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We started our trip with low expectations. Because Australia has such an amazing coastline we were not sure about travel to an inland location, however we were pleasantly surprised. Canberra is not a beautiful city to look at. However the range of cultural experiences is fantastic. I traveled with my children (5 and 7) and my parents (aged 60+).Places we visited included Questacon (where we could have spent at least 3 days), the national gallery with the fantastic exhibition by Tom Roberts and the Australian Institute of Sports.The highlight of the trip for the children was Questacon (a science museum). My son enjoyed playing a fuseball type game against a robot. He also loved the 6m free fall down the slide. For the adults , the National Gallery was the highlight, although the war memorial, where we were moved by the closing ceremony, was a close second. The 3-in-1 ticket which we purchased at our first stop, Cockington Gardens, proved good value. The ticket included entry to the gardens themselves (a miniature city with working models of trains and mines), the Australian Institute of Sports and Questacon. Each attraction probably requires a day to explore fully but you can get a feel in half a day. Each attraction has plenty of cheap, accessible parking. The National Gallery did a great job of providing stimulation specifically for kids while keeping the adults busy enjoying the artwork. The Telstra tower on Black Mountain Drive was also good value. It provides 360 degree views of the city and it also has a 360 degree outside viewing area. The tower is open from 8am to 10pm most nights and for us was a great way to end our day. We went up at 8:30pm and enjoyed the indoor viewing at dusk and watched the sunset from the outdoor viewing area. there is also a restaurant there which was closed on the night we went. Overall, we left enriched by our experience and happily surprised by the variety and depth of culture that the city has to offer.

We came for the art - the NGA firstly and then the Portrait Gallery. Doesn't matter what the major attraction at the NGA is the rest of the gallery always deserves a thorough visit. With the portrait gallery a short walk away that should really be a two day program but an overwhelming way to spend a full day. Then there is the choice between the National Museum and the War Memorial. How much time do you have because I haven't mentioned a visit to the top of town for that total all round look at the capital. A walk in the gardens below deserves a generous amount of time. A drive around the lake marvellous ! And, on a good sunny day, don't you envy those enthusiastic boaters adding charm to the water with a stunning backdrop of the hills around. I will leave the food to be described by someone with a greater knowledge than mine but there were so many places to eat at that a true foodie could spend weeks touring them. With more time then Canberra is a great place to use at a base to visit attractions a little further from the centre of town. I don't believe there is a better display, in Australia, of wooden products, than that at Bungendore. A tremendous display of Australian craft ability so close.

Australian War Memorial is a must see. It is a memorial, a shrine, a museum and an historical archive and research centre all in one. Be prepared to spend at least 2 hours (we spent half a day). The hall of memory with it's beautiful dome, mosaics and stained glass windows and the honour roll covered in tiny red poppies left by people paying their respects are incredibly moving. Leading from the Australian War Memorial is Anzac Parade, a wide, memorial lined, avenue heading towards Australia's Parliament House and the Parliamentary Triangle. The Parliamentary Triangle contains memorials and buildings of significance, the National Art Gallery (and at least two other art galleries), the National Library and National Archive, Questacon (National Science and Technology Centre - great place for children to visit) as well as the old and new parliament houses. The Parliamentary Triangle is tree lined and on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin so it is lovely to walk or cycle around the area.

Look up your free entry places first, and free parking or weekend parking which is free at some locations, otherwise it can get pricey. National gallery a great day, free entry except special exhibitions, free parking on weekends. Have lunch to finish off your visit. Black Mountain great viewing spot, pick up a snack free parking, open till late. War Memorial, free entry,free parking. You need a week to take in the whole place. Great for all ages. Displays amazing. Lunch at Poppies first class. Used Google Drive all the time and had no problem getting around. Treat book premier seas at the Dendy theatre, lounge chair seating and have dinner delivered to your seat, food was fantastic large portions,my favourite sweet potato chips, only order 1 serve to share....yummy. Cant wait to book another weekend away.

We went to many places of interest. The mint was a stand out and the free tour was extremely educational. Parliament House is also worth a visit but don't miss Questacon. We also took time to look around the war memorial and enjoyed the displays there and eventually stayed for the last post which is performed every afternoon just before 5pm. The restaurant and cafe scene was above expectations we were spoilt for choices around Canberra Central and the Kingston foreshore. A great weekend away and still more to see when we go back!!

The purpose of our trip was to re-visit the war memorial and it was awe inspiring. We went for the sunset tour and had a wonderful individual tour led by the extremely knowledgeable Mal who gave so generously of his time. We returned the next day for a visit to the museum. Canberra is a quiet city but that makes for a relaxing stay!