Best Free Canberra Attractions

Located in the Australian Capital Territory is Canberra, the country’s capital city.  Selected as the capital in 1908, the design of this entirely planned city is credited to Chicago architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin.  In addition to being the political center of the nation, this important cultural city offers many opportunities and attractions for visitors from all over the planet.  Visit these top Canberra attractions, all of which can be enjoyed free of charge in the Australian spirit of sharing knowledge with the global community! 

Completed in 1988 and sitting at the apex of Parliamentary Triangle is Parliament House, Australia’s most expensive building. Visitors may go on free guided tours of the complex when Parliament is not sitting, or view debates and proceedings in the House of Representatives and Senate from the public galleries when Parliament is in session. This impressive construction was built to replace what is now known as the Old Parliament House. The Old Parliament House Gardens’ two main rose gardens, the House of Representatives Garden and Senate Garden, have been fully restored and are open to the public free of charge all year around. The best time to visit these exquisite rose gardens is between October and April when the flowers are in full bloom.

Heading towards Lake Burley Griffin within the Parliamentary Triangle, find a handful of free attractions, such as the National Library of Australia and its extensive collection of more than 5 million books, as well as maps, photographs, drawings, and recordings of oral histories. Take a free ‘Behind the Scenes’ tour or ‘Exhibition Tour’ to learn more about the National Library’s prize collection items, curiosities, and current exhibitions. Tours last about an hour, and are given on weekdays, and select Saturdays.

On the way from the National Library to the High Court of Australia walk through the International Flag display on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. This display of United Nations member flags lines either side of the promenade between the National Library and High Court. While in the High Court, check out the educational displays, publically accessible courtrooms, and public viewing gallery, all open to visitors free of charge. Court Attendants are placed at ‘strategic points’ to act as guides, and answer any questions visitors may have. When the Court is sitting, lucky visitors can even witness real proceedings from the viewing gallery. Next door to the High Court is the National Gallery of Australia, containing art pieces ranging from indigenous artists and Aboriginal art to contemporary international artists such as Jackson Pollack, Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol. Opened in 1982 the well established permanent collection offers free admission. While some special exhibitions may have a small admissions charge, free guided tours are available daily including the Australian Art, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art, Collection Highlights, and Collection Focus tours.

Along the north shore of Lake Burley Griffin, directly across the water from Parliamentary Triangle, find Commonwealth Park and Kings Park.  While in Commonwealth Park, explore the many ponds, walking trails, bike paths, and sculptures.  Catch amazing views of the National Gallery, High Court, National Library and more from Regatta Point, also the location of the National Capital Exhibition where visitors can learn the story of Canberra as the Australian National Capital through interactive displays.  Admission to the National Capital Exhibition is free, and self-guides are available in nine languages. In September, head to Commonwealth Park to celebrate Floriade, the 30-day spring flower festival which includes free events and concerts.  Explore public works of art like the Play Sculpture, Amphitheatre Mural, Kangaroos, Dance of the Secateurs and more, as well as park memorials like the Canadian Flagpole, Captain Cook Memorial Water Jet and Globe, and the Memorial to Pioneer Women.

From Kings Park, just to the east of Commonwealth Park, get up close views of Aspen Island and the National Carillon.  A gift from the British Government, the National Carillon has 55 bronze bells which when played by Carillonists, produce melodic music which drifts across the water and can be heard in both parks.  Recitals are given on a regular basis and monthly performance schedules are available in major tour centers around the city, or online. 

North West of the Parliamentary Triangle and Parks district, find the National Museum of Australia located on the Acton Peninsula.  The bright building and a work of art in and of itself, the museum dedicates itself to displaying the ‘stories of Australia and Australians.’  Offering free general admission, visitors learn about indigenous heritage, settlement, and key events in Australian history. 

Known as the national capital’s ceremonial venue, and widely recognizable for its distinctive red gravel, the Anzac Parade lies along the Land Axis, a key feature of the original city play for Canberra as designed by Walter Burley Griffin.  Today, visitors head to the Parade for commemorative events like Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, as well as to visit the individual memorials.  Plan ahead by downloading free walking tour Podcasts of the memorials, and even create your own tour by only selecting the memorials that most interest you from choices like the Australian Hellenic Memorial, the Rats of Tobruk Memorial, and the Kemal Ataturk Memorial among many others.