It’s hard to say how much time you should spend visiting the beautiful Australian capital, that depends on your interests and your pace, but one thing is for sure, you’ll find plenty of interesting places to see. Let’s have a look at the main attractions Canberra has to offer.
Australian War Memorial
Every visit to Canberra should start there, at the War Memorial. It’s not just a way to learn more about the country’s history, but you owe that to all the soldiers who fought and paid the ultimate price for the good of the country. The place has an impressive Byzantine architecture, and its solemnity befits the sombre mood of the place. One of the most haunting parts of the museum is the Commemorative Courtyard whose walls are inscribed with the names of all the soldiers who died fighting for their country.
National Gallery of Australia
Once you’re done visiting the War Memorial, it’s best to continue on a high note and head to the National Gallery of Australia. Don’t worry, it’s easy to find a reliable taxi service in Canberra like ACT Cabs – Canberra Taxi Service so you won’t have to bother with taking the bus. If you are coming from Queanbeyan into Canberra then you have options like QBN Cabs or rideshare services. Everybody knows just how confusing it is to use buses in a foreign city so you’re better off using a taxi for the duration of your stay in Canberra.
Now, the National Gallery is a magnificent edifice with 11 main galleries sprawling three levels, plus a splendid sculpture garden.
At the gallery you’ll see paintings signed by world class artists, as well as the finest examples of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.
Lake Burley Griffin
The National Gallery is situated on the banks of Lake Burley Griffin and since you’re there you might want to catch a breath of fresh air strolling along the waterfront paths. You can even fish or paddle if you feel like it. If you want to have some quiet time head to the picturesque picnic areas and just soak in the views.
If you’re lucky enough to visit this place in spring, don’t miss the Commonwealth Park, which is situated on the northern part of the lake. Each spring, the park hosts the Floriade festival, during which visitors can admire literally millions of flowers in bloom.
Mount Ainslie Lookout
If you want to get a real feel of the city, don’t miss a visit to the Mount Ainslie Lookout, the most famous vantage point in Canberra. It’s 843m high and offers a spectacular view of the city, including the Old and the New Parliamentary House, as well as a magnificent view of the lake.
National Zoo and Aquarium
Contrary to what you might think, the National Zoo and Aquarium is not on the city outskirts, but just a 5-minute drive from the city center so you can easily reach it by taxi. Be prepared to spend a few hours there as there are so many amazing species to discover. It’s a great place to take your children so they can learn a bit about Australia’s fauna and also admire exotic animals.
