Canberra is the national capital of Australia and an ideal weekend-away destination from Sydney – especially for overseas visitors. While perhaps not typical of the Australian lifestyle, Canberra has many wonderful museums, galleries and monuments that will give visitors to Australia an insight into our history, culture and society.
By car, Canberra is an easy 3.5 hour drive from Sydney. It is impossible to see all the sights of Canberra in one weekend but here are a few recommendations to choose from.
Canberra & Region Visitors Centre
Firstly, it’s a good idea to stop at the Canberra & Region Visitors Centre on 330 Northbourne Ave, Dickson (1300 554 114) – you will pass it on the way into Canberra from Sydney. Pick up copies of brochures and maps to help you find your way around.
Parliament House
We recommend taking a tour of Parliament House. There is a free tour that takes approximately 30-45 minutes. The tour includes the Marble Hall entrance, the Great Hall, the Senate, the House of Representatives – with an interesting and informative guide. Visit the top of Parliament House for excellent views over the city. For more details on tours see - www.aph.gov.au/Visit_Parliament/Tours
















We left Sydney on a Saturday morning, hoping to stay a night in Huskisson. The plan was to explore the coast between Sydney and Jervis Bay over the next two days. It was what we call in our family ‘a flash tour’ – touching on many places in a short time, with a view to going back to where we liked the best.

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