Canberra, Australia has the nickname “Bush Capital” because it is surrounded by forest, farmland and nature reserves. The capital of Australia was established in 1913 and served as a compromise between Sydney and Melbourne. Home to under 500,000 people, highlights include the Parliament of Australia the National Gallery of Australia and more covered below.
Many Australians feel their capital is sleepy compared to larger cities. It took me several visits to Australia to finally visit Canberra. During my last trip, I added a visit to the ACT (Australian Capital Territory) as I enjoy visiting a new state or territory each time I visit the vast country. Similar to Washington, DC, the ACT is its own territory with a separate jurisdiction.
On previous trips to Australia, I traveled to Tasmania and South Australia, ticking those states off the travel list. The Northern Territory and Western Australia remain as the last two states and territories in the country that I have not visited yet. Bell, being Australian, visited all the states and territories during an extended family camping trip when she was a kid.
Some are quick to dismiss Canberra as not as worthwhile to visit as many other Australian destinations. And while this is true for some, for others it is an interesting destination to visit. Here’s a breakdown of Canberra to consider for those planning a trip to Australia!
When to Visit Canberra?
Spring is a great time to visit Canberra. The temperatures are pleasant, outside hot summers and cool winters. If you want warmer weather, consider visiting Canberra in late November or early December.
I recommend visiting Canberra in early October for Floriade, an impressive annual flower and entertainment festival held in Canberra’s Commonwealth Park, along Lake Burley Griffin. The festival is Australia’s biggest celebration of spring. The outdoor exhibition includes extensive displays of flowers that are integrated with artistic features, including sculptures.
Floriade 2025 will take place between Saturday 13 September – Sunday 12 October 2025. But visiting during October will give you a better chance of more idyllic weather, as the temperature drops significantly at night. Springs temperatures in Canberra can drop into the high 30’s Fahrenheit or around 3 degrees Celcius (a substantial drop from around 68 Fahrenheit during the day, or 20 degrees Celcius).
Is Canberra Boring?
If you are looking to go clubbing, you are likely to find Canberra boring. While the capital has its share of bars, it simply is not a party city. It is not nearly as big as Washington, DC, which has far more choice in terms of bars and clubs. It also has a smaller selection of nightlife options compared to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and even downtown Adelaide.
Travelers interested in learning more about the Australian government and visiting museums, will have plenty to keep them occupied in Canberra. I’ll dive into that more in a bit.
Canberra is One of the Cleanest Capitals You Can Visit
Canberra is generally an extremely clean city. Australians are typically quite environmentally friendly, with cities focusing on sustainability. Australia is also a more socialized country, where health care is viewed as a human right, and not attached to an employer.
I found Canberra to be extremely clean compared to Washington, DC. Canberra is also not overrun with homeless people and a desperate populace begging for money, the way DC is. Canberra is a much smaller city, so it is not entirely a fair comparison. But there is a huge contrast between the two cities, and I felt Canberra offers a glimpse of what Washington, DC could look like with different priorities and policy decisions.
Canberra Highlights
Parliament of Australia
The current Parliament of Australia has housed the Australian government since 1988. Visitors can view the chambers of government along with an array of exhibits on the history of the Australian government.
The Parliament of Australia was not in session during my visit, and the chamber was not busy with fellow tourists or school groups during my October 2023 visit. I sat in the gallery for around 10 minutes or so, soaking up the quiet ambiance.
The Australian Parliament chamber features a horseshoe-shaped seating area. The governing party sits on the right of the Chair, with the opposition positioning itself on the left. The chamber has a total capacity of 240 and can accommodate up to 172 members.
Museum of Australian Democracy at the Old Parliament House
The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, located nearby on Capitol Hill, is another Canberra highlight. The Old Parliament House was the seat of the Parliament of Australia from 1927 to 1988.
Prior to 1927, Melbourne was the capital of Australia. The building began operation on 9 May 1927 after the Australian Parliament relocated from Melbourne to Canberra. It was formerly known as the Provisional Parliament House.
Today visitors can enjoy a unique civics lesson at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. There is a wide range of exhibits covering politics, as well as the role of media in shaping Australian democracy. You can also walk around the old chambers of Australia’s parliament. Entrance is free daily, between 9am-5pm (closed Christmas).
National Gallery of Australia
The National Gallery of Australia features 155,000 works of art, created by more than 15,000 artists. It has the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander art. Complimentary admission is an added bonus.
National Museum of Australia
The National Museum of Australia preserves and interprets Australia’s social history. Exhibitions cover key events, people and issues that have shaped the nation. Visitors will find contemporary art, Aboriginal works, dinosaur fossils and special exhibitions (currently on Pompeii). The museum was formally established by the National Museum of Australia Act 1980.
Where to Stay in Canberra?
I stayed at the Crown Plaza Canberra. It is conveniently located in the heart of the city, a short walk from great restaurants, bars and cafes. The hotel is also attached to Casino Canberra. Spacious rooms are comfortable, with a large desk, ideal for a business trip or for those working remotely.
The open lobby of Crown Plaza Canberra is welcoming, with multi-story floor to ceiling windows to provide natural light to the restaurant and seating areas. Their breakfast buffet features a wide choice of hot and cold favorites, everything from scrambled eggs and sausage to healthy grains for oatmeal.
Recap
Canberra, Australia is a great destination for political and history buffs. It’s far less interesting compared to many other Aussie destinations for nature enthusiasts and those looking to party. If that’s your preference, you’re better off flying to many other destinations from Cairns to Tasmania. Even Adelaide is likely a better choice over Canberra, with beaches and wineries nearby. And the question of whether you should visit Australia or New Zealand is another great question I have covered in depth!
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