Australia's Capital territory is a territory enclaved within New South Wales. It is the smallest self-governing internal territory in Australia. The only city and by far the most populous community is Canberra, the capital city of Australia. Apart from the city of Canberra, the Australian Capital Territory also contains agricultural land and small amounts of crops) and a large area of Namadgi National Park.
Canberra is a planned city, with national monuments, museums, and galleries all built around large man-made lakes. A bush capital - Canberra is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors, with excellent cycling, gardens, parks, bushwalking and nature reserves. Canberra is a fantastic base from which to explore the many treasures of the surrounding region. Explore historic townships, natural wonders, beautiful coastlines and the famous Snowy Mountains. * While Canberra is the capital of Australia, it is not the capital of the ACT in any official sense; it is the principal settlement within the territory and can be considered analogous with the ACT. |
Attractions, Activities and Events in Capital Territory
National Gallery of Australia
Visit more than 100,000 works of art and world-class art exhibitions at the National Gallery of Australia. See the famous Blue poles. Discover Australian art, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, Asian art and international art. Wander through the Art of the Indian Subcontinent Gallery for the largest collection of art, sculptures and textiles in the region outside of India. Be sure to visit the dedicated Pacific Arts Gallery.
Admission to the permanent collection is free. Admission prices may apply to special exhibitions. Open daily 10am - 5pm daily except Christmas Day. A selection of free guided tours are available throughout the day, ranging from 30 minutes to 1 hour duration. The National Gallery of Australia is located in the Parliamentary Triangle on the south side of Lake Burley Griffin. It is adjacent to the High Court of Australia and The National Portrait Gallery and within walking distance of the National Library and Old Parliament House.
Source: National Gallery of Australia Official Website
Visit more than 100,000 works of art and world-class art exhibitions at the National Gallery of Australia. See the famous Blue poles. Discover Australian art, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, Asian art and international art. Wander through the Art of the Indian Subcontinent Gallery for the largest collection of art, sculptures and textiles in the region outside of India. Be sure to visit the dedicated Pacific Arts Gallery.
Admission to the permanent collection is free. Admission prices may apply to special exhibitions. Open daily 10am - 5pm daily except Christmas Day. A selection of free guided tours are available throughout the day, ranging from 30 minutes to 1 hour duration. The National Gallery of Australia is located in the Parliamentary Triangle on the south side of Lake Burley Griffin. It is adjacent to the High Court of Australia and The National Portrait Gallery and within walking distance of the National Library and Old Parliament House.
Source: National Gallery of Australia Official Website
Australian War Memorial
The Australian War Memorial is one of the world's great museums. It is also the premier archive and centre for research into the history of Australian involvement in war. The Memorial commemorates the service and sacrifice of all Australian men and women in wartime. Here you can discover the diverse Australian experiences of war and connect with the stories of people and events that shaped Australia. Ranked 3rd on TripAdvisor's 2013 Top 10 Australian Landmarks.
Open daily 10am - 5pm daily, closed Christmas Day, entry is free.Located on Treloar Crescent (top of ANZAC Parade).
Free 90 minute highlight tours of the galleries are conducted daily by the Memorial's voluntary guides.
Regular bus services run between the City centre and the Memorial on route 10 on week days and 930/931 on weekends.
Source: Australian War Memorial Official Website
The Australian War Memorial is one of the world's great museums. It is also the premier archive and centre for research into the history of Australian involvement in war. The Memorial commemorates the service and sacrifice of all Australian men and women in wartime. Here you can discover the diverse Australian experiences of war and connect with the stories of people and events that shaped Australia. Ranked 3rd on TripAdvisor's 2013 Top 10 Australian Landmarks.
Open daily 10am - 5pm daily, closed Christmas Day, entry is free.Located on Treloar Crescent (top of ANZAC Parade).
Free 90 minute highlight tours of the galleries are conducted daily by the Memorial's voluntary guides.
Regular bus services run between the City centre and the Memorial on route 10 on week days and 930/931 on weekends.
Source: Australian War Memorial Official Website
Gibraltar Falls
Located in the lush Woods Reserve, Gibraltar Falls, the gurgling series of waterfalls is one of Canberra's best-kept secrets. Surrounded by golden pasture, the river is unnoticeable from the road and offers the perfect spot for a day's get-a-way or a simple evening reprieve. A lovely, shaded walking path follows the winding bends of the river and offers tantalizing views of the falls at each twist and turn. But a walk in the water, over moss-covered rocks and through small pools, is the real way to experience this idyllic spot.
Open weekdays 9am - 4pm; Weekends and public holidays 9am - 4.30pm; Christmas Day closed
Make use of the picnic shelter, gas BBQ, amenities block at the Gibraltar Falls car park. Take the short gravel track to a lookout over the Gibraltar Falls and Gibraltar Creek. Located in Namadgi National Park, the falls are near Corin Road in the Gibraltar Creek Pine Forest.
Source: Visitcanberra.com
Located in the lush Woods Reserve, Gibraltar Falls, the gurgling series of waterfalls is one of Canberra's best-kept secrets. Surrounded by golden pasture, the river is unnoticeable from the road and offers the perfect spot for a day's get-a-way or a simple evening reprieve. A lovely, shaded walking path follows the winding bends of the river and offers tantalizing views of the falls at each twist and turn. But a walk in the water, over moss-covered rocks and through small pools, is the real way to experience this idyllic spot.
Open weekdays 9am - 4pm; Weekends and public holidays 9am - 4.30pm; Christmas Day closed
Make use of the picnic shelter, gas BBQ, amenities block at the Gibraltar Falls car park. Take the short gravel track to a lookout over the Gibraltar Falls and Gibraltar Creek. Located in Namadgi National Park, the falls are near Corin Road in the Gibraltar Creek Pine Forest.
Source: Visitcanberra.com
Balloon Aloft Flight Over Canberra
Experience Canberra in the best possible way with Canberra's original balloon rides operator. Take off with the sunrise and drift gently with the wind. Experience breathtaking views and see the nation's capital come to life beneath you. Everyone meets in the foyer of The Hyatt Hotel about half an hour before sunrise. This is when the air is stable and the winds are calm, ensuring a tranquil flight. The most appropriate launch site will be chosen by your pilot on the morning. You are welcome to help with the inflation, or stand back and take photographs.
Balloon flights are approximately 45 minutes to an hour and conclude with a champagne celebration at the Hyatt Hotel. Breakfast at the Hyatt is an optional extra.
Adult AUD$340 (AUD$380 with breakfast), Children (6-12 years) AUD$250 (AUD$270 with breakfast). Flights last between forty-five minutes and an hour.
Wear comfortable clothing (in layers), and footwear that will allow your feet to remain warm and dry.
Source: Canberra Balloons Website
Experience Canberra in the best possible way with Canberra's original balloon rides operator. Take off with the sunrise and drift gently with the wind. Experience breathtaking views and see the nation's capital come to life beneath you. Everyone meets in the foyer of The Hyatt Hotel about half an hour before sunrise. This is when the air is stable and the winds are calm, ensuring a tranquil flight. The most appropriate launch site will be chosen by your pilot on the morning. You are welcome to help with the inflation, or stand back and take photographs.
Balloon flights are approximately 45 minutes to an hour and conclude with a champagne celebration at the Hyatt Hotel. Breakfast at the Hyatt is an optional extra.
Adult AUD$340 (AUD$380 with breakfast), Children (6-12 years) AUD$250 (AUD$270 with breakfast). Flights last between forty-five minutes and an hour.
Wear comfortable clothing (in layers), and footwear that will allow your feet to remain warm and dry.
Source: Canberra Balloons Website
Weird Canberra Ghost and History Tour
This is the history they don’t put in the guide book! A great mixture of ghostly tales, strange facts, humorous anecdotes and the seedy delve into the dark side of Canberra told by guide 'Tim the Yowie Man'. A unique experience visiting sites of crimes, hauntings and murder in Australia's national capital. Hear tales of: a poltergeist that regularly wreaks havoc in the War Memorial, why some security guards refuse to work at Old Parliament House and the embassy plagued by screams from the past, all whilst you're sitting in comfort in the back of a beautiful black '67 Cadillac Hearse named Elvira.
$89 per head (including light refreshments). Duration approx 3 hours. The tour departs promptly at 8:00pm from the 7 Eleven Petrol Station in Braddon (cnr Mort & Cooyong Streets). Fancy dress is positively encouraged if not compulsory! Wear sensible shoes and rug up, especially if you are taking the tour in the winter months.
Source: Tim The Yowie Man Official Website
This is the history they don’t put in the guide book! A great mixture of ghostly tales, strange facts, humorous anecdotes and the seedy delve into the dark side of Canberra told by guide 'Tim the Yowie Man'. A unique experience visiting sites of crimes, hauntings and murder in Australia's national capital. Hear tales of: a poltergeist that regularly wreaks havoc in the War Memorial, why some security guards refuse to work at Old Parliament House and the embassy plagued by screams from the past, all whilst you're sitting in comfort in the back of a beautiful black '67 Cadillac Hearse named Elvira.
$89 per head (including light refreshments). Duration approx 3 hours. The tour departs promptly at 8:00pm from the 7 Eleven Petrol Station in Braddon (cnr Mort & Cooyong Streets). Fancy dress is positively encouraged if not compulsory! Wear sensible shoes and rug up, especially if you are taking the tour in the winter months.
Source: Tim The Yowie Man Official Website
ActewAGL Royal Canberra Show - 21 Feb 2014 -23 Feb 2014
The ActewAGL Royal Canberra Show still feels like a real country show. Unlike other capital city shows, this one still has dirt under your feet and dust in the air. The show features more than 150 attractions, 5000 animals, 450 trade displays and 1500 competitors. Stay for the day. Play under the night lights. Get in fast to buy your favourite show bags. There's something for all the family!
21-23 February 2014. 8.30am to 10.00pm Friday and Saturday, 8.30am to 6.00pm Sunday.
Adults AUD$24, Children 15 yrs and under AUD$10, Family Pass AUD $54 for 2 adults, 2 children.
You can find all information you need on judging and entertainment times, directions, services and facilities available at the Show at the Information Booths. Wear good walking shoes, wear sunscreen and keep your fluids up.
Source: Royal National Capital Agricultural Society Website
The ActewAGL Royal Canberra Show still feels like a real country show. Unlike other capital city shows, this one still has dirt under your feet and dust in the air. The show features more than 150 attractions, 5000 animals, 450 trade displays and 1500 competitors. Stay for the day. Play under the night lights. Get in fast to buy your favourite show bags. There's something for all the family!
21-23 February 2014. 8.30am to 10.00pm Friday and Saturday, 8.30am to 6.00pm Sunday.
Adults AUD$24, Children 15 yrs and under AUD$10, Family Pass AUD $54 for 2 adults, 2 children.
You can find all information you need on judging and entertainment times, directions, services and facilities available at the Show at the Information Booths. Wear good walking shoes, wear sunscreen and keep your fluids up.
Source: Royal National Capital Agricultural Society Website