Canberra

Just a three-hour drive from Sydney, Canberra is Australia's capital and makes an easy addition to many Australia tours. Planned as a 'city in a park,' Canberra is surrounded by mountain ranges and hills covered in bushland, lined by beautiful Lake Burley Griffin. The impressive Parliament Building stands out on the summit of Capital Hill. 

The Australian War Memorial pays homage to Australia’s military history. The National Museum of Australia, the National Gallery of Australia, the Questacon Science Centre, and the Mount Stromlo Observatory, showcase the history, arts, and sciences in Australia, making Canberra a great stop for museum fans, with plenty to fill in those rainy days. Canberra is also a city of festivals for all seasons such as Floriade when the city celebrates springtime by filling Commonwealth Park with thousands of blooms.

More active globetrotters can hit the mountain trails at Mount Stromlo or Brindabella National Park in the heart of the Australian Alps, or follow the Yerrabi Walking Track with views of the Bimberi Peak and its largely undisturbed ecosystem. You can find kangaroos and wallabies here while exploring wetlands and wildflowers spouting plains. Namadgi National Park is perfect for rock climbing, hiking, and horseback riding as is Canberra Nature Park. Food and wine lovers can follow Poachers Trail to discover the 140 vineyards and 33 wineries located around the nearby countryside. There is something for everyone in Australia's capital!