A gallery, local theatre show or a spot of retail therapy – there’s always something to do in Canberra.

Explore Australia’s cultural icons

Living in Canberra gives you access to a revolving door of global exhibitions and some of the country’s most precious historical artefacts. You can learn a lot about Australia and its place in the world by devoting some pleasurable hours to gallery and museum-hopping.

Whether you’re marvelling at Jackson Pollock’s Blue Poles at the National Gallery of Australia, seeing Phar Lap’s heart at the National Museum of Australia, or learning the story behind one of the names on the Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial,’s Last Post Ceremony there’s always something to discover. Each of the city’s 13 cultural icons is endlessly fascinating!

Discover Canberra’s story 

The larger galleries may be well known, but Canberra also has more than 30 smaller galleries and artistic spaces where art lovers can while away the hours. Learn more about Ngunnawal country and the stories that shaped this region at the Canberra Museum and Gallery, watch glassblowing and take an art workshop at Canberra Glassworks, or embark on your own artistic adventure using VisitCanberra’s Culture Capital Guide as inspiration.

Enjoy stage, screen, music and more

If you love live music, theatre and cinema, you’re in luck. This is a place where big-name shows and concerts sit comfortably alongside local gigs, theatre and dance productions. On any given night, you might meet renowned authors at a book launch, get swept up in a burlesque show, catch the best arthouse and international cinema at one of the city’s regular film festivals, or dance ‘til dawn to local musicians and DJs.

Indulge in retail therapy

Enjoy browsing boutiques? Head to Lonsdale Street in Braddon, Kingston’s Green Square and the streets of Manuka – you’ll find a range of fashion options from preloved gems to international labels.

For a shopping mall experience, our town centres have you covered – check out Canberra Centre in Civic, Westfield Belconnen, Westfield Woden, South.Point Tuggeranong and Marketplace Gungahlin. They’re serviced by brands like David Jones, Myer, Kmart, Big W and many popular high street brands. Fyshwick’s Canberra Outlet Centre combines an outlet shopping mall with a homemaker hub – a good destination if you’re after both clothing and homewares at cheaper prices.

At Majura Park you will find Costco and IKEA – both extremely handy when you are setting up your new home. The industrial suburb of Fyshwick also has most specialty furniture stores and big players like Freedom, Harvey Norman and The Good Guys. If you have arrived without a vehicle, it’s also where most of the car dealerships are.

Discover family fun that doesn’t break the bank

One of the great things about Canberra is the sheer amount of free or low-cost things to do as a family. Most of our national institutions have spaces and programs designed to inspire and entertain young people for hours on end – it’s like having a cultural playground in your own backyard! Canberra also has some fantastic parks and playgrounds for kids to enjoy – from sprawling spaces designed for all ages and abilities, to nature play areas made for exploring.