If you think Canberra is a yawn-inducing place housing only kangaroos and bolding politicians, you could not be more wrong! Maybe that was the case a decade ago, but today’s Australian capital is a surprising hidden gem full of culture, art and delicious food. The capital has planned its museums, galleries and parks around its central artificial lake, making it easier for visitors to see everything together. There is no better time to visit than Spring as the capital offers some of the most magnificent flower displays and gardens during months of September and October.
With just over three hours from Sydney, this is a great getaway place to relax, get a decent dose of art, and have a fine dining experience that won’t break the bank as much as restaurants in Sydney. With the last of this year’s long weekend and school spring break on the cards, here is my jam-packed three-day Canberra spring road trip itinerary.
If you don’t want to read the entire thing, you can skip to:
Getting Around | Where to Stay | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
HOW TO GET AROUND
I recommend using a car to get around for this itinerary. I found it easier and more cost-effective to drive to Canberra from Sydney than to take a flight and rent a car. Public transport is available for those who do not want to drive a car, but it will take a lot more planning, and it will be impossible to get to all the items on this itinerary.
For those driving, Canberra is relatively traffic-free, with barely any traffic jams (even during peak hours). As long as you take care going around the seemingly endless amount of multi-lane roundabouts and pay close attention to which of the slightly confusing left-lane exits to take for one of their infinite amount of loop roads driving will be a breeze.
Parking wise, there is a car park almost everywhere, open-are or covered. Most streets also offer meter parking. The cost is relatively inexpensive, approximately $3-$5 per hour on average. On weekends, some of the car parks will be free.
WHERE TO STAY
There is a vast choice when it comes to accommodation in Canberra. As the capital usually hosts many international visitors, the city offers pretty snazzy hotels and comfortable service apartments. Most of these are close to the central circle and are only a short drive away from major attractions.
For those who want a retro-chic boutique hotel, I would recommend QT Canberra. We stayed in their junior suite on a short trip to see the Cartier Exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia. Their service was immaculate, with many delicious breakfast options. The suite also has a pull-out sofa bed in the lounge room that can be closed off to create a second bedroom for a third person.
QT Canberra Address: 1 London Cct, Canberra, ACT 2601
For architecture and interior design enthusiasts, I highly recommend Ovolo Nishi. This luxury hotel’s dark tones and minimalist Japanese design style rooms are Instagram-photo-opt-worthy and different from your average boring hotels. It’s near the central hub with a few minute’s drive to Parliament House, National Gallery, National Museum and more.
Ovolo Nishi Address: 25 Edinburgh Ave, Canberra, ACT 2601
If you are visiting with four or more people, serviced holiday apartments are more budget-friendly and allow you to cook and lounge around as you would at home. On our last trip to Canberra, five of us chose to stay at Pinnacle Apartments. We book a two-storey four-bedroom apartment with one family on each floor. While the place was not brand new or modern, it had a full bathroom on each level, a kitchen with everything we needed and a big lounge room for us all to relax after a long day. While it is not in the central hub like QT and Olvolo, it is still just a short drive to everywhere we need to be.
Pinnacle Apartments Address: 11 Ovens Street, Griffith ACT 2603
DAY 1: SYDNEY TO CANBERRA
A quick glance at Day 1: Drive to Canberra | Explore Parliament House | Experience Floriade | Floriade Alternative: National Arboretum | Sunset at Mount Ainslie | Dine at Corella Bar
EARLY MORNING DRIVE & BREAKFAST REST STOP
It’s a little over a three-hour drive from Sydney to Canberra, so I suggest starting the day early and aiming to get there by mid-morning. We left at 6 am to beat the earliest batch of Sydney traffic and leave more time for exploring Canberra. If you are like me, whose stomach doesn’t wake up until the sun climbs higher than the sky, you can skip breakfast and pick up something later.
I like to make a rest and breakfast stop halfway to avoid driving tired. About an hour and a half drive towards Canberra, there is a Mcdonald’s and service station in Sutton Forest (see map below). It is the perfect place to fuel your stomach and the car.
EXPLORE AND ENJOY LUNCH AT THE AUSTRALIAN PARLIAMENT HOUSE
Total visiting time: Approximately 2 hours (including lunch)
Kick-start the Canberra trip by making the first stop at the heart of our capital, Australia’s Parliament House. This new-ish building disguised under a hill of manicured grass is where the Australian Federal Government meets (for those who are interested, the old parliament house one is the flat, white building near by). The low-key, somewhat-minimalist-on-the-outside building has nearly 5,000 rooms, a grand Marble Foyer, pretty courtyard gardens full of cherry blossom trees and lots of art and displays featuring everything Parliament-related.
Many parts of the building are open to the public, and visitors are most welcome to sit in on any running session at the House of Representatives and Senate. Parliament House offers many different tours for those who want to learn more from the experts. Book your tickets in advance, so you don’t miss out. The cost, session times, and tour lengths will vary, with some even offering to include a high-tea lunch. The entire tour menu is here.
Apart from the obvious politics and surprisingly beautiful gardens, there’s another hidden gem; the Queen’s Terrace Cafe. The cafe menu offers a delicious selection of all-day breakfasts, snacks, medium and large-sized gourmet mains, and even freshly made pizza. I recommend ordering a mix of medium and large mains to share if you visit as a group. Pre-booking a fancy Australian native high tea session is a must for high tea lovers visiting on the weekend. There’s no better way to wrap up your visit to the parliament house than with a stomach full of decadent food!
Opening Time: Open everyday except on Christmas day. 9:00 – 17:00 (non-sitting days), 9:00 – 18:00 (sitting days)
Address: Parliament Drive, Canberra ACT 2600
Entry Price: Entry is free.
Getting There By Car: There is paid parking (AU$7 – AU$21) at parliament house’s Forecourt Basement Parking for visitors.
Getting There By Public Transport: The closest bus stop is about 200 metres from the front entrance at Federation Mall.
ENJOY SPRING BLOOMS AT FLORIADE FESTIVAL
Total visiting time: Approximately 2.5 – 4 hours
It’s not a proper spring road trip without seeing the biggest annual flower festival Canberra offers. See the seemingly endless displays of tulips, poppies and other spring blooms taking over Commonwealth Park. Each Floriade has a theme, and there are also theme-specific sculptures, flower displays, and artworks spotted around for visitors to find. There are also plenty of performances, activities, food trucks and shops to explore.
I recommend visiting in the afternoon and on weekdays as fewer people are around. Many will come in the morning rush. Taking the little train is a great way to look at all the displays for those who don’t want to do the entire walk in the garden. Alternatively, you can get an areal view of the displays from the ferris wheel. If you are a flower lover like me, you will quickly lose track of time trying to capture all the different flowers. For those with a green thumb, you can find many bulbs to take home with you in the flower shops. There are workshops and ticketed night performances available each day for those looking for something to do.
Event Dates & Opening Time: Usually in Mid-September to Mid-October. 17th September – 16th October 2022. 9:00 – 17:30 (17:15 last entry)
Address: Parliament Drive, Canberra ACT 2600
Entry Price: Entry is free. Costs apply for NightFest performances and workshops.
Getting There By Car: For those driving in, the best parking is at Acton Park Parking across from Commonwealth Park. There are also plenty of parking at nearby parks, museums and galleries but will require a 10-15 minute walk to the venue. There are also free shuttle buses running to pick up those who have parked at carparks further out or for those who are taking public transport. For more information and parking/shuttle route maps, see here .
FLORAIDE REPLACEMENT: NATIONAL ARBORETUM
Total visiting time: Approximately 2.5 – 4 hours
Unfortunately, Floriade is not an all-spring event. Usually held for a month between mid-September to mid-October, spring flower chasers visiting outside the event dates will miss out on viewing the colourful blooms. Whilst there are no tulips at the National Arboretum, they have some stunning Yoshino Cherry blossoms, Chinese Evergreen Magnolias, Japanese Crepe Myrtles and many more flowering trees.
Spanning over 250 hectares, this is a living museum for rare, endangered and significant trees. Seven tracks will take explorers around the entire National Arboretum, with the best spring trees found on the Himalayan Cedar Track. Cherry Blossom lovers should head to plot 17. Those who love art will enjoy the hunt for the sculptures scattered around each track and the spectacular view from their lookouts. Just don’t forget your sun protection gear. The National Bonsai and Penjing Collection is a must-see for bonsai lovers with its ever-changing displays of small artistic trees. There are even Australian Native bonsais!
Village Centre Opening Times: Every Day except 25th December, 9:00 – 16:00
Arboretum Grounds and POD Playground Opening Times: Every day, 7:00 – 17:30 (Eastern Standard Time), 6:00 – 20:30 (Daylight Saving Time)
The National Bonsai and Penjing Collection of Australia Opening Times: Every Day except 25th December 9:00 – 16:00
Address: Forest Drive, off Tuggeranong Parkway, Molonglo Valley ACT 2611
Entry Price: Entry is free. Costs apply for parking and guided tours.
SEE THE SUNSET OVER CANBERRA AT MOUNT AINSLIE
Total visiting time: Approximately 30 – 45 minutes
This is the mountain top to be if you are looking for a picture-perfect full view of Canberra sitting in the entire basin landscape. The hidden gem will give you a google map street-view style look at everything from Capital Hill to the War Memorial, the artificial lake surrounded by museums and galleries and the surrounding mountains and grassland. Take a stroll around to spot the local wildlife or read the signages showing visitors the original Canberra city plans designed by Water Burley Griffin and how the city grew to its formation today.
The highlight here starts when the sun begins to set. On a clear day, you can watch the sky being painted in shades of red and gold. As the last rays slip behind the mountains, a darkened Canberra gets lit up with street lights making it look like the city is blanketed in stardust. Be warned that the narrow drive-up can have the occasional furry local jump out at you.
Opening Hours: Every Day, 24 hours
Address: 20 Mount Ainslie Dr, ACT 2609
Sunset Viewing Tip: A clear sky day and night is the only way to get a good clear, view of the sunset and the city, If the day is cloudy or have a chance of rain, it will almost always be slightly foggy and a little hard to see the entire Canberra view. Bring a jacket as it does get windy and cold at the top.
Hiking Option: If you have 1.5 – 2 hours to spare before sunset, you can park at the top and hike down then back up the mountain for the sunset following the 4.2km out-and-back trail.
DINNER AT CORELLA BAR IN CANBERRA’S HIP AREA
Total visiting time: Approximately 1.5 – 3 hours
Braddon is the hip place for those looking for good coffee, fine food and boutique shopping. Much to my wallet’s horror, I’m a huge foodie who can never say no to excellent fine dining, especially one filled with native Australian ingredients. Originally a wine bar with chefs that over-shot a “snack” menu, this intimate bar-turned-restaurant sits on the trendy Lonsdale Street of Braddon.
I love that Corella Bar is cosy and unpretentious, with an extensive drinks menu filled with great Aussie wines, gins and whiskey (yes, Australian whiskey!). I would recommend ordering the set menu to taste the best signature dishes. If you go in a group of five or more, you can ask to try one of every main instead of just choosing one out of four! Just be warned, you will come out with a guaranteed food coma. Booking is essential as the venue is small and it is very popular.
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 17:00 – Late, Friday – Sunday 12:00 – Late
Address: Shop 1, 14 Lonsdale Street Braddon, ACT
DAY 2: CANBERRA
A quick glance at Day 2: Explore National Museum of Australia | Driving tour of International Diplomatic Missions Area | Spring flower watch at Lennox Garden | Explore National Gallery Australia | Dine at The Boat House
EXPLORE AND EAT BRUNCH AT NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA
Total visiting time: Approximately 2 – 3 hours (including brunch/lunch)
The National Museum of Australia (NMA) is an architectural masterpiece on Lake Burley Griffin’s shores. It showcases Aboriginal history and culture, European settlement and our interaction with the Australian landscape and environment in artful and interactive exhibits. The general exhibitions are free, with the occasional temporary collection that requires a paid entry. Check out the list of current exhibitions and workshops before you go.
After stimulating your mind and feasting your eyes, I recommend taking a brunch or lunch break at the NMA Cafe. They offer an extensive seasonal menu from fresh local produce. There is something for everyone, from locally made cakes and pastries to light meals to mains and even daily specials. Sit outside to get a stunning view of the Lake while you enjoy your meal.
Opening Hours: Everyday except Christmas Day, 9:00 – 17:00
Entry Fee: General admission is free. Parking, workshops and select temporary exhibitions have added cost.
Address: Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula Canberra ACT 2601
DRIVING TOUR OF INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS AREA
Total visiting time: Approximately 30 – 40 minutes
As the national capital of Australia, Canberra hosts 110 countries’ diplomatic missions. Most of them are grouped in an area of three estates – Yarralumla (contains the majority of diplomatic missions), West Deakin and O’Malley. Each country has built their diplomatic mission buildings and gardens to reflect its cultural style and identity. Some are called high commissions (part of the British Commonwealth), and others are called Embassies (not part of the Commonwealth). It is a fun drive to see all the different structures and see how many of them you can identify before you see their sign. You can choose to park the car and walk around the area but some buildings are spread far apart. I would drive slowly around and then park and have a walk around if things interest you. Just don’t start walking up the fence to take photos of the inside through the fences. Here is the list and address of all the diplomatic commissions.
Opening Hours: Everyday
Address: Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula Canberra ACT 2601
Tip: Embassy of Japan has the best Cherry Blossoms, Embassy of China has a beautiful Chinese Garden, the Embassy of Egypt has a mini Sphinx, the High commission of India has beautiful Hindu arches.
SPRING FLOWER WATCH AT LENNOX GARDENS
Total visiting time: Approximately 40 mintues – 1 hours
The Canberra Beijing Garden and Canberra Nara Peace Park are the two sections of the Lennox Gardens that are a must-see for spring flower enthusiasts. The Beijing garden has some stunning Chinese Magnolias, while Nara Peace Park has a beautiful mixture of Japanese lily of the valleys and crepe myrtles. The star of the show would have to be the stunning cherry blossom trees that will take your breath away. The walkway of blossoming trees will take you to the edge of Lake Burley Griffin with a view of the National Museum of Australia.
Opening Hours: Everyday, 24 hours
Address: Flynn Dr, Canberra, ACT 2600
EXPLORE NATIONAL GALLERY AUSTRALIA
Total visiting time: Approximately 2 – 3 hours
As an art lover, this is one of my favourite galleries. The National Gallery of Australia holds one of the most valuable and extensive art collections in Australia, comprising more than 155,000 pieces. The collection includes everything from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art to Australian art, modern art and art from Europe, America, Asia, and the Pacific. It has some iconic pieces from the art eras of French Impressionism, Dada and Surrealism, the Russian avant-garde, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, Minimalism and Conceptual Art. The gallery also hosts impressive temporary exhibitions like Cartier: The Exhibition, Yayoi Kusama The Spirits of THe Pumpkins Descended Into the Heavens and Masterpieces from Paris: Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cézanne and beyond. Check the National Gallery website to see the latest exhibitions.
The gallery also hosts an impressive sculpture garden for visitors looking to get that Instagram-worthy shot. One of the most popular spots loved by Instagramers is “Within Without” James Turrell Skyspace permanent installation located just outside the gallery. The architectural masterpiece is an excellent exploration of light that changes throughout different times of the day and has a mesmerising turquoise water feature set wrapped inside sloping red ochre interior walls. It also has excellent acoustics for those who want to practice a classical instrument.
Opening Hours: Everyday except Christmas Day. 10:00 – 17:00.
Entry Fee: General admission is free just get a general entry ticket at the gallery foyer. Cost apply to Major exhibitions, workshops and parking.
Address: Parkes Pl, Canberra, ACT 2600,
DINNER AT THE BOAT HOUSE
Total visiting time: Approximately 2 – 3 hours
Suppose you are after a mouth-watering fine dining experience with a stunning waterfront night view of the Australian capital. In that case, The Boat House should be a go-to spot on your Canberra dining experience list. Unlike the previous night’s cosy atmosphere at Corella Bar, this lakeside venue is spacious and low-key lux (think lots of glass and large chunks of well-polished wood).
Here modern Australian set menu comes in four courses for dinner served on the most elegant plating. The wine list features an impressive array of Canberra region wines from Australia’s best regions and a delicious selection of French champagnes. The service here is impeccable, with knowledgeable staff making the meal even more enjoyable.
Opening Hours: For lunch Friday – Sunday starting at 12:00. For Dinner Thursday – Sunday starting at 18:00. Closed on public holidays
Address: Grevillea Park, Menindee Drive, Barton ACT 2600
Tip: The set menu come with four choices for entree, main and dessert. It was hard to choose just one item from the choice of four so we paired up and ordered different things to widen the variety of dishes we could taste.
DAY 3: CANBERRA TO SYDNEY
A quick glance at Day 3: Spring flower watch at Tulip Top Garden | Alternative to Tulip Top Garden: Cockington Green Gardens | Lunch at Pialligo Estate | Lake George Lookout & Drive to Sydney | Optional Rest Stop: Cherry Tree Hill Winery |
SPRING FLOWER WATCH AT TULIP TOP GARDEN
Total visiting time: Approximately 1.5 – 3 hours
This place is a spring flower lover’s dream come true. Tulip Top Garden is a hidden gem that, in my opinion, is much better than Floriade. It is only available for a similar time frame to Floriade. This private family garden spans over 10 acres and has some breathtaking cherry blossom tree varieties. Over half a million hand-planted bulbs and flowers are in between the magnificent roles of blooming cherry blossoms. There’s even a cascading waterfall and watercourse.
After getting blissfully lost in endless fields of blossoms, head towards the back of the garden and follow the ‘lookout‘ signage up a hill for a view of the entire garden. There is a garden nursery shop outside the entrance for visitors who want to take some blooms home. There you can find a variety of plants you see while exploring the garden. The garden information marquee can also offer tools and planting advice for those who want to learn more.
Event Dates & Opening Hours: Usually open around Mid-September to Mid-October. 10th September – 16th October 2022. 9:00 – 17:00.
Entry Fee: Adults $20. Senior and concession card holders $18. Children under 16 years, Carers for groups of 8 or more and four-legged best friends enter for free.
Address: 20 Old Federal Highway Sutton, Bywong NSW 2621
Tip: Go on a weekday for a more people free experience.
TULIP TOP GARDEN REPLACEMENT: COCKINGTON GREEN GARDENS
Total visiting time: Approximately 1.5 – 3 hours
Imagine a tiny replica of some of the most iconic houses and monuments from all the well-known countries, like Machu Picchu, Scotland’s Braemer Castle, Netherland windmills and even the Parthenon, all sitting within a colourful, well-manicured garden. In this miniature world, tiny people are doing everyday things like playing soccer and riding horses while waterfalls cascade down rock fountains and trains drive by. Welcome to Cockington Green Garden. The colourful gardens here will compensate those who have missed seeing the spring blooms at Floriade and Tulip Top Garden. Leave at least 90 minutes here, or you won’t see everything!
Opening Hours: Opens all year except Christmas and boxing day. 9:30 – 17:00 (last entry 16:15). May close in the event of extreme weather.
Entry Fee: Adult AU$23. Child 4-16 years AU$14.40. Senior over 60 AU$17. Family of 5 AU$67, extra child AU$6. Miniature steam train ride AU$3.
Address: 11 Gold Creek Rd., Canberra, ACT 2913
Tip: The garden is popular during weekend and the Floriade festival period. Visit on a weekday to have a more people-free experience.
LUNCH AT PIALLIGO ESTATE
Total visiting time: Approximately 1 – 2 hours
The Pialligo winery estate offers a delicious selection of paddock-to-table dishes at their Pialligo Estate Pavillion restaurant. Their menu celebrates the freshest produce from their estate gardens and local producers. If the curious, there is a giant blackboard inside the sustainability-built Pavilion listing all the garden ingredients used on the day. Ask for a seat next to one of those sizeable ceiling-to-floor glass panels facing the vineyards, and you can see a stunning view stretching to the parliament house on a clear day. The restaurant is popular with food lovers, so book ahead before you arrive.
Only open for lunch, they offer options of two-course and three-course seasonal menus for groups of up to nine people and a group-sharing menu for groups of ten and more. As expected of a winery, the wine list covers local and famous regional Australian wines and spirits and offers wine tasting for the estate-produced wines. Surprisingly, on top of the wine, the estate also produces gins. For cocktail lovers and those with a sweet tooth, I would highly recommend trying a glass of their cocktails as most are made from ingredients and natives straight from the estate farms, vineyards/breweries and hives.
Opening Hours: Thursday – Friday 12:00 – 14:30 and 17:30 – 21:30. Saturday 11:30 – 14:30 and 17:30 – 21:30. Sunday 11:30 – 15:00
Address: 18 Kallaroo Rd, Canberra, ACT 2609
Tip: The set menu come with four choices for entree and main then three choices for dessert. It was hard to choose just one item from the mouth-watering list so we paired up and ordered different things to widen the variety of dishes we could taste. We tried a few cocktails and the ‘Emerald P’ is a crowd favourite!
LAKE GEORGE LOOKOUT & DRIVE BACK TO SYDNEY
Take one last look at the distant view of the capital hill from Pialligo Estate, and it’s time to head back to Sydney. As you drive out of Canberra on the Federal Highway, you will come across a place of interest on the Map – Lake George. “Lake” is a loose term for this area of what can sometimes be like a muddy old field, a flat plateau that is at times full of grazing sheep and cheeky Kangaroos. If you are lucky and come after it has rained cats and dogs, like these last three years, you will see a shining, whiteish-blue body of water.
The water that is sometimes there in early spring won’t last long as the summer heat kicks in to evaporate everything back into boring mud and grass, but if you do see water, I highly recommend taking a slight detour and taking in the rare view. You can see an idyllic image of the full Lake George set surrounded by blue mountains and turning windmills in the distance.
Opening Hours: Everyday 24 hours
Address: Weereewaa Lookout, Federal Hwy, NSW 2581,
OPTIONAL REST STOP: CHERRY TREE HILL WINERY
Once you’ve had enough of the wind in your face and the rare scene of a full Lake George, you can start on your three-hour drive back to Sydney. You can stop at the same Sutton Forest Macdonald’s service station on the way back for a rest break and some Nuggets. Alternatively, an award-winning winery and Cellar Door, Cherry Tree Hill Wines, offers some delicious wines and tasting boards is a great rest stop if you can get there before they close. This is one of my favourite winery rest stop to make every time I drive back from Melbourne or Canberra. I highly recommend trying the Maya dessert wine if you like sweet things. Just don’t drink and drive!
Opening Hours: 7 days. 10:00 – 17:00 with exception to bad weather and flooding.
Address: 12324 Hume Hwy, Sutton Forest NSW 2577
Tip: As you drive back to Sydney on Hume Highway you will see signs on the side of the road with the Cherry Tree Hill name and logo on it telling you there is a winery and cellar door coming up. Just follow the sign for directions and where to turn in. The path into the winery cellar door is a bit rough and narrow with cows, ducks and farm animals occasionally crossing and streams on the side. Drive slowly and carefully. Avoid going into the winery if it is raining as it is a low-lying area that is prone to flooding.
