There’s always something new and exciting for all the family to enjoy in Australia’s capital city. The kids can see the treasures of our nation and it may come as a surprise to some parents to find that the National Gallery of Australia, Australian War Memorial and even Old Parliament House all have something to entertain the littlies.
Don’t miss the Australian Institute of Sport, where so many of Australia’s sporting champions call home. Behind-the-scenes tours run daily, and you’ll be shown around the facilities by an elite athlete, with plenty of opportunity to bombard them with questions and see the resident athletes training. There’s a really fun interactive sports exhibition, Sportex, where we enjoyed kicking a virtual soccer ball, racing each other on a ski downhill course and testing our reactions, flexibility and strength as well as checking out some of the amazing sporting memorabilia. If you’ve a budding athlete in the family, or merely an armchair interest in sports, then this is a don’t miss activity.
Animal and bird lovers will have a great time at the National Zoo and Aquarium, the Canberra Reptile Sanctuary the Walk-in Aviary and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. To see animals from the past, visit the National Dinosaur Museum with its 10 full-size dinosaurs, cast from original fossils.
Cockington Green Gardens is a scale-model miniature English village, based on actual buildings from the UK made us nostalgic for the real thing! We loved the interactive elements – we could make the windmill’s sails turn and the Intercity125 run through the village – as well as the delightful and whimsical details that have been painstakingly created. There are also fascinating scale models of some of the world’s most famous buildings that will really ignite a passion for travel. It was a delight and a pleasure to wander the immaculately kept gardens, play favourites with the mini castles and palaces and take a steam train ride – a miniature one of course!
The kids can see the treasures of our nation and it may come as a surprise to some parents to find that the National Gallery of Australia, Australian War Memorial and even Old Parliament House all have something to entertain the littlies.
Many of the major attractions that parents find interesting also offer children’s activities and discovery trails, such as the Aboriginal food trail at the Australian National Botanic Gardens, the ‘Portrait Detective’ at the National Portrait Gallery and ‘Super Sleuth’ at Old Parliament House.
There are many places where the whole family can explore Australia’s great stories, such as the National Museum of Australia which celebrates the land, nation and people by exploring the key issues, events and characters that have shaped and influenced this country.
Autumn is one of the best times to visit Canberra and the capital region. Not only is the sky clear and blue nearly every day, but you can marvel as nature turns millions of Canberra’s leaves brilliant reds and golds
20 degrees Celsius is the average temperature and there is an average of 27 milimetres of rainfall
13 degrees Celsius is the average temperature and there is an average of 50 milimetres of rainfall
6 degrees Celsius is the average temperature and there is an average of 46 milimetres of rainfall
13 degrees Celsius is the average temperature and there is an average of 62 milimetres of rainfall
Canberra Airport is a 13-minute drive from the CBD. It is quickest to get a taxi from the airport to your accommodation although buses that take route 11 and 11A run seven days a week to and from the city centre.
Taxis are frequent and will take you take the CBD in around 13 minutes.
Buses that take route 11 and 11A will go to the CBD. Shuttle buses can also be pre-booked.
Canberra is filled with child-friendly cafes that will get the whole family smiling!
Jamie’s Italian will keep littlies occupied with a range of activities while they wait for their dishes ordered off the kids-menu. Adults will also be in for a delicious Italian treat at the renowned chef’s restaurant.
With ice-cream, a wall of cakes and pizzas and outdor tables for sunny days, Docle & Salato Pasticceria is a great stop to fill rumbling tummies. And for those more health conscious families, or those craving a little balance to their holiday indulgence’s Double Shot in Deakin serves up toasties, paleo breakies, smoothies and plenty of coffee for Mum and Dad.
For kids eat free deals, be sure to visit the Mawson Club or other leagues clubs where often the deals apply!
Canberra has a popular shopping and market scene with boutiques, markets, homeware stores, and big department stores all nearby, with plenty of cafe surrounding to keep the kids energised on your shopping adventure.
Popular shopping attractions include Belconnen Fresh Food Markets, Bungendore Wood Works Gallery, Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, Canberra Glassworks, and for those after a bargain Canberra Outlet Centre.
Tipping is appreciated but not expected in Australia.
Be sure to bring warm clothes to rug up at nighttime as the temperature is known to drop quite low in Canberra.
Mains voltage in Australia is 230V AC, 50Hz. Use a two-pin (shaped like a “V”) or three-pin adaptor (different to British three-pin adaptors).
No special immunisations or vaccinations are required to visit Australia unless you have come from, or have visited, a yellow fever infected country within six days of your arrival. However, regulations and medical advice can change at short notice, so check with your doctor and the Australian Department of Health before you leave home.
Tap water is generally safe to drink in Australian cities.
By and large, ACT is considered a safe destination, although still exercise regular safety precautions as you would at home.
James Turrell’s Skyspace is located adjacent to The National Gallery of Australia. It isenclosed by a stunning green mound of grass, circled by a serene water enclosure. You have to go inside the space to truly get an idea of why it is the place of choice for wedding photography and events.
The Australian National Botanic Gardens is a must-visit with the kids as they will roam around in the native gardens surrounded by flowers and lush forest, making for the perfect photo opp.
National Museum of Australia is trademarked by the incredible large red structures outside of the museum. The kids will love the bright colours and it’s impossible to capture a bad photo here as the structures perfectly frame any photo.
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