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A shot of the main entrance area at HotelHotel showing The Grand Stair
Photograph: Visit Canberra

Weekend getaways: Canberra

Australia's capital was once known as the home of boring bureaucrats and bad cafés. But lately, there's been a transformation afoot

Alyx Gorman
Written by
Alyx Gorman
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Canberra used to be the punchline of jokes: known only for porn, politicians and legal fireworks. Now the fireworks are restricted and there are far more stimulating things happening outside the adult shops than on their shelves. Canberra in the twenty-teens boasts hipper hotels than Sydney, excellent cafés, some of the best galleries and museums in the country, and, of course, the chance to pick up leaked Federal documents from behind the couch at popular public servant boozers. Because some things never do change.

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Things to do in Canberra

Canberra institutions

National Gallery of Australia

National Gallery of Australia

Opened in 1982 and renovated in 2010, Australia’s national gallery houses important Australian, Indigenous, Pacific, Asian, American and European masterpieces,...

Australian Institute of Sport

Australian Institute of Sport

In addition to training Australia’s top athletes, the Australian Institute of Sport entertains visitors with guided tours and events across its 65 hectare...

National Film and Sound Archive

National Film and Sound Archive

It may surprise you to learn this, but much of what is broadcast on Australian television and radio waves is also preserved for posterity. Yes – even Sarah...

Australian War Memorial

Australian War Memorial

Canberra is home to the Australian War Memorial, a museum that commemorates the service and sacrifice of Australian men and women in wartime. Here you can...

Museum of Australian Democracy

Museum of Australian Democracy

Australia's beautiful former Parliament House is now the Museum of Australian Democracy. It's here exhibitions are held on topics such as political cartoons,...

National Gallery of Australia

National Gallery of Australia

Opened in 1982 and renovated in 2010, the gallery houses important Australian, Indigenous, Asian, American and European masterpieces, including Jackson...

National Library of Australia

National Library of Australia

The National Library also features a gallery that hosts blockbuster shows. Opening hours vary between different parts of the venue – see the full opening hours...

National Museum of Australia

National Museum of Australia

It makes perfect sense to learn the story of Australia in its capital. At the National Museum of Australia you will find a vast assortment of Australiana, from...

National Portrait Gallery

National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery sits near the National Gallery of Australia, but is specifically dedicated to portraiture - painted or photographic. Its first...

National Zoo and Aquarium

National Zoo and Aquarium

The National Zoo and Aquarium sits on seven hectares and is a short drive from the centre of Canberra. General admission grants you access to both facilities....

Parliament House, Canberra

Parliament House, Canberra

While in recent years it has seemed to many observers as a place where party squabbles run roughshod over the national good, the seat of Australia's government...

Tharwa Sandwash

Tharwa Sandwash

It may surprise you to learn that Canberra has a nude beach. No, it’s not a place where the ocean waves will caress your naked form, but it is a delightfully...