Is Canberra worth a visit? How to spend a trip to Australia’s capital?
Canberra, the capital of Australia. Yet the Australian city with a relatively bad rap, as far as being a travel destination is concerned anyway. But is Canberra worth a visit? A short one for sure!
Why is this? Canberra is rather isolated. It is the only city in the Australian Capital Territory, and not a big bustling one at that. It doesn’t offer the beautiful Australian coast the other major cities do. The temptation to visit just isn’t as strong.
Why did I decide to go? Canberra was never on my major travel itinerary. I skipped it out my first time travelling Australia, but on a return trip I figured why not! Although, it wasn’t an isolated trip as such. I tried to book a last minute flight from Sydney to Melbourne, which turned out to be expensive. This meant the bus became my best option, which I used to my advantage since I had a few days to spare. So, I stopped over en route – the perfect opportunity to visit Australia’s capital had arisen.
Was Canberra worth visiting? Absolutely!
How long to go for?
Canberra is good for a short visit.
- I spent two nights – one evening + a full day in Canberra, leaving early the next morning. And to be honest, I really enjoyed it! I am not sure how I would fill a more than a few days however, never-mind as long as a week or so.
Getting there
Drive from Sydney:
- Taking just 3 hours, this would make it perfect as a couple of days return trip. Otherwise, it could be, as I did (albeit by bus), a stop off on the way to Melbourne. Although, this would require veering off the more scenic coastal route a drive to Melbourne could provide.
Greyhound Bus:
This was my chosen method of transport, the classic solo backpacker way. I arrived by bus from Sydney, and departed the same way, but to Melbourne. You can search for the best bus options for you here.
- 3hrs 45 mins Sydney to Canberra.
- 8hrs Canberra to Melbourne.
Organised day tour from Sydney:
- A good option if short on time or lacking your own transport. Wouldn’t provide as much freedom when there however, but the main sights would be included of course.
Flying:
- A possible transport method from whichever state you may be venturing from.
Backpacker Accommodation:
The city isn’t home to many backpacker hostels, seeing as it’s not a travellers hub, so check ahead to make sure there is affordable accommodation available.
How to spend a day in Canberra – how I spent a full day in Australia’s capital:
Lake Burley Griffin:
Explore the lovely Lake Burley Griffin – I went for a morning run around a section of the lakeside path. Starting from Acton Park, heading over the bridge around the edge of Lennox Gardens, by Stirling Park to Yarralumla Bay and back the same way. Mix up the route as you wish, but run/walk/hire a bike – have a nice little morning explore, it is a gorgeous spot.
After returning to the hostel to get organised for the day and grab some breakfast, I headed out for my main part of the day. Alternatively, head out for the day from the on-set, you will end up at the lake again later in the day, but early morning is so lovely and peaceful – venture in a direction you won’t later on!
Australian War Memorial:
Take a trip to the Australian War Memorial, a must visit site in Camberra. Just around a 25 minute walk from the city centre.
It is free to enter, so do so, taking time to take it all in.
Don’t forget to admire the view that is not to be missed – looking down Anzac Parade with Old and New Parliament House in the distance.
Mount Ainslie:
Follow the popular Mount Ainslie Walking Trail to the summit of Mount Ainslie for the best views of the city: look down onto Anzac Parade, over Lake Burley Griffin and see Parliament House and more from above. Beyond this, seeing the green expanse of bushland encompassing the city makes it clear as to why Canberra is known as the ‘Bush Capital’.
The trail is accessible from just behind the War Memorial. This is a short uphill walk, 4km return, on a clearly marked path.
If walking uphill isn’t appealing, there is also the option to drive up to the view-point should you have a car to do so. It is definitely worth putting on your Canberra itinerary one way or another.
Anzac Parade:
Following the Mount Ainslie look-out visit, head back to the War Memorial and be sure to take the beautiful street that is Anzac Parade, leading to Lake Burley Griffin. Take in the smaller memorials on the way.
Floriade:
September to October brings the festival ‘Floraide’ to the city. This is Australia’s biggest celebration of spring, and is a popular attraction, bringing many visitors to Canberra during this time. It just so happened that I visited Canberra at the beginning of October so got to incorporate this into my day. It is recommended to visit at this time.
- Located in Commonwealth Park on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin (the same side of lake as the War Memorial), made it perfect as my post Mount Ainslie stop, following a lake-side walk to get there.
- It is free to enter and is host to beautiful, bright, vast, flower displays. Not only flowers however, entertainment, attraction rides, workshops and more are provided. Plus, don’t forget the delicious food available to purchase throughout the grounds for a lovely treat.
Canberra is host to various festivals throughout the year, so if not there at the time of Floriade, check if there are any other festivals on which might liven up a Canberra trip even more!
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That sums up my short visit to Canberra. More could have been squeezed into my day, but I was satisfied with what I had done and seen by this point! I really enjoyed my day and was so glad it worked out for me to visit.
Other top things to do would include visiting Parliament house and the National Museum of Australia.
So, the question was, is Canberra worth a visit? I believe it is, but maybe not for a long time! There are plenty ways to fill a day in Canberra, or at least two days, making it worth a visit, providing a lovely travel experience!
