Are you thinking about visiting Canberra, Australia? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Canberra worth visiting?
Canberra is worth visiting for two to three days so that you can explore everything that the city has to offer. Canberra is the capital city of Australia. While it's often overlooked by tourists, it actually has a number of interesting museums and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. There are some vineyards in the area as well as a local food and festival scene.
Canberra (Tourism Australia)
Reasons to Visit Canberra
Museums
As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.
Food
There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.
Nightlife
There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.
Hiking
There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.
Shopping
Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.
Authenticity
Canberra has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Canberra worth visiting in the Summer?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 20°C (68°F).
The peak season for travel is summer in Canberra, so expect to see more tourists than usual. Even though this destination is not very touristy, in the high season it's busier than usual because this is when most visitors come here.
This is a great time of year to discover the nearby hiking trails, browse the museums, and enjoy the city's energy. Also, you can check out the nightlife.
Summer Weather in Canberra
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 20°C (68°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| February | 20°C (68°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| March | 19°C (67°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
Is Canberra worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Canberra. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during autumn, and temperatures hover around 17°C (63°F).
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums, discover the big city activities, and get out into nature.
Autumn Weather in Canberra
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 17°C (63°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| May | 14°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| June | 12°C (54°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
Is Canberra worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in Canberra. This destination is not very touristy, so in the low season it can become fairly quiet.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during winter with average temperatures around 11°C (52°F).
During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks, the cuisine, and the nightlife. Also, you can experience the big city activities.
Winter Weather in Canberra
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 11°C (52°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| August | 12°C (53°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
| September | 14°C (56°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
Is Canberra worth visiting in the Spring?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 15°C (60°F).
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Canberra, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
This is a great time of year to browse the shops, wander through the museums, and enjoy the evening activities.
Spring Weather in Canberra
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 15°C (60°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| November | 17°C (63°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| December | 19°C (66°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Canberra
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Canberra might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Canberra here or see if Canberra is expensive here.
Related
What is Canberra most famous for?
Canberra is most famous for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves. People visit this impressive city for its great museums and food. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and shopping. It is often described as under-rated, cultural, and diverse.
What is the most famous sight in Canberra?
The most popular sight in Canberra is the Australian War Memorial. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Canberra on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Australian War Memorial and other attractions here.
How touristy is Canberra? Is it a popular city to visit?
Canberra is an off-the-beaten-path city that many travelers overlook. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Women's History Walking Tour with Local Guide: $40
- Winery Tour and Food Experience: $265
- Full-Day Canberra Winery Tour to Murrumbateman /w lunch: $162
- Canberra Small Group Winery Tour: $149
- Half-Day Canberra Winery Tour to Murrumbateman /w lunch: $152
- LGBTQIA+ History Walking Tour: $33
- Discover Pearls of Canberra - Private Walking Tour: $133
- Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour in Canberra: $30
How long should I spend in Canberra?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Canberra is two to three days. Since Canberra has activities such as museums and dining, many visit for up to three days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Canberra? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Canberra?.
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