Photos courtesy of VisitCanberra
These are the 10 things you must see and do when you visit Australia’s capital, Canberra.
Canberra Balloon Spectacular
For the best view of Canberra, take a scenic hot air balloon flight over the capital. The Canberra Balloon Spectacular in March offers the chance to view a stunning array of hot air balloons drifting slowly over the capital, with amazing views from on the ground and in the air.
Australian War Memorial
Make sure you visit all the national attractions that call Canberra home at least once, including the National Museum of Australia, the National Gallery of Australia and the Australian War Memorial. Entry to most of the city’s major attractions is free.
Patissez Cafe
Tempt your tastebuds with the Freakshakes at Patissez Cafe in Manuka and Civic. These monster milkshakes will make you the subject of envy on social media.
Lake cruise
Located at the heart of Canberra, Lake Burley Griffin is surrounded by galleries and museums as well as parks, open spaces, and walking and cycling paths. Do as the locals do and spend an hour walking the ‘bridge to bridge’ path around the lake. If you’re feeling adventurous, hire a paddleboard or take a Segway tour.
Capital Region Farmers Market
Spend your Saturday morning shopping for fresh produce – straight from the growers! – at the Capital Region Farmers Market, and tuck into a scrumptious brunch while you’re at it. Take part in a Canberra Sunday tradition by visiting the Old Bus Depot Markets and pick up some tasty treats, flowers, some fashion gems or a local artwork.
Jeir Creek Wines
Canberra’s three cool-climate wine regions offer a spectacular range of experiences, from wine-tasting and fine dining to truffle hunting. Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Shiraz varieties thrive in the region, with 140 vineyards and 33 cellar doors – most of them are within 30 minutes’ drive of the city.
Aubergine restaurant
Indulge at some of the city’s top-rated restaurants for incredible culinary experiences. Wander through foodie precincts like Braddon, NewActon and the Kingston Foreshore for an eclectic mix of cafes, restaurants, bars, pop-up stores, galleries and people watching.
Floriade
Visit one of Australia’s best known festivals, Floriade. Stop and smell the tulips, take part in a horticultural workshop and get your photo taken in front of the stunning garden beds. After dark, explore the illuminated wonderland that is Floriade NightFest: Ride the Ferris wheel, see a comedy show and admire the flowers beds all lit up. Floriade returns to Canberra for the 29th year from Saturday 17 September until Sunday 16 October 2016.
Parliament House
In the centre of Parliament House’s roof flies an Australian flag roughly the size of a double-decker bus. Visitors can take the lift to the roof, walk beneath the massive flag mast and pose for the perfect holiday selfie.
Jamala Wildlife Lodge
On your visit to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, set yourself the challenge of spotting five famous native Australian animals that call the area home: the koala, the platypus, the kangaroo, the emu and the wombat. Then, embark on the ultimate animal encounter at the National Zoo & Aquarium’s new luxury accommodation, Jamala Wildlife Lodge, where you can take part in behind-the-scenes tours and stay in a jungle bungalow with lions, tigers and bears for neighbours.