What to do in South Canberra

Activities, attractions and tours

Melbourne showing night scenes, heritage architecture and a city
Australian Capital Territory showing a garden and autumn colours
Royal Australian Mint featuring interior views
Royal Australian Mint featuring interior views
Parliament House showing interior views, an administrative building and modern architecture

South Canberra Tourist Attractions & Activities

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Top places to visit

1. Parliament House

Australia’s Parliament House is the standout structure in the capital. It’s in the very centre of the city and has an impressive 25 hectares (62 acres) of floor space. It’s the work of New York-based architectural firm Mitchell and Giurgola, who beat 329 entrants from 28 countries in a competition run by the Australian Government. Construction started in 1981, and it was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1988.
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Admire the scale, architecture and artwork of the building where Australia’s politicians make the big decisions.

2. National Gallery of Australia

The National Gallery of Australia is the largest art museum in the country. It’s home to over 160,000 works, including the most extensive collection of Aboriginal art in the world. It also holds traditional and modern works from all around Asia, statues and paintings by European and American masters, and Australian works from the colonial era to the present day.
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National Gallery of Australia which includes interior views

3. Questacon

Questacon is the Australian National Science and Technology Centre. It features a range of exhibits about everything from water, to electricity and light. Most exhibits are targeted at children, but there’s plenty to see and do for adults as well.
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Questacon

4. Old Parliament House

Old Parliament House was constructed in the 1920s as a provisional base for the national parliament. It was designed in a stripped classical style with little ornamentation, but is decorated with numerous artworks and Australian timber panelling. Today it’s home to the Museum of Australian Democracy, hosting exhibits about the evolution and workings of the Australian political system.
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Tour this building to see where Australian politicians met and debated for over 60 years and learn about the history and workings of Australian democracy.

5. Manuka Shopping Centre

Experience a friendly village atmosphere at Manuka Shopping Centre, which provides interesting outlets for everyday needs, entertainment and luxuries all in one location. Visit for essential services and stay for the restaurants, fashion and gift shops, all in close proximity to Canberra’s major attractions.
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Manuka Shopping Centre showing street scenes and autumn leaves

6. Royal Australian Mint

The Royal Australian Mint was opened in 1965 by Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh ahead of the introduction of the new Australian dollar in 1966. The mint makes every single coin in circulation as well as medallions and commemorative tokens. It does not produce notes; these are produced at Note Printing Australia.
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Royal Australian Mint showing interior views as well as a large group of people

7. National Library of Australia

The National Library of Australia is the most comprehensive reference library in the country. It was formed as the National Parliamentary Library in 1901 and became the National Library in 1960. Its collection includes Asian literary works and documents, rare books and manuscripts, photographs, maps, paintings, music and video.
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National Library of Australia

What to do in South Canberra

Explore areas of South Canberra

Kingston which includes a bridge and modern architecture

Kingston

The buildings of this foreshore, once a Canberra industrial hub, have been transformed into a welcoming urban lakeside community.

Kingston
Manuka Shopping Centre featuring autumn colours

Manuka

While visiting Manuka, you might make a stop by sights like Manuka Shopping Centre and Manuka Oval.

Manuka
Parliament House which includes an administrative building

Capital Hill

4.5/5(1,004 area reviews)

The grassy rise of Capital Hill is Canberra’s crowning feature. The perfectly circular hilltop locale is the core from which the rest of the city radiates.

Capital Hill
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Narrabundah

Visitors to Narrabundah appreciate its restaurants. A visit to Capital Public Golf Course and The Cusack Centre might round out your trip if you're looking to see more of the area.

Narrabundah
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Forrest

Check out the restaurants, shopping and forests while spending some time in Forrest. Though there might not be many attractions in the neighbourhood, you won't need to go far to find top spots like Manuka Shopping Centre or Manuka Oval.

Forrest
Manuka Shopping Centre featuring autumn colours

Griffith

Griffith is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Manuka Shopping Centre and Manuka Oval while you're in town.

Griffith

 

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