In case you don’t know, Canberra is the capital city of Australia, not Sydney like some think. As it is the capital it is home to many ‘official’ buildings like Parliament House. However, Canberra is more than this building that sits on a hill dominating the skyline. Read on and find out my suggestions on what to see and do on a 5 day itinerary of Canberra.
A Brief History of Canberra
In the 1800s European explorers arrived in the Canberra area and in 1824 came the first European settlers who mostly claimed land and farmed. Then in 1901 when the Australian colonies formed the Commonwealth of Australia it was decided that a new capital was needed. Both Sydney and Melbourne wanted the honour but it was decided the new capital should be built in Canberra. Mainly because it was already settled and was good land for building a city on. In 1908 a competition was held to find a designer and in 1912 an American architect, Walter Burley Griffin (1876-1937) won the competition. And Canberra was begun. I acknowledge that for thousands of years the indigenous Ngunnawal people lived in the Canberra. It’s believed the name ‘Canberra’ is derived from the indigenous meaning ‘meeting place’. This is very apt as it is the meeting place of all the politicians who represent Australia.
Where is Canberra

Canberra is found in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) which is in New South Wales (NSW). It is about a 3 hour drive from Sydney, 8 hours from Melbourne and 2 hours from the NSW coast.
How to Get to Canberra
Depending on where you are coming from there are a number of ways to get to Canberra. Canberra has an airport so you can fly from the major capital cities and other smaller towns with an airport. Many drive to Canberra. It is linked by a number of roads and lies off the Hume Freeway that links Sydney and Melbourne.
Where to Stay in Canberra
Canberra has loads of styles of accommodation to suit different budgets. There are a number of hostels, hotels, apartments and camp sites to stay at. All are in easy reach by local public transport to the major attractions in Canberra.
Budget option: Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds
There are a couple of caravan parks and camping grounds not too far from the centre of Canberra. They are Southside Village about 7km from the CBD and Alivo Tourist Park about 3km from the CBD.
Budget option: Hostels
Hostels have long provided cheap and comfortable accommodation. Canberra has a few of them including the Canberra City YHA which is conveniently located on .3km from the city centre.
Budget to Expensive priced Hotels and Motels
Hotels and motels are plentiful in Canberra. Some great deals can be found in the following which range from budget to expensive. They include but are not limited to: Mercure Canberra, Best Western Garden City, Mantra on Northbourne, Crowne Plaza, Hyatt Hotel and Rydges Capital Hill to name a few.
Self-catering apartments
As this itinerary is for 5 days staying in an apartment which offers a kitchenette so you can cook your own food is ideal. Some centrally located apartments include Adina Serviced Apartments which are only 2.1km from the centre of town. Also Quest Canberra City Walk only .4km from the centre and the Citystyle Executive Apartments only .3km from the centre of town.
Once in a life-time great experience
Fancy sleeping with a tiger or feeding a giraffe from your balcony while staying in luxurious accommodation? Then the Jamala Wildlife Lodge might be an option for you. Check out their accommodation options here.
Best time to visit Canberra
As with most cities, any time is a good time to visit Canberra it just depends on the type of weather you like to explore in. Summers can be hot and dry with winters bitterly cold. No matter what weather, attractions are open.
How to get around Canberra

Easy to get around Canberra on the Loop Bus
Canberra is an easy city to get around. It has a local bus service, bike hire and car rental. I found Canberra easy to get around by car. The roads weren’t too busy, they were easy to navigate and there was plenty of parking. If you don’t have your own vehicle I suggest you rent one. For types of vehicles and to compare their prices click here.
Another option is to take the free Culture Loop Shuttle Bus. This free bus will take you to some of Canberra’s best attractions so if you haven’t hired a car to get around I would definitely take advantage of the Culture Loop. Stops include Parliament House, Museum of Australian Democracy, National Library, Questacon, National Museum, National Capital Exhibition, Visitors Centre, National Film and Sound Archive, Canberra Museum and Gallery and the Canberra Centre.
Day 1 – Mount Ainslie and Parliament House
Mount Ainslie Lookout
First stop on this Canberra 5 day itinerary is to the Mount Ainslie Lookout. This is a great place to start your visit to Canberra as you will be treated to a panoramic view over Canberra. Even on grey and overcast days like when I was there it was still impressive! You can see over Canberra with views of Lake Burley Griffin and Parliament House clear highlights.
Parliament House

Parliament House on a grey day
Sitting on Capitol Hill is new Parliament House. You cannot miss this building which is a symbolic piece of architecture that was officially opened on 9 May 1988 by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia. It’s principal structure is based on the shape of two boomerangs. These are topped with two axes. North-south and east-west and by an 81 metre high flagpole which is a lightning magnet if ever I saw one.
If you think the outside is impressive wait till you get inside. The building contains 4,700 rooms with many of them open to the public. Once you get through security you are free to explore large sections of the building and watch parliament in action. The main foyer is impressive with its marble staircase and leads you straight to the Great Hall with a large tapestry on display.

And the tapestry inside Parliament House is this big!
Once you’ve seen the tapestry explore some of the other rooms such as the debating chambers of The House of Representatives which is decorated green. Then to the Senate chamber which has a red colour scheme. You can watch parliamentary proceedings from the public galleries at any time. A ticket is required for Question Time in the House of Representatives which happens 2pm on sitting days. Tickets, which are free, can be booked through the Searjeant-at-Arms.
As you walk around the building there are some interesting things to see. I particularly liked the painted portraits of all the Prime Ministers of Australia. Next were the exhibits of the 1297 edition of the Magna Carta and the original of Michael Nelson Tjakamarra’s Possum & Wallaby Dreaming, which features on the Australian $5 note. You can also take the lift up to the roof and walk on the lawns up there. Don’t forget to look up to the flagpole and out along the axes. You can get great views of the Australian War Memorial backed by Mount Ainslie.
If you don’t want to explore by yourself take one of the free guided tours lasting around 40 minutes. These depart from the desk in the foyer at 9.30am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm and 3.30pm. Once you have seen all there is to see, head to the coffee shop where many of the staff who work at Parliament House often go for lunch or a break. Who knows who you might see!
Day 2 – Australian War Memorial, Old Parliament House
Australian War Memorial

Poppies along the Honour Roll at the Australian War Memorial
Day 2 on this Canberra 5 day itinerary is spent at The National War Museum. I suggest budgeting to stay the whole day because it is very interesting with lots to see and to learn – well I think so, but I do love history!
Walk along the honour roll in the commemorative garden and place a poppy. Go inside and walk around the different war exhibitions where you will see many authentic pieces from the battlefields of World War I, World War II and other wars. Each war has its own dedicated area with many inter-active displays. I particularly enjoyed the area where they house the planes.
When you need a break go upstairs to the coffee shop. If possible, stay for the ceremony at 4.55pm which includes a story behind one of the names on the Roll of Honour and finishes with the Last Post. Very emotional!
Day 3 – ANU, High Commissions/Embassies and Old Parliament House
This morning drive around the Australian National University (ANU). You don’t have to do this but I found it fun. Then onto the suburb of Yarralumla which is home to nearly 80 embassies and high commissions. You will be treated to traditional and modern architecture from many countries. See the spectacular traditional design of the Chinese Embassy and the long-house style of the High Commission of Papua New Guinea. Look for the Mexican Embassy’s giant shingle roof and the United States Embassy built in a modified Georgian style. The traditional Cape Dutch style architecture of the South Africa High Commission contrasts with the striking design of the Thai Embassy Royal. See how many countries you can name! Watch out for the security guards – they will be watching you!
Old Parliament House

I Object, Old Parliament House
Old Parliament House is formerly known as the Provisional Parliament House. It was home to the Parliament of Australia from 1927 to 1988 when it all moved to the New Parliament House. You can visit Old Parliament House which I highly recommend as today it houses the Museum of Australian Democracy. Basically you will find the history of Australian politics shown through interactive displays. Not into politics? Sound boring! There is a small entrance fee ($2 for adults, $1 for children, $5 for a family of 4) but it is well worth spending the money.
Besides the history you can visit the different rooms inside the building including the House of Representatives and the Senate which are off the Kings Hall. Plus there are meeting rooms, press room and the Prime Minister’s Suite. There is even dress ups for the kids which mine enjoyed. You can also stand on the steps outside which were the scene of the famous speech by Gough Whitlam after he had been sacked as Prime Minister.
Day 4 – Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), Black Mountain Tower
Australian Institute of Sport

Test your stamina on an interactive display at the Australian Institute of Sport
Day 4 on my Canberra 5 day itinerary is for sport lovers who will enjoy the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). It was opened in 1981 and is situated on a 66 hectare site providing athletes who come to train there with state of the art facilities. I highly recommend you go on one of the tours which are led by the athletes themselves who are training at the institute – I wonder who you will get! As you walk around the different areas of sport, the gyms, the pools, the badminton courts you might see some of Australia’s best athletes and possibly some international ones too. You can also participate in some of the interactive displays such as testing your stamina on a road bike.
Telstra Tower, Black Mountain
Overlooking Canberra is the Telstra Tower at Black Mountain. It is Canberra’s iconic telecommunication tower rising 195.2 metres above the summit of Black Mountain on which it is built. You can visit Black Mountain and go up to the top of the Telstra Tower and maybe have a refreshment while experiencing 360 degree panoramic views of Canberra and its surrounding countryside. I spent most of my time enjoying a coffee and the views from the inside viewing deck however, there are two outdoor viewing platforms. I preferred to stay inside as the day I visited it was very cold and extremely windy.
Day 5 – Cockington Green

Walk amongst the miniatures at Cockington Green
Today is day 5 on this Canberra 5 Day Itinerary and there is still so much you could see and do. Here are some suggestions. Cockington Green is a miniature village that both young and old would enjoy. Everything is a miniature – the castles, the trains, the people, the soccer pitch, the cricket green and even Stonehenge.
Not wanting to walk around miniatures there are other things you could choose to see including: National Museum, Cockington Green, Questacon, Royal Australian Mint, National Gallery, The Lodge, Zoo, Tidbinbilla Deep Space Communication Base to name a few. Or you might have had enough sight seeing and prefer to shop till you drop. So use this day to choose something that is of interest to you. For some more inspiration check out Visit Canberra.
Are You ready to Visit Canberra with help from my Canberra Travel Guide?
So there you have it, my Canberra 5 day itinerary to help you make the most of your time in Canberra and the ACT. Canberra is a vibrant, exciting and interesting city to visit and I hope you include it in your own travels around Australia. I’d love to hear your thoughts on your visit to Canberra in the comment section following.


Now I feel bad. I was supposed to move to Canberra once upon a time, and I was constantly complaining about how boring Canberra supposedly was.
And now my brother and his family live there, and one of my best friends lives there as well, so I when I come home to Australia, I need to make a trip to Canberra. Thanks for this post, you’ve put my ignorant self in my proper place.
You are welcome Katherine. I think the most boring of places have interesting things to see and do, you just need to find out what they are! Enjoy your visit to Canberra – there are also many great eateries and wineries to visit!
Very well written article! The miniature village looks really fun 🙂
I’m glad you liked the article. Yes, walking around Cockington Green miniature village is a really fun thing to do – for all ages.
Canberra looks great to visit and your itinerary sounds perfect!
I’m pleased you like the sound of the itinerary. I think 5 days is a great length of time to spend in the one city.
I haven’t been to Canberra since I was a young girl. I would so much love to stay at the Jamala Wildlife Lodge one day.
Jamala Wildlife Lodge is just a fantastic experience however, it is an expensive one. It is definitely worth putting it on your bucket list.
I missed Canberra when I was in Australia. I had no idea there was so much to do there. I will have to add it to my list for when I make it back!
Yes, you definitely should try to include Canberra on your next visit. You won’t regret it!
What a great itinerary. I had no idea there were so many different things to do in Canberra and would love to pay my respects at the war memorial and see the miniature village.
If you have the chance you should definitely pay your respects at the War Memorial and walk around the miniature village. Tie them in with visiting other places in Canberra too.
I’m living in Melbourne at the moment (from UK originally) and really hoping to get over to the east coast before our visas expire in October! Thanks for sharing this, we want to see the capital on our trip!
Definitely put Canberra on your list when you go travelling, it is well worth the visit. I hope you are enjoying Melbourne?
Canberra is one of our favourite destinations. We spend hours in the War Memorial and Australian Archives. We had a blast at the AIS, had a punt at the racetrack and dog track. We were there while the show was on. We sat in on the Upper House and Senate and loved the wine tour. So many things to do in Canberra.
Canberra is a great destination as there is so much to see and do. I’m glad it is one of your favourite destinations. I’ve never been to the racetrack – I will try next visit.
We always make sure to get down to Canberra to see any major exhibitions at the National Gallery. Nothing like a good excuse to make the trip. We were lucky to see the Matisse & Picasso exhibition a few days before it closed due to Covid-19. There was also an exhibition of Hugh Ramsey’s portraits, someone I hadn’t heard of previously. Another place to include on your list for adults and kids is the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex at Tidbinbilla, about 35 kms southwest of the city.
Yes the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex at Tidbinbilla is a great place to visit – unfortunately I ran out of days on my 5-day itinerary. Next visit!
Thanks for sharing about Canberra! That Culture Loop Shuttle Bus looks like a great way to see some of the interesting places!
The Culture Loop Shuttle Bus is very handy when you don’t have your own transport. It takes you to all the best places to see in Canberra.
I would definitely visit the miniature village. It reminds me of Cullen Gardens in Toronto, Canada.
The miniature village is quite spectacular. I enjoyed my visit. The Toronto one sounds interesting.
I have never been to Australia. If I plan a trip to Australia, I will definitely include Canberra in my itinerary Thanks for the useful tips.
I hope you can get to Australia and include Canberra in your travel plans. The place is quite impressive.
I haven’t made it to Australia yet. If I plan a trip – will definitely include Canberra in my itinerary Thanks for the useful tips
Canberra being the capital of Australia is very interesting. The buildings, particularly our Parliament House is very impressive. Canberra is only 3-4 hours from Sydney so is very doable.
Canberra appears very laid-back. I would love to visit Mount Ainslie and taking in the panoramic view of Canberra. This place is a hotspot for photographers with plenty of fun to offer.
Canberra can be laid back and yes, the views from Mount Ainslie are fabulous – just go on a clear sunny day for the best views.
Great recommendations.. I would love to visit this part of Australia someday..
I hope you can too. You won’t be disappointed.
Thanks for the write up!
Canberra is the only state/territory in Australia I haven’t visited, and to be honest I knew very little about it until now!
I hope you get to Canberra then one day – it is worth the effort.
I like the idea of starting a visit with a stop at Mount Ainslie Lookout to see the area. The lookout would help me get my bearings and I’d get to enjoy a terrific view.
Visiting Mount Ainslie Lookout first gives you a great outlook over Canberra so you can get your bearings. I hope you get to do that!
I feel bad I lived in Australia for 2,5 years and never visited the capital. No idea why but as far as I can see now there is a lot to explore. Close to the mountains, close to the ocean …
There is plenty to explore in and around Canberra – I hope you get back there one day!
I didn’t manage to visit Canberra during my Australia trip but I will definitely be saving for when I return! Thanks for a great itinerary!
That’s a shame – hopefully next trip.