10 cheap things to do this weekend in Canberra
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Want to have some affordable fun this weekend in Canberra? There’s plenty to do that doesn’t come with a hefty price tag.
If you’re anything like us, trying to save a few dollars is front of mind at the moment—but that doesn’t mean you can’t still have some fun.
This weekend, forget about sitting at home in your pyjamas watching Netflix (unless you want to….no judgment here), we’ve found 10 cheap things to do in the nation’s capital, perfect for families, friendship groups or anyone taking themselves on a solo date.
Enjoy a lake walk (or any kind of walk)
Credit: @travelswithmichelle for Visit Canberra.
With plenty of stunning bushland and scenic lake views, heading out for a walk is one of the easiest—and cheapest—ways to catch up with friends on the weekend. And with the winter weather looking rather lovely lately, an hour in the sun will leave you feeling like a brand-new person. Here are 13 of our best walks, ranging from the classic Bridge to Bridge to more challenging bush adventures.
Want to splurge on a coffee? This list is perfect for a caffeine-filled pick-me-up—and you can take your pooch with you! Win/win.
Have a picnic
Why shouldn’t you take advantage of a beautiful day outdoors? Call upon your friends and family to all bring some snacks, pack a board game or football, and let the day pass you by.
Here are some suggestions on where you can go (with wind chill, proximity to parking, and the ability to cook hot food all factored in). All it will cost you is a few dollars to spend on food—and even then, you’ll probably have some leftovers to nibble on during the week.
Spend a day at the National Gallery of Australia
Installation view: El Greco. Christ driving the Traders from the Temple. c. 1600. © The National Gallery, London. Presented by Sir J.C. Robinson, 1895.
Rather have a day indoors? You can literally while away hours at the National Gallery of Australia without spending a cent. With an evolving collection of over 155,000 works of art (which includes the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art), almost all of the exhibitions are free, including Jordan Wolfson’s Body Sculpture and Vincent Namatjira: Australia in colour.
You’ll just need to book a (free) admission ticket!
Go thrifting
If your idea of fun involves shopping, don’t worry—you can still enjoy your favourite pastime. But to save a few dollars, might we suggest getting on the thrifting bandwagon instead of buying something new?
Canberra is full of amazing antique stores and good quality vintage clothing, if you know where to look (and you might even pick up a bargain). From this vintage shopping trail in Fyshwick to Braddon’s growing op-shop scene , a shopping trip on a budget has never been so easy.
Take a day trip
Credit: Simona Photography.
You don’t have to book an expensive holiday to escape the city. With Braidwood, Bungendore, Jugiong, Gundaroo, Gunning, Corin Forest, Batemans Bay, and even Cowra all under a three-hour drive away, pack up the car and spend a day exploring a town or two.
Budget for petrol money and pack your own meals—or set aside some cash for a well-deserved lunch break at one of the many cafes along the way. It’s completely up to you and how much you want to allot to a quick and fun getaway.
Take the family to the National Museum of Australia
If you have a young family, a day trip to the National Museum of Australia will beat the boredom without breaking the bank. With free general admission, there are lots of exhibitions that are also free to visit. Great Southern Land is perfect for all ages (thanks to stunning objects and muti-sensory experiences) while the giant immersive play area in the Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre is perfect for children aged six and under—and it’ll only cost you $10 to let them run wild.
Rediscover nature at Tidbinbilla
Credit: VisitCanberra
A playground, self-guided walks, picnic spots and BBQ areas—Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve has it all. Perfect for reconnecting with nature without having to drive hours out of town (it’s only 45 minutes from the CBD), you’ll see koalas, kangaroos, birds, reptiles and more. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even do a full-day hike to the top of Tidbinbilla Range (you just might need a map, so you don’t get lost)!
Attend the Haig Park Village Markets or the Old Bus Depot Markets
Every Sunday like clockwork, Canberra comes alive with two fantastic markets. Choose from the Haig Park Village Markets in Braddon or the Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston (or visit both!) to stroll through stalls filled with flowers, food, jewellery, homewares, and more.
Full of unique produce and products, sometimes just heading along to sightsee is a great way to get out of the house without spending some big bucks. And if you do decide to buy something, you have the bonus of knowing your supporting local.
Relax at the National Botanic Gardens
Credit: Jonora Holmes
You will have to pay for parking (pro tip: bring coins because the tap payment option can be temperamental) but with free daily guided walks, 70,000 native plants to explore, free exhibitions at the Visitor Centre Gallery and stunning views of Canberra, a little bit of cash will go a long way.
Walk through the lush Rainforest Gully, enjoy the beauty of rare and endangered native plants and climb up into the Paperbark Treehouse to see the National Botanic Gardens from a different perspective. It’s great for all ages!
See how money is made—at the Royal Australian Mint that is
Don’t have any dollars to call your own? Head to the Royal Australian Mint to immerse yourself into the world of coins. Visiting the Mint is free and as the sole producer of circulating coins for the country, it promises to be a fascinating experience. Make your own $1 coin (at the cost of $3) to keep as a memento or gift to someone special, take a free tour and watch as the kids enjoy the free activity books that are handed out at the front desk. It’ll bring some nice change to your weekend—pun intended.
