Canberra - Getting Active

Sport is a vital part of the Australian way of life and Canberra is home to some of the country's best sport heroes and first class sporting facilities. There is plenty to do for those who want to get active and for those who prefer to sit back and enjoy the action.

Take a tour of the Australian Institute of Sport with an elite athlete as your guide and discover the reasons behind Australia's international sporting success. Test your skills at virtual rowing, wheelchair basketball and passing a football at the interactive Sportex exhibition.

For motorsport enthusiasts, Canberra hots up in January with the annual Summernats car festival of awesome street cars. In April, the dust starts to fly with the Subaru Rally of Canberra. For football fans, get yourself tickets to cheer on Canberra's best Rugby League and Union teams, the Canberra Raiders and the Brumbies at Canberra Stadium. Cricket and Australian Rules are also popular sports and can both be seen at the historic Manuka Oval.

If participation is more your style, enjoy Canberra's sunny climate with a game of golf on one of our outstanding courses, where you will often find kangaroos lazing in the grass while you play. The bushland around Canberra is perfect for paragliding, sky diving, bushwalking, abseiling, caving, canyoning and mountain biking. Namadgi National Park is just 45 minutes' drive from the city centre and is a great location for bushwalking and experiencing native wildlife. You can also see Aboriginal rock art or go camping, fishing or horseriding in the park.

Cool off on Lake Burley Griffin in a paddleboat, canoe or windsurfer or for those who prefer dry land, take a relaxing walk or bike ride around the shoreline. Alternatively, hop on a horse and take a trail ride through Canberra's 22 kilometres of equestrian trails.

For adventure of the softer kind, you'll never forget a hot air balloon ride over Canberra at dawn. Float gently on the breeze for a unique perspective of this beautiful planned city. You might even see some kangaroos from the air or fly over Parliament House.

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Canberra's Must-Dos

Canberra has so many fantastic things for visitors to see and do. This list of must-dos will help you plan your trip to make the most of your stay in the nation's capital. more

Events

Canberra is an exciting place to visit, particularly during one of the many events and festivals held each year. Plan your visit around any number of popular events, including Floriade - Australia's Celebration of Spring or the Canberra Balloon Fiesta when hot air balloons of all shapes and sizes fill Canberra's skies with activity and colour. more

Food, Wine and Nightlife

Canberra is bursting with fabulous restaurants, stylish cafes, fashionable bars and award winning wineries. Indulge in fresh pastries from one of Canberra's best breakfast spots, lunch with a difference at a national attraction, sample some of the region's cool-climate wines, enjoy a dining experience fit for a king and then top it all off at one of Canberra's hottest lounge bars. more

Fun for families

Keep the kids entertained with a great range of activities and things to see and do. Many national attractions provide free entry and there is an excellent range of facilities to suit every budget. A trip to Canberra can also be very educational, where you can learn lots of fun science facts, the meanings of Aussie words like “chook” and “yakka” and so much more! more

National Attractions

From the internationally recognised architecture of Parliament House to the moving exhibits at the Australian War Memorial, visitors to the nation's capital are spoilt for choice. Each attraction tells the story of Australia and its people in different ways, so take the time to fully explore all that the nation's capital has to offer. more

Surrounding Region

Canberra is a fantastic base from which to explore the surrounding region. Within only a few hours drive from the city you will find historic townships, beautiful beaches, great skiing, abundant wineries and a stunning natural environment. more