March 20th, 2018

The Best Way to Travel in Canberra

Canberra has been ranked the no.3 city in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2018, and it's hardly any wonder why! This beautifully diverse city offers something for everyone, whether you're a solo traveller or with family in tow; from the great outdoors to world class attractions and award-winning restaurants, Canberra is a city full of surprises.


Getting Around In Canberra

Getting around in Canberra is simple, with plenty of transport options to choose from, whether you prefer public transport, driving, cycling, or walking.

One of the best ways to see the city is by car, while this can be a daunting prospect while away from home, in Canberra you'll find it a breeze, with no tolls and hardly any congestion. Of course, if driving isn't your thing there are plenty of public transport options to get you to your destination, the most convenient and cost-effective of them being the ACTION Buses. Aboard ACTION’s Tourist Loop service you’ll be able to travel to some of Canberra’s most iconic attractions with ease.

As Australia's cycling capital, Canberra has an excellent network of cycle paths and off-road mountain bike trails to discover. Why not hire a bike or bring your own and explore Australia's spectacular scenery from two wheels. If you prefer to don the walking boots and leave the two wheels to someone else, Canberra is also a great city for walking, whether an energetic bushwalk or gentle stroll. Plus, you can learn as you walk with a self-guided walking tour.


Don’t Miss Out

Australian War Memorial – The Australian War Memorial is an insightful and moving experience, that brings together a world-class museum and an extensive archive. Discover the diverse Australian experiences of war and connect with the stories of people and events that shaped Australia.

National Gallery of Australia – Enjoy art and world-class exhibitions, as you meander through the galleries and admire the collection; which includes the famous ‘Blue Poles’ by Jackson Pollock and the Ned Kelly series by Sidney Nolan. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art collection is the largest in the world, comprising over 7500 works.

Manuka Oval – The Manuka Oval has been a fixture in Canberra since the 1920s, and is home to local and national AFL matches, as well as local cricket and the famous Prime Minister’s XI. Catching a game at this incredible historic venue is a must for any sports fan of the bat or ball variety.

National Zoo & Aquarium - Get up close and personal with some of the world's most amazing creatures at the National Zoo & Aquarium in Canberra. The Zoo features a variety of native and exotic animals, from lions and tigers to giraffes and penguins, plus the zoo boasts the largest inland saltwater tank in Australia. Visit the zoo and stroke a cheetah or make friends with a meerkat during a hands-on animal experience.

National Arboretum Canberra – Home to a staggering 94 forests of rare, endangered and symbolic trees from Australia and around the world. Discover the stunning range of botanical beauty, including the living artworks in the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection. You can choose to explore the National Arboretum by foot, car, bicycle or even by horse-back, and don't forget to take advantage of the free guided and self-guided tours, interactive displays, cafe and picnic areas.

Questacon – Experience science in extraordinary ways and discover something for everyone at the Questacon Technology Centre. Questacon’s eight interactive exhibitions feature some 200 hands-on experiences, each designed for visitors of all ages to touch, play and explore. With the opportunity to free-fall down an awesome six-metre slide, feel the force of an earthquake, challenge a robot to a game of air hockey or freeze your own shadow, it's no wonder Questacon took Gold in the Australian Tourism Award.

Cockington Green Gardens – Experience the world at your feet at this unique and fascinating display of intricately handcrafted miniature buildings from more than 30 different countries, ranging from Scotland’s Braemer Castle to Peru’s Machu Picchu. Complete your visit to this enchanting world of miniature with a ride on the miniature steam train.

Australian Institute Of Sport – Nestled in native bushland and situated just moments from Canberra's city centre is the AIS - the cradle of Australia's national sports system since 1981. Go behind the scenes on an award-winning 90 minute guided tour and discover where Australia’s sporting champions are created, while gaining an insight into the life of leading athletes. Why not have a go at wheelchair basketball, virtual downhill skiing, rock climbing, football penalty shootouts and more.


Food & Drink

The Cupping Room – Start your day with the perfect coffee, at Canberra’s very own place of coffee worship. This concept cafe takes its customers on a journey of flavour across a range of coffee blends and delicious meals. The Cupping Room is a definite must for all coffee devotees.

Mount Majura Vineyard - This dynamic boutique winery and vineyard, features a unique seated tasting allowing an interactive yet relaxing tasting experience. Mount Majura's single vineyard site of red clay loam soils containing limestone produces Tempranillo, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, a Cabernet Blend and Shiraz, as well as experimental varieties such as Graciano, Touriga and Mondeuse. Opt for a self guided 'gumboot tour', that allows participants to learn more about viticulture or simply indulge in the cheese and regional tasting platters available to accompany tasting.

Courgette - Offering French-inspired Australian cuisine, Courgette's philosophy is rooted in the combination of simplicity and freshness of the basic elements. While emphasis is more upon the seafood at Courgette, great effort is also made to source excellent meats from around the country. Of course, to perfectly accompany your meal there is a wide array of international and domestic beers to whet your appetite.

AKIBA - In 2016, AKIBA was voted Australia’s favourite restaurant, bringing the informal and exciting atmosphere of East-Asia’s great food halls and dining rooms to Canberra. See first hand why AKIBA was awarded top restaurant as you experience the buzzing ambience that perfectly compliments the food, which features a dazzling array of fresh flavours found in styles of Asian barbecue, raw bar and modern-day Dim Sum.

Aubergine – Enjoy contemporary dining in this elegantly intimate space. The kitchen is supplied by local farmers and benchmark suppliers that understand Aubergine's objective, and provide the best produce for each day. You'll also find an extensive wine list at Aubergine, that has won numerous awards and has over 500 labels of interesting and classic wines.
On Red – Since opening in 2007, On Red has brought the iconic venue of "Carousel" back to life along with its sibling establishment on the ground floor, Little Brother. Offering stunning views of Canberra in a comfortable, yet classy dining room, owner Ben Johnson and chef Jenson Heycox provide a friendly environment to indulge in their delicious creations. It's all about “food you want to eat in a place you want to be.”

The Conservatory Restaurant – “Contemporary Australian cuisine, with dishes simply prepared with care, to share.” At The Conservatory Restaurant produce is sourced as locally as possible to support good farming in the region, with focus on organic and biodynamic produce, heirloom meats, seasonal vegetables and fruits, and sustainable sea and fresh water foods. The result? A menu that showcases the best local produce in simple elegant style.


Stay Near The Action

​Canberra's newest luxury accommodation, Knightsbridge Canberra, is your new home away from home, combining eveything you need, with everything you want. Each spacious apartment offers all the comfort and amenities of home, with sumptuously furnished living and dining areas, fully equipped kitchens and laundries, free high-speed internet, complimentary refreshments upon arrival, plus there's a state-of-the-art gym, swimming pool, barbeque terrace, and gardens.

Knightsbridge Canberra is also conveniently close to many of the city's big attractions as well as being just 100m from Kingston Shops and a 10-minute walk from Manuka and Kingston Foreshore, where you'll find everything from supermarkets, chemists, dry cleaners, speciality fashion to eateries ranging from casual to fine dining. Make the most of your day in Canberra and whenever you're ready to head home, you can be sure that at Knightsbridge Canberra, there'll always be a light on to welcome you back. 

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