2 Days in Canberra: The Perfect Itinerary

Planning a short trip to Canberra? Discover our perfect 2-day itinerary with the best attractions, top activities, and hidden gems to make the most of your visit!

We had tried to visit Canberra before, but the weather was never in our favor. On two earlier occasions rain and wind, so we skipped visiting Canberra. Finally, in February 2025, we made it while on a camping road trip through New South Wales and Victoria! Canberra, being the capital of Australia, is an interesting choice, considering Sydney or Melbourne seemed like the more obvious contenders. But history played a role, and now, this well-planned city is home to Australia’s political and cultural heart.
With two full days, we were able to explore the city’s highlights, visit top museums, and soak in the unique atmosphere. Read on for our best tips, recommendations, and the ultimate itinerary for 2 days in Canberra.

Is 2 Days in Canberra enough?

We believe that for most travelers, two days in Canberra is enough to get a solid feel for the city. While it is the “planned” capital, Canberra is relatively small, with a population of about 470,000 residents. The city is home to Australia’s Parliament, making it politically significant, but the city is also compact enough to explore on foot.

In two days, we were able to comfortably walk through the city center, visit key landmarks, explore museums, and enjoy Canberra’s lovely food (and drinks) scene in Braddon. If you want to venture beyond Canberra and explore areas like the nearby Snowy Mountains, you might need more time.

How to get to Canberra?

Canberra is well-connected and easy to reach by different modes of transport:

• By Car: We visited Canberra as part of our road trip through New South Wales and Victoria, traveling in a campervan. Major highways connect Canberra to Sydney (3-hour drive) and Melbourne (7-hour drive).
• By Plane: Canberra has its own international airport with direct flights from major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.
• By Bus or Train: Long-distance bus services like Greyhound and NSW TrainLink offer affordable and comfortable travel options.

What is the best time of year to visit Canberra?

The best time to visit Canberra is from spring to autumn (September to May). Summers can be warm but are still pleasant as Canberra sits at 580 meters above sea level, meaning you can avoid extreme heat.

We visited in February (mid-summer), and both days had temperatures between 25-30°C, perfect for exploring without humidity. Since Canberra is a bit on altitude there is the possibility for snow in the winter.

What makes Canberra special?

Canberra lies in the Australian Capital Territory, enclosed by New South Wales. Canberra is not your typical capital city. Unlike Sydney or Melbourne, it was purpose-built as a neutral compromise in the early 20th century to avoid a “battle” between Australia’s two largest cities to become the capital. American architect Walter Burley Griffin designed the city, resulting in a well-planned urban layout featuring geometric patterns and grand open spaces.

Canberra is known for:

The “Canberra Triangle” – A uniquely designed layout that aligns and “contains” the key buildings in the city.
War Memorial, serving both as a museum and a shrine, honoring the men and women who have served and sacrificed in conflicts involving Australia.
The Parliament House, the political center of Australia, home to the country’s federal government and legislative processes
Top-tier museums like the National Museum of Australia showcasing Australian history, culture, and art.
Lake Burley Griffin, a stunning lake at the city’s center.
Surrounding national parks that provide a mix of outdoor adventure and scenic beauty, like the Snowy Mountains.

Day 1 in Canberra: Iconic landmarks & culture

Morning: Mount Ainslie Lookout & War Memorial

We started our first day at Mount Ainslie Lookout, one of the best panoramic viewpoints in the city. Standing at the top, we were amazed at how perfectly Walter Burley Griffin’s design for Canberra came together. If you want to truly understand the design and layout of Canberra, there is no better place than Mount Ainslie Lookout. Offering breathtaking panoramic views, this spot is a must-visit for anyone wanting to appreciate the geometric precision of Canberra’s urban planning.

Mount Ainslie stands at 843 meters above sea level and provides a perfectly aligned viewpoint over Canberra. From here, you can clearly see Walter Burley Griffin’s vision for the city, where major landmarks like Parliament House, Lake Burley Griffin, and the Australian War Memorial all sit in a straight line, forming what is known as the Griffin Axis.

Standing at the lookout, you are treated to a postcard-perfect view of Canberra.

Some of the most iconic landmarks visible from here include:

🔹 The Australian War Memorial – Directly below the lookout, forming the start of the Anzac Parade, which leads all the way to Parliament House.
🔹 Lake Burley Griffin – The lake that serves as the centerpiece of the city.
🔹 Parliament House – Sitting proudly at the end of the Griffin Axis, its flagpole visible from miles away.
🔹 Telstra Tower – Located on Black Mountain, another famous viewpoint in the city.
🔹 Canberra’s Suburbs – A sprawling view of the city’s well-planned residential areas.

After soaking in the view, we made our way down to the Australian War Memorial, one of the most significant landmarks in the country.

📍 Location: Treloar Crescent
🕘 Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎟️ Entry: Free

The War Memorial was officially opened on November 11, 1941, during World War II, and has since been expanded to include tributes to conflicts from World War I to modern peacekeeping missions. The date of its opening, November 11, coincides with Remembrance Day, marking the end of World War I and serving as a day of reflection for fallen soldiers.

The memorial was designed to be more than just a museum, it was intended as a place of remembrance, ensuring that the sacrifices of Australian soldiers are never forgotten. It is one of the most visited sites in Canberra, drawing people from around the world.

Walking to Parliament House

From the War Memorial, we took our time and walked through the city and along Anzac Parade, a grand boulevard lined with memorials dedicated to different military units. Crossing Lake Burley Griffin, we arrived at the foot of Capital Hill, where Parliament House stands tall.

Afternoon: Exploring Parliament House

📍 Location: Parliament Drive
🕘 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎟️ Entry: Free

Parliament House in Canberra is the political center of Australia, home to the country’s federal government and legislative processes. Opened on May 9, 1988, the building replaced the Old Parliament House, which is nearby. It stands on Capital Hill, symbolizing the government’s place at the heart of the nation.

Parliament House is truly an architectural masterpiece, blending modern design with deep symbolism. The building is partially built into the hill, giving the impression that it rises naturally from the landscape. The most striking feature is the 81-meter-tall stainless steel flagpole, which flies a massive Australian flag visible from many parts of the city.

The building’s layout follows the structure of the Australian Parliament, with separate chambers for the House of Representatives (green) and the Senate (red), reflecting traditional British parliamentary colors.

The best thing probably is, when standing on the rooftop you can see Mount Ainslie on the other side of Canberra, reverse to the view from Mount Ainslie.

Evening: Dinner & Drinks in Braddon

To wrap up our first day, we explored Braddon, Canberra’s coolest neighborhood for food and drinks. We had a lovely vegetarian dinner at Zaab (Asian) and a few cold ones at BentSpoke Brewing Co.

Day 2 in Canberra: Museums & wandering

Morning: National Museum of Australia

After great coffee at Casa Espresso, we started the day at the National Museum of Australia, which features an extensive collection on Aboriginal culture, Australian innovations, and historical events.

📍 Location: Lawson Crescent
🕘 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎟️ Entry: Free

The National Museum of Australia is not your typical museum, it is designed to be highly interactive and engaging, making it a great experience for all ages. Instead of just looking at exhibits, you can touch, listen, and immerse themselves in Australia’s rich history through cutting-edge displays, multimedia presentations, and hands-on activities.

What to See at the National Museum of Australia?

The First Australians Gallery (Indigenous History & Culture)
The Landmarks Gallery (Australian Social History & Iconic Artifacts)
The Environmental History Exhibit
The Circa Theatre (Immersive Experience)
The Garden of Australian Dreams

Afternoon: National Library and Carillion

After lunch in Braddon, we walked along Lake Burley Griffin which is really “cool” wandering in sunny conditions. We visited the National Librabry and the Carillon, a towering 50-meter-high bell tower gifted by the UK.

National Library

The National Library of Australia is the country’s largest reference library, housing an incredible collection of books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, newspapers, and historical documents. While libraries might not be the first thing on a travel itinerary, the NLA is far more than just a place for books. It’s a beautiful building with stunning interiors, free exhibitions, and an extraordinary collection of historical artifacts.

The Carillon

The National Carillon in Canberra is a 50-meter-high bell tower located on Aspen Island in Lake Burley Griffin. A gift from the United Kingdom to Australia in 1970 to celebrate Canberra’s 50th anniversary, the tower features 57 bronze bells. The bells chime every 15 minutes, with live performances held regularly by skilled carillonists. The island’s scenic setting, peaceful atmosphere, and beautiful lake views make it a popular spot for visitors, especially at sunset when the tower lights up and its melodies echo over the water.

Ofcourse we ended our Day 2 again in Braddon for lovely drinks and a fancy dinner.

Final Thoughts: 2 Days in Canberra

Two days in Canberra gave us an amazing insight into the city’s history, politics, and vibrant culture. It is one of the perfect getaways if you are exploring Australia’s southeast. Do you want to know more about 2 days in Canberra? Drop us a message here!