Canberra

In many ways, Canberra is an institutional representation of Australia’s past, present and future. The nation’s capital is host to a staggering array of things to see and do, with some of the most immersive galleries and museums you’ll find in the country. Nearly all of these institutions are free to enter, making Canberra a great place to visit.

The site of Canberra was selected for the nation’s capital in 1908 as a compromise between rivals Sydney and Melbourne. At the time, Canberra was but a dream for a country in need of a bold and daring capital, with the entire city yet to be plotted on a map.

Following an international contest for the city’s design, a blueprint by American architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin was selected, with construction commencing in 1913. Few cities have such forethought, with the lay of the land as it stands today, a striking resemblance to Griffins’ vision. If more information on the Griffins’ design, including the architectural plans that won the competition, is of interest, see here.

If you happen to time your stay with spring, be sure to visit the remarkable Floriade Festival, Australia’s premier flower show. Also worthy of a mention is Old Parliament House, which houses a brilliant collection of parliamentary relics. It is now called the Museum of Australian Democracy and, with a small entry fee, is by all accounts a highly rated museum. For a few extra dollars, you’ll also find Questacon a great day out with a myriad of science-based hands-on activities that the whole family will enjoy.

With so much to see and do within the city, deciding exactly where you should spend your time could be quite a task. The following list of what are arguably the best free things to see and do within Canberra is sure to leave a lasting impression, and together form a well-rounded tour of the nation’s capital.

If you had to pick one thing to see while staying in Canberra, the Australian War Memorial would be a worthy contender. Tipped by many as the number one landmark in the city, the high praise stems from numerous features. Upon arrival, the grand architecture of the buildings and monuments will have you lost for words, partly for the sheer spectacle, but also in solemn reflection. Added to this, the exhibition halls and galleries are world-class with exhibits that are both highly engaging and thought-provoking. Clearly, if you ever had a passing interest in our wartime history, the Australian War Memorial is a fitting tribute to the nation’s commitments across the globe.

To fully absorb all that is on offer at the memorial, our advice would be to allow yourself a few hours visiting time, as many find themselves completely engrossed in the displays. In fact, some spend a couple of days at the war memorial, particularly those who have family associations with wartime events. Obviously, this isn’t for everyone, but for those with an interest in the stories of those who have served, the Australian War Memorial provides an engaging day of reflection and learning with displays that rival the best museums and galleries in the country.

Residing at the epicentre of the city on what is known as Capital Hill, Parliament House is a wonder of the architectural world. Officially opened on 9 May 1988 by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, Parliament House is as significant in structure as what it represents. The winner of an architectural design competition, the vision was that of Mitchell/Giurgola & Thorp Architects and ended up costing more than $1.1 billion to create.

The building is highly symbolic, with the bulk of it situated below the ground’s surface. In fact, the original hill was only four meters lower than where it rests today. To achieve this, more than one million tonnes of rock were excavated from the site, which was dispersed throughout the surrounding lowlands. Symbolically, the building represents the parliament being of the people. In essence, being no greater than the people.

You’ll find a multitude of things to see and do within the building itself. Of these, making your way up to the flag mast should be one of the most popular attractions — yet most visitors miss this opportunity as it isn’t self-evident how to access the roof. The flag mast is accessible via a lift in the centre of the building, which can be found easily enough if you obtain a map on arrival from the information desk. To give you an idea of scale, the flag alone is 12.8 metres long and 6.4 metres high, which is about the same size as the side of a double-decker bus.

Arriving at the Members Hall, the Portraits of Parliament is a collection of 25 commissioned artworks displayed in chronological order. Together they form Australia’s longest-running commissioning collection, dating back to 1911. You’ll also find a 55-minute film on the construction of Parliament House that plays on the hour, which can also be located on a map received from reception.

If Parliament is sitting, you have the opportunity to witness democracy at work during Question Time in the House of Representatives or the Senate. If this sounds appealing, we suggest booking your seat to avoid the first-come-first-served cues, which can be exceptionally long. It’s free to book, and you can do so here.

If you’re looking to get a solid grasp of the founding work of Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin, there’s no greater place to appreciate the city’s design than from the lookout atop Mount Ainslie. From here, the symmetrical lines of Griffins’ design are instantly apparent, with the lookout, Australian War Memorial and Parliament House all in perfect alignment. It’s a stunning realisation of a vision held more than a century ago and today serves as a triumph of planning and achievement. The views of the city from here are equally impressive, with Lake Burley Griffin a sight to behold as it cuts a sheet of tranquillity through the cityscape.

There are several vantage points and perspectives to be taken in from the summit, so allow time to fully absorb the surroundings. If you’d like to take the experience a step further, driving up to the summit at the end of the day is well worth the effort as the city lights up at twilight. Overall, if you can appreciate the enormity of the city’s overarching design and construction, then you’ll truly appreciate the pre-conceived vantage point that Mount Ainslie provides.

The National Gallery of Australia is one of the country’s largest holdings of art, with more than 166,000 works of art in its possession. It houses not only Australian art but also works from international artists and various cultures. Here, you’ll find paintings, sculptures and installations from artists such as Picasso, Monet, Cézanne and Andy Warhol, to name a few, plus a large collection of antiquities from continents across the globe.

It’s not just the art though — the building itself is a marvel, built in the brutalist style popular at the time of its construction. Walking through the gallery spaces, you’ll be held in awe as you navigate your way through large concrete passageways and mezzanines. It’s a very minimalist experience that adds dramatically to the impact of the artwork.

Australian art is at the forefront of this collection with the famed Sidney Nolan’s entire ‘Ned Kelly’ series hung side-by-side in one cohesive display. You’ll also find a who’s who of some of Australia’s most historically important artists. Add to this an ensemble of artwork and installations from the country’s leading contemporary artists, and you have one heck of an art tour ahead of you.

If you’ve ever held an interest in the long-running Archibald Prize, or you simply appreciate world-class portraiture, the National Portrait Gallery will be right up your alley. The gallery contains a collection of portraits reflecting the breadth and complexity of Australian history and society and is a delight to witness first-hand.

Compared to other galleries, the National Portrait Gallery is relatively small, leaving you with plenty of time to invest in the other (and larger) sights in the area. Conveniently, you’ll find the National Gallery of Australia a short walk across the road, which makes combining the two galleries into a seamless experience.

Another popular attraction for visitors to Canberra is the National Arboretum, a further vision realised from Burley Griffin’s and Marion Griffin’s original plan. Here, you’ll find a wide variety of significant trees, as well as rare and endangered plant species, all set on the western hillsides of the city.

The arboretum has had a significant amount of funding in recent times and will only get better as the monumental plant-out grows. Many of the trees and plants have been placed by notable figures in society, from Australian icons Jimmy Barnes and Robert De Castella, to further abroad with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge planting a tree or two.

You’ll also have the opportunity to visit grand architecturally-designed buildings, with the Village Centre sure to impress. This building houses a café with sensational views, so if you’re looking for a coffee or lunch, this is a great option. You’ll also find one of the best Bonsai and Penjing exhibits in the country here. Free talks about the arboretum are conducted at the welcoming desk of the Village Centre, so be sure to ask for more information on arrival.

Visitors can expect to find a number of activities within the various sections of the Arboretum. Firstly, there’s a marvellous kids ‘pod’ playground that encourages children to climb and explore. The design is unique and fun, featuring giant acorn cubbies and banksia pods.

It’s worth driving around the sealed paths of the grounds, as the Arboretum is incredibly large. As you motor along, you’ll inevitably come across a few lookouts that all share immersive views of Lake Burley Griffin. For those looking for a nice place to have a picnic, you’ll have the chance to surround yourself with tall trees at the Himalayan Cedar Picnic Deck via a short and easy stroll from its car park.

Overall, this is a great contribution to Australian society and a fantastic day out, which is free to be enjoyed by all.

Offering a slightly different perspective to other museums and galleries, the National Museum of Australia focuses on the rich and varied stories of this country by way of compelling objects, ideas and programs. At the heart of the museum is the National Historical Collection, with more than 200,000 objects acquired, representing Australia’s history and cultural heritage. It’s a fascinating display and a place to reminisce, learn and connect with the stories and events that have shaped the nation.

Catering to families, there’s an awesome interactive exhibition called Kspace, which harnesses the younger generation’s ability to learn and play with computer technology. Through a series of large screens, the little ones can engage and work as a team to complete a set of goals, with mum’s and dad’s having a ball at the same time.

If you’re happy to immerse yourself in a sea of interesting Australian stories, facts and information, then the displays at the National Museum of Australia are just for you.

If you’ve ever wondered how money ends up in your wallet, or even if you’ve never given it a second thought, the Royal Australian Mint is a great few hours out of your day and the place to learn all about numismatics.

You’re free to walk by the reception area and through to a series of halls containing many glass-panelled windows. From above, these panes provide a view down to the mint’s workshop floor. Here, you can see workers and robots in action as they prepare tomorrow’s currency.

Free guided tours are conducted throughout the day, with the guides proving to be quite knowledgeable on the subject of Australian currency. Should you prefer to take in the mint at your own pace, there are numerous interpretive displays throughout the building. Overall, this is a surprisingly entertaining hour of learning and a great itinerary addition for the curious mind.