2 Days in Canberra: The Perfect Itinerary for a Short Getaway
Planning a short trip to Canberra?
Discover our perfect 2-day itinerary featuring 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 forced us to skip the city. 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. However, 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, yet compact enough to explore easily. In fact, in just two days, we were able to comfortably walk through the city center, visit key landmarks, and enjoy the lovely food scene in Braddon. If you want to venture beyond the city to 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. Therefore, it is a perfect stop on any Australian road trip.
Getting there by Car or Plane
- 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.
Alternative Transport Options
- By Bus or Train: Long-distance bus services like Greyhound and NSW TrainLink offer affordable and comfortable travel options for those not wanting to drive.
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. Consequently, you can often avoid the extreme coastal heat. We visited in February (mid-summer), and both days had temperatures between 25-30°C, perfect for exploring without high humidity. Keep in mind that due to the altitude, snow is possible during the winter months.
What makes Canberra special?
Canberra lies in the Australian Capital Territory, enclosed by New South Wales. It is not your typical capital city. Unlike Sydney or Melbourne, it was purpose-built as a neutral compromise in the early 20th century. American architect Walter Burley Griffin designed the city, resulting in a unique urban layout featuring geometric patterns and grand open spaces.
Key Canberra Tourist Attractions
Canberra is known for several iconic features that you should include in your visit:
- The “Canberra Triangle”: A uniquely designed layout that contains the city’s key buildings.
- The Australian War Memorial: Serving as both a museum and a shrine.
- Parliament House: The political heart of the country.
- National Museum of Australia: Showcasing Australian history, culture, and art.
- Lake Burley Griffin: A stunning man-made lake at the city’s center.
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 came together.
Mount Ainslie stands at 843 meters and provides a perfectly aligned view over the city. From here, you can clearly see the “Griffin Axis,” where major landmarks like Parliament House and the War Memorial sit in a straight line. After soaking in the view, we made our way down to the Australian War Memorial, one of the most significant Canberra visiting places.
- 📍 Location: Treloar Crescent
- 🕘 Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- 🎟️ Entry: Free (Booking is recommended)
Afternoon: Exploring Parliament House
From the War Memorial, we walked through the city and along Anzac Parade toward Capital Hill. Parliament House is truly an architectural masterpiece, blending modern design with deep symbolism.
- 📍 Location: Parliament Drive
- 🕘 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- 🎟️ Entry: Free
- Highlight: The 81-meter-tall stainless steel flagpole is visible from almost anywhere in the city. In addition, you can walk on the grass-covered roof for a unique perspective!
Evening: Dinner & Drinks in Braddon
To wrap up our first day, we explored Braddon, Canberra’s coolest neighborhood. We had a lovely vegetarian dinner at Zaab (Asian fusion) and a few local beers at BentSpoke Brewing Co.
2 days in Canberra
Visiting the War Memorial is really impressive
Day 2 in Canberra: Top Museums & Nature
Morning: National Museum of Australia
After a great coffee at Casa Espresso, we started our second day at the National Museum of Australia. This is one of the top things to see in Canberra, featuring extensive collections on Aboriginal culture and Australian innovations.
- 📍 Location: Lawson Crescent
- 🕘 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- 🎟️ Entry: Free
- Why visit? It is highly interactive. You can touch, listen, and immerse yourself in history through multimedia displays.
Afternoon: National Library and The Carillon
After lunch, we walked along Lake Burley Griffin. The walk is incredibly peaceful, especially in sunny conditions.
We visited two more Canberra tourist attractions:
- National Library of Australia: More than just books, this building features stunning interiors and free historical exhibitions.
- The National Carillon: A 50-meter-high bell tower on Aspen Island. It was a gift from the UK and features 57 bronze bells that chime every 15 minutes.
Evening: Final Vibes in Braddon
Of course, we ended our 2 days in Canberra back in Braddon for more fantastic drinks and a fancy dinner. It is the perfect place to reflect on a successful trip.
Our Trusted partners for Canberra
As experienced slow travelers, our philosophy is to embrace freedom and minimize stress on the road. However, Canberra is a destination where securing your essentials beforehand can make the difference between a smooth journey and logistical or practical issues. Based on our years of living the ‘Booming Journey,’ these are your non-negotiable items we recommend to arrange before arriving. They are the keys to truly unlocking the adventure and staying connected.
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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. Are you looking for the best Canberra tours or more travel tips? Drop us a message here! We would love to help you plan your journey.
The Booming Journey | 12 January 2026 | ©all rights reserved