With a buzzing restaurant scene, new hotel openings, exciting activities and some of Australia’s top tourist attractions, the ACT is an ideal destination for a weekend away. But what’s the best way to spend 48 hours in Canberra?
Here, we’ve rounded up our top 10 ways to spend a family-friendly weekend in the nation’s capital.
Morning: Visit Floriade
Canberra bursts into bloom each year with Floriade, touted as Australia’s biggest spring celebration. The garden beds at Commonwealth Park are a riot of colour with thousands of tulips, poppies, daffodils, pansies, violas and bellis. While the vast floral displays are the major drawcard, they’re by no means the only attraction, with a cluster of food trucks, stages, market stalls, rides and workshops popping up around the Floriade village. The Nightfest program offers a glimpse of the flowers with light displays, as well as an array of evening performances. Keen gardeners might like to make a beeline to the Great Big Bulb Dig on the last day where they can get their hands dirty and fill a bag with bulbs from the displays.
Visiting at another time of the year? Make a beeline for the National Arboretum for an expanse of forests, gardens, an excellent bonsai display and Australia’s most creative playground for kids.
For more information, head to floriadeaustralia.com
Lunch: High tea at The Marion
After a morning taking in the tulips at Floriade, indulge in a traditional high tea at The Marion, perched on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Think dainty finger sandwiches (they do an especially good chicken sanga), savoury pastries and petit-fours by the same team behind The Tea Room QVB and Gunners Barracks in Sydney. Champagne and cocktail packages are available, as well as gluten-free and vegan options. There is also a delightful selection for kids aged 5-12 years. Don’t miss the Floriade cocktail available during the festival, a flower-laden, gin-based affair.
High tea is served 7 days a week from 10am daily.
For more information, head to themarion.com.au
Afternoon: See the Cressida Campbell exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia
The latest blockbuster exhibition to open at the National Gallery of Australia, Campbell’s work is a joy to discover, with more than 140 woodcut paintings, prints and drawings spanning 40-plus years. In one woodcut, we are given a glimpse into the stillness of Campbell’s living room in the early evening, a Japanese paper lamp on the side table reflected in the open sash window. In another, a tumble of geraniums spill over the sides of a trio of ceramic bowls. The beauty in the simplicity of the everyday is mesmerising, and this exhibition is a Canberra must-see.
24 Sep 2022 – 19 Feb 2023. Adult tickets $22.
For more information, head to nga.gov.au
Late afternoon: Wander around the Sculpture Garden at the NGA
While you’re at the NGA, don’t forget to walk around the back of the building and take in the glorious surrounds of the sculpture garden. The garden has been masterfully landscaped using Australian native plants to complement the geometric architecture of the building and showcases 26 sculptures by Australian and international artists. Highlights include Antony Gormley’s Angel of the North overlooking Lake Burley Griffin; James Turrell’s ‘Within without’ (around the front of the building); and Bert Flugelman’s playful Cones. Don’t miss the eerie fog sculpture by Fujiko Nakaya, which is in operation from 12.30pm to 2pm daily.
For more information, head to nga.gov.au
Stay: East Hotel
With all the convenience of a city hotel just minutes away from parliamentary circle, East Hotel offers a haven for families holidaying in Canberra, while ticking all the boxes for what you’d expect at a boutique hotel. A towering cinematic feature wall sets the scene in the dark and moody foyer, offering a glimpse of what to expect in the design-led spacious accommodation. Complimentary Jaffas and Freckles is a warm and distinctly Aussie touch for travel-weary parents and kids alike.
To book, head to bookings.com
Love a discount? Find your Booking.com Promo Code here.
Evening: Drinks at Joe’s Bar
Slip down to Joe’s Bar for an aperitivo (or two) before dinner. With a statement vintage leather sofa and an impressive showcase of ‘50s and ‘60s art glass, it exudes a warm retro vibe. If you’re feeling peckish, take your pick from the bar menu which features a selection on antipasto and pizza. The wine list is impressive with an extensive selection of Italian and local wine, as well as beer and cocktails.
For more information, head to easthotel.com.au
Dinner: Dine at Agostini’s
A family-owned restaurant on the ground floor of East Hotel, Agostini’s is a warm and inviting destination for some of the best Italian food you’ll find in Canberra. The menu is seasonal and family friendly, with an impressive selection of pasta and wood-fired pizza. You can’t go past the house-made rosemary and sea salt focaccia for starters, paired with the likes of San Daniele prosciutto, Montasio cheese, and the moreish whipped garlic butter. Finish with a tiramisu in the restaurant, or kick back with it upstairs with room service.
For more information, head to agostinis.com.au
Breakfast: Muse
Breakfast doesn’t come easier – or in a lovelier setting – than at Muse, café-bookshop on East Hotel’s ground floor. While you have the option of ordering room service, we recommend wandering down to the light-filled space for an extra-nice start to the day. Order brekky (take your pick from the likes of butter beans slow-braised with fresh herbs and tomato with crumbled feta cheese and sourdough toast; Sriracha Eggs Benedict and French toast with strawberry and sumac compote, ricotta, toasted pecans and pomegranate molasses) and then browse the carefully-curated shelves for something to read. There’s a great section on local authors so it’s worth lingering after your meal.
For more information, head to musecanberra.com.au
Morning: Parliament House of Australia
You are free to wander the art-lined walls of Parliament House at your own leisure, but our tip is to book one of the excellent guided tours in advance. Here you will be given a more in-depth look into the various features of the house, including the gardens, art and architecture. The ‘Signature Tour’ offers exclusive access to the art and furniture collections, as well as access to private areas including the Press Gallery and beautifully-landscaped courtyards. It ends with a high tea service at the Queen’s Terrace Café.
For more information, head to aph.gov.au
Afternoon: Hire a scooter
Got your fill of galleries and museums? Take to the shores of Lake Burley Griffin on a electric scooters you’ll most likely find parked outside the gallery, and all over Canberra. Beam Mobility and Neuron Mobility both operate shared e-scooters in Canberra. Its particularly beautiful zooming along the walkway under the Japanese flowering pear trees that line the lake.
For more information, head to transport.act.gov.au
After more dining options in Canberra? Head to Gourmet Traveller’s top restaurant picks
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