How to Spend 1 Day in Canberra: Ultimate Itinerary

This blog post is all about how to spend 1 day in Canberra.

If you’re wondering how to spend 1 day in Canberra, Australia’s capital city, then you’re in the right place.

I recently visited Canberra on a solo trip and, despite only having 24 hours to explore, I managed to pack in a lot of the city’s highlights.

Whether you’re road-tripping through the Australian Capital Territory or taking a quick city break, this itinerary is designed to help you make the most of 1 day in Canberra.

From breakfast at a local favourite cafe to standing in awe at national monuments, here’s my tried-and-tested guide to exploring Canberra in a single day.

This blog post is all about how to spend 1 day in Canberra.

Is Canberra Worth Visiting?

Before diving into this 1 day in Canberra itinerary, let’s address the common question: Is Canberra worth visiting?

Absolutely. It’s often overlooked in favour of Sydney or Melbourne, but Canberra is a city with national significance, stunning architecture, world-class museums, and peaceful natural beauty.

Canberra is also Australia’s capital city, so personally I think worth visiting for that reason alone!

Canberra offers a perfect balance of culture, history, and nature, all within a compact and easy-to-navigate location. All of Canberra’s museums are free which makes it a very budget-friendly place to visit.

If you’re short on time but want to experience the heart of Australia’s political, cultural, and historical identity, spending 1 day in Canberra is definitely worth it.

And here’s a 1 day in Canberra itinerary to show you exactly how to do just that.

How to Get to Canberra

There are several convenient ways to get to Canberra, depending on where you’re coming from and your preferred mode of transport.

How to Get to Canberra from Sydney

I took the 5:30pm Greyhound bus from Sydney, which was an easy and affordable option. The journey took around 3.5 hours and dropped me off at the Canberra bus station in the city centre.

If you’re short on time, flights from Sydney to Canberra take just under an hour, and there are multiple departures daily, but this is definitely a more expensive option.

How to Get to Canberra from Melbourne

Travelling from Melbourne to Canberra can be done via a direct flight (about 1 hour and 10 minutes), or by coach or car.

The drive takes roughly 7–8 hours and passes through beautiful country towns, making it a scenic option for a road trip. The Greyhound is a great option for this and offers overnight services so you can wake up in Canberra.

How to Get to Canberra by Car

Canberra is very accessible by road, whether you’re driving from the coast, the Snowy Mountains, or other major cities. It’s well-signposted and offers good highway connections.

How to Get to Canberra by Train:

You can also take a train from Sydney to Canberra via NSW TrainLink. The journey takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes and offers scenic countryside views along the way.

Where to Stay in Canberra: Little Drifter, Canberra

I stayed at Little Drifter, an amazing and affordable accommodation choice in Canberra.

It’s perfect for solo travellers like myself who are looking for a stylish, comfortable, and conveniently located place to stay.

I’ll also be staying at Little Drifter next month with Steff and I’m so excited to show him the newly refurbished hotel as the subtle country aesthetic is very suited to us.

During my visit to Canberra, I stayed in a King Suite with an ensuite and I was pleasantly surprised by the size of the room – it was huge! A giant, comfy bed with a Smart TV, fridge, tea & coffee, USB charging points and so much storage.

The interiors are so modern and minimal, there’s a communal kitchen, a rooftop area with a cinema, a games room and quiet spaces for digital nomads (like me).

I felt right at home the moment I checked into Little Drifter and can’t wait to stay here again in a few weeks!

Book a stay at Little Drifter here!

Morning: Start with Breakfast at Chapter 4 Cafe

My 1 day in Canberra began with a delicious breakfast at Chapter 4 Cafe, located in the inner suburb of Woden.

This family-run cafe is well-known among locals for its warm atmosphere and hearty portions. I ordered the Scram Bowl, added some smoked salmon and a large mug of a hot mocha on the side.

The coffee was excellent, and it seemed like a popular spot among locals with every customer on a first-name-basis with the staff.

If Chapter 4 is a bit out of the way for you, consider grabbing breakfast at The Cupping Room, another one of Canberra’s most popular cafes that I visited later in the day.

Mid-Morning: Explore the Australian War Memorial

After breakfast, I headed straight to the Australian War Memorial, which is one of the most impressive and moving museums I’ve visited in Australia.

The museum is beautifully designed and offers a profound insight into Australia’s military history.

Don’t miss the Roll of Honour and the Eternal Flame in the commemorative courtyard (it’s beautiful). I recommend setting aside at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully appreciate the exhibits.

Even if you’re not a history person, the War Memorial is a powerful and educational experience that gives context to the country’s past.

Late Morning: Visit the Captain Cook Memorial Jet and Lake Burley Griffin

From the War Memorial, it’s a scenic walk to Lake Burley Griffin.

Here, you can see the Captain Cook Memorial Jet, a striking water fountain that shoots 147 metres into the air. I was so excited to see this as you could glimpse it from the centre of the city.

It’s particularly beautiful on a sunny day and makes for a great photo opportunity with the lake and mountains in the background.

I was lucky to have blue skies when I visited, and I loved that I was able to visit Canberra in the Autumn as the whole area was covered in leaves and the weather was that perfect temperature – crisp but blue skies and sunshine.

If you have time during your 1 day in Canberra, take a stroll along the lakefront or hire a bike to circle a section of the lake. It’s a great way to see the city from a different perspective.

Lunch: Light Bite and Coffee at The Cupping Room

I stopped for a pastry and a much-needed coffee break at The Cupping Room, one of the most famous cafes in Canberra.

This place is known for its specialty coffee and creative, seasonal dishes. It’s always buzzing with both locals and tourists.

I grabbed a large (decaf) mocha and a light bite to keep me going for the afternoon. The staff were super friendly, and it’s the kind of spot where you can sit, relax, and recharge for a bit before diving into more sightseeing.

The interior felt like a Japanese tearoom with very aesthetic furniture and fixings. A great place to sit over a coffee and some brunch with friends.

Early Afternoon: Old Parliament House and Parliament House

Next up was a walk through Australian political history, starting at Old Parliament House, now home to the Museum of Australian Democracy.

This site offers fascinating insight into how the country was governed from 1927 to 1988. The preserved chambers and exhibitions make it an engaging stop.

Just outside Old Parliament House is the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, a permanent protest site established in 1972 to advocate for Aboriginal land rights.

It is one of the longest-running continuous protest sites in the world and remains a powerful symbol of Indigenous activism in Australia. The tents, flags, and signage provide a living commentary on ongoing issues faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

It’s a thought-provoking place to visit and serves as an important reminder of the continuing struggles and resilience of First Nations communities.

From there, I made my way to Parliament House, the current seat of Australia’s federal government. You can take a free guided tour or explore the building on your own.

Make sure to go up to the roof for panoramic views of Canberra, including a straight line of sight back to the War Memorial.

Even if politics isn’t your thing, the architecture alone is worth the visit during your 1 day in Canberra. I’ll definitely be doing the tour when I’m back in Canberra with Steff as I’m not as clued up on Australian politics as I should be.

Mid-Afternoon: National Library & National Portrait Gallery

Just a short stroll from Parliament House is the National Library of Australia. I loved wandering through the exhibition spaces and reading rooms.

It’s a quiet and reflective spot, especially if you enjoy literature, photography, or history.

Right next door is the National Portrait Gallery, where I finished off my cultural tour. The gallery features an impressive collection of Australian figures captured in various styles.

It’s not overwhelming in size, so even with just 30-45 minutes, you can get a good feel for the space.

Evening: Dinner at Dumpling King

After a full day of exploring Canberra, I was ready for a warm meal. I firstly headed to Tiger Lane which is an Asian food market located inside Canberra Centre, but I was too early and they hadn’t opened yet. Next time!

I was attending an event in the evening, so it was 4pm when I headed to Dumpling King, which came highly recommended for its casual atmosphere and generous portions.

I ordered myself some steamed dumplings and chicken chow mein noodles, and it hit the spot perfectly. The portion of noodles was huge, and definitely one to share if you’re dining with others.

The prices are reasonable, the staff are welcoming, and the food is delicious. It’s a great way to end your 1 day in Canberra.

Other Places to Visit in Canberra if You Have More Time

If you’re lucky enough to spend longer than just 1 day in Canberra, here are a few other places I wish I had time to visit:

National Gallery of Australia: Home to an incredible collection of Indigenous and contemporary art.
Mount Ainslie Lookout: Offers breathtaking views over Canberra and is especially magical at sunset.
Questacon: A hands-on science museum that’s great for families and a rainy-day in Canberra.
Canberra Glassworks: Watch glassblowing demonstrations or even book a class.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve: Located a little out of town, it’s perfect for wildlife spotting and bushwalks.

Is 1 Day in Canberra Enough?

While I absolutely recommend spending more time in Canberra if you can, 1 day in Canberra is still enough to get a taste of what the city has to offer.

With its walkable layout, well-organised attractions, and relaxed pace, you can cover a lot in a short time.

From exploring national institutions and historic buildings to enjoying good food and lakeside views, Canberra surprised me in all the best ways.

I came away with a deeper appreciation for the capital and a strong desire to return and discover even more in a few weeks’ time.

So if you’re on the fence about adding Canberra to your itinerary, I say go for it. Even if you only have 1 day in Canberra, it’s a day well spent.

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By Orlagh Shanks

Orlagh Shanks is the founder of Orlagh Claire, an award-winning travel and lifestyle blog.
After working in the PR & Influencer Marketing industry, Orlagh quit her job to travel Asia for 12 months and move to Sydney, Australia where she is now a full-time travel blogger and content creator sharing travel tips and recommendations for all 30 of the countries she’s visited so far.

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This blog post is all about how to spend 1 day in Canberra.

Is Canberra Worth Visiting?