Despite its reputation, Canberra has a wealth of attractions to explore that go beyond the walls of Parliament House. Our nation’s capital is home to institutions that are world leaders in arts and culture and further holds natural landscapes that deserve the intense attention they capture. These daily fixtures go underappreciated in the day to day, so why not make a day of exploring the local—you might see something you haven’t before.
We can’t go past Canberra’s stunning landscapes. The city is oriented around Lake Burley Griffin, and although locals see it every day, there wouldn’t be as many that had toured it via boat cruise, paddleboard or walking trail. You can even experience a bird’s-eye view of the lake and the Molonglo River via hot air balloon for an entirely unmatched perspective.
The beauty of nature is even more on show at the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Only minutes from the city centre, you’ll find 4300 plant species, with some sections so dense it’s like you’re walking through a rainforest. With a café, bookshop and day spa, there are several ways to enjoy the gardens, but we think the best is with a ride on the Flora Explorer. This bus tour is about 45 minutes long, where you’ll be guided by a volunteer to the highlights of the Gardens. If you’re in for fauna over flora, the National Zoo and Aquarium is a seven-minute drive away from the Gardens, where native and exotic animals are available for close encounters.
The history of Canberra is just as established as its natural attractions. Museums like the National Museum of Australia and the Museum of Australian Democracy are worth a visit for their permanent exhibitions alone, but their special events aren’t ones to miss either. At the latter, you’ll tour the rooms of Old Parliament House and see a collection of the best political cartoons of the year. This is the perfect attraction to tack onto a visit to Parliament House, which is unavoidable when in Canberra. Rather than doing the standard tour, book a tour for Question Time, where you’ll see the nation’s politicians making decisions live.