35 free things to do in Canberra this summer
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Ahhh, summer. The season of cocktail parties, picnics…and bare wallets.
Lucky for you, Canberra has plenty of ways to keep you entertained without spending a cent. We’ve done the hard work for you and out together a comprehensive guide of all the free things you can do this summer, from swimming spots to exhibitions.
1. Make sense of the year that was
Look back at 2022 and discover the best political cartoons at Behind the Lines’ at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.
This year’s collection reflects on a year where lockdowns ended, borders opened, and we burst from our living rooms—and it features even more emerging artists.
2. Explore one of Canberra’s many places to swim that aren’t pools
You don’t need to go to the coast to enjoy the beach. In fact, you might be surprised to discover just how many incredibly beautiful watering holes are on the city’s doorstep, perfect for cooling off during the long, hot days of summer around Canberra.
hercanberra.com.au/swim-canberra-summer-2021
3. Learn the story of Canberra as the capital city of Australia at the National Capital Exhibition at Regatta Point
This free tour explores displays featuring the people, events, history and design of Canberra, highlighting what makes it so unique. Discover the people behind the design (including Walter Burley Griffin and his wife Marion), learn about a new side of Canberra and enjoy.
4. Play tourist
Visit one of our national institutions like the Royal Australian Mint, High Court or Australian Parliament House and make a day of it.
5. Take a road trip
Want to get out of town? Head to one of Canberra’s neighbouring towns for some regional deliciousness and sightseeing. Jugiong, Bungendore, Gundaroo, Braidwood and Gunning are all within 90 minutes’ drive and make an easy day trip.
Saloon, Braidwood. Credit: Simona Photography.
6. Take the family mountain biking
Canberra is blessed with mountain bike trails on its doorstep, so why not check out this list of Canberra’s favourite spots?
7. Explore the Canberra Museum and Gallery
If you were thinking of heading to Canberra Museum and Gallery, well, this is your sign. Their latest powerful exhibition reflects on the bushranger Ned Kelly and his gang’s exploits in late 1870s Australia and the enduring legacy of the Kelly myth in contemporary culture.
Running until Sunday 5 March, head along to explore photographs and costumes from Justin Kurzel’s film, True History of the Kelly Gang, alongside Sidney Nolan’s iconic Ned Kelly paintings that influenced the film.
8. Encounter a bettong at Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary
Cute, fuzzy and locals at Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary…need we say more?
9. Shoot some hoops
Get your sneakers on and shoot some hoops at a variety of local basketball courts. To find the closest court near you follow the link
data.act.gov.au/widgets/igti-4f4a
10. Explore the special relationship between Canberra and Nara, Japan
Situated on Lake Burley Griffin, the Canberra Nara Peace Park is the perfect outlook for a picnic.
11. View the city from on high at Mount Ainslie Lookout.
Offering stunning panoramic views, it’s the perfect way to spend a day with your family.
12. Volunteer your time at the Acton
The community garden at Acton is a place to get your hands dirty and learn about growing food. Contribute to a local community where everyone is welcome and encouraged to come along.
canberraenvironment.org/acton-community-garden
13. See Australia’s leading glass artists in action
Head to the Canberra Glassworks and take part in a hands-on class. If watching is more your forte, sit back and learn the secrets to flame-working, glass blowing, cold working, kiln forming and casting from Australia’s leading glass artists.
14. Seek respite from the heat
Head to the Australian National Botanic Gardens’ Rainforest Gully and admire lush plants from the diverse rainforests of Australia’s east coast all the way from Tasmania to Queensland.
Credit: Jonora Holmes
15. Head up Mount Stromlo
Seeking some adventure? Head up Mount Stromlo for some mountain biking or enjoy the flat path at the car park for kids to practice their bike riding.
16. See what makes the National Gallery of Australia so phenomenal
Project 2: Kara Walker is a free exhibition that you must see, but there’s plenty to explore.
17. Explore The National Arboretum
As an endless natural playground with a physical playgrounds for the kids too, what better way is there to spend a summers day?
Pod Playground at The National Arboretum
18. Walk or ride the shores of Lake Burley Griffin
Head off in the cool of the morning or evening, enjoy the views or even make a pit-stop along the way.
hercanberra.com.au/lbg-pit-stops
19. Discover a new favourite walking track
Sick of walking the bridge to bridge? Canberra is full of hidden walking tracks.
hercanberra.com.au/city/family-city/meet-canberras-best-hidden-walks
20. Browse vintage treasures
If your idea of fun is poking around Canberra antique stores for pre-loved items in search of treasure, then you need to delve into the suburb of Fyshwick and join the vintage trail.
hercanberra.com.au/vintage-shopping-trail-in-fyshwick
21. Get amongst Enlighten Festival!
Kicking off from 3 March at the Parliamentary Triangle, watch in awe as the city precinct is transformed into a vibrant arts precinct with free performances and exclusive events.
Enlighten. Credit: Martin Ollman.
22. Move it!
Search the HerCanberra ACTIVE Directory to find a way to move your body.
23. Leave the city behind
Find a quiet spot to get back to nature with these camping spots.
hercanberra.com.au/city/family-city/five-places-to-sleep-under-the-stars-in-canberra
24. Recognise the power of your voice.
Told through powerful stories of democracy in action, this exhibition at the Museum of Australian Democracy will provoke thought and motivate you to recognise the power of your voice.
25. See the the history of Australian photography.
Look at nearly 125 images that show the journey of Australian documentary photography over the last five decades, all at the National Library of Australia.
26. Remember the sacrifice at the Australian War Memorial.
Each day at 4.45 pm AEST, you can absorb the powerful and sombre Last Post Ceremony which honours one of the 62,000 who gave their lives in service.
Credit: Martin Ollman.
27. Visit one of the northside’s hidden treasures
Home of Canberra’s smallest gallery—The Gallery of Small Things in Watson — discover artists and makers from Canberra and beyond.
28. Look beyond the usual sites to uncover Canberra’s secrets.
Some are out in the open, while others are tucked away…
hercanberra.com.au/canberra-secret-sites
29. Be mesmerised as a spotlight shines on Canberra’s talented film-makers
Lights! Canberra! Action! kicks off on Friday 10 March.
30. Take your pupper for a splash
There’s plenty of dog-friendly swimming spots in Canberra.
hercanberra.com.au/city/canberra-best-dog-swimming-spots/
31. Take in an exhibition at Canberra Museum and Gallery
Celebrate the region’s social history and visual arts with dynamic exhibitions.
32. Go bananas for bonsai
Visit the National Arboretums Bonsai and Penjing Collection. Featuring 120 exhibits in one of Canberra’s most beautiful outlooks, it’s the perfect place for a day of relaxation.
33. Enjoy a free wine tasing
Every Thursday evening between 5 pm and 7 pm join the Canberra Wine & Spirits Merchants for a free tasting! It’s the perfect way to explore more of our incredible wine district.
canberrawineandspiritmerchants.com.au/tastings
34. Learn about the ways people have achieved social change in Australia.
The curious history of social change in Australia is now open at the National Archives of Australia, telling powerful stories of people and their actions, from the ordinary to the extraordinary.
35. Take a free online class
The ‘The Amazing Face’ class explores the language of portraiture through the National Portrait Galleries online hub. Use your new skills to take beautiful portraits on your summer holidays.
Credit: Matt Whitcombe via VisitCanberra
