Canberra, Australia
Canberra, Australia's capital, is a laid-back city that is known for its modern architecture, parklands, museums, and galleries. It's a perfect destination for those interested in politics, history, and culture.
Trip to Canberra, Australia
Day 1: Arrival in Canberra and Explore the City
Start your day by flying into the Canberra Airport and checking into your hotel. After settling in, head to the heart of the city and explore the architectural and cultural treasures of Canberra. Your first stop should be the iconic Australian War Memorial, which is a shrine to the sacrifice of Australians who served in wars. You can take a free guided tour to learn more about the history of war and pay your respects. Next, take a short walk to the Parliament House, which is an architectural masterpiece that symbolizes the democracy and freedom of Australia. Take a guided tour to learn about the building and see how the Australian government operates. After the tour, take a stroll around the building and enjoy the surrounding gardens.
Day 2: Discover the Art and Culture of Canberra
Canberra has a vibrant cultural scene, and today you get to experience some of it. Start your day by visiting the National Museum of Australia where you can learn about the history, culture and people of Australia. The museum offers a range of exhibitions so be sure to plan your visit accordingly. Afterward, head to the National Gallery of Australia, which boasts an impressive collection of art that ranges from traditional Aboriginal work to contemporary pieces. From there, take a walk through the Canberra Centre, the city’s premier shopping destination, where you can indulge in some retail therapy.
Day 3: Explore Canberra’s Beautiful Outdoors
In the morning, take a short drive to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, which is a protected area of wetlands, eucalyptus forests, and grasslands. Here you can experience the beauty of the Australian bush, take a walk on the nature trails and admire the wild animals such as kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and emus. Have lunch in the reserve’s café and enjoy the scenic views. In the afternoon, visit the Australian National Botanic Gardens, which has a colourful display of Australian flora and fauna diversity. Explore the gardens and witness the beauty of nature at its finest.
Day 4: Discover the Historical Side of Canberra
Today, immerse yourself in Australia’s rich history by visiting some of the city’s historical sites. Start the day with a trip to Lanyon Homestead, one of the oldest and best-preserved homesteads in the country. Take a guided tour to discover the stories of the former residents and learn about their everyday life in the 19th century. Then head over to the National Dinosaur Museum, which is home to the largest display of dinosaurs and fossils in Australia. Kids and adults alike will enjoy seeing the lifelike dinosaur models and learning about the creatures that roamed the earth millions of years ago.
Day 5: Relax and Unwind in Canberra’s Spa and Wellness Centres
Today is a day to relax and unwind after a few days of non-stop activities. Spend the entire day enjoying the spa and wellness centres in Canberra. The city boasts a range of world-class day spas and wellness centres that offer an array of treatments and services such as massages, facials, and hydrotherapy. You can visit the Hale Spa at the Brassey hotel or the Canberra Day Spa in Barton to indulge in some well-deserved pampering.
Day 6: Visit the Surrounding Towns
Take a break from the city scene and travel to the nearby historic towns. Start with a trip to Bungendore, which is known for its antique shops and gourmet food. You can stroll around the village and pick up some unique souvenirs or visit some of the local cafes and restaurants. A little further out from Bungendore is the charming town of Goulburn. Visit the Big Merino statue, designed to honour the Australian wool industry, which is renowned for being one of the best in the world. The Goulburn Regional Art Gallery is also worth a visit, displaying creative art and jewelry pieces.
Day 7: Experience the Nightlife in Canberra
End your trip to Canberra by enjoying the city’s nightlife. Start with taking a stroll through Braddon, which is a trendy neighbourhood that has some of the best dining options in the city. Craving for some tapas? Head to Rapa for some delicious small plates. Looking for a tasty cocktail? Then check out Molly for some of the best cocktails in the city. The Mint Garden Bar is also a great place to experience Canberra’s nightlife scene, with DJs providing an excellent soundtrack for the night.
