Canberra in 2 Days: A Capital Adventure Awaits

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by David

March 29, 2024 · 2 min read

Canberra 2 Days Itinerary

Embark on a 2-day journey through Canberra, Australia's treasure trove of culture and history. Begin your capital adventure at the architectural marvel, Parliament House, where you'll spend an hour immersed in the nation's political epicenter. Next, delve into the stories of the land at the National Museum of Australia for a two-hour exploration of the country's rich heritage. Afterwards, unwind by the serene Lake Burley Griffin, a characteristic neighborhood offering tranquility amidst the city bustle. On your second day, pay homage to Australia's naval history at the Royal Australian Navy Memorial, followed by a reflective half-hour at the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial. Continue your tribute to the nation's heroes with a visit to the poignant Anzac Parade. Conclude your day with a two-hour visit to the Australian War Memorial, a solemn and significant site of remembrance. Finally, ascend Mount Ainslie to witness a panoramic view of Canberra, perfectly pairing natural beauty with a museum experience. This itinerary promises a blend of solemn reflection, educational enrichment, and peaceful relaxation, all within the span of a weekend.

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Day 1: Captivating Canberra - A Journey Through Politics, Culture, and Serenity

1

Parliament House

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Kickstart your Canberra adventure at the architectural marvel, Parliament House. Nestled on Parliament Dr, this modern city hall isn't just a political hub; it's a symbol of Australian democracy. Allocate an hour to wander through the impressive halls where the nation's decisions are made. The blend of contemporary design with the gravity of governance makes this a must-see.

Attraction Info

  • Parliament Dr, Canberra ACT 2600, Australia
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 9:00am-5:00pm

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2

National Museum of Australia

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Next, delve into the heart of Australia's stories at the National Museum of Australia. Just a short drive from Parliament House, this museum on Lawson Cres is a treasure trove of national history and culture. Spend a couple of hours exploring the rich collections that narrate Australia's past and present. Interactive displays and thought-provoking exhibits promise to engage visitors of all ages.

Attraction Info

  • Lawson Cres, Acton ACT 2601, Australia
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-4 hour
  • Open from 9:00am-5:00pm

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3

Lake Burley Griffin

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Conclude your day with a tranquil stroll around Lake Burley Griffin. This characteristic neighborhood is the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploration. With just an hour needed, you can embrace the peaceful atmosphere and enjoy the picturesque views. The lake's serene setting offers a stark contrast to the bustling city life and is the ideal spot to reflect on your day's experiences.

Attraction Info

  • Australian Capital Territory, Australia
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-3 hour
  • Open 24 hours
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4.6/5Outstanding69 Reviews
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Day 2: Honoring Heroes and Soaring Views in Canberra

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Begin your second day in Canberra with a reflective visit to the Royal Australian Navy Memorial. This solemn monument, nestled at 104 Anzac Park, stands as a tribute to the valiant sailors of Australia's naval forces. Spend a contemplative half-hour here, absorbing the stories and sacrifices commemorated by this poignant landmark.

Attraction Info

  • 104 Anzac Park, Campbell ACT 2612, Australia
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-2 hour
  • Open 24 hours

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2

Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial

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Continue your journey of remembrance with a short stroll to the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial. Located on Anzac Parade, this site honors the courage and commitment of Australian servicemen and women involved in the Vietnam War. Allow the silent surroundings to envelop you for another half-hour as you pay homage to their legacy.

Attraction Info

  • Anzac Parade, Reid ACT 2612, Australia
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-2 hour
  • Open 24 hours
0.02 km
3

Anzac Parade

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Next, take a leisurely walk along Anzac Parade itself, a grand boulevard lined with monuments and memorials that narrate Australia's military history. Each step along this half-hour walk is a step through time, with the avenue's statues and plaques offering a silent narrative of the nation's past conflicts and peacekeeping efforts.

Attraction Info

  • Anzac Parade, Campbell ACT 2612, Australia
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-2 hour
  • Open 24 hours
10 min,0.66 km
4

Australian War Memorial

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The Australian War Memorial, situated on Treloar Crescent, is your next destination. As a premier memorial and museum, it demands a more extended visit of two hours. Here, delve into Australia's wartime experiences through immersive exhibits, poignant galleries, and the evocative Roll of Honour, which lists the names of every Australian who has died in service.

Attraction Info

  • Treloar Cres, Campbell ACT 2612, Australia
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-4 hour
  • Open from 10:00am-5:00pm;Closed during Christmas
8 min,4.57 km
5

Mount Ainslie

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Conclude your day with a visit to Mount Ainslie, a natural haven that offers panoramic views of Canberra. Spend two hours exploring the city park and its museum, where the landscape tells its own story of the capital. The summit provides a breathtaking perspective, allowing you to reflect on your journey through the city's history and its serene natural beauty.

Attraction Info

  • Australian Capital Territory 2609, Australia
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-4 hour
  • Open from 0:00am-11:59pm

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Top Things to Do in Canberra-2024

TOP 1
Parliament House
Parliament House
4.6/5 · 201 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 3,912 review
Highlights:
It is one of the most famous buildings in the world. It is known for its grand architecture and features extensive use of masonry and wood and a collection of fine art including one of the very largest tapestries in the world. Covering an area of 32 hectares, the building has 6 floors above ground, and the ground floor is a parking lot. The circular granite exterior wall matches the shape of Capital Mountain seamlessly. The core of the whole building is the stainless steel flagpole standing on the top of the hall, which is 81 meters high. Soaring into the sky, the Capitol offers free guided tours every 30 minutes, allowing visitors to learn more about its mysteries. Clocks are hung everywhere in the Congress, even in the toilets, reminding people of the meeting time, and if they are late, they will not be allowed to enter.
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TOP 2
Questacon - National Science and Technology Centre
Questacon - National Science and Technology Centre
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Highlights:
The National Science and Technology Museum of Canberra often holds many vivid and colorful science and technology activities, which is a good place to cultivate interest in science and technology and enhance understanding of science and technology.
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TOP 3
Australian War Memorial
Australian War Memorial
4.4/5 · 116 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 10,278 review
Highlights:
The Australian War Memorial is a world-class museum combined with an ancestral hall, fully archived. It is to commemorate those Australians who died in the war and to commemorate their sacrifice. Its mission is to help Australians remember, interpret and understand Australia's wars and their lasting impact on society.
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TOP 4
National Museum of Australia
National Museum of Australia
4.5/5 · 93 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 2,103 review
Highlights:
The National Museum of Australia is located on the banks of Lake Lee Griffin in the capital Canberra. Here, the wonderful and moving Australian stories come to the fore. The museum not only has unique buildings, but also is a good choice for exploring Australian history and customs.
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TOP 5
National Library of Australia
National Library of Australia
4.6/5 · 78 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 703 review
Highlights:
The National Library of Australia (The National Library of Australia) is Australia's largest reference (non-borrowing) library, founded in 1960. The library is located in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. According to the Commonwealth of Australia's National Libraries Act, the role of the National Library is to "maintain and develop the nation's collection of bibliographic materials, including those about Australia and Australians. The library's collections include a total of 10,416,119 items.
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* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

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Canberra 2 Days Itinerary