Canberra is a city that people often overlook, but once you visit, you realise how much there actually is to do. There is so much more to Canberra than Parliament House. From hot air balloons floating over the city at sunrise to wine tasting in the countryside, incredible food, galleries, and scenic lookouts, Canberra has a really nice balance of experiences. The best part is that everything is within 10–15 minutes of the city.
If you’re planning a short trip, three days is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights while still having time to slow down and enjoy it. Canberra is only 3 hours from Sydney, making it perfect for a weekend trip.
This 3 day Canberra itinerary covers exactly how we spent our time, including some of the best things to do in Canberra, places to eat, and a few hidden gems along the way.
How Long to Spend in Canberra
We think that three days is the sweet spot for Canberra. The city is so compact and easy to get around, which means you can cover a lot without rushing. In just a few days, you can explore the lake, visit some of Australia’s most important cultural attractions, experience the amazing food scene, and even get out into the surrounding wine region.
Where to Stay in Canberra
We stayed at Hotel Kurrajong, and it’s such a great base for a Canberra trip. The hotel has a cosy heritage feel but still feels modern and comfortable. It’s also in a really convenient location, which makes it easy to get around to most of the main attractions.
Best Time to Visit Canberra
Canberra is a year round destination with plenty of events and festivals each season. The best time to visit is typically during spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May). During these months, the weather is mild, the skies are usually clear, and it’s perfect for exploring outdoors.
Spring is especially popular thanks to Floriade, when the city is filled with colourful blooms, while autumn brings crisp mornings and beautiful golden foliage.
We visited in March during the Canberra Balloon Spectacular and oh my goodness, we can’t recommend it enough. It was such a unique experience. Watching dozens of hot air balloons rise over the city at sunrise is something you don’t see every day.
Summer can be hot, while winter is much quieter and colder, but still a good option if you prefer fewer crowds.
How to Spend 3 Days in Canberra
Day 1 – Lake Views, Unique Experiences & Dining
Start your trip by checking into your hotel and easing into Canberra’s slower pace. One of the most unique ways to experience the city is out on Lake Burley Griffin, and we did this with a self drive boat experience with GoBoat Canberra. You get your own little electric boat and can cruise around the lake at your own pace, taking in views of the city and surrounding landmarks. It’s such a fun and relaxed way to start your trip.
Just around the corner is Good Neighbour Cafe, one of my all time favourites, so be sure not to miss it. I LOVE a strawberry matcha and cookies are my weakness, so this café was made for me. They make the best strawberry matcha I’ve had, and their thick New York style cookies are to die for. On the weekend, don’t be surprised to find long queues in the morning.
In the evening, head into the city for dinner at Bar Rochford, a cool, trendy wine bar tucked away in the heart of the city. It has a cosy atmosphere, great drinks and vinyl spinning in the background, which makes it a really fun place to spend the night.
After dinner, if you’re up for it, take a short drive past the National Gallery of Australia to see the Ouroboros sculpture lit up at night. This was one of my favourite pieces and I loved how it felt like you were looking at the moon and stars. It’s free and totally worth the quick stop.
Day 2 – Hot Air Balloons, Wine Region & Scenic Dining
This is easily one of the most memorable days and if you visit during the Canberra Balloon Spectacular like we did, you’ll be left in awe. Start early with a hot air balloon flight over Canberra. Watching the city from above as the sun rises is such a surreal experience, and seeing all the other balloons floating around you makes it even more special. 
During the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, which runs each year in March, the city skies fill with colour as dozens of hot air balloons take off at sunrise. It’s one of the most unique things to do in Canberra and something that makes visiting during this time extra special.
If you don’t do the flight, you can still watch the balloons from the ground. Head to Patrick White Lawns where they inflate and launch. The balloons start inflating from around 6am and begin taking off from around 7am. You can also make your way to the National Arboretum to watch them drift across the landscape. Both are just as beautiful in their own way and well worth the early start.
It’s important to remember that the event is completely weather dependent and take off and landing locations can change based on the wind. Conditions need to be just right for the balloons to fly, so make sure you check the official website here each morning before heading out. If conditions aren’t suitable, the balloons are sometimes still inflated and tethered on the lawns, which is still a really cool experience and worth seeing up close. You can still fly in Canberra year-round if you visit outside of the Spectacular period.
After an early morning and breakfast back at the hotel, head out to explore the Canberra Wine District. There are so many wineries within a short drive of the city, and it’s a really nice way to experience a different side of Canberra. Some of our favourite wineries we visited were Brindabella Hills Winery for the views, Shaw Wines for an amazing lunch, and Yarrh Wines for a unique tasting experience.
In the evening, make your way to Lunetta, which sits up on the hill overlooking the city. The views here are incredible, especially at sunset, and it’s the perfect spot for a long, relaxed dinner.
Day 3 – Cafés, Culture & Scenic Lookouts
Start your final day with an early morning plunge at the Lake Burley Griffin floating sauna, which was such a unique way to start the day. You can alternate between the sauna and a cold plunge in the lake or shower, and if you’re visiting during the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, you may even see the balloons drifting in the distance.
After that, head to Double Shot Deakin for breakfast. It’s a very popular café in Canberra, with great coffee and a really relaxed atmosphere.
From there, spend the morning exploring some of Canberra’s free galleries. The National Gallery of Australia and National Portrait Gallery are both worth visiting and are located right next to each other, making it easy to explore both.
For something a little different, we also did a glassblowing experience at Canberra Glassworks, where you can create your own piece. It’s such a unique experience and something you don’t get to do every day.
In the afternoon, head to the Australian National Botanic Gardens for a slower change of pace. This botanical garden felt different to others we’ve visited and was really interesting to explore. There are a range of different environments to walk through. Two of our favourites were the lush rainforest gully boardwalk and the Australian desert garden, which reminded me of the red centre landscape.
Finish your trip at Mount Ainslie Lookout, one of the best viewpoints in Canberra. From here, you get panoramic views over the city, Parliament House, and Lake Burley Griffin. It’s especially nice around sunset, so try to time it for then if you can.
For our final dinner, we went to Pilot Restaurant, which is a small, intimate space serving a seasonal tasting menu. All I have to say is WOW. The food here was unreal and each dish was so unique and packed with flavour. It was the perfect way to end our incredible 3 days in Canberra.
Planning a Bigger Australia Trip?
If you’re travelling beyond Canberra, I’ve put together a range of detailed guides to help you plan your trip.
If you’re still deciding when to visit, you can read my guide on the best time to visit Australia by region, which breaks down the weather across the country so you can plan around it.
For route ideas, I’ve also shared the best road trips in Australia for first time visitors, covering some of the most iconic drives and hidden gems across the country.
And if you want everything mapped out in one place, I’ve created a full Australia Travel Guide with road trips, must see stops and flexible itineraries you can customise based on your trip.
👉 View the Australia Travel Guide here: https://www.rexby.com/lolahubner/australia