Free Attractions Guide - Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

1. All Saints Church

Previously the mortuary railway station at Rookwood in Sydney, this church featuring beautiful stained glass windows and a heritage pipe organ was transported stone by stone to Canberra and erected in 1958.

+61 2 6248 7420 11 Cowper Street, Ainslie

2. Australian Electoral Commission – Electoral Education Centre

Programs are designed to foster awareness of the importance of elections, referendums and participation in a representative democracy.

+61 2 6271 4536 South West Wing, Old Parliament House, King George Terrace, Parkes

3. Australian National Botanic Gardens

The Botanic Gardens house the national collection of Australian Native Plants. Main path provides easy access to the gardens. Parking Charges Apply.

+61 2 6250 9540 Clunies Ross Street, Acton

4. Australian War Memorial

The Memorial commemorates the sacrifice of Australian men and women who have served in war. Thousands of relics, artwork and personal items – from the Japanese Midget submarine that attached Sydney in 1942 to a brooch made for a sweetheart – show what war has meant for Australians.

+61 2 6243 4211 Anzac Parade, Campbell

5. Canberra Bicycle Museum

More than 60 bicycles ranging from the rare, through to the ridiculous, to the vintage, are on display in the Canberra Bicycle Museum.

+61 2 6248 0999 Canberra Tradesman’s Union Club, 2 Badham Street, Dickson

6. Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex

35kms south of city centre in your campervan hire you will come across displays, models and audio-visuals recording past, present and future space exploration and discovery. The Complex is still active in the command, tracking and recording of results from the Mars Surveyor spacecraft, Cassini, Galileo and Ulysses space exploration projects and provides a vital link with NASA spacecraft.

+61 2 6201 7838 Discovery Drive (Tourist Drive 5), Tidbinbilla

7. Canberra Museum and Gallery

Integrating visual arts and social history in a range of exciting exhibitions, projects and education programs, which explore Canberra’s cultural and social issues and possibilities for Canberra's future. Charges apply for special exhibitions.

+61 2 6207 3968 Civic Square, London Circuit, Canberra City

8. Captain Cook Memorial Jet

When operating at full capacity, the jet reaches a maximum height of 147 metres. About six tonnes of water is in the air at any one moment. Jet operates daily 10am-12noon and 2pm-4pm and 7pm-9pm during daylight savings.

+61 2 6271 2888 Lake Burley Griffin, near Regatta Point, Parkes

9. Canberra Casino

Offers casino games such as Blackjack, Baccarat, Sic Bo, Money Wheel, Pai Gow and American Roulette. Entertainment during the evening ranges from cabaret performances, karaoke, comedy and nightclub for over 25s.

+61 2 6257 7074 21 Binara Street, Canberra City

10. Changi Chapel

The Chapel was originally constructed by prisoners of war in Changi Camp, Singapore Island, in 1944. After the Second World War, it was returned to Australia, erected in the grounds of the Royal Military College and dedicated as a national memorial to all Australian prisoners of war.

Royal Military College, Duntroon

11. Corin Forest Mountain Retreat

49kms from Canberra. An exhilarating bobsled/alpine slide and a 350 metre long recreational flying fox. During winter, there is snowplay and a toboggan slope.

+61 2 6247 2250 Corin Road, Tidbinbilla

12. Earth Science Education Centre

A large purpose-dedicated space within the Geoscience Australia building, providing a safe, friendly and laboratory-like environment with access to geological materials and equipment.

+61 2 6249 9571 Geoscience Australia, Cnr Hindmarsh Drive and Jerrabomberra Avenue, Symonston

13. Exhibition Park In Canberra

Exhibition Park In Canberra (EPIC) – the National Capital's premier multi-purpose events complex. The ambient country setting, versatility and personalised service set the venue apart from any other. EPIC is located just 8 minutes north of the city centre and its geographic proximity to Sydney and Melbourne making it easily accessible for campervan hire Sydney travellers. Canberra Airport is only a 15 minute drive away and public transport services operate to and from the venue's main entrance.

+61 2 6241 3022 Flemming Road, Mitchell

14. Free Serbian Orthodox Church of St George

Murals depicting biblical scenes and Serbian history cover the walls and line the ceiling of this replica of an ancient Serbian village church. It is the work of the late Karl Matzek and was completed just before his death, at the age of 87.

+61 2 6295 1344 32 National Circuit, Forrest

15. Geoscience Australia

A large foyer area of displays of minerals, rocks, and fossils, and information on the geosciences, the activities of Geoscience Australia, and the level low energy geo-thermal heating/cooling system of award-winning building.

+61 2 6249 9111 Cnr Hindmarsh Drive and Jerrabomberra Avenue, Symonston

16. Gold Creek Village

Gold Creek Village centres on a historic (1883) schoolhouse and residence. Browse around the art and craft gallery and shops that feature leather craft, pottery, country style homewares, clothing, specialty gifts, food and cafes.

+61 2 6253 9780 Gold Creek Road, Nicholls

17. Government House

Official residence of the Governor-General. The house and grounds are not open to the public; however there are open days throughout the year.

+61 2 6283 3533 Dunrossil Drive, Yarralumla

18. High Court of Australia

One of Canberra’s prestigious public buildings. It is home to the highest court in the Australian judicial system and contains three courtrooms, a video display and a seven storey high public hall. When the court is in session it is possible for visitors to sit in the public gallery (if seating is available) and observe the proceedings.

+61 2 6270 6811 Parkes Place, Parkes

19. Indonesian Embassy

The ornamental Balinese stairway is a striking feature of this embassy. Hand-carved statues which flank the stairway depict the characters from the two Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

+61 2 6250 8600 8 Darwin Avenue, Yarralumla

20. Kamberra Wine Tourism Complex

Australia’s newest urban winery and the biggest ever new vine planting in the ACT. Facilities in clued the Cellar Door, the Meeting Place Bistro, the Federation Centre (VIP function rooms), a Demonstration Winery and an amphitheatre.

+61 2 6262 2333 Cnr Northbourne Avenue and Flemington Road, Lyneham

21. Legislative Assembly for the ACT

The Legislative Assembly for the ACT is the youngest legislature in Australia and comprises 17 members. The leader of the Government is the Chief Minister, elected by the Chamber; The Assembly has dual responsibilities for state and municipal matters, the only legislature in Australia which oversees two levels of government.

+61 2 6205 3016 London Circuit, Canberra City

22. Memorials of ANZAC Parade

The national capital's major commemorative way featuring: the Australian Hellenic Memorial, the Australian Army National Memorial, the Australian National Korean War Memorial, the Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial, the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial, the New Zealand Memorial, the Rats of Tobruk Memorial, the Royal Australian Air Force Memorial, the Australian Service Nurses National Memorial, the Royal Australian navy Memorial and the Kemal Ataturk Memorial.

+61 2 6271 2888 Anzac Parade, Campbell

23. Namadgi National Park

35kms from Canberra. Namadgi National Park covers the mountainous area of the south western section of the ACT. It is part of the Australian Alps which stretches from the ACT through to Victoria. The Park contains prehistoric sites and many species of flora and fauna.

+61 2 6207 2900 Visitors Centre, Naas Road, Tharwa

24. National Archives of Australia

The National Archives looks after Australia's valuable Commonwealth records dating back to Federation. The main drawcard is Australia's "birth certificate" – the Constitution and Royal Commission of Assent – along with exhibitions and Displays. All in a historic building in the Parliamentary Triangle.

+61 2 6212 3600 Queen Victoria Terrace, Parkes

25. National Bonsai Collection of Australia

Located at the rear of the cottage near Stage 88 in Commonwealth Park, take the time out to enjoy this permanent display of bonsai and penjing. Paper-bark, Montezuma cypress, and other exotic and native trees were all created by Australian artists. This permanent part of the Canberra International Arboretum and Gardens is currently housed in a purpose built open air pavilion in Commonwealth Park.

+61 2 6262 9219 Regatta Point, Canberra

26. National Capital Exhibition

Tells the extraordinary story of Canberra – the creation of Australia's national capital. An essential first stop for every visitor and newcomer to Canberra, the Exhibition features interactive displays, laser models and innovative audiovisual demonstrations (commentary in six languages).

+61 2 6257 1068 Regatta Point, Commonwealth Park, Parkes

27. National Carillon

The Carillon is one of the largest musical instruments in the world. The 53 bronze bells are controlled by hand batons and foot pedals on a keyboard.

+61 2 6271 2888 Aspen Island, Wendouree Drive, off Constitution Avenue, Parkes

28. National Gallery of Australia

The National Collection spans some 5,000 years of international art and more than 30,000 years of indigenous culture. Guided tours of the Gallery's paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, drawings and decorative arts commence at 11am and 2pm daily. Charges apply for major exhibitions.

+61 2 6240 6502 Parkes Place, Parkes

29. National Library of Australia

See the beautiful, the rate, and the unexpected from the Library’s vast collections on show in the Visitor Centre and National Library Gallery. Find out where all the books, manuscripts, newspapers, maps and paintings are on a trail of adventure throughout the Library's 200 kilometres of shelving.

+61 2 6262 1111 Parkes Place, Parkes

30. National Museum of Australia

This spectacular attraction includes exhibits, technology, performances and hands-on activities, and hosts major national and international blockbuster exhibitions. It is also an ideal venue for meetings, product launches and special events. Charges may apply for special exhibitions.

+61 2 6208 5000 Acton Peninsula, Acton

31. Old Bus Depot Markets

Each Sunday, the former Kingston Bus Depot is transformed into a bustling market atmosphere. The Markets feature a selection of hand-crafted gifts including homewares, jewellery, aboriginal arts, fresh flowers, tableware, cards, ceramics, leadlight, woodcraft, furniture and leatherwork.

+61 2 6292 8391 Wentworth Avenue, Kinston Foreshore

32. Parliament House

Parliament House is the home of Australia's Federal Parliament and is one of the world's most prestigious and acclaimed buildings. Situated in the centre of the nation's capital, it is renowned for its impressive architecture, landscaped gardens and collection of Australian contemporary art. When Parliament is sitting, Question Time in both Chambers begins at 2pm.

+61 2 6277 5399 Capital Hill, Canberra

33. Prime Minister's Lodge

The official residence of Australian Prime Ministers since 1927. Not open to the public, open days throughout the year.

Cnr Adelaide Avenue and National Circuit, Deakin

34. Royal Australian Mint

The Visitors Gallery offers excellent views of the minting process and exhibitions trace the history of Australian coins and coin design. You can mint your own 'C' Mint marked $1 coin during your visit.

+61 2 6202 6819 Denison Street, Deakin

35. Sakyamuni Buddhist Centre / Van Hanh Monastery

The first, and still the largest, Buddhist temple in Canberra, established in 1983. Tallest open air statues of Buddha in Australia.

+61 2 6257 5517 32 Archibald Street, Lyneham

36. Screensound Australia – The National Screen and Sound Archive

Explore Australia's radio, film, television and sound recording treasures dating from the late 1800s to the present day.

+61 2 6248 2000 McCoy Circuit, Acton