Australian Capital Territory

• Take a hot air balloon flight
  • For the best views of Canberra, take a hot air balloon flight at dawn. It is fairly unusual to be able to hot air balloon over a city, as the balloons require sufficient grassed areas to be able to land no matter where the wind direction takes them. But Canberra’s open spaces and parkland area make this possible year round. Once a year, the Territory also holds an annual celebration of the area’s ballooning community at the Canberra Balloon Spectacular event.
• Get out and into nature
  • The Australian Capital Territory has a magnitude of nature parks, in fact, about 80% of the territory is park land. This means you’re never far from encountering a true ‘bush capital’ experience. Whether it be a twilight tour of Mulligan’s Flat or a multi-day hike along Canberra’s Centenary Trail, you’ll find the nature based experience for you in the capital. There is no better city for getting up close and personal with Australian wildlife, with kangaroos grazing minutes from your hotel.
• Taste the finest wines of the region
  • A cool climate, varied vineyard elevations and different soil types have made the Australian Capital Territory 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. Experience the philosophy of dining from paddock to plate at Pialligo Estate where you can indulge in seasonal food and sensational wines in a relaxed environment.
• Experience fine dining and fusion feasts
  • From fine dining to cheap eats, tapas and Asian-fusion, there’s a breadth of culinary experiences on offer here, including the multi-award-winning Eightysix and Australian Gourmet Traveller’s 2018 Bar of the Year, Bar Rochford. Canberra has eight hatted restaurants, including Aubergine, a two hatted restaurant which focuses on highlighting the best regional seasonal produce.
• Get to know the galleries and museums
  • Explore the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artworks at the National Gallery of Australia or learn about the war experiences that helped shape Australia at the Australian War Memorial. Get an understanding of Australia’s social and political history at The Museum of Australian Democracy, which is housed in one of the nation’s most iconic buildings, Old Parliament House. Or visit the National Museum of Australia, housed on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, and witness the rich and diverse stories of Australia come to life.

Canberra

Australia’s national capital is an exciting meeting point of world-class art, awe-inspiring nature and acclaimed food and wine sourced from the surrounding wine region. The added bonus? It’s just a hop, skip and a jump away from Sydney and many other NSW regions. Find day trips, road trips and much more below.