Here are 7 Free things to do in Canberra in 2026

7 Free things to do in Canberra in 2026

We don’t need to tell you that things are getting a little expensive. But change your perspective on travel, and a weekend escape doesn’t have to be pricey.

In Canberra, visitors can fill an entire day without spending a cent on activities. You can set off on hill walks with sweeping views, explore galleries, memorials, and wander botanic gardens without reaching into your wallet once. Canberra is a city built for discovering on foot, and it’s one of the real hearts of Australia; where the country’s history and culture come together.

So, set yourself the challenge: spend a weekend in Canberra doing only free things and see how far it takes you.

Walk or cycle around Lake Burley Griffin

A loop of paths follows the edge of Canberra’s iconic Lake Burley Griffin, linking bridges and parks that sit right on the water. Parliament House, the National Library and the city’s monuments come into view and pass you by as you go.

Walking works just as well as cycling if you’re visiting from out of town, and shorter sections between Commonwealth Bridge and King’s Avenue Bridge offer loads of time and space to stop and take in the surrounds. Do this walk early morning or late afternoon for the best light across the water. Plus, fewer people are on the paths at this time.

Australian War Memorial

Another spot with totally free access is the Australian War Memorial, giving visitors access to large museum galleries covering Australia’s military history, moving from the First World War through to more recent conflicts, with aircraft, vehicles and personal artefacts throughout the space.

The Hall of Memory sits at the centre of it all, leading to the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier, a quiet focal point that draws most visitors through at some point during their visit.

If it’s your first time in Canberra, plan time around the daily Last Post Ceremony, held at the Commemorative Courtyard, where one person is honoured each afternoon with stories read aloud and wreaths laid.

National Botanic Gardens (ANBG)

When you’ve seen enough history for one day, head to the National Botanic Gardens. Tucked into the foothills of Black Mountain, the gardens here are dedicated entirely to native Australian plants. From rare rainforest species to dry desert vegetation found nowhere else in the world, you can see it all.

Follow walking paths which wind through different ecological zones, shifting from shaded ferny pockets to eucalyptus slopes and beautiful themed plant collections that reflect Australia’s diverse landscapes.

End at the Red Centre Gardens and rainforest gully (definitely the standouts), with elevated paths offer views back over Canberra and towards Black Mountain Tower.

Explore to Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets

Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets is where Canberra comes to life, but also comes to eat! Rows of local produce including bakeries, butchers and specialty stalls all sit under one roof here, as do heaps of people from Thursday to Saturday.

The smell of fresh bread, coffee and seasonal fruit hits you as soon as you walk in. Stroll from one counter to the next picking up snacks as you go. Saturdays are the busiest, with the most variety and the best atmosphere if you want it feeling nice and lively.

National Gallery of Australia

At the National Gallery of Australia, entry to the main collection is free. So with galleries covering Australian art, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander works, plus international pieces ranging from Asian art to European modernism, it’s a great place to go, especially on a rainy day.

Inside, rooms switch between bold contemporary and smaller historical works. Out back, the beautiful sculpture garden is a nice added touch, sitting along the edge of Lake Burley Griffin.

Walk the Australians of the Year Walk

A lovely paved path beside Lake Burley Griffin displays a chronological series of plaques for every Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Local Hero since the awards began! The walk begins near the western end by Commonwealth Avenue Bridge and continues along the water’s edge.

Each marker represents a year, creating a timeline you follow on foot as you move along the lake, so you get to learn a few things as you enjoy the outdoors.

Parliament House

If you speak of free things to do in Canberra, Parliament House is one you definitely can’t miss. Visitors are welcome to explore the public areas here for free, including the Great Hall with its towering flag mast, the marble-clad foyer, as well as the upper levels where you can also fine exhibitions and artworks.

And just like some of Canberra’s other national buildings, you can also enjoy the outdoors whilst you’re here. Step outside onto the grass roof for sweeping views across the Parliamentary Triangle, with Lake Burley Griffin on one side and the city laid out in a deliberate geometric plan.

Mount Ainslie Lookout

Another Canberra classic is Mount Ainslie Lookout. A short drive or pretty steady uphill walk leads to one of Canberra’s best-known viewpoints. From the summit, you can see it all; Lake Burley Griffin, Parliament House and the city’s central axis, all in full view. Sunrise and late afternoon are naturally the most popular. You can actually start this walk from the Australian War Memorial where you will rise steadily through native bushland before coming to the lookout.

Jerrabomberra Wetlands

Just minutes from the city centre, Jerrabomberra Wetlands is wonderfully quiet pocket of nature hidden into Canberra’s surroundings. Take the boardwalks and trails that wind through reed beds and lagoons and watch black swans, pelicans and seasonal migratory birds enjoy the shallow wetlands.

Early mornings walks are a must here, and they bring the most activity too. You won’t need to cover much ground in this spot. It’s more about enjoying the morning quiet.

Where to stay in Canberra

 

Ibis Styles Eaglehawk

A budget-friendly stay set across 30 acres of bushland on Canberra’s edge, where kangaroos wander through nearby grounds and the city feels a little further away than it actually is (in a good way!). Rooms are simple and comfortable, plus there’s a pool and it’s an easy 20-minute run into the CBD when you want the restaurants, galleries and museums.

Check it out here.

Ibis Styles Canberra

Close to Canberra’s city centre, Ibis Styles does a great job in balancing budget with location. Comfortable rooms mean you’ve got everything you need, but the focus stays on getting out and exploring.

Take a look here.