Best views in Canberra

11 lookouts and viewpoints in Canberra.

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

EatBelconnen
Bella Vista Restaurant
An upscale, white-linen fixture on the Lake Ginninderra foreshore that has been serving Canberra since 1987. Owned and helmed by long-time Executive Chef Sebastiano Reggente, the restaurant pairs beautiful panoramic waterfront views with a polished menu that bridges traditional Southern Italian heritage and modern elegance. Notable menu standouts include their slow-simmered homemade lasagne, honey-pancetta wrapped scallops (capesante), generous seafood spaghetti marinara, and a classic Marsala-soaked tiramisu. Outfitted with an intimate dining room featuring a large mural of Florence’s Ponte Vecchio, it is a highly popular venue for romantic date nights and special family celebrations. Fully licensed.
Mon–Fri noon–2PM & 5:30–9PM, Sat 5:30–9PM (closed Sun)Pasta/risotto $28–34, mains $35–44
SeeWeston Creek, Molonglo Valley and Woden
Dairy Farmers Hill
If you're here for the good views, this hill is a must-see. Situated within the southwest of the arboretum, this viewpoint offers spectacular scenery looking east along the length of Lake Burley Griffin.
DrinkNorth Canberra
Edgar's
Located at the Ainslie local shops on Edgar Street, this beloved neighbourhood tavern perfectly embodies the quiet charm of the inner-north suburbs. Spanning three unique spaces under one roof, visitors can enjoy a casual pint and a legendary chicken parmigiana in the main pub, relax in the cozy tree-lined beer garden, or head upstairs to "The Inn" restaurant for premium wood-fired steaks and sweeping sunset views of the Canberra skyline.
SeeTuggeranong and Country ACT
Gibraltar Falls
One of the largest waterfalls in Canberra with a drop of over 50 metres. While it is part of the Namadgi National Park, many travellers visit the falls on a separate trip as it's a separate destination in its own right. Facilities at the waterfall include a lookout, a barbecue area and a picnic area. For bushwalking enthusiasts, there are some bushwalking trails too!
SeeSouth Canberra
Government House
Yarralumla
The main official residence of the Governor-General of Australia, representative of King Charles III in Australia. Closed to the public except for open days, which take place approximately twice a year. There is a viewing platform, off 420 Lady Denman Drive, or glimpses can be seen from the main gate at Dunrossil Drive, Yarralumla, or Weston Park, Yarralumla. Often kangaroos are to be spotted munching grass on the lawns, so be careful driving along the ride that gets to the viewpoint, especially at dusk.
SeeNamadgi National Park
Hospital Hill Lookout
Learn about the geography of the mountain at the lookout's several informative signs and displays providing some of the most magnificent views of mountains in a country that is not commonly associated with mountains.
DrinkSouth Canberra
Leyla Bar
Located atop the Burbury Hotel in Barton. This sleek rooftop oasis offers sweeping panoramic views of Lake Burley Griffin and the Parliament House skyline. Perfect for sophisticated afternoon drinks, they offer bespoke cocktails, premium regional wines, and upscale hot and cold tapas plates.
Tue–Thu 3–10PM, Fri–Sat 3–11PMCocktails from $21
SeeNorth Canberra
Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant Lookout
The hill which overlooks the Royal Military College — Duntroon and the nearby Australian Defence Force Academy is topped by the modest Royal Australian Artillery Memorial, which includes two historic cannons. The grave of General William Bridges, the first commander of the Australian troops at Gallipoli, is just off General Bridges Drive at the base of Mount Pleasant: Bridges was killed in May 1915 and is one of only two Australians killed in the war to have been returned home for burial (the other being the Unknown Soldier at the nearby Australian War Memorial).
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
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
DrinkWeston Creek, Molonglo Valley and Woden
The Denman Kitchen + Wine Bar
This beautiful neighborhood venue offers an upscale yet highly approachable wine bar experience. Boasting elegant farm-to-table design and panoramic views of the Lower Molonglo Valley, the bar serves a curated selection of regional boutique wines, Australian craft beers, and specialty cocktails. The food menu focuses heavily on seasonal local ingredients, making it an exceptional spot to enjoy shared tapas and drinks with friends.
Sun-Wed noon-9PM, Thu-Sat noon-10PMWine by the glass from $11

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