I know what you are thinking. Why visit Canberra? It’s been more than a decade since I last visited Australia’s Capital City and Canberra’s reputation as a sleepy, slightly backward town filled with politicians where nothing happens was firmly etched in my psyche, so shaking that perception was a tall order. Let’s just say I was less than receptive when the hubs first suggested a weekend in Canberra. I mean Canberra? What were we going to do for two days that could rival what Sydney offers? Well not only did I visit Canberra but I was suitably impressed. Canberra is a city shaking off its daggy reputation and reinventing itself to emerge as a sophisticated, cosmopolitan city where there is much to love. So leave your perceptions behind and come explore the wide variety of things to do in Canberra with me …
Getting There
Canberra is an easy 2½ hour run down the M5 from Sydney. We chose to go on two wheels (read more about that here), but four would work just as well. It’s 9(ish) hours by road from Melbourne so If you are coming from there or further afield you may wish to kick your weekend in Canberra off to a speedier start by flying into CBR. Most international passengers will need to transfer in Sydney (SYD). Read all my tips on getting a bargain airfare before you book and when you are ready compare all the airlines in one place through Agoda.
Where to Stay For Your Weekend In Canberra
Canberra is quite compact but if you are like me, you are going to want to stay near all the action. I suggest Canberra City or Braddon where well known brands and boutique hotels happily co-exist and many of my suggestions for things to do in Canberra (below) are on your doorstep. We chose the Novotel for our weekend in Canberra as it offered the perfect combination of location and value. Read my review of the Novotel Canberra to see if it is right for you. When you are ready to book head to Agoda to grab the very best deal in town.
Things To Do In Canberra
The list of things to do in Canberra is long and varied and there is something for everyone. Our long weekend in Canberra coincided with two fabulous annual events; Enlighten Canberra and The Canberra Balloon Spectacular. Enlighten is similar to Sydney’s Vivid festival but on a smaller scale. Visitors are dazzled by amazing light displays, wooed by cool live music and awed by live roaming entertainment. It’s a great night with something for all the family and many events are free. Visiting the nearby Noodle Markets (see below) is a must while you are in the area. The Canberra Balloon Spectacular is growing in size and popularity each year and now attracts balloons from around the globe. While I was not a fan of the 5am wake up on a sleepy Sunday morning, it was most definitely worth sacrificing a few hours of slumber for. Read more about our visit to the Canberra Balloon Spectacular here. The Canberra Comedy Festival is held at around the same time, so if you are lucky you could scoop the trifecta. Floriade showcases over 1 million flowers in bloom and is a must see if you visit Canberra in Spring. Every school worth its salt organises at least one excursion to Parliament and maybe you should too. If you want to see democracy in action go for question time. The Australian War Memorial is profoundly moving. Do the free guided tour to get the most out of your visit and make sure you place a poppy on the wall to honour all those that have paid the ultimate price for Australia’s freedom. If you are travelling with kids a stop at Questacon is definitely worthwhile and the National Portrait Gallery will inspire your inner artist. If sport is more your style, see the country’s best athletes in action at The Australian Institute Of Sport, catch a Canberra Raiders home game or take in Canberra’s premier horse race The Black Opal Stakes at Thoroughbred Park. Petrol heads will find their nirvana at Summernats each January, when circa 1800 street machines descend on Exhibition Park to party. For shoppers, the Canberra Centre will take care of most of your needs and the Handmade Markets are a nice why to spend a morning. For a night out with a difference check out the eclectic program at the Canberra Theatre Centre, you are sure to find something to appeal. A stroll or push bike ride around Lake Burley Griffin should be on everyone’s ‘to do’ list. If you don’t have your own bike, hire one for a few dollars from in front of the Novotel.
Make Sure You Visit Canberra Hungry
One of my very favourite things to do in Canberra is to eat! Our weekend in Canberra didn’t leave nearly enough time to try out all the fabulous dining options on offer. Far from being a culinary wasteland, Canberra has a lot to offer foodies. If you are driving in from Sydney, instead of stopping at the roadside Maccas for lunch like we did, grab this superb deal on Katers Restaurant at Peppers Manor House in Sutton Forrest which has been awarded consecutive chef’s hats since 2011 and serves up hearty fare in a lovely setting about half way to your destination. We had a fabulous Indian meal at Blu Ginger right in the heart of the city (see what I wore here). I highly recommend the Seekh Kebab and Lamb Shahi Gosht with a Cheese & Spinach Naan to mop up all the delicious sauces left on your plate. We couldn’t pass up an authentic paella washed down with a local wine from the Canberra Noodle Markets while we were at Enlighten. Don’t let the plastic plates, cutlery and wine glasses put you off, there is something for everyone from the 20+ stalls dotting the lawns and the communal central seating is conducive to striking up a conversation with a local. A friend recommended Akiba for good Asian tapas (8 dishes for $45) and when I next visit Canberra I will be sure to sample the Turkish banquet from Ottoman, one of only 12 Canberra restaurants to score a prestigious chefs hat in 2016. When you have had your fill, stop in at White Rabbit for a sophisticated night-cap in a setting reminiscent of a 1920’s speak easy. If you are after a bargain make sure you check out these great Groupon deals before you go.
So don’t be so quick to write Canberra off! If it’s been a while since you have visited give it another go. Have you got any great recommendations for things to do in Canberra? I would love to hear about them in the comments below.
Until Next Time …
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jessy says
Looking good , i try to visit canberra..
Marion Halliday (Red Nomad OZ) says
STOP! I’m salivating 😀 Apart from a family holiday to Canberra when I was too young to really take note of anything, I’ve only ever been there for work trips. Looks like another visit (or two – if I’m going to try all those restaurants) might be worthwhile!! Thanx for the tips!
Allison Smith says
It’s a great place for a few days Marion ?
Rirhandzu Marivate says
I have been to Melbourne and Perth… but I have not seen any other part of Australia. I would love to come back and see Sydney and Canberra… especially if the food is one of their calling cards 😉
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
How could you miss Sydney!!! You soooo have to come back ?
Joaquim says
Canberra eh? There’s so much to see in Australia so Canberra was never on my list… But maybe it should be as I mostly travel for food!! Thanks for the great and instructive read!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I have no excuses Joaquim it’s 2 1/2 hours away and I’ve been twice in 45 years so I can see why most visitors would give it a miss but definitely worth considering if you have a few days to spare ?
Lauren West says
Canberra is totally on my list when I visit Australia. Especially for that Canberra Balloon Spectacular! Seeing all those hot air balloons must be such a delight! Followed by some scrumptious paella and wine at the Canberra Noodle Markets, and I think my life will be made 🙂
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It only happens once a year Lauren so make sure you check the dates. We were incredibly lucky to just turn upbeat the right time ?
Tina and Jimmy says
from the looks of the food I will definitely be hungry when I get here, and If i’m not pretty sure I could stuff more in 🙂 Canberra looks like a lovely place to visit as well as the night life looks right up our ally!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
The Indian was some of the best I have had Tina 🙂 And I can always fit in more food!
Clare says
I drove past Canberra when I was in Australia, I was doing the drive from Melbourne to Sydney. It certainly looks like it would be worth a visit though. I would love to see the balloon festival, looks great 🙂
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Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I enjoyed the balloon festival a lot more than I thought I was going to Clare ?
Cliodhna Ryan says
That food looks to die for! I love finding interesting things to do in places that uave a “boring” reputation. I haven’t made it to Australia yet but your posts always push it further up my list ?
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
That’s my plan Cliodhna ? I hope you make it one day. It’s just a vast country and has so much to offer visitors.
Jan Michael De Guzman says
Have been to Australia many times but never in Canberra. Never thought that this place also offers awesome places to visit. I would definitely put it in my next Aussie trip.
Thanks.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Most people miss it Jan. I mean I leave two and a half hours away and have only ever been twice so I can understand why visitors give it a miss with so many other destinations in offer. I was very pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed it ?
Bee says
I think what would take me here is the food. It looks inviting. Whenever I visit Sydney, my stop is always around the opera house only. It’s good to see other things
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Well this is a fair way from the Opera House but worth a visit if you have the time 🙂
Wangui says
Looks like a lovely town…. I have learned about a small town I didnt know about.
regards,
Wangui-Kenya
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Canberra is actually the capital city of Australia so not really a small town but it feels like it sometimes 🙂
Soraya says
Great post Allison! I haven’t been to Canberra (yet!) but I have heard positive things about this small city. Your photo of the hot air balloon is soooooo cute! And the food looks just delicious. I think I will like the Noodle Market that you recommended.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Thanks Soraya! The noodle market was great. I’m not too precious to eat off a plastic plate lol, unfortunately it only runs when Enlighten is on so you will need to wait until next year if you want to visit. I’m already planning my next trip ?
Danielle says
All those activities look like they were so much fun, but the food is what really caught my eye!!! White Rabbit sounds like my type of restaurant. Great post, Allison!!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Thanks so much Danielle. We are already planning another trip ?
Suzy Turner says
It looks like a lovely place to visit. Seeing (and reading about) all that food is making my tummy rumble with hunger so I’m off to eat now 😉
Suzy x
www.suzyturner.com
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I am a sucker for great Indian food … And Turkish … and Spanish … and Greek … well you get the picture lol
nancy says
I don’t think I will ever visit Canberra, but I loved to read how you enjoyed it! Great good pictures, now I am craving for something so it is your fault that I am eating crisps now 🙂 :-)!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Hahaha Nancy. Pics of food will do that to you lol