Popular Best Things to Do in Canberra
left-leaf
trip-best

Popular Best Things to Do in Canberra

right-leaf
Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
2026 Global 100
2026 Global 100 image
Innovation Award
Innovation Award image
Contact Us
facebook icon
instagram icon
tiktok icon
󰴉
Theme filters
Theme filters
  • Lake Burley Griffintop_1
    󰺂5.1
    Yarralumla2 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Cool Water Escapes in Canberra
    Highlights:
    󱨜360° lake views & trail
    󰀆137-foot fountain & rainbow spectacle
    4.6/5
    M13***92M13***92

    [Scenery] The scenery here is very beautiful, with clear blue skies and a few white clouds floating in the azure sky. The azure blue lake reflects the willow trees on the shore, which is refreshing.

  • Parliament Housetop_2
    󰺂4.5
    Capital Hill2.8 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    360° rooftop viewing platform
    󱓊Clocks emphasize punctuality culture
    4.6/5
    二十画生JQK二十画生JQK

    Cotter Dam in Canberra is a very interesting place to visit. The waterfall of the dam looks more majestic than many natural ones. There are two hiking trails in the dam. One is shorter and you can walk to a lookout to see the dam below. This route has more trees and is very relaxing. There is also a stream. It is called the discovery trail. The other route is five kilometers round trip. There is a small hill. The scenery along the way is good. If it is a sunny day, it will be a bit sunny. You can walk to the top of the mountain to see the dam. It is called the Honyong Walking Track. Of course, it is not a problem to walk both routes. It is not particularly tiring. In addition to the dam itself, there are many small tables for picnics and barbecue grills at the parking lot. There are also facilities for children to play here. There is also a stream next to it. I saw someone fishing. It is very suitable for a family weekend trip.

  • National Museum of Australiatop_3
    󰺂4.2
    Acton1.4 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Indigenous history & culture exhibit
    󰋄21,000 Australian cultural treasures
    4.3/5
    徐徐霞客Rr徐徐霞客Rr

    The National Museum of Australia, near this museum stands an art gallery and some museums. I feel that if you come here, you can combine several nearby attractions into a day trip. Personally, I feel that this museum has a very good sense of design and is not so boring, because its design is very abstract and forward-looking.

  • Australian War Memorial
    4
    󰺂4.2
    Campbell1.8 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Cross-shaped design & sunken relics
    󱨜World-class museum of Australian war
    4.3/5
    _TX***yp_TX***yp

    I went there for the Last Post Ceremony (it's free but you still have to book tickets online) and it was quite interesting. The ticket to the ceremony doesn't grant you access to the other parts of the museum but if you have enough time and are interested in Australia's war and conflict history it looked well displayed.The War Memorial is also a great starting point for a hike up to the Mount Ainslie Lookout with a beautiful view over Canberra - especially great during sunset.

Best things to do in Canberra (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Canberra? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Canberra offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Canberra

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Canberra experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Lake Burley Griffin

• Yarralumla | 2 km from downtown

• : 360° lake views & trail,137-foot fountain & rainbow spectacle

Parliament House

• Capital Hill | 2.8 km from downtown

• : 360° rooftop viewing platform,Clocks emphasize punctuality culture

National Museum of Australia

• Acton | 1.4 km from downtown

• : Indigenous history & culture exhibit,21,000 Australian cultural treasures

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Canberra

If you want to explore attractions just outside Canberra, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Canberra, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Canberra special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Canberra

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Canberra

Ready to explore the best of Canberra? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Canberra?
These are all Best Things to Do in Canberra:Lake Burley Griffin, Parliament House, National Museum of Australia, Australian War Memorial
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Canberra?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Canberra include:Lake Burley Griffin:4.6, Parliament House:4.6, National Museum of Australia:4.3, Australian War Memorial:4.3
At what locations in Canberra can Best Things to Do in Canberra be found?
The Best Things to Do in Canberra are mainly located in:Lake Burley Griffin:Yarralumla, Parliament House:Capital Hill, National Museum of Australia:Acton, Australian War Memorial:Campbell
󰴉