Experience the best of Canberra and the ACT

Learn more at VisitCanberra

The small-yet mighty capital of Canberra is a city that punches far above its weight. Canberra is surrounded by forests and mountains and famous for the picturesque Lake Burley Griffin as well as home to well-known museums and historical sites. Dig a little deeper to find bustling brewpubs, hidden gems, quiet nature and family-friendly attractions. Head just outside the city to relax and unwind in a scenic cool-climate wine region that produces some stellar drops.

Reconnect with Nature

Approximately 70% of the ACT is dedicated to nature parks and home to some famous native animals. Take a visit to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve or even take a walk up Mount Ainslie, Mount Parker or Black Mountain to enjoy scenic views over the city.

Museums and National Icons

From the ancient Indigenous past and colonial history to the modern multicultural country of today, unearth the treasures of our nation at the national attractions in Canberra. Explore one of the world’s most architecturally acclaimed buildings, Parliament House, and see the nation’s most popular and important objects – from the Holden Prototype No. 1 to bark paintings and ochre used by Aboriginal artists more than 50,000 years ago – at the National Museum of Australia.

Uncover new knowledge from over 10 million items at the National Library of Australia or place a poppy on the Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial. Discover more history and heritage at Canberra’s other iconic museums and attractions.

Wineries and Breweries

Canberra’s three cool-climate wine regions offer a spectacular range of experiences, fine wine-tasting and fine dining to truffle hunting. Traditionally, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Shiraz varieties have thrived here at the 140 vineyards and 40 wineries within 35 minutes’ drive of the capital.

Beer lovers can’t go past a cold brew from Braddon brewpub BentSpoke Brewing Co who took out top spot in the GABS hottest 100 craft beers for two years in a row. Cheers your mates with a specialty brew in the spacious beer garden at Capital Brewing Co in Fyshwick.

Art Galleries

Canberra is home to an extensive number of gallery and exhibition spaces, showcasing everything from international masterpieces to talented local artists. Head to the National Gallery of Australia to marvel at the largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art of the world. Be inspired to understand the Australian people through portraiture at the National Portrait Gallery.

The National Arboretum Canberra

The National Arboretum Canberra is a mosaic of living forest and garden offering breathtaking view, unique experiences and a world-class entertainment and events hub including the award-winning Margaret Whitlam Pavilion and the popular Village Centre. With over 44,000 rare and endangered trees across a 250-hectare site, the Arboretum is a place of beauty, conservation, science research, education, tourism and recreation.

Visitor Information Centre

Visit the Canberra and Region Visitor Information Centre at:

National Capital Exhibition
Regatta Point, Ngunnawal Country, Barrine Drive, Parkes ACT 2600
Open 9am to 5pm weekdays
Open 9am to 4pm weekends and public holidays
Phone: 1300 554 114

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Key dates

11 February - Call for proposals opens

14 March - Call for proposals closes

May - Registration open

mid-June - Program released

31 July - Super early bird registration closes

12 September - Early bird registration closes

14–17 October – AIEC 2025