Attractions

Museums and Galleries:

1. Australian War Memorial
   Place a red poppy on the Roll of Honour wall and experience a sound and light show featuring a Lancaster bomber night raid over Berlin. Crawl through a First World War trench, climb into a helicopter from the Vietnam War, explore the inside of a Cold War Submarine and learn about peacekeeping… the kids can do all this in the interactive Discovery Zone. Free admission
2. National Gallery of Australia
   See where the nation’s prized art collection is held. See works of art from the gallery’s four main art areas: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Australian, Asian, and International. Wander through world-class exhibitions and stroll though the impressive sculpture Gardens. Be Greeted by new entry facilities and new galleries dedicated to the display of Australian art and the new Australian Gardens with the monumental ‘skyspace’ sculpture as its centrepiece. Free general admission.
3. Parliament House
   Marvel at the 81-metre flagpole with an Australian flag bigger than a double-decker bus at Parliament House, one of the worlds most architecturally acclaimed buildings. Don’t miss the panoramic views of Canberra from the roof, stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens and enjoy the renowned collection of Australian contemporary ar. Watch parliamentarians in action at Question Time from 2pm on sitting days (bookings required). Free admission
4. National Museum of Australia
   Marvel at thousands of objects that represent Australia’s history and cultural heritage. See famous and quirky Australian icons such as Greg Chapell’s cricket cap and the colourful Wiggle’s skivvies. Learn about the fascinating journeys and stories that connect Australia with the rest of the world in the new Australian Journeys gallery. Don’t miss the ‘Open Collections’ for a behind-the-scenes glimpse of over 2000 objects from the museum’s extensive indigenous collection. The museum houses ever-changing exhibitions and is a vibrant visual feast of unexpected colours, shapes and angles that set it apart from the natural landscape of the Acton Peninsula. Free general admission
5. National Portrait Gallery
   See over 400 portraits of people who have shaped and continue to shape our nation at the gallery which opened in 2008. It houses paintings, drawings, sculptural works and photography. See portraits of people from all walks of life including artists, musicians, entertainers, politicians, sports people and royalty. The interactive gallery offers fascinating iPod touch portrait story tours of the people behind the portrait. Free general admission.
6. Museum of Australian Democracy (Old Parliament House)
   Be inspired by the amazing real life stories of ordinary people who have actively fought to shape the society we live in today. Discover where Australia has come from and get involved in where the country is heading. Hear intriguing stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things – like Catherine Heather Spence, who fought for women’s suffrage, and Eddie Mabo, who won legal recognition of his peoples land rights against enormous odds. This is the first and only museum dedicated to telling the story of Australian democracy, and everything you have come to love about Old Parliament House’s history and heritage remains. Admission charge.
7. Royal Australian Mint
   Visit the newly refurbished mint for a close-up view of how Australia’s coins are made. Look trough the observation windows down the factory floor and watch coins being prepared and watch one of the world’s strongest robots, the Titan. Visit the coin shop to make your own coin on the visitor press and check and check out the latest collector coin issues and special gift ideas. Free Admission.

Fun and Interactive:

1. Questacon
   Watch a lightning bolt, ride the rollercoaster simulator with the kids, and catch some hilarious science theatre as you discover science that leaves you smiling. Mini Q, a great exhibition for little scientists, provides fantastic play spaces for children under six years. ‘H20-Soak up the science’ will let you make water twist like a snake. Admission charge.
2. Australian Institute of Sport
   Take an inspiring 90 minute tour with an elite athlete to get an insight into life at the institute and test your athletic skills in the fun interactive Sportex exhibition. Home to some of Australia’s current and future Olympians, the Australian Institute of Sport celebrates Australia’s proud sporting culture and has shaped some of our best sports people such as Mark Viduka, Lauren Jackson, Glenn McGrath and Louise Sauvage. Admission charge.
3. Cockington Green Gardens
   Cockington Green Gardens offers its visitors an experience you will not find anywhere else. Venture into this delightful and fascinating display of meticulously crafted miniature buildings set within beautifully landscaped gardens to make your Canberra visit complete. Cockington Green Gardens is a family owned and operated attraction, with four generations involved in it’s operation over the past 30 years. Admission charge.
4. Canberra Glassworks
   Whether you’re a visitor or a local, a complete beginner or a professional artist, a kid or an adult, Canberra Glassworks will inspire you with the wonder of glass.Take a free self-guided tour, watch the drama of hot glass blowing in the hot shop, come in ‘Off the Street’ and make your own glass object or check out our School Holiday Program for young artists. Admission charge.
5. National Zoo and Aquarium
   The National Zoo & Aquarium is Australia’s only combined Zoo and Aquarium, situated on around 7 hectares of land just five minutes from the centre of Canberra. With a wide variety of both native and exotic animals, as well as the largest inland saltwater tank in Australia, there is something for everyone. Wander in and have a casual stroll around the park, or make a day of it with family, friends and make use of the picnic areas and complimentary BBQ facilities.