Canberra in 3 days

The national institutions are free, close together and genuinely good. Three days is enough to do them properly rather than skim.

city breakhistoryfamilyACTResearched from official sources

When to go

March to April for mild days; September for Floriade.

The plan, day by day

Day 1

Australian War Memorial and Anzac Parade

10:00★Australian War MemorialCampbellFree. Stay for the Last Post Ceremony at closing.
13:30🍽Lunch in BraddonBraddon
16:00★Mount Ainslie lookoutCanberra

Day 2

Parliamentary triangle

09:30★Parliament House tourCapital HillFree guided tours; Question Time when sitting.
11:30★Old Parliament House / Museum of Australian DemocracyParkes
14:00★National Gallery of AustraliaParkes
16:30★Lake Burley Griffin walkCanberra

Day 3

Science, nature and food

09:30★QuestaconParkesAbout A$27 per person
12:30★National ArboretumMolonglo Valley
14:00🍽Lunch at Capital Region farmers or a Kingston caféKingston
15:30★Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve (optional)Tidbinbilla

Before you go

Most national institutions are free — book timed entry where offered
Canberra is cold in winter and freezing at night; pack accordingly
A car or bike helps: the sights are spread around the lake
Check the Last Post Ceremony time at the War Memorial

This list is created with your trip, so you can tick it off as you pack.

Where this came from

Opening hours, prices and track closures change. Check the official source before you rely on a timed booking — we never earn a commission on anything listed here.