Free Things to Do in Canberra

Canberra is one of the best cities in Australia for free attractions. Many of the national institutions offer free entry and are located close to each other around Lake Burley Griffin, making it easy to explore several in a single day.

Visitors can discover world-class museums, galleries and scenic viewpoints without spending a dollar. Popular highlights include the Australian War Memorial, the National Gallery of Australia, Parliament House and the National Arboretum.

The table below lists some of the most popular free attractions in Canberra, along with their locations and opening hours.

Attraction	Location	Opening Hours	Notes
Australian National Botanic Gardens	Clunies Ross St, Acton	Daily 8:30am – 5pm	Visitor Centre 9:30am – 4:30pm
Australian War Memorial	Treloar Cres, Campbell	Daily 10am – 5pm	Last Post Ceremony 4:45pm
National Arboretum Canberra	Forest Drive, Weston Creek	Daily 7am – 8:30pm (summer)	Visitor Centre 9am – 4pm
National Gallery of Australia	Parkes Place	Daily 10am – 5pm	Australia's premier art gallery
National Museum of Australia	Lawson Crescent, Acton	Daily 9am – 5pm	Interactive exhibitions
National Library of Australia	Parkes Place	Daily 9am – 5pm	Historic reading rooms
National Portrait Gallery	King Edward Terrace	Daily 10am – 5pm	Australian portraits
Parliament House	Capital Hill	Daily 9am – 5pm	Tours available
Canberra Glassworks	Kingston	Wed – Sun 10am – 4pm	Live glass blowing demonstrations
Old Bus Depot Markets	Kingston	Sunday 10am – 4pm	Local food and artisan markets
Mount Ainslie Lookout	Mount Ainslie	Open daily	Best panoramic city view
Red Hill Lookout	Red Hill	Open daily	Popular sunset viewpoint
Government House Lookout	Lady Denman Drive	Open daily	Lake Burley Griffin views
Mount Pleasant Lookout	Duntroon	Open daily	Quiet scenic viewpoint

Paid Attractions in Canberra

While many attractions in Canberra are free, there are also several excellent paid experiences, particularly for families and visitors looking for interactive activities.

These attractions include science centres, wildlife experiences and unique outdoor destinations that are popular with both children and adults.

The table below highlights some of the most popular paid attractions in Canberra, along with their locations, opening hours and admission details.

Attraction	Location	Opening Hours	Admission
Questacon	Parkes	Daily 9am – 5pm	Adults $24.50 / Children $18.90
National Zoo & Aquarium	Yarralumla	Daily 9:30am – 5pm	Adults $49 / Children $28
National Dinosaur Museum	Gold Creek Village	Daily 10am – 5pm	Adults $18 / Children $11
Canberra Reptile Zoo	Gold Creek Village	Daily 10am – 5pm	Adults $18 / Children $11
Canberra Walk-In Aviary	Gold Creek Village	Daily 10am – 5pm	Adults $15 / Children $10
Australian Institute of Sport	Bruce	Tour times vary	Tour pricing applies
Cockington Green Gardens	Nicholls	Daily 9:30am – 5pm	Adults $21 / Children $12.50
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve	Tidbinbilla	Daily	Vehicle pass approx $14
Corin Forest Mountain Resort	Corin Road	Seasonal	Activities priced separately
Yarralumla Play Station	Yarralumla	Daily	Train rides & mini golf available

Attractions in Canberra for Families

Canberra has plenty to offer families travelling with children. Several attractions across the city are designed to be interactive and engaging, making them ideal for younger visitors.

Popular family-friendly experiences include hands-on science exhibits, wildlife encounters and outdoor play areas. Questacon, the National Zoo & Aquarium, Yarralumla Play Station and the Canberra Walk-In Aviary are among the most visited attractions for families exploring the capital.

These destinations provide a mix of education, entertainment and outdoor activities that make Canberra a great city to explore with kids.

Scenic Lookouts in Canberra

Canberra is known for its scenic viewpoints, many of which offer panoramic views across the city and Lake Burley Griffin. The capital was designed around surrounding hills, which means visitors can easily access several impressive lookouts within a short drive of the city centre.

Some of the most popular viewpoints include Mount Ainslie, Red Hill, Mount Pleasant and the Government House lookout. These locations provide some of the best perspectives of Canberra’s layout and landmarks.

Sunset is one of the best times to visit, when the light across the lake and surrounding hills creates some of the most memorable views in the city.

Where to Stay in Canberra

If you're visiting Canberra for a short stay, choosing accommodation close to the city centre or Lake Burley Griffin makes it easy to reach most attractions.

Canstay offers premium short-term accommodation across Canberra, ideal for business travellers, families and weekend visitors.

👉 Browse available stays at Canstay.com.au

50 Things to Do in Canberra