What to do in Australia for FREE

Maximising what you see whilst on holidays is always a balancing act between having enough time and money to experience it all. While I can't assist with time here's a series of blogs that provide insights into what you can do in each of our capital cities for free.

Adelaide for free

With a population of 1 million people Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia. The Adelaide HIlls, outback South Australia and wine regions are within easy reach. 

Whilst staying in Adelaide here's some ideas on what you can do for free.

Brisbane for free

Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland and another fantastic city to visit and the weather makes it possible to enjoy activities pretty much all year round.

The city is located alongside the Brisbane River and there are walkways that follow the river that you can wander along and enjoy the cafes, restaurants and river views. 

Canberra for free

One of the great things about visiting our nation's capital city - Canberra is the fact that many attractions are free.

Darwin for free

Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory a sophisticated city that retains its relaxed charm.  Here are some ideas of what to do in Darwin for free.

Melbourne for free

Melbourne is the capital city of Victoria and has some of the best restaurants and coffee in Australia. The city is a regular winner of the Worlds best city to live in; an assessment we certainly agree with! 

There are loads of things to do in Melbourne for free depending on what interests you.

Perth for free

Perth is the capital city of Western Australia and located on the shores of the Swan River. With a population of approx 1.9 million people the city is a vibrant centre of activity particularly for the resources industry.

Whilst there are many beautiful beaches to enjoy nearby this blog focuses on other activities that you can do for free. 

Sydney for free

Sydney is the capital city of New South Wales and home to the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.

Whilst Sydney is sometimes seen as an expensive destination by many there also lots of free places to visit or activities to enjoy.

Canberra for free

One of the great things about visiting our nation's capital city - Canberra is the fact that many attractions are free.

Australian War Memorial

One of my favourites is the Australian War Memorial. Not as a celebration of war but because its a haunting reminder of the sacrifice people make in war time and a testament to the courage of the individuals and Australia as a nation.

Walking up the steps and into the Commemorative Area and seeing the Roll of Honour lined with poppies to remember the fallen is just the start of a the journey of understanding Australia's war history. 

I also particularly admire the tomb of an unknown solider as a sombre and reverent resting place for the remains of this unnamed soldier.  The remains were removed from a cemetery in France and transported back to Australia in 1993. 

You need to allow at least a day to be able to see all the exhibitions which include the First and Second World Wars as well as more recent conflicts.There are also range of special exhibitions in the Memorial; to find out current information see their Exhibitions page. 

The view along ANZAC Parade to Parliament House is also  a spectacular sight. 

The War Memorial is open 8.am. to 5 p.m. daily - closed Christmas Day.

Canberra Space Centre

Our children's favourite place in Canberra is the Space Centre located in Tidbinbilla which is about a 35 kilometre drive from the city.  

Here you can see the deep space antennas (Deep Space Stations) each identified by a number sequence relevant to their country of location. In Australia ours are numbered in the 30s and 40s. The antennas receive and transmit data to robotic spacecraft exploring our solar system - something I find fascinating. 

At the visitor centre displays include a 3.8 billion year old piece of the Moon, spacecraft models, space hardware and memorabilia including the foods astronauts eat, movies on space exploration and the latest images from across the solar system. 

We always take a picnic but the centre has a cafe. Open 9.am. to 5 p.m. daily - closed Christmas Day.

Parliament House

No visit to Canberra would be complete without visiting Parliament House where both Houses of Parliament sit. The design of Parliament House is impressive and positioning it on top of a hill overlooking Canberra makes sure it can be seen from many locations and is a constant reminder of the important business that is conducted within.

You can wander the public areas of Parliament House and see Parliament in action if your visit coincides with a sitting day. The impressive red chamber is where the Senate sits and shares the power to make laws with the House of Representatives.  Debating in the equally impressive green chamber is the House of Representatives. Here they debate, pass laws and watch over government administration and expenditure. You can also take a guided tour. 

The building itself is impressive and within its walls there is a stunning art collection which includes a very impressive tapestry which hangs in the Great Hall. The gardens and surrounds of Parliament House are also worthwhile exploring. 

The view from outside along ANZAC Parade to the National War Memorial is also  a spectacular sight and demonstrates how well designed or planned the location was. 

Opening hours vary on sitting days from 9.00 a.m. Monday and Tuesday and from 8.30 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday. When Parliament is not sitting its open from 9.a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Christmas Day. 

Old Parliament House

Down the hill from Parliament House is Old Parliament House where Parliament sat from 1927 to 1988. The building now houses the Museum of Australian Democracy.  This Museum has displays that show Australia's social and political history through interpretation of the past and present and exploring the future.

For details of current exhibitions

Although not free entry is relatively cheap $2 for adults and $1 for children.

Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Christmas Day

On either side of the building are the Old Parliament House Gardens which are lovely to wander through. The Gardens include seating pavilions, pergolas, rose arbours and pathways.

National Museum Australia

The National Museum of Australia explores the land, nation and people of Australia. It focusses on Indigenous histories and cultures, histories of European settlement and their interaction with the environment.

You can wander the Museum at your leisure and there are a range of free Host talks throughout the day (check with the information desk on timing) or you can take a guided tour at a cost. 

Details of current Exhibitions 

The Museum is open every day from  9 a.m.-5 p.m. except for Christmas Day.

National Gallery of Australia

If art and culture interests you the National Gallery of Australia has a permanent collection of more than 160,000 works of art including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, Australian art and International art.

A range of special exhibitions constantly change see the exhibitions page for more information. 
Whilst entry to the Gallery is free special exhibitions will often come at a cost. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

National Portrait Gallery

Located just across the road from the National Gallery of Australia is the National Portrait Gallery.  The Gallery's purpose is to broaden the understanding of Australian people through portraits that display our identify, history, culture, creativity and diversity.

My favourite is a very compelling portrait of blind indigenous singer Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu by Guy Maestri. This portrait also won the Archibald Prize in 2009.

For information on current exhibitions 

Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. some special exhibitions will have entry fees.

Royal Australian Mint

For something completely different visit the Royal Australian Mint where all the coins in Australia are made.  Here you can wander the observation gallery to see how coins are produced, see the rare and significant coin collection or watch a behind the scenes video in the theatrette. You can even mint your own $1 coin.

Open Monday to Friday 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday Sunday and Public Holidays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. closed Christmas Day and Good Friday. 


National Film and Sound Archive 

This is said to be Australia's living archive as it displays images and sound from film, television, radio and other recordings that reflect Australia's life stories and place in the world.

The Archive includes a range of sound and film galleries and regular presentations. Find out more about current exhibitions.

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.

Australian National Botanical Gardens

The Australian National Botanical Gardens are located on the lower slopes of Black Mountain in Canberra. Established as a place for recreation and learning the gardens have the world's most comprehensive display of Australian native plants. 

Displays include the Red Centre Garden which has plants such as majestic desert oaks, ghost gums and spinifex grasslands.

Entry to the Gardens are free. They are open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (8 p.m. week days in summer) closed Christmas day.  

Telstra Tower

If you're looking for great view of Canberra go to the Telstra Tower on Black Mountain. The tower stands 195 meters tall and has stunning 360 degree views of Canberra and surrounding areas.

You can also enjoy a coffee or snack at the cafe located at the Tower which is open 365 days a year from 9 a.m.

Embassies

Another great free attraction in Canberra is take a drive around the Embassies. Many buildings reflect the culture of the Countries they represent.

National Carillion

The National Carillon located on Aspen Island in Lake Burley Griffin was a gift from the British Government. The Carillion stands 50 metres and is a musical instrument with 55 bronze bells.
You can hear recitals Wednesday and Sundays 12.30 to 1.20 p.m.

Entry is free.

Parks and Recreation

There are a range of parks in and around Canberra where you can walk, cycle or just relax and enjoy nature.

There are self guided walks, Ranger guided walks and of course you can also relax and enjoy Lake Burley Griffin which Canberra is built around. The Lake is also a site for many Canberra celebrations including Fireworks on Australia Day (26 January).

Canberra - Australia's capital

Most capital cities are large but that's not the case with Australia's capital Canberra. This difference is historical as when the States of Australia agreed to form a Federation in 1901 neither NSW or Victoria (who were the largest cities at the time) would agree on the other city being chosen. So Canberra was selected due to its proximity to both Melbourne and Sydney.

Canberra was originally the home of the Ngunnawal people who occupied the land for 21,000 years as evidenced by rock paintings at Namadgi National Park and Birrigai Rock Shelter at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.

A competition to design the capital was won by American Architect Walter Burley Griffin.     Influenced by both the City Beautiful and Garden City movements of the time; Burley Griffin designed a city with a large man made lake at the centre, green areas, wide boulevards and formal parks with water features.

Lake Burley Griffin

The original Parliament House was opened in 1927 and served Parliament until 1988 when a new and modern Parliament House replaced it. Today old Parliament House is a tourist attraction featuring a museum  dedicated to telling the story of Australian democracy.

Old Parliament House

On the land opposite old Parliament House is the site of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy which was established in 1972 as a protest to the Government's refusal to recognise Aboriginal Land rights.  

Site of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy

New Parliament House, built on the top of a hill, dominates the skyline and can be seen from many surrounding locations. 

Visit Parliament House when Parliament is in session and you can see our Politicians at work. Parliament House also has an amazing collection of art and  is a venue for many functions.

New Parliament House

Heritage listed Government House is the home of the Queen's representative in Australia the Governor General. Surrounded by 54 hectares of grounds the House is used for many official occasions including receptions, dinners for visiting Royalty and functions for community and special needs groups.

Government House

As the location of the Commonwealth Government Canberra tends to be a city that many people commute which makes many people think Canberra is a boring place to visit. I don't agree there is so much to see. 

National Gallery of Australia

On the cultural side visit the National Gallery of Australia with more than 100,000 works of art including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, Australian art and international art.

View of the road between the National Gallery of Australia and the National Portrait Gallery

National Portrait Gallery of Australia

At the National Portrait Gallery you can view portraits of more than 400 people who have shaped Australia's history, diversity and culture.

The Australian War Memorial commemorates the sacrifice of the men and women who served Australia in war. There is an enormous amount of history to explore and the Hall of Memory with the tomb of the unknown soldier evokes a sadness and respect for what the memorial represents.

High Court of Australia

Questacon is Australia's National Science and Technology Centre and a fantastic place to visit if you are holidaying with children. There are regular exhibits, displays and lots of hands on activities that provide a fun learning experience. 

There are many other interesting buildings in Canberra including a range of Embassies many designed to visually represent their home nation.

The Eagle

Memorials are also a regular sight like the Australian-American Memorial symbolises the strong relationship between these 2 countries. Its located on the forecourt of the Defence Offices.

From a nature and the outdoors perspective I like the Australian National Botanical Gardens which include a range of beautiful plants. Various garden designs represent a Rainforest Gully, Rock Garden, Eucalypt Lawn and Mallee Shrub lands. 

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve provides a great spot for a picnic or BBQ lunch.  You may also see a range of wildlife including kangaroos, koalas, possums and the endangered Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby.  Tidbinbilla also is the location of the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex which was a real surprise as it features  a number of "big dish" antennas that receive data from and transmit commands to a wide variety of spacecraft.

Burbury Hotel 

I stay at the Burbury Hotel located in the Realm precinct. The Realm Hotel located across the road is also a great option. 

Eat in Kingston or Manuka.

Great shopping at the Fyshwick Markets or DFO also located in Fyshwick. 

For more information see Canberra Tourism