Your ultimate long weekend itinerary in Canberra

With a long weekend in your pocket, we recommend staying at the historic Hotel Kurrajong for utmost comfort, manicured gardens and country club vibes. The 1920s Art Deco building is an attraction in itself, and perfectly located for exploring all of Canberra’s icons. 

Enjoy a ‘Prime Minster’s Breakfast’ in the sunny courtyard, then launch straight into the day by wandering around the National Triangle. You can skip between all the key icons by foot on a self-guided walking tour, including the stunning National Carillon, peaceful Old Parliament House Gardens and historic Blundells Cottage. 

A stone’s throw from the cottage is sleek café Intra, where you’ll find Euro-Japanese remixes, like chashu bacon and egg rolls and kimchi jaffles. Sip on housemade sodas or rare Chinese teas before heading to the Australian War Memorial, which was named one of the world’s top ten free tourist attractions in 2023.

As the sun sets, amble over to the award-winning Bar Rochford in the city for natural wines, or stick around for delicious snacks à la anchovy toast with gribiche and Szechuan-peppered lamb ribs. Keep the night going by jumping between several excellent bars in the vicinity, including the speakeasy-inspired Molly and the vibey Bar Beirut.

Canberra has a pretty serious coffee scene these days, and you’ll experience the best of it at Barrio Collective, where they roast their own beans and press their own nut milk. Sip your morning brew with Barrio’s cheese toasties, then make your way to The Little Burley Market on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin to buy beautiful blooms, pastries and gourmet goodies for later. 

From here, make your way to Parliament House, the beating heart of Australian democracy. You can explore the public areas at your leisure (and watch the House of Representatives and the Senate from the galleries on sitting days), but we’d highly recommend hopping on a Yeribee tour to hear the stories of Aboriginal parliamentarians and see celebrated First Nations art. 

Next, saunter down the road to the National Portrait Gallery for a squiz at the countless artistic renderings of our country’s most famed characters. Take an afternoon tea break at the Portrait Café for freshly made sandwiches and pastries before hopping over to Questacon. The spectacular science and technology centre delights young and old with interactive displays and whiz-bang exhibits (plus a quirky gift shop perfect for the future STEM star in your life). Alternatively, while away the afternoon in the National Library of Australia, checking out the extraordinary Treasures Gallery or discovering your next read at the bookstore. 

Call it a day with dinner at local Cantonese institution, Chairman and Yip, and drink in the views while enjoying a nightcap at rooftop bar, Leyla.

Close out your long weekend with brunch at the Fyshwick coffee house of legendary Canberra roasters, Ona. ​​Nab a chair outside and dive into an extensive list of specialty brews and wholesome dishes, including banoffee French toast and seasonal bowls overflowing with greenery. 

Make time for some retail therapy at the Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston where every Sunday, you’ll find clothing, jewellery and handcrafted wares that’ll brighten up your home. While in the area, make sure to stop in at the Glassworks Workshop to peruse the onsite gallery or even try your hand at glassblowing.

Wind down the arvo on two wheels by hiring a bike from one of the handy self-service stations around the city and glide around Lake Burley Griffin as the sun lowers into the horizon.

Reward your efforts with a casual tipple in the beer garden at Capital Brewing Co, plus a burger or hot dog from the legends at Brodburger.