Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Canberra

We've collected top 10 mentioned free attractions in Canberra from other articles such as If you only have a day, Australia 21 days itinerary, Tripadvisor's Top Things to Do.

Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Canberra

Parliament House
Parliament House
4.4 (1140 ratings)4.5 (3448 ratings)
Vast, hilltop building housing Australia's parliament, opened in 1988, topped by 81m-high flagpole.
Parliament Dr, Canberra ACT 2600, Australia
Federal government officeSights & LandmarksGovernment officeGovernment Buildings
Mentioned by Lonely Planet Top Choices
Top things to do in Canberra, Australia
"Built in 1988, Australia's national parliament building is a graceful and deeply symbolic piece of architecture. Sitting atop Capital Hill, the building is crossed by two axis, north–south and east–west, representing the historical progression and legislative progression of Australian democracy. There's plenty to see inside, whether the politicians are haranguing each other in the chambers or not."
Mount Ainslie Lookout
Mount Ainslie Lookout
4.6 (2495 ratings)4.5 (2023 ratings)
Paved observation deck with panoramic vistas & information plaques detailing distant landmarks.
20 Mount Ainslie Dr, Australian Capital Territory 2609, Australia
Vista pointSights & LandmarksPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
4.7 (562 ratings)5 (227 ratings)
Hiking & wildlife viewing are popular at this expansive park with tours & a visitor center.
Paddys River Rd, Paddys River ACT 2620, Australia
Nature preserveNature & ParksNational parkWildlife refugeNature & Wildlife Areas
Cotter Reserve
Cotter Reserve
4.6 (915 ratings)4.5 (138 ratings)
Australian Capital Territory, Australia
National reserveNature & ParksCampgroundNature preserveNature & Wildlife Areas
Lake Burley Griffin
Lake Burley Griffin
4.6 (217 ratings)4.5 (1730 ratings)
Serene trails for walking & cycling border this scenic man-made lake offering boating & fishing.
Australian Capital Territory, Australia
LakeNature & ParksBodies of Water
Australian National Botanic Gardens
Australian National Botanic Gardens
4.6 (1940 ratings)4.5 (667 ratings)
Tranquil botanical garden featuring a diverse array of native plants, walking trails & a cafe.
Clunies Ross St, Acton ACT 2601, Australia
Botanical gardenNature & ParksGardenParkNational Parks
Mentioned by Australia 21 days itinerary
3 Week Itinerary to Visit Australia
"Royal Botanic Gardens –you can’t beat the serenity and harbour views from these gardens. Have a picnic or take a walk and admire the many different types of plants and city views on a free self-guided walking tour."
Telstra Tower
Telstra Tower
4.3 (2845 ratings)4 (1214 ratings)
Open since 1980, this 195m-high telecoms tower has observation decks, a cafe & exhibition space.
100 Black Mountain Dr, Acton ACT 2601, Australia
TowerSights & LandmarksObservation Decks & Towers
Royal Australian Mint
Royal Australian Mint
4.5 (3291 ratings)4.5 (1238 ratings)
Manufacturing site of Australia's coins, offering tours with coin history, plus a cafe & shop.
Denison St, Deakin ACT 2600, Australia
Sights & LandmarksCollectibles storeGovernment Buildings
National Library of Australia
National Library of Australia
4.6 (247 ratings)4.5 (647 ratings)
Public library with a reading room, treasures gallery, changing exhibitions, a bookshop and a cafe.
Parkes Pl W, Canberra ACT 2600, Australia
National libraryGovernment BuildingsLibrariesPoints of Interest & Landmarks
High Court of Australia
High Court of Australia
4.1 (71 ratings)4.5 (311 ratings)
Monumental, concrete and glass building housing court charged with applying the law of Australia.
Parkes Pl, Parkes ACT 2600, Australia
CourthouseSights & LandmarksFederal courthouseGovernment Buildings

Cheap Places to Eat in Canberra

Dumpling King - Canberra City
Dumpling King - Canberra City
4.1 (110 ratings)
Grand United Building, 2/5 Garema Pl, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Chinese restaurantRestaurant
Mentioned by Kev's Best
5 Best Chinese Restaurants in Canberra 🥇
"You will find mouth-watering and delectable dishes that are inspired by Northern Chinese cuisine. This family-owned business is truly passionate when it comes to serving the best Chinese cuisine in the whole of NSW. On top of that, their high-quality dishes come at surprisingly affordable prices."
Briscola Italian
Briscola Italian
4.2 (336 ratings)
Gourmet pizzas, Italian comfort fare & cocktails in a stylish setting with a warm ambiance.
60 Alinga St, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Italian restaurantPizza restaurantPizza Takeout
Ciao Cafe & Cakes Braddon
Ciao Cafe & Cakes Braddon
4.4 (147 ratings)
12/33 Mort St, Braddon ACT 2612, Australia
RestaurantBreakfast restaurantCake shopLunch restaurantPizza restaurant
Mentioned by Kev's Best
5 Best Cake Shops in Canberra🥇
"Ciao Cafe & Cakes Braddon is located at the heart of Canberra. It is a well-loved locally owned café and bakery. They are famous for their authentic coffee and baked goods."

Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in Canberra

Coffee Lab
Coffee Lab
4.3 (698 ratings)
Canberra Centre 26 Narellan Place, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Coffee shopBreakfast restaurantCafe
Mentioned by Big 7 Travel
The 7 Best Coffee Shops In Canberra
"Coffee Lab is a beloved place for coffee in Canberra, thanks to its expert brews and super friendly baristas. As for where the ‘lab’ part comes into play?. Grab a quick brew to go or sit down and ask one of their staff about what experiments are happening at the moment."
The Cupping Room
The Cupping Room
4.4 (1867 ratings)
Hip, airy joint with outdoor seats & exposed rafters serving up boutique coffee & classic cafe fare.
1/1-13 University Ave, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
CafeBreakfast restaurantCoffee shop
Mentioned by Big 7 Travel
The 7 Best Coffee Shops In Canberra
"Canberra’s very own place of coffee worship, The Cupping Room is a concept cafe that takes its customers on a flavour journey across a range of coffee blends. The team includes world champion barista Sasa Sestic, so you’re in safe hands here. Coffee comes from sister spot, Ona Coffee, which is a great specialty coffee roaster."
Dobinsons
Dobinsons
4.1 (331 ratings)
Sweet & savoury pastries & pies, plus cafe meals, in a bustling locale with a sidewalk patio.
177 Bunda St, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
CafeBakeryBreakfast restaurantCoffee shop
Mentioned by FoodPornJournal
5 places for pancakes in Canberra
"I liked the generous portion of buttermilk pancakes with seasonal fruits, lemon yoghurt sauce, house made honeycomb and vanilla ice cream. I loved the lemon infused yoghurt that thickly coated the pancakes providing tartness to the otherwise sweet dish. The vanilla ice cream, also a generous serve (about 2 scoops!) was served in a small bowl on the side."
Mentioned by Kev's Best
5 Best Cake Shops in Canberra🥇
"You’re also assured of excellent customer service from their staff. Dobinsons opened its kitchen in 1994. They have been continuously providing quality cakes for Canberrans ever since."

Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Canberra

Amici Wine Bar & Deli
Amici Wine Bar & Deli
4.1 (109 ratings)
59 Northbourne Ave, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Bar
Mentioned by Eat Canberra
Canberra's best bottomless eats and drinks
"One of Canberra’s newest bars, Amici is already a gorgeous spot to relax, drink and dine, but you can seriously upgrade your brunch or lunch with bottomless mimosas. Choose whatever you’d like from the menu, and you can add the bottomless mimosas, with fluffy orange juice, for $35 per person. The deal is available any day, but you need a minimum of four guests, and get a max 2 hour package."
White Rabbit Cocktail Room
White Rabbit Cocktail Room
4.4 (276 ratings)
This glamorous cocktail & tapas venue with polished floors & patterned wallpaper hosts DJ nights.
65 Northbourne Ave, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Cocktail barBar
Mentioned by mynrma.com.au
Canberra North Restaurants
"Much like the fairy tale Alice in Wonderland itself, White Rabbit is a hidden gem that transports you into a world of quirky, plush surfaces and theatrical treats. Indulge in whimsical cocktails designed by the maddest of hatters, decadent desserts that aren’t just a feast for the eyes, but a party for your tastebuds and fall down the ‘rabbit hole’. So, whether you’re in the mood for a boozy night, a dessert or tapas to share, step into the whimsical world of White Rabbit Room."
Reload Bar & Games
Reload Bar & Games
4.5 (477 ratings)
38 Northbourne Ave, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
BarFunction room facilityNight clubVideo arcade

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near Canberra

4.2 (3398 reviews)
Pavilion On Northbourne
Hotel
$133 /night
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4.3 (3045 reviews)
Burbury Hotel
Hotel
$199 /night
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Accommodate Canberra - New Acton
Hotel
$51 /night
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