canberra, the capital city of Australia is the political hub of the country. At the same time, this city also happens to be one of the most sought-after tourist destinations for tourists at large. Every year, a majority of tourists plan their itinerary in this beautiful city of Canberra and the city doesn’t disappoint them at all. There are a number of beautiful places to visit here. You can accommodate yourself in a cozy hotel/hostel and spend a jolly time exploring everything that this city has to offer. Below listed are the top 12 things that you must do while you are touring Canberra.
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Parliament House Tour
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Parliament House is the first thing that comes to mind whenever the mention of Canberra is done. This one is an iconic beautiful building that has an amazing backdrop for all your holiday pictures. The place offers for tours in every half an hour from 9 am and hence you can opt one according to your own preference. Get to know about the political actions, history, and background of this country by touring into the Parliament House.
National Zoo and Aquarium
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Canberra is considered to be home to magnificent flora and fauna. As a result, you will witness a good deal of wildlife here. Visit the amazing National Zoo and Aquarium and indulge in a lot of fun. The zoo lets you spot some of the most interesting wildlife here such as giraffe, rhino, bear, kangaroo, etc. You can also catch a glimpse of the beautiful marine life in the aquarium here.
Namadgi National Park
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Apart from being a political hub, Canberra is also considered to be home to quaint beauty and this is the reason why it attracts a number of tourists. Hence, if you are a nature-lover, do not forget to pay a visit to the beautiful Namadgi National Park which also finds its name in the National Heritage List of the country. Take a look at the stunning fauna of the country along with its colorful birdlife, Granite Mountains, and natural habitat.
The National Museum of Australia
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If you are a connoisseur of history and arts, your visit to the National Museum of Australia is a must. This museum is going to give you an insight into the great history of the country. The museum exhibits every important feature that connects you with the history, culture, as well as the geography of this country. Do not forget to take a look at the excellent collection of Aboriginal art here. There are many other interesting war memorials as well.
Lake Burley Griffin
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Beautiful Lake Burley Griffin happens to be one of the major tourist attractions of Canberra. Tourists and locals usually visit here for a picnic at the beautiful shores. The crystal clear waters and the waterfront paths of this place are a true indulgence. You can also make the most of the adventures such as biking and strolling by this lake. There are six islands that lie at the center of this lake. This beautiful place is a must-visit while you are touring around Canberra.
The National Science and Technology Center
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Questacon is an interactive National Science and Technology Center of Canberra which was established in the year 1988. If you are touring around Canberra with your family, this is a place you must not visit as you can educate a lot about science and technology to your children by visiting this place. Make the most of the science shows, guest lectures, and special events held at this center and indulge in a lot of fun and knowledge.
The National Portrait Gallery of Australia
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The National Portrait Gallery of Australia is one of the most popular places to visit in Canberra where you can spot some 400 portraits of the most influential people of the nation. If you stop by this place, you can easily spend an hour or two by coming face to face with the celebrities and movers and shakers of the country. Spot the amazing paintings, photography, and sculpture of the country here. This gallery also has a café and a bookshop.
The National Library of Australia
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If you are a bibliophile by any chance, this is going to be the best place for you while you are touring the beautiful Canberra. The National Library of Australia was opened in the year 1968 and today this place serves a treasure trove of all the Australian books, newspapers, manuscripts, historical documents, oral history, music, and pictures. The most valuable possessions of this library include Captain Cook’s Journal and Will’s diary of the expedition with Burke.
Relax in the National Botanic Gardens
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Australia is well-known for its beautiful flora and wildflowers. The amazing National Botanic Gardens of Australia will give you an insight into the plant life and versatility of the plants here. This place serves a paradise for all nature lovers as these gardens are great for a relaxing walk or a picnic. The exotic green surroundings of these gardens are surely going to make you fall in love with the beautiful nature. You can take a 45-minute bus tour of the Gardens here.
Mount Ainslie
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If you want to appreciate the beautiful layout of this meticulously planned capital, do not miss a chance on heading to the beautiful 843-meter Mount Ainslie which happens to be one of the most popular vantage points of the city. This one is a well-paved walking and biking trail that gives you an amazing lookout of the beautiful capital city of Australia. This place aligns perfectly with various other tourist attractions of the city. Hence, you can explore many other places during your visit to this area.
The National Carillon
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The National Carillon of Canberra is situated on Aspen Island in Lake Burley Griffin. This tower was a gift from the British Government to the country on the 50th birthday of Canberra in the year 1963. This tower stands 50-meter high and incorporates three sleek columns that are clad in opal chip and quartz. There are 55 bronze bells within the tower – big and small. You can visit here for a picnic and can even relax in the beautiful lawns that this building surrounds.
Royal Australian Mint
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You can visit the excellent Royal Australian Mint to learn about the heritage of the currency of the country. All the Australian coins are minted here and this place serves as a popular destination of the capital city. Watch the manufacture of the coins from the gallery and gain knowledge about the history of the coins of Australia by the way of presentations and displays made here. You can also visit a small museum and souvenir shop of this mint.
Just So You Know…
- Not many people know but the capital city Canberra is 100 years old. The Ngunnawal people as well as surrounding are considered to be the custodians of this old capital city.
- Canberra boasts world-class architecture and has won various awards in terms of its architecture and developments. There are beautiful sightings of infrastructure here.
- Around 137 countries were received from 15 different countries in order to design the new capital city in 1912.
- Canberra is a gay friendly city. Enjoy the best welcoming vibe at one of the Top 11 Gay Friendly Hotels in Canberra. Some of the are also the 11 Best Hotels in Canberra!
Get Some Culture:
- Enjoy the amazing National Folk Festival and get some knowledge about the culture of Australia as this is one of the most popular national festivals of the city.
- Do not miss the amazing Flower Festival and the Canberra Balloon Festival. The capital city becomes lively and colorful during this time. Include this in your bucket list for sure.
