Home / Australia / Canberra
Flag of Australia Capital of Australia

Canberra

Canberra is the capital city of Australia and the largest population centre in the Australian Capital Territory. This purpose-built city is Australia's largest inland centre and offers visitors a unique blend of national institutions, natural landscapes, and modern urban amenities.

Photo: The 3B's (CC BY 2.0)

Quick facts

Population
466,566 (city, 2023)
Currency
Australian dollar (AUD)
Language
English
Timezone
AEST (UTC+10)
Local time now
03:14:00

Hotels in Canberra

Canberra offers a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. From established properties like Hyatt Hotel Canberra to contemporary choices such as Ovolo Nishi and Peppers Gallery Hotel, visitors can find suitable lodging throughout the city. See all hotels →

Airports in Canberra

Canberra Airport is the primary airport serving Australia's capital city. The region also includes smaller facilities such as Gundaroo Airport, providing various options for air travel to and from the area. See all airports →

Canberra Airport
8.3 km from centre
Hall
17.8 km from centre
Gundaroo Airport
31.0 km from centre

Car Hire in Canberra

Canberra offers convenient car rental options through several major providers. ACT Car Rentals, Thrifty, Hertz, Budget, and Avis all operate in the capital, giving you flexibility to explore Australia's purpose-built city and surrounding regions at your own pace. See all car hire →

ACT Car Rentals
6.4 km from centre
Thrifty
8.1 km from centre
Hertz
8.1 km from centre
Budget
8.1 km from centre

Things to Do in Canberra

Canberra offers a diverse range of attractions and activities for visitors of all interests. From cultural landmarks like the SievX Memorial to historic sites such as Hobday's Cottage and the Former Australian Forestry School, to scenic destinations like Westlake and the spiritual haven of Sri Chinmoy, there is plenty to explore in Australia's capital city. See all things to do →

Sri Chinmoy
440 m from centre
Former Australian Forestry School
906 m from centre
Hobday’s Cottage
930 m from centre
SievX Memorial
1.1 km from centre
Westlake
1.2 km from centre
Early Acton Memorial
1.6 km from centre

Restaurants in Canberra

Canberra offers a diverse dining scene with restaurants catering to various cuisines and preferences. From The Deck and Cape Cod to Deakin Thai Cuisine, Iori Plus, and Fellows Bar, there are plenty of options to explore for your next meal in the capital. See all restaurants →

The Deck
1.4 km from centre
Iori Plus
japanese · 1.9 km from centre
Deakin Thai Cuisine
thai · 2.0 km from centre

Swimming Pools in Canberra

Canberra offers several swimming pools for locals and visitors to enjoy. Popular options include Club Lime Pool, Kings Swimming Pool, and Manuka Pool, providing aquatic facilities across the city. See all swimming pools →

Spas in Canberra

We're still gathering spas listings for Canberra — check back soon.

Nightlife in Canberra

Canberra offers a vibrant nightlife scene with venues like Cube catering to those seeking evening entertainment. Whether you're looking for a night out in the capital, you'll find a variety of options to explore after dark. See all nightlife →

Cube
3.4 km from centre

Bars in Canberra

Canberra's bar scene offers a diverse range of venues for every taste, from casual spots like Fellows Bar & Cafe to themed establishments such as 88 mph. Whether you're looking for a relaxed atmosphere or a lively night out, venues like Hijinks, Badger & Co, and The Jetty provide excellent options for drinks and socialising in the capital. See all bars →

Fellows Bar & Cafe
2.1 km from centre
Hijinks
2.5 km from centre
Badger & Co
2.8 km from centre

Cafes in Canberra

Canberra's cafe scene offers a variety of options for coffee lovers and food enthusiasts. From established venues like The Yarralumla Gallery and The Oaks Brasserie to popular spots such as Beess & Co, Farmers Daughter, and Snapper and Co, you'll find welcoming places to enjoy quality refreshments throughout the city. See all cafes →

The Yarralumla Gallery and The Oaks Brasserie
928 m from centre
Beess & Co
1.1 km from centre
Yarralumla Play Station Cafe
1.1 km from centre

Shopping in Canberra

Canberra offers diverse shopping experiences across modern malls and established retailers. Canberra Centre (also known as Monaro Mall) serves as a central shopping hub, while department stores like Myer and David Jones provide a wide selection of brands and products. See all shopping →

Myer
3.5 km from centre
David Jones
3.5 km from centre
Canberra Centre (Monaro Mall
3.6 km from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Canberra

Canberra offers diverse natural spaces for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. From the parklands of Yarralumla Bay District Park and Black Mountain Peninsula District Park to the tranquil English Garden and Weston Park, the city provides abundant opportunities to experience native flora and fauna. See all nature & wildlife →

Spinnaker Island
554 m from centre
Yarralumla Bay District Park
682 m from centre
Black Mountain Peninsula District Park
975 m from centre
Weston Park
989 m from centre
English Garden
1.0 km from centre
Stirling Park
1.2 km from centre

Climate snapshot

Canberra experiences four distinct seasons with cool to cold winters and warm summers. Spring and autumn provide mild, pleasant weather ideal for outdoor exploration and sightseeing.

Interesting Facts About Canberra — Weird & Wonderful

  • Canberra is Australia's largest inland city, situated in the northern quadrant of the Australian Capital Territory.
  • The city is bordered by the state of New South Wales to the northwest, northeast and southeast.
  • The Brindabellas mountain range, located south and west of the city, form the northern part of the Australian Alps, the country's highest mountain range.

Frequently Asked Questions About Canberra

What currency is used in Canberra?

The Australian Dollar (AUD) is the official currency used throughout Canberra and Australia.

What language do people speak in Canberra?

English is the primary language spoken in Canberra and throughout Australia.

What is Canberra's population?

Canberra has an estimated population of 484,630 as of 2025, making it Australia's eighth-largest city by population.

Where is Canberra located?

Canberra is located in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) in the Oceania region, occupying most of the northern quadrant of the territory.

What makes Canberra geographically unique?

Canberra is Australia's largest inland city and is surrounded by natural attractions including the Brindabellas mountain range to its south and west.

Map of Canberra

View larger map · © OpenStreetMap contributors