How to spend the perfect weekend in Canberra

Wake up with the sun on a walk, run or cycle around the beautiful manmade Lake Burley Griffin. There are three loops, including the leisurely five-kilometre bridge-to-bridge walk, which starts at Commonwealth Bridge and steers you around the lake, taking in sights like the Captain Cook Memorial Jet, the National Carillon and Blundells Cottage. From here, it’s just a short stroll to the Australian War Memorial, a must-visit attraction which was named as one of the world’s top ten free tourist attractions in 2023. Explore the museum, commemorate the sacrifice of our service personnel and place a poppy on the Roll of Honour, before enjoying brunch at nearby hotspot Teddy Picker’s – their French Toast gets rave reviews. 

After refuelling, continue on to the National Gallery of Australia to explore significant Australian and international artworks, including the largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art in the world. Don’t skip the sprawling Sculpture Garden, which contains 26 dramatic pieces, such as James Turrell’s mind-bending pyramid ‘Within without’.

If you have energy left in the tank, the National Portrait Gallery beckons a wander and is conveniently located just next door. For families, we’d recommend swapping this with a trip to Questacon, the spectacular science and technology centre that delights young and old with interactive displays and whiz-bang exhibits.

Make a pit stop at Doubleshot Deakin for a hearty burger paired with an old-school milkshake, then wrap up the day of sightseeing with a guided tour at the Royal Australian Mint. Check into the funky (and furbaby-friendly) Ovolo Nishi in New Acton for some well-deserved relaxation, and refined vegetarian dining at Monster Bar and Kitchen downstairs.

Kick off day two with a hearty breakfast at Močan and Green Grout, located mere minutes on foot from the hotel. Enjoy the sunshine-dappled wooden interiors as you dig into baked eggs and rolls stuffed with crispy bacon, salty halloumi or salmon gravlax. A coffee wouldn’t hurt too.

Happy and full, head over to the National Museum of Australia to traverse our country’s history and culture through artefacts, ranging from bark canoes to a 1950s FJ Holden. Spend time exploring the First Australians exhibition and grow your understanding of the magnificent culture and resilience of our Aboriginal communities. Then swing by the Museum Café for spectacular lake views and a slice of lemon, raspberry and ginger loaf with your second coffee. 

Spend the rest of the afternoon checking out what’s on at Arc, the stunning Art Deco cinema at the National Film and Sound Archive in Acton. The most daring visitors can experience the building after dark with Tim the Yowie Man’s popular ghost tours. 

You can’t leave the capital without a trip to Parliament House, the beating heart of Australian democracy. Explore the public areas at your leisure (and watch the House of Representatives and the Senate from the galleries on sitting days) and make sure to visit the Lego Parliament House, which took artist Ryan ‘Brickman’ McNaught 740 hours – or almost 31 days – to build. 

End the weekend with a culinary bang at Such and Such, a trendy 40-seater spinning seasonal, contemporary takes on nostalgic snacks and share plates (you’ll need to book this one in advance).