The 10 best free activities in Canberra

Not only are there countless picnic spots at the National Arboretum, but electric barbequing stations too for a bougie lunch that you can bring from home. Drive right up to the picnic table on Dairy Farmers Hill for a picnic with jaw-dropping panoramic views, or go on a little bit of a walk through the Himalayan cedar forest, where you’ll find a bigger picnic area and grills. Once you’re full and content, you can explore the forest sculpture gallery, playground, bonsai collection and more than 20 kilometres of walking and cycle tracks. None of it will cost you a cent. 

Where: Dairy Farmers Hill Lookout, National Arboretum, Molonglo Valley

Time Out tip: Just ten minutes from the CBD, Weston Park is another one of our fave spots to roll out a picnic rug. You can find our other top picnic parks in Canberra here.

One of the big draw cards of Canberra is getting to see where all the big decisions get made in our version of the White House. The good news is that entry to Parliament House is free, and the even better news is that you won’t need to fork out any more if you’d like to go on a proper tour. Even though the 25-minute Heart of the House tour is free, you can reserve your spot here. You’ll get an introduction to the architecture, check out one of the chambers and hear all about Parliament House’s political history. 

Where: Parliament Dr, Canberra

Time Out tip: While there, check out the Lego Parliament House, which took artist Ryan ‘Brickman’ McNaught 740 hours – or almost 31 days – to build. 

After finishing up at Canberra’s most sought-after museum (AKA the Australian War Memorial), head to the trailhead of the popular Kokoda Track up Mount Ainslie. It’s a 4.5-kilometre return hike, which takes around 90 minutes if you're fit. At the summit, you can enjoy spectacular views stretching right down the parade from the War Memorial to Parliament House. It's particularly amazing at sunrise and sunset, both of which are free to enjoy. There’s also the option to drive up to the top, if that’s more your style. 

Where: Starts at the back of the Australian War Memorial

Time Out tip: Fuel up before or after your hike with a jaffle from Intra PRVN – just a three-minute drive down the road.

Every Wednesday and Sunday from 12.30pm to 1.30pm, you can strap in for not just any free live music, but the playing of one of the world’s largest instruments. The towering 50-metre-high National Carillon comprises 57 bronze bells, some weighing a couple of kilos and some a mind-blowing few tonnes. Skilled musicians work a set of wooden batons and pedals from down below. Even if there isn’t a concert playing when you’re there, the structure itself is pretty awe-inspiring, and so are the views from the island. 

Where: Queen Elizabeth II Island, Lake Burley Griffin 

Time Out tip: For a rare chance to look inside Canberra’s most photographed building, you can book a 30-minute free tour. It'll set you back $17, but includes a live musical demonstration. 

Potterheads often find themselves travelling to all corners of the world for Hogwarts-inspired attractions, but one of Australia’s most underrated wizarding hotspots is a humble shopfront in Canberra. You could spend ages at Quizzic Alley browsing Australia’s largest range of licensed Harry Potter merchandise. Don’t worry if you don’t have cash to spare – there are plenty of free immersive experiences, like getting a photo in the flying car from the movie or being sorted into your Hogwarts house.

Where: 5 Pirie St, Fyshwick

Time Out tip: Sample Quizzic Alley's signature #QBrew (the shop’s take on Butterbeer). 

Foodies rejoice, for this weekly market has all the secret ingredients for your next mind-blowing feed. Held on Sunday from 8am to 2pm, Haig Park Village Market offers an array of pastries, artisan breads, fresh produce, beautiful buds and gourmet deli goods. Let’s be real though, this type of stuff can add up – so take advantage of those free samples, while the kids delight in free arts and crafts activities. The market is also frequently graced by the talent of local musicians and cultural groups, so keep an eye out on their website for any free entertainment.

Where: Haig Park, Braddon

Time Out tip: If you're visiting Canberra on a Saturday, we recommend hitting up the Capital Region Farmers Market. It's open bright and early from 7am to 11.30am, and the perfect spot to sample local goodies.

It wouldn’t be a visit to the nation’s capital without a pit stop for some arts and culture. Luckily, most of Canberra's incredible galleries are completely free to explore. Get artsy at the National Gallery of Australia and the National Portrait Gallery, travel back in time at the National Museum of Australia, or ball out at the Royal Australian Mint. You can also listen to the humbling sounds of the Last Post at the Australian War Memorial – but don’t forget to reserve your spot online. 

Where: Around Canberra

Time Out tip: Most of Canberra's best art galleries run free daily tours where you can deep dive into the stories behind the building and its art. Check their websites for details and to align your visit.

Australia’s most famous artificial lake stretches nine kilometres long and varies from 300 to 1,200 metres wide. Stretch those legs with a leisurely stroll around the five-kilometre bridge-to-bridge walk, which starts at Commonwealth Bridge and steers you around the lake, taking in sights like the Captain Cook Memorial Jet and the National Carillon, and finishing at Kings Avenue Bridge. 

Where: Start at any of the lakeside car parks, such as Commonwealth Park 

Time Out tip: If you have a bike, you can also cycle around the flat 40km shoreline. Or hire an e-scooter to zip around the five-kilometre loop instead.

A lot of the architecture bordering Lake Burley Griffin tends to be quite modern and avant-garde. However, in one little nook, you’ll find the heritage-listed Blundells Cottage. While the historical aspect of this 1860s building is interesting enough, one of its early residents is said to haunt the joint. Young Flora Blundell was ironing by the fire when her nightgown set alight, burning her whole. Today, guests are said to smell burning, see dark shadows and catch objects moving. Dare to explore? The cottage is free to visit on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 2pm.

Where: Wendouree Dr, Parkes 

Time Out tip: Intrigued? You can also take a virtual tour of the historic cottage here.

Day or night, the waterfront promenade in Kingston has lots to see and do. Not only is it super scenic and a great base for walks and cycles along Lake Burley Griffin, but there are lots of little gorgeous shops and boutiques, prime for window shopping. At Canberra Glassworks, you can watch professional glass blowers perfect their craft and admire masterpieces by local artists. Every Sunday, you can also explore the Old Bus Depot Markets, where more than 200 stalls are peddling their beautiful knick-knacks. And all year round, you enjoy a peaceful picnic by the foreshore or use it as a launchpad for a loop around the lake.

Where: Eastlake Parade, Kingston 

Time Out tip: Kingston Foreshore is a short drive from Canberra Outlet – a great spot to snag some bargains with all the money saved on your free adventures.