Canberra is famous for its outdoor adventures and is an adventure-packed destination offering visitors scenic views year-round. It is an ideal destination for travelers seeking depth and meaning beyond the major cities. This is a hidden gem, as most people consider it to be boring and a political hub. Instead, it offers its visitors a chance to see preserved wildlife in the museums. The best time to visit here is spring and autumn, when you can enjoy fresh mornings and pleasant days. Take a serene balloon ride across the city, overlooking Lake Burley Griffin and panoramic views of the Brindabella Ranges. Here are 5 things to do in Canberra that are definitely not boring.
5 Things to Do in Canberra that are Fun and Interesting
1. Boating at Lake Burley Griffin
The dazzling waters of Lake Burley Griffin are often regarded as the centerpiece of Australia, as it cuts the National capital in half. At this lake, you get endless opportunities to have fun in its aquatic playground. You can either choose to explore the area by paddleboard or hire a kayak. If you are visiting with your family, you can opt for a GoBoat, which features eight seats, comfy benches, and a table for your picnic food. You can cruise around for a while and choose a spot to pause and soak up the charming sunset. You can even admire nearby landmarks, such as the iconic Captain Cook Memorial jet and National Museum of Australia.
2. Balloon Ride in Canberra
A balloon ride in Canberra is a magical way to experience the beautiful city. The ride starts at dawn, and you feel the breeze on your skin as you float above the beautiful lake and also witness the beautiful landscapes. Usually, the balloon rides are around 45 minutes, with a glass of complimentary champagne. During weekends, it gets very crowded, so make sure to book in advance. If you do not want to spend too much, you can opt for a standard shared ride. During the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, you can witness breathtaking sights of dozens of hot air balloons. After getting tired from the ride, you can try out the delicious breakfast from the food trucks there.
3. Meet the Wildlife
Canberra has various spots where you can view and interact with the diverse wildlife. At the National Zoo and Aquarium, you can opt for guided tours in which you can interact and hand-feed animals like giraffes and big cats, and you can even give a pat to a Rhino for a daring experience. It is also an amazing spot where you can use the BBQ facility to make your own snacks or buy food from the cafes there. For an immersive experience, you can book an overnight stay and sleep next to a shark tank. If you’re there with your children, pay a visit to the Puggle Cub, where your kids will learn about wild animals through a story-led exploration and make their own nature-inspired crafts.
4. Railway Museum
If you are a history buff or have kids who are obsessed with trains, you should definitely visit the Canberra Railway Museum to explore the rich history of Australian railways. It houses the country’s oldest operating steam locomotive, artifacts from the construction of tramways, and the world’s oldest mainline steam locomotive. You and your family can explore the fascinating exhibits and also take a ride on a vintage steam train. Even if you are not someone who likes trains, after interacting with the volunteers here, who are extremely friendly and knowledgeable, you are sure to leave the place obsessed with trains.
5. Old Bus Depot Market
The Old Bus Depot Market is a fantastic place for you to find unique gifts and souvenirs. It’s quite a popular destination where you can sample traditional dishes such as meat pies and sausage rolls. There are plenty of vegetarian options to cater to food lovers of all kinds. To take back home some of the local arts and crafts as souvenirs, you can browse through the stalls and buy handmade jewelry, ceramics, paintings, and sculptures. You will also get to vibe to live music as you explore the market. For tourists, this place is more than just a shopping destination; it feels like a window into the city’s creative heart.
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Bottom Line
Canberra is a city filled with fun places for tourists to visit. But many people consider it a boring destination because they haven’t properly explored the city yet. To have some fun outdoor adventure, you can go paddling or boating at Lake Burley Griffin, and you can even opt for a speedboat and have an on-water picnic. The city has preserved wildlife at the National Museum, where you can hand-feed and pet the wild animals for an immersive experience. For train enthusiasts, the Canberra Railway Museum is a must-visit, as you will get to observe artifacts and old steam locomotives. We hope these options for things to do in Canberra make your vacation more interesting than you could ever have expected.
