20 free things to do in Canberra this summer
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Ahhh, summer. The season of cocktail parties, Christmas shopping…and bare wallets.
Lucky for you, Canberra has plenty of ways to keep you entertained without spending a cent.
Canberra Museum and Gallery
Credit: Trevor Dickinson.
Too often overlooked in favour of its Southside neighbours, this centrally-located museum celebrates the history and culture of the ACT. Current exhibitions include Trevor Dickinson’s drawings of beautiful Canberra bus shelters, and works by Sir Sidney Nolan.
Canberra Glassworks
See the beauty and versatility of glass in a new light at the hidden gem that is Canberra Glassworks, housed in the historic Kingston Powerhouse. See professional glass artists at work, make your own glass paperweight or take introductory glass courses from experts and see their striking exhibitions.
Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex
Did you know there’s a little piece of NASA space magic happening right in our backyard? The Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex currently supports over 30 missions, making sure that the important data obtained by robotic spacecraft is received here on Earth. Visitors (especially little ones) will be thrilled to learn about Australia’s essential role in space exploration.
National Capital Exhibition
Canberra’s story may be more planned out than most cities, but that doesn’t make it any less interesting. In fact, once you check out the drawings and models of Walter and Marion’s plan for the city at the National Capital Exhibition on Regatta Point, you’ll come away with a newfound appreciation for their vision.
The Royal Australian Mint
Tucked away in Deakin, the Royal Australian Mint is one of the best in the world, with advanced technology and the capacity to produce two million coins in a day. Thanks to interactive displays and friendly staff that share the stories of our currency, the Mint reveals the secrets on the other side of the coin.
Bushwalk in the city
The bush capital really comes into its own when explored on foot. Hike up Mount Ainslie for panoramic views and the chance to encounter a kangaroo or 10, or head over to Mount Majura for a longer walk and a bit more solitude. Further south, check out Black Mountain, Red Hill or Mount Painter to get the heart racing.
Craft ACT
Still Life by Fran Romano. Photo: Andrew Sikorski.
Canberra’s design credentials are world renowned, and the best place to see them in action is Craft ACT. From the end of January, the Emerging Contemporaries exhibition showcases the best of the capital’s up-and-coming designers.
Australian War Memorial
With a poignant combination of commemoration and education, the Australian War Memorial unravels the complexity of Australia’s military history. After the War explores the impact and legacy of conflict on Australia through moving and intriguing objects, artworks, letters and documents from the archives.
National Arboretum
With 94 forests of rare and endangered trees, the Arboretum is the ideal place to get lost just minutes from the city. Kids will love the nature-themed Pod Playground and adults will relish the serenity and impressive views across the lake.
National Museum of Australia
With more than 200,000 objects in the permanent collection, the National Museum has something for everyone. Marvel at the bionic ear prototype, props from Play School and a traditional headdress from Mornington Island and immerse yourself in some of Australia’s many stories.
Australian National Botanic Gardens
Credit: Michael Browning
The Botanic Gardens is the only place where you can see the huge variety of Australian plants side by side, with nearly a third of Australia’s known flora species on display. Don’t miss the Red Centre Garden and the Rainforest Gully, plus the three-level Paperbark Treehouse for kids and kids-at-heart.
Parliament House
From the Marble Hall to the Great Foyer, Parliament House is an impressive building that hums with the power of government. Free guided tours run daily, and aspiring politicians can even watch Question Time, see bills being debated and sit in on committee inquiries.
National Portrait Gallery
Summer is buzzing with electricity at the Portrait Gallery, with a special exhibition to celebrate its 20th birthday. Electric! Portraits that pop! features iconic shots of stars like Nicole Kidman and Natalie Imbruglia, as well as colourful and experimental images of other important Aussies.
Take a dip
The Murrumbidgee River is a hot-weather haven, with locals flocking to spots like Kambah Pool, Pine Island and Casuarina Sands to cool off in the water or kick back in the shade. Cotter Reserve is another lovely destination. Pack a picnic and the sunscreen, and settle in at one of Canberra’s cruisiest summer destinations.
National Library of Australia
Cook and the Pacific. Image supplied.
With two exhibitions running until 10 February, titled Cook and the Pacific and Beauty Rich and Rare, the National Library revisits Oceania’s colonial origins and the natural beauty of the region. Of course, the Library is always worth a visit just to grab a coffee and marvel at its gorgeous stained glass window.
Bridge to Bridge
The five-kilometre Bridge to Bridge walk (or run), finished off with a stroll through Commonwealth Park, is one of Canberra’s most emblematic trails. Taking in many of the city’s most significant institutions and, of course, the calm waters of the lake, there’s no better way to embrace the outdoors in the city.
visitcanberra.com.au/getting-around/walking
Gibraltar Falls
Hidden away in Namadgi National Park, you’ll find Canberra’s only proper waterfall with a 50-metre drop that can be viewed from a scenic lookout. Adventurers can also descend the rocky path to the base of the waterfall for the full experience.
National Gallery of Australia
If the heat of Canberra summer is all too much, take sanctuary in the California Cool exhibition at the NGA. Showcasing art in Los Angeles in the 1960s–70s, the exhibition explores the contradictory promise of the American Dream. Plus, don’t forget to swing by the phenomenal sculpture garden on your way out.
High Court of Australia
The High Court is where law comes to life, and during sitting weeks you can watch real cases being argued from the sidelines. At the Australian Constitution Centre, you’ll find highlights of the most important cases in our history and find the setting for your very own The Castle monologue.
National Film and Sound Archive
Heath Ledger. Credit: Karin Catt.
In a gorgeous art deco building, the National Film and Sound Archive houses almost three million items of Australia’s history as told through film, television, music and other recordings. Until 10 February, check out Heath Ledger: A Life in Pictures with costumes, props and journals that offer an insight into the man behind the camera.
This article originally appeared in Magazine: FREE for Summer 2018/19, available for free while stocks last. Find out more about Magazine here.
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