Where is Canberra?
Canberra is the capital city of Australia. It is situated inland between the cities of Sydney and Melbourne, within the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) which is surrounded by New South Wales (NSW).
It is picturesquely, and conveniently nestled alongside Australia’s highest alpine mountains and the South East Coast of New South Wales, which means it’s the perfect place to base yourself while exploring the broader region
Why should I visit Canberra?
Not only is Canberra the national capital city and the administrative centre of the Australian government, it is the home of the Australian story. Canberra is a place that belongs to all Australians; a diverse, innovative and modern city that houses the stories of Australia. A visit to Canberra gives both overseas and Australian visitors an opportunity to understand the journey of Australia, and to reflect on where the nation is headed.
What can I expect in Canberra?
One good thing after another. Whether it’s the world class national attractions or the bustling events calendar, Canberra has plenty to offer visitors of all ages. Couple this with a thriving food and wine scene and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors (we’re called the bush capital for a reason), you’ll see that Canberra is a city full of surprises. What’s even better is that everything you’re after is just moments away in this compact and well-connected capital city.
If you love design, you’ll love discovering the design highlights in Canberra’s city centre. DESIGN Canberra has curated a design lovers map – download here.
Eat & Drink
A paradise for foodies, Canberra offers a truly eclectic mix of dining styles, cuisines and experiences. With award-winning restaurants, vineyards and baristas, plus legendary dishes, people have been known to come to Canberra just for the delicious fare on offer. Tempt your tastebuds at stylish restaurants, bars and cafes or spend the day sampling award-winning cool climate wines at one of more than 30 boutique cellar doors in the Canberra region.
Why not make a stop at Lake George Winery on your way to Canberra. Lake George Winery is family owned and operated and is located on the north-western shores of the mysterious Lake George. Located 700m above sea level, their cool-climate award-wining wines are produced with minimal interference. They hand pick their grapes, follow sustainable practices and their wine is vegan friendly.
Still thirsty? Capital Brewing Co is a brewery in Canberra brewing Good Natured Brews. Capital Brewing Co are dedicated to quenching your thirst with the best beer possible. They take the highest quality, all-natural ingredients and some of the world’s best water from the capital’s very own backyard, and with skill and love craft it into something fine. After all, if we spend precious time and resources making beer, we may as well make it good. Real good!
See & Do
For solo travellers, couples, families and groups, Canberra has something to appeal to the curious, adventurous, foodie or design-lover within us all. As home to the Australian National Collection, you can explore significant culture, art and history throughout our museums, galleries and archives. You can discover embassies, landmarks, markets, shopping, food and wine. Then throw in some recreational activities spanning our lakes or bustling precincts, or explore fresh, natural surrounds including Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and Corin Forest.
Stay
Our exclusive hotel partner, A by Adina, looks forward to welcoming DESIGN Canberra VIPs and festival audiences to the hotel.
Located at Constitution Place, A by Adina Canberra is perched on the doorstep of the famed Parliamentary Triangle at Lake Burley Griffin, in the heart of Canberra’s CBD.
In a sustainable yet unique sculptural design by award-winning architects Bates Smart, this urban oasis offers a perfectly suited balance between a hotel and a private apartment.
Studio, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments offer thoughtful, contemporary Australian design features with exclusive Dreamcatcher beds by SleepMaker, complimentary in-room movies and Hunter Lab bathroom amenities. Team members are known as Curators, ready to assist with any requests to enhance your stay. For those guests who wish to take their stay to the next level, Destination A rooms are located on the top floor of the hotel with iconic city views and complimentary drinks at The Daily Pause, a fresh take on evening drinks in the lobby.
For alternative options, we recommend visiting visitcanberra.com.au for a wealth of information on Canberra’s accommodation offerings, and to find out what else is on offer in Canberra for you to enjoy during your visit.
Getting Around Canberra
Whether you prefer public transport, driving, cycling, walking or gliding on the water, it’s easy to get around Canberra. Driving is one of the best ways to see Canberra. With plenty of parking, no tollways and very little congestion, you’ll find driving in Canberra a breeze. Either bring your own or hire a car when you get here.
You can get pretty much anywhere with Canberra’s public transport options.
Transport Canberra light rail and buses provide a convenient and cost-effective way for visitors to get around Canberra. Plan your bus journey to the festival and consider Park & Ride or Bike & Ride options. Visit Transport Canberra for further information.
You can also take advantage of Canberra’s taxi cabs and ride-sharing services.
You can travel to some of Canberra’s most iconic attractions aboard the Culture Loop service. Operating seven days a week, routes 81/981 take passengers to the Australian National Botanic Gardens, Australian War Memorial, National Arboretum, National Museum of Australia, National Zoo & Aquarium and Parliament House, just to name a few.
Choose your own adventure, or take a tour and learn more about Australia’s capital with the help of a knowledgeable guide.