Four hours in Canberra

On the shores of Lake Burley Griffin (the manmade lake that is the town’s centrepiece) lies the National Museum of Australia. This showstopping collection of artefacts, interactive displays and gardens tells the story of Australia through the ages. Visitors learn about its history through innovative exhibits enhanced by lights, motion and sound.

With free entry, you can easily spend an entire day here surrounded by life-size dinosaur skeletons, crocodiles bigger than a car, aboriginal paintings and photography that show the effect of climate change in the southern hemisphere. The newest addition is this summer’s opening of the Great Southern Land gallery with more than 2,100 objects and experiences showcasing all that makes Australia what it is today. The museum’s convenience to the central business district (CBD), Parliament House and popular hotels like the Hyatt Regency is a real boon when your schedule is tight. nma.gov.au

Also near the city’s famous lake is Parliament House, the centre of Australian government. If you have a free afternoon why not spend time perusing the impressive collection of art, photography and portraits of past lawmakers in the public areas.

Don’t miss one of the world’s largest tapestries, which is on display in the Great Hall. This grand, impressive room can also be booked for private events, meetings and conferences. If you visit when parliament is in session, you can even catch a glimpse of elected officials in action.

Free tours throughout the day last about 25 minutes (make an advance reservation online) and include visits to the chambers where lawmakers meet. aph.gov.au

The two aforementioned hot spots within the National Triangle (often dubbed the Parliamentary Triangle) are worth visiting, but there’s more to experience in the city. Several impressive museums within this part of town include Questacon, a family-friendly and interactive science museum, and the National Portrait Gallery.

If art isn’t your thing, a jog (or walk) around the lake with towering Mount Ainslie as the backdrop is worth the visit alone. Nothing in Canberra is very far away, which means you can duck out of a meeting for a free museum tour or stroll around the lake and be back in no time.

Extending from Parliament House to the Australian War Memorial is a commemorative road that connects the two landmarks. Known as Anzac Parade, it is named in honour of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps of the First World War and serves as an alfresco museum of sorts. There are numerous statues, memorials and monuments along the way, and it’s an interesting walk to learn more about the region’s history. questacon.edu.au

Just north of the lake, this revitalised part of the city showcases plenty of edgy shops and dining options within walking distance of the corporate, government and hotel buildings in town. With a mix of residential and commercial activity, the area is always lively. This is a hub for nightlife, weekend brunching or just an afternoon stroll where you’ll find some of the city’s best coffee and brews (Bent Spoke Brewing Co is a particular favourite). If you’re hungry, tuck in to a tasty breakfast at Morning Glory, but don’t miss Fekerte’s Ethiopian, which attracts queues for its traditional meat and veggie dishes. newacton.com.au

Not everyone is after urban adventure though. Some (especially Aussie newbies) want the quintessential animal encounters, which is exactly what you’ll find in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Ranger-guided tours can lead you through the park if you wish but driving through on your own will surely show off the region’s exciting wildlife. It’s not just kangaroos and koalas; you’ll also see more elusive creatures such as the grassland earless dragon, eastern bettong and southern brush-tailed rock wallaby. Heard of them before? We didn’t think so! tidbinbilla.act.gov.au

If you want to enjoy one of the country’s best assets (its verdant nature), the National Arboretum Canberra is a hidden gem. It boasts more than 243 hectares of endangered or rare trees and plants, the arboretum is a paradise for green-thumbed travellers and a supremely restful place to visit. Plus, it’s only ten minutes’ drive from the city centre.

Add an extra punch to your trip by taking in one of the many vineyards in Canberra and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Tour companies such as Van Du Vin offer half- and full-day trips from the CBD into wine country. Less famous than the big names of the Hunter or Barossa valleys, these vineyards are just as spectacular. nationalarboretum.act.gov.au

Words: Ramsey Qubein