Free things to do in Canberra

35 places in Canberra with free entry or no charge, based on guide listings and map data.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

SeeActon
ANU School of Art & Design Gallery
Exhibits a variety of post-grad artworks, in particular contemporary art.
Tue–FriFree
SeeActon
Australian National Botanic Gardens
Located at the base of Black Mountain in Acton, the ANBG has the largest collection of Australian native flora in the country. It also has some interesting water dragons that live in the water features around the gardens. A delightful place for a picnic, try to grab some food from the city centre first to take with you for lunch. If you are there during summer, call and ask about the jazz evenings. These are held on the weekend and many families attend with evening picnic and champagne in tow, to chill out to the sounds of jazz in the balmy evening temperatures.
DailyFree entry, parking $1.40/hr or $7 all day
SeeNorth Canberra
Australian War Memorial
AWM
Not just a memorial, this is one of Australia's premier museums, covering Australian military history from the Federation to the present day and including fascinating exhibits of equipment, memorabilia, and battle dioramas. You could easily spend a full day here (it has a cafe, or bring a picnic lunch if the weather is nice and sit on the lawns at the front). Anzac Parade, leading up to the War Memorial has several memorials to different wars and those involved in wars. Free entry, allow 4–7 hours. The AWM opens its large storage warehouse in the industrial suburb of Mitchell to the public once every few years (usually in September or October), and this is a must-see event for people interested in military history. A Last Post Ceremony paying tribute to one of the soldiers on the Roll of Honour is held at 4:45PM every day, just before the memorial closes to the public for the day. Attendance at the ceremony is free but must be booked in advance due to the limited number of spaces. Every first and third Wednesday of the month from February to November, Australia's Federation Guard mounts a catafalque party at the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier and performs a precision military drill as the catafalque party is dismounted as part of the Last Post Ceremony. The AWM is mid-way through a major expansion, and many of its galleries are closed.
Daily: museum 10AM-5PM, shop 10AM-4:30PM, café 9AM-4PMFree
SeeActon
CSIRO Discovery Centre
The museum of the Australian Government's scientific research organisation includes exhibits on the history of Australian science and the CSIRO's current research.
Mon-FriFree
SeeTuggeranong and Country ACT
Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex
The Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (often called the "Tidbinbilla Tracking Station") is part of a network of three NASA facilities worldwide used to maintain contacts with probes launched from Earth. The facility is visually impressive, and claims to have "the largest antenna complex in the southern hemisphere". It also has an interesting visitors centre. The complex is about a 45-minute drive from Civic. The visitor centre is open on weekends and features exhibits on space exploration, though the on-site cafe and gift shop remain closed..
Sat Sun 10AM-4PM; check the website for additional opening hours during School Holidays. Closed on Public HolidaysFree
SeeCivic
Canberra Museum and Gallery
CMAG
A museum and art gallery featuring works and exhibits of the local region. It includes an interesting permanent gallery on the history of Canberra and several galleries that host temporary exhibitions, generally by local artists and photographers. It also features the Sydney Nolan Collection - the works of Sir Sydney Nolan, a famous Australian artist.
Mon–Fri; Sat SunFree
BuyBelconnen
Capital Food Market
formerly Belconnen Fresh Food Markets
Formerly the Belconnen Fresh Food Markets, this historic site has been completely transformed into a state-of-the-art, European-inspired indoor market pavilion. The precinct houses over 40 artisanal traders, including organic fruit and vegetable providores, premium butchers, local fishmongers, and specialty delis. A dedicated casual dining corridor features all-day eateries, cafes, and bakeries. Includes 2 hours of free undercover customer parking.
Wed-Sun 8AM-6PM (some stores are open 7 days a week)Free entry
SeeActon
Classics Museum
Australian National University Classics Museum
One of the few classics museums in Australia, this museum within the Australian National University houses a small, but interesting, collection of ancient Greek and Roman artefacts. The A.D. Hope building also has a range of anthropological displays on Indigenous Australian and Pacific island cultures.
Mon-Fri (except public holidays)Free
SeeActon
Drill Hall Gallery
This gallery operated by the Australian National University hosts interesting and well-selected temporary exhibitions of Australian and international contemporary art. One of Sir Sydney Nolan's best works, Riverbend, is on permanent display at the front of the building.
Wed-SunFree
DoWeston Creek, Molonglo Valley and Woden
Eddison Park
This premier community park is loaded with unique recreational facilities. It features a highly rated, championship-level 18-hole disc golf course that is completely free to play (just bring your own discs). The park is also home to a world-class, floodlit concrete skatepark and a massive nature playground complete with a wobbly rope bridge, climbing tunnels, water play features, walking tracks, duck ponds, and shaded electric barbecue pavilions.
24 hours dailyFree
DoBelconnen
Evatt Wetlands & Ginninderra Creek Trail
An expansive, eco-restored urban nature reserve stretching along the western arm of Ginninderra Creek immediately below the Lake Ginninderra spillway. It incorporates the tranquil Croke Place Wetlands—a series of man-made sediment ponds and reed beds designed to filter urban stormwater and provide a sanctuary for local frogs and waterbirds. Hardened dirt and gravel walking tracks wind through open native grasslands, ivy-covered tree glades, and hidden stepping-stone creek crossings. Highly popular for off-leash dog walking, rugged birdwatching, and quiet family walks away from the main lake loops. No public toilets on-site.
Free
SeeTuggeranong and Country ACT
Geoscience Australia
An education centre with some great explanations of Australia's geology and science. Displays include minerals, rocks, fossils and plenty of historical items. Parking is available outside, and the centre is wheelchair-accessible.
Mon–Fri (closed weekends and public holidays)Free
SeeBelconnen
Historic Belconnen Naval Transmitting Station
Bells Naval Station
Commissioned in April 1939 on the absolute eve of the Second World War, this historic site—affectionately known to military telegraphists as "Bells"—was once the most powerful long-distance naval wireless base in the British Empire. Working alongside HMAS Harman, its high-powered transmitters broadcasted encrypted Morse code commands to Allied warships and submerged submarines across the Pacific and Indian Oceans. While its three legendary, 600-foot-tall steel aerial towers were dismantled when the facility decommissioned in 2005, the heavy concrete Transmitting Hall, mechanical generator rooms, and military guard houses are safely preserved on the Commonwealth Heritage List. The open perimeter doubles as a critical, untouched reservation for the endangered native Golden Sun Moth.
24 hours daily for external viewingFree
DoAirport and East
Historic Glenburn Homestead
A highly fascinating cultural heritage precinct containing early European structures, ruins, historic gravesites, and rusted farm machinery dating back to the 1830s. It offers a remarkably raw, authentic glimpse of what the Limestone Plains looked like when the region was just an isolated patchwork of subsistence farmland. The site features three self-guided, signposted loop trails of medium difficulty that are perfectly suited for bushwalkers and mountain bikers. There are no public toilets, drinking water taps, or rubbish bins available at the homestead precinct, so visitors must pack in all essentials.
Open 24 hours daily (closed during days of Total Fire Ban)Free
SeeSouth Canberra
International Flag Display
A lakeside installation along the southern edge of Lake Burley Griffin featuring 110 flags. The display represents the United Nations, the European Union, and individual nations that maintain an official diplomatic mission or embassy within the national capital. The flagpoles are fully illuminated at night.
Open 24 hours dailyFree
DoBelconnen
John Knight Memorial Park
A sprawling 12-hectare lakeside park on the eastern foreshores of Lake Ginninderra. It features extensive open lawns, native forest ridges, a water garden with rapids, and a model boat jetty. The park is highly popular for families due to its large fitness trails and distinct playgrounds, including the iconic, newly refurbished "Snake House" climbing structure and a treehouse flying fox. Free public gas barbecues, picnic tables, and accessible toilets are available on-site.
Free
DoBelconnen
Lake Ginninderra Shared Path
A scenic 7-kilometre paved walking and cycling loop that contours completely around the lake. The flat, easy-grade trail connects the Town Centre, Emu Bank dining strip, the University of Canberra, and various public parklands. It is highly frequented by birdwatchers, joggers, and cyclists.
Free
DoAirport and East
Molonglo Gorge Nature Reserve
Molonglo Gorge
A beautiful, steep-sided river reserve protecting a rugged 15-kilometre stretch of the Molonglo River. The main recreation area is highly equipped with free public toilets, electric barbecues, picnic shelters, and a children's climbing playground. From the trailhead, hikers can tackle the Blue Tiles Walk—a scenic, moderately challenging 6.4-km return bushwalking track that hugs the crashing river rapids before terminating at a peaceful, grassy streamside picnic spot. Dogs are welcome on-leash. Drinking water is completely unavailable along the trail or at Blue Tiles, so you must carry your own supplies.
Day-use only (Overnight stays and camping are strictly prohibited)Free
See
Mount Ainslie
Many argue that the view from Mount Ainslie rivals those offered from the more popular Black Mountain. Vehicular access is available off Fairbairn Ave, or if you are up for a trek you can walk up the mountain, starting from the eastern side of the Australian War Memorial.
Free
DoWeston Creek, Molonglo Valley and Woden
Mount Stromlo Observatory
Located atop Mount Stromlo just west of the Weston Creek district, this iconic site serves as the headquarters for astronomy and astrophysics research at the Australian National University (ANU). Heavily impacted by the devastating 2003 bushfires, the hauntingly beautiful ruins of the original heritage telescopes remain on-site alongside rebuilt modern laser ranging facilities. The sweeping panoramic views over Canberra and the Brindabella Ranges make it a must-visit during the day. On select Saturday nights, they host popular public stargazing events where visitors can peer through professional scopes.
grounds daily 8AM-5PMFree entry to grounds; public stargazing nights from $5 donation/fee
SeeTuggeranong and Country ACT
Namadgi National Park
The national park making up about 47% of the entire ACT and the most northerly of the Australian Alps national parks. Lots of walking tracks, including scenic views over the Brindabella Ranges, mountain bike trails and scenic drives (on unsealed roads), rock climbing at Booroomba Rocks. Inside the park are Honeysuckle Creek and Orroral Valley, the former sites of tracking sites for the Apollo Moon Landings. Enquire at the visitors centre on Naas Road or see the website for further details. In winter roads in the park may be closed because of snowfall. The park is a good place for those who'd like a bit of snow.
Free (charges apply for camping)
SeeNorth Canberra
National Capital Exhibition
See an exhibition about the original Burley Griffin Plan for Canberra and how the city was planned and built. Good views over Lake Burley Griffin out to the museums on the Lake's south shore.
Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM, Sat Sun 10AM-4PMFree
SeeActon
National Museum of Australia
This museum presents a thematic rather than a chronological account of Australian history, and spent its early years embroiled in a controversy over whether its displays were politically biased. The NMA has been revamped and expanded and includes some excellent galleries on Indigenous Australia and many interesting items, but the museum as a whole is somewhat underwhelming and not likely to be of much interest to non-Australians.
DailyFree, except special exhibits
SeeSouth Canberra
National Portrait Gallery
The Gallery opened to the public on the 4 December 2008, and displays some 400 portraits of people who have shaped and who continue to shape the nation. There are gallery spaces for the collection and temporary exhibitions, public areas including a café, shop, function room, theatrette, education and school group areas, and basement car parking. Portraits are in various media, depending on the era. Galleries are themed by era. The web site gives a good idea of the content.
10AM-5PM, except Christmas DayFree except for major exhibitions
SeeWeston Creek, Molonglo Valley and Woden
National Rock Garden
A new precinct with an abundant amount of rocks displaying the rick geological heritage from all over Australia. There are two main rock collections on display; the Federation Rocks and the Featured Rocks.
Free
DoWeston Creek, Molonglo Valley and Woden
Oakey Hill Nature Reserve
Located as a natural green wedge nestled tightly between the suburbs of Weston and Lyons, this quiet nature reserve forms the geographic border between Woden and Weston Creek. The hill features several short, gravel walking trails winding through yellow box gum woodlands that were once agricultural grazing land before Canberra's expansion. It is one of the most reliable and convenient spots in the inner south to see wild mobs of Eastern Grey Kangaroos feeding at dusk without leaving the suburbs.
24 hours dailyFree
DoAirport and East
Pialligo Redwood Forest
A deeply peaceful botanical sanctuary that represents one of the most enduring physical legacies of Canberra's original designer, Walter Burley Griffin. The site marks the spot where Burley Griffin and pioneer horticulturist Thomas Charles Weston planted a massive redwood forest. While Weston was strongly against the project—rightly predicting that Canberra's dry climate lacked the cool coastal fogs of the trees' natural habitat—they went ahead anyway. Ultimately, only 3,000 of the original 122,000 trees survived the decades, representing a tiny 2.4% survival rate. While it failed as a forestry project, the surviving grove has matured beautifully into the largest stand of mature Redwood species in Australia and is proudly protected on the national Commonwealth Heritage List. Travellers can explore this shady, quiet haven on a flat, scenic 3-km self-guided circular walking trail. To protect the redwoods' incredibly shallow and fragile root systems, neither bicycles nor motor vehicles are permitted past the small front car park. Dogs on leads are welcome. There are no public toilets or water facilities on site.
Open 24 hours dailyFree
SeeSouth Canberra
Royal Australian Mint
Take a tour of the mint and see how coins are made. You will even get the chance to mint your own souvenir coin. Look for the pudding coins as a souvenir (not always available). Allow 1–2 hours.
Mon–Fri, Sat Sun holidaysFree
DoBelconnen
Shepherds Lookout
An easily accessible, stroller and wheelchair-friendly lookout structure offering stunning panoramic vistas of the Murrumbidgee River winding through the valley below. From the platform, you can spot the ACT/NSW border marked by powerlines downstream, the confluence of the Molonglo and Murrumbidgee rivers, and soaring birds of prey like Wedge-tailed Eagles and Peregrine Falcons. Highly recommended at sunset. Dogs are permitted on a leash.
Free
DoAirport and East
Sparrow Hill & East Kowen Forest Trails
Tucked inside a sprawling 4,670-hectare working commercial pine plantation, this area is widely celebrated as one of Canberra's flagship mountain biking networks. It features between 50km and 80km of fast, flowy, and impeccably maintained cross-country singletrack trails optimized to run smoothly along natural mountain contours. Signposted loops range from a family-friendly 5km track up to a demanding 40km endurance run. The thick pine canopy offers great year-round protection from light rain and wind. While the wider forest tracks are locked to public vehicles, any standard two-wheel-drive vehicle can easily access the main highway trailhead parking area. There is no mobile phone coverage inside the forest; ensure you download offline maps before setting out.
Open 24 hours daily (Daylight riding highly recommended; closed during Total Fire Ban days)Free
SeeBelconnen
Strathnairn Arts
A breathtakingly tranquil rural arts haven set within a historic 1920s homestead and working farm landscape. Widely considered one of Canberra’s best-kept creative secrets, the precinct houses multiple professional exhibition spaces including the Homestead Galleries and an atmospheric converted shearing shed (The Woolshed Gallery). It acts as a massive community hub for working ceramicists, sculptors, and painters. Visitors can browse a premium gallery shop, explore outdoor sculpture walks, or enjoy a meal at 'Café Stepping Stone'—a highly acclaimed on-site social enterprise café offering wood-fired pizzas and seasonal local eats.
Wed–Sun 10AM–4PM (closed Mon Tue)Free entry
DoWeston Creek, Molonglo Valley and Woden
Stromlo Forest Park
Located on the western boundary of the Molonglo Valley, this world-class, 1,200-hectare multi-use recreational sporting facility is a paradise for outdoor fitness enthusiasts. It features a massive network of custom-designed trails for mountain biking (from beginner flow trails to elite downhill tracks), cross-country running, walking, and equestrian trail riding. The facility also boasts a professional 1.2-km criterium cycling circuit and a dirt pump track.
daily 6AM-6PM (6AM-9PM during daylight saving)Free
DoBelconnen
The Pinnacle Nature Reserve
A massive 154-hectare reserve that treats hikers to sweeping, uninterrupted views across the Molonglo River Valley to the Brindabella Mountains. The reserve protects critically endangered native grassy woodlands and is famous for its permanent population of hundreds of Eastern Grey Kangaroos, which are incredibly easy to spot at dawn and dusk. Features an extensive network of dirt walking trails ranging from easy flats to the modest climb up to the 708-metre summit loop. No public toilets on-site.
Free
SeeBelconnen
Umbagong District Park Grinding Grooves
A deeply significant connection to Canberra’s ancient Indigenous heritage. Nestled directly into the rocky volcanic tuff of the Ginninderra Creek bed, this state-protected archaeological site features distinct, permanent oval-shaped grooves where Ngunnawal people stood for generations to shape and sharpen stone hatchets. In direct recognition of this, the surrounding 50-hectare park took the name "Umbagong," the Ngunnawal word for "axe." It is an atmospheric, evocative spot to visit, complete with local educational signage and beautiful surrounding stepping-stone creek crossings. Please treat the rocks with absolute respect and do not step directly on the grooves.
24 hours dailyFree
Do Not mapped
Corin Forest
This alpine recreation facility features a bobsled ride in summer, and snowplay and tobogganing in winter. It is high enough to receive natural snowfalls. Check the website or call before heading up that the road is open, and that there is snow.
Weekends, ACT school & public holidays, 10AM-4PMFree entry, rides from $7, all day pass $35

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Canberra (CC BY-SA 4.0).