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Canberra, Australia

Top things to do in Canberra

20 attractions, landmarks and museums worth your time, ranked by traveler reviews.

Questacon
Museum4.5

Questacon

3,106 reviews

Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre, is Canberra's superb interactive science museum and one of the best family attractions in Australia.

National Portrait Gallery

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Good to know

What is the most visited attraction in Canberra?

Questacon draws the most traveler reviews of anywhere we track in Canberra, with 3,106 of them, rated 4.5 out of 5. Review volume is the closest honest proxy we have for how many people actually turn up, so it is what this list is ranked by.

Which place in Canberra do visitors rate highest?

National Portrait Gallery holds the highest rating in Canberra among places with a meaningful number of reviews, at 4.5 out of 5 from 1,849 reviews. It is less busy than Questacon, which is often exactly why it scores better.

Browse Canberra by type: museums, parks & nature. Planning your trip to Canberra? See where to eat, build a Canberra itinerary, or check visa requirements.
Museum
4.5

National Portrait Gallery

1,849 reviews

The National Portrait Gallery in Canberra tells the story of Australia through the faces of the people who shaped it, explorers and prime ministers, artists, scientists, sportspeople, activists, and cultural icons.

Entertainment
Entertainment4.5

Jet Flight Simulator Canberra

63 reviews

Realistic jet fighter flight simulation experience in Canberra, using a full-motion cockpit.

Park & nature
Park & nature4.5

Old Parliament House Gardens

41 reviews

Historic gardens surrounding the former Parliament House in Canberra, featuring formal lawns, heritage trees, and scenic views of Lake Burley Griffin.

Park & nature
Park & nature3.5

National Rose Gardens

19 reviews

A peaceful botanical garden in Canberra featuring thousands of rose varieties in a formal setting.

National Arboretum Canberra
Park & nature

National Arboretum Canberra

Explore 94 forests of rare and endangered trees from around the world at the National Arboretum Canberra, offering sweeping views and outdoor art.

Lake Burley Griffin
Park & nature

Lake Burley Griffin

This artificial lake is the heart of Canberra, lined with cycle paths and dotted with sailboats, with iconic landmarks on its shores.

Canberra Theatre Centre
Entertainment

Canberra Theatre Centre

Catch a play, concert, or comedy show at Canberra's largest performing arts venue, located in the city's cultural precinct.

Telstra Tower
Sight

Telstra Tower

Soaring 195 meters above Black Mountain, Telstra Tower offers unmatched 360-degree views of Canberra and its surrounding bushland.

Museum
Museum

National Museum of Australia

Discover Australia's social history and Indigenous cultures through innovative exhibits and iconic objects at this national museum.

National Portrait Gallery (Australia)
Museum

National Portrait Gallery (Australia)

See portraits of influential Australians from all walks of life in a striking modern building near Lake Burley Griffin.

National Library of Australia
Museum

National Library of Australia

Explore Australia's largest reference library, housing millions of items and hosting rotating exhibitions on the nation's heritage.

National Zoo & Aquarium
Park & nature

National Zoo & Aquarium

Australia's only combined zoo and aquarium, home to native and exotic animals including the region's only giant pandas.

Old Parliament House, Canberra
Museum

Old Parliament House, Canberra

Housed in the former Parliament building, this museum explores Australia's political journey through interactive exhibits and preserved chambers.

Parliament House, Canberra
Landmark

Parliament House, Canberra

The iconic seat of the Australian government, set atop Capital Hill and offering free guided tours of its chambers, art collection, and rooftop views.

National Gallery of Australia
Museum

National Gallery of Australia

Australia's premier art museum, housing an extensive collection of Australian, Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander art, alongside international masterpieces.

Floriade (Canberra)
Park & nature

Floriade (Canberra)

Wander through a vibrant display of spring blooms at Canberra's annual flower festival in Commonwealth Park.

Royal Australian Mint
Museum

Royal Australian Mint

See how Australia's coins are made on interactive tours at the Royal Australian Mint, where you can even strike your own coin.

Australian War Memorial
Museum

Australian War Memorial

Australia's national war memorial and museum, commemorating the country's military history with a moving collection of artifacts, art, and the iconic Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier.

Australian National Botanic Gardens
Park & nature

Australian National Botanic Gardens

Wander through 40 hectares of native Australian plants, with themed walks and stunning views of Black Mountain.