The Best Things to Do in Canberra

Surrounded by lush bushland, Canberra is a combination of vibrant urban stay and off-grid getaway. A three-hour drive from Sydney (the flight is under an hour), the city offers the kind of weekend itinerary that leaves you feeling rejuvenated. Here's our guide on the best things to do during your visit.

Opt for unplugged

Dinny by Cubby and Co is the ultimate circuit breaker. The solar-powered tiny home is nestled at the back of the riesling block of Mount Majura Vineyard on the north-eastern fringe of the city. Equipped for year-round stays, the cosy bolthole has a feather-soft queen-sized bed dressed in linen from Sydney brand In Bed. There’s a kitchenette with a gas cooktop, as well as an ensuite with a rain shower and composting toilet. Choose the Stay Local package and be treated to a wine tasting at the cellar door on arrival – you can pick your favourite bottle to take up the hill for the evening. Dinner is delivered by local late-night cafe Kita in Narrabundah, with its changing menu of “Indo-fusion” dishes. Light the outdoor firepit (from May to September) and lean into the lack of notifications – mobile reception is patchy in the best way possible.

Spot a sculptural showcase

Ouroboros sculpture by Lindy Lee at the National Gallery of Australia

The National Gallery of Australia welcomed immersive art piece Ouroboros to the National Sculpture Garden as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations last year. The work by Brisbane-born artist Lindy Lee, has a polished, mirror-like surface made from recycled scrap metal and is based on the ancient image of a snake eating its own tail. The piece measures four metres high, weighs about 13 tonnes and is perforated with thousands of holes. Every hour of the day creates a different experience of it: daytime visitors see reflections of the world passing by and after dark, when the sculpture is lit from within, it does its impression of a star-filled night sky.

Drink in the district

It might come as a surprise to learn that the Canberra District wine region, which includes Murrumbateman and Yass in NSW, is home to 140 vineyards and more than 50 wineries and cellar doors. Crisp, dry riesling and full-flavoured shiraz are the area’s finest tipples, with Clonakilla and Shaw Estate among the frontrunners. The latter has recently added a Mediterranean-minded restaurant to its offering. Stop by for a quick tasting served alongside antipasti or clear the afternoon for an extended lunch against the backdrop of sweeping views of the countryside.

A taste of Italy

Baked lumache alla vodka at Lunetta Trattoria

The capital’s dining scene has been leaning into a love of Italy of late. Melbourne restaurateur Chris Lucas (of Chin Chin, Grill Americano and Kisumé fame) has brought the sleek green-tiled Carlotta to Civic, while celestial-inspired Lunetta Trattoria breathes new life into its Red Hill lookout location. Both eateries have turned their attention to woodfired cooking, including fluffy flatbreads and hearty secondi like market-fresh whole fish and cuts of steak. But it’s Lunetta Trattoria’s baked lumache alla vodka with morsels of spicy nduja that you won’t want to miss.

Up and away

Balloon Aloft runs sunrise hot-air balloon flights seven days a week (depending on the weather). Setting your alarm for a dawn wake-up call is worth it once you’re gently floating above Lake Burley Griffin, watching the city below. As you drift above the treetops and reach a flying height of 3000 feet (about 915 metres), you’ll spy landmarks such as Black Mountain Tower, Parliament House, the Royal Australian Mint and Government House, according to where the wind takes you. Clear conditions will give you views over the Brindabella Ranges – and misty mornings often lead to sparkling days as the fog disappears.