The Best Free Things to Do in Canberra

Situated right on the edge of the lake at Regatta Point, this exhibition explains exactly how the city was designed and built. It features fascinating scale models, historical blueprints, and interactive displays detailing Walter Burley Griffin's grand vision. The large windows offer a perfect view of the landscape you are learning about. It is the absolute best starting point for understanding the physical layout of the capital.

Located right in the civic centre, this excellent facility is dedicated entirely to the local history and art of the region. It features the brilliant Sidney Nolan collection alongside rotating exhibitions showcasing the community's evolution. It provides a crucial, intimate counterpoint to the massive national narratives told in the larger institutions. It is a highly engaging way to understand the specific identity of the territory.

Driving or cycling through the leafy suburb of Yarralumla costs absolutely nothing and provides a bizarrely wonderful architectural experience. You can spot the traditional design elements incorporated into the various international diplomatic missions. It is like taking a rapid, visual trip around the world on a single suburban street. It is a highly unique activity that highlights the city's role in global politics.

You can freely explore the grounds of this historic military academy, which predates the establishment of the capital itself. The campus features grand heritage architecture, manicured parade grounds, and a deeply moving prisoner of war chapel relocated from Singapore. It offers a fascinating, quiet look at the long standing military traditions of the nation. It is highly photogenic and deeply steeped in history.