Home to Australia’s capital Canberra, the Australian Capital Territory is renowned for its diverse culture and cool new edge. With a flourishing food and drink scene, a multitude of galleries and museums sharing Australia’s stories, and easy access to nature activities and national parks, it’s the perfect base for a little indulgence and adventure. Our tip is to take a hot air balloon flight. For the best views of Canberra and the ACT, take a hot air balloon flight at dawn. It’s the perfect way to fully appreciate this architecturally planned city as it shows just how integrated its urban and green spaces are. Each March the city celebrates with the Canberra Balloon Spectacular – where more than 30 balloons take off each morning of the event from a central city park location.
PLACES TO GO IN THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
Canberra
Canberra’s small town vibe means it's easy to get around, and the locals are eager to share the best of their stylish restaurants, winery experiences and city attractions. Within the city limits you'll find museums, galleries, breweries and modern architecture, but just minutes away lies the quiet nature of mountains, valleys and everything in between. Search and Stay has many holiday rental options in and around Canberra.
Discover Australia’s national treasures
Australia’s rich and diverse stories come to life through the collections housed across the city’s museums and galleries, many of which are free to enter. See the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artwork at the National Gallery of Australia and discover the war experiences that shaped a nation at the Australian War Memorial. The National Museum of Australia is the perfect place to get a snapshot of Australia’s past, present and future.
National Parks and Nature Reserves
The Australian Capital Territory is surrounded by the Great Dividing Range to the east, and the foot of the Australian Alps to the west at Namadgi National Park. With about 80 per cent of the Australian Capital Territory a designated nature park, parklands and nature-based experiences are plentiful. Take a twilight tour of Mulligan’s Flat to spot Bettongs (small kangaroo-like marsupials), hike the Centenary Trail or cycle around the man-made Lake Burley Griffin at the city’s heart. Both Tidbinbilla and Namadgi National Park offer hiking and wildlife spotting experiences.
Tablelands
Pack up the car and explore the inland areas surrounding Canberra, otherwise known as the Tablelands. Head east through Queanbeyan to the historic towns of Braidwood and Bungendore. Head west to the Yass Valley via the Murrumbateman wine region and explore a range of small towns. Just over an hour from Canberra is the Hilltops region, renowned for its glorious countryside and produce.
Food and Wine in the Australian Capital Territory
Canberra Wine Region
Canberra is surrounded by a distinct cool climate wine wonderland. A cool climate, varied vineyard elevations and different soil types have made the Canberra District Wine Region an ideal spot for winemaking. Sangiovese, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Shiraz, Tempranillo and rare varieties such as Grüner Veltliner are all produced in this region. Home to 140 vineyards and more than 30 boutique cellar doors, a visit to the wineries is a perfect way to spend an afternoon.
Fine dining and fusion feasts
From fine dining to cheap eats, there's a breadth of culinary experiences on offer here, including the multi-award-winning Eightysix and Bar Rochford. Canberra has eight hatted restaurants, including Aubergine, a two hatted restaurant that focuses on highlighting the best regional seasonal produce. Chef-driven food hall, Verity Lane Market, has opened in the laneway behind Northbourne Avenue’s heritage Sydney Building. The new food hall will see some of Canberra’s best chefs congregate in the professional kitchens to create a gastronomic hub in the heart of the city. The market is the first part of a larger food precinct set to take over this historic corner of the Sydney Building.
Search and Stay is the only place to go for all your holiday accommodation and short-term rental options in Australia's Capital Territory.
For more information: https://visitcanberra.com.au
Source: Tourism Australia www.Australia.com @Australia