Canberra attractions

No trip to Australia’s capital is complete without a visit to the National Carillon. The 164-foot (50 meter) architectural landmark originally gifted to Australia by the British government is touted for its’ unique design. In addition to its’ towering height, the structure is also a musical instrument! Have a picnic beneath the striking tower and listen to chimining of its’ 55 bronze bells each week at free concerts. The sheer height of the tower allows the musical melodies to drift across Lake Burley Griffin all the way to Kings and Commonwealth Parks. Visit at night when the structure is illuminated for an unforgettable view.

Erupting from Lake Burley Griffin just off Commonwealth Park, the Captain Cook Memorial jet commemorates the bicentenary of Captain James Cook's first sighting of Australia and landing at Botany Bay in 1770. The jet reaches a maximum height of 499 feet (152 meters), and its design is based on the Jet D'Eau in Geneva, Switzerland.

Cockington Green Gardens offers visitors a trip around the world without leaving Canberra. The outdoor exhibit features meticulously crafted miniature buildings representing numerous landmarks, from Scotland’s Braemer Castle to Peru’s Machu Picchu. It’s a great option for traveling families who will be captivated by the enchanting world.

A 63-acre (25.5-hectare) park on the northern shore of Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin, Commonwealth Park has landscaping and play areas that attract everyone from joggers to families to dog walkers. The park hosts Floriade, a major Canberra festival each spring, which sees more than 1 million flowers bloom over a month.