Most families visiting Canberra head straight for Questacon, Australia's premier science museum, where they can play around with fun interactive exhibits and tinker in supervised workshops. Permanent features include earthquake simulators, a ginormous model of the moon, and a terrifying vertical slide. If you're travelling to other states, it can be good value to purchase a national membership online. Time your visit to catch one of the regular science shows at the on-site theatre – usually at 11am, noon, 1.30pm and 2.30pm, but check online for updated times before your visit.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Canberra attractions

1. Reconciliation Place

0.1 MILES

A section of the grassy public space between Parliament and Lake Burley Griffin has been designated to represent the nation's commitment to the cause of…

2. National Library of Australia

0.18 MILES

This institution has accumulated more than 10 million items since being established in 1901 and has digitised more than nine billion files. You can pop by…

3. National Portrait Gallery

0.18 MILES

Occupying a flash, purpose-built building, this wonderful gallery is a striking representation of Australia's shifting self-image and a must-see for art…

5. Aboriginal Tent Embassy

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First erected in 1972 as a protest against the government's approach to Indigenous land rights, this camp on the lawn in front of Old Parliament House…

6. High Court of Australia

0.26 MILES

The glass-and-concrete High Court building sits on the plaza between the capital's two main art galleries, and, not to be outdone, is home to a large…

7. Museum of Australian Democracy

0.27 MILES

The seat of government from 1927 to 1988, this elegantly proportioned building offers visitors a taste of the political past. Displays cover Australian…

8. Australian of the Year Walk

0.29 MILES

The signs along this stretch of pathway pay tribute to those selected annually as Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian…