Free Things to Do in Canberra

Canberra is an easy city to enjoy without spending a cent. The national institutions, public gardens and lake-side parks that define the capital are largely open to all, which makes it a genuinely rewarding place for budget-conscious travellers and locals alike. From galleries in the Parliamentary Triangle to bushland reserves on the city's edge, there's plenty here to fill a day or a long weekend for free.

Why Canberra delivers

Many of Canberra's marquee attractions carry no general admission charge, including the National Gallery of Australia and the National Portrait Gallery. Add the Australian National Botanic Gardens, the sprawling National Arboretum Canberra and a string of lakeside parks, and you can plan several days of sightseeing around free entry. Markets like the Capital Region Farmers Market and Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets are also free to browse, and lookouts such as Shepherds Lookout and Himalayan Cedar Lookout offer views without a ticket.

Highlights

• Art lovers: the National Gallery of Australia in Braddon and the National Portrait Gallery in Barton are both free to wander.
• Gardens and bushland: the Australian National Botanic Gardens, the National Arboretum Canberra and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve cover everything from cultivated plantings to native habitat.
• Lakeside strolls: Commonwealth Park, Kingston Foreshore, Lennox Gardens and Weston Park sit close to the water and are good for an easy walk.
• Quiet spots: Canberra Nara Peace Park offers a calm, reflective setting.
• Views: Shepherds Lookout and Himalayan Cedar Lookout are worth seeking out for the outlook.
• Market browsing: the Capital Region Farmers Market in Civic and Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets are free to explore.

Our top picks

Hand-picked from our highest-scoring listings:

• National Arboretum Canberra — Manuka
• Australian National Botanic Gardens — Braddon
• National Gallery of Australia — Braddon
• Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve — Fyshwick
• Capital Region Farmers Market — Civic
• National Portrait Gallery — Barton
• Yerrabi Pond District Park — Civic
• Commonwealth Park — Kingston
• Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets — Fyshwick
• Weston Park — Civic

Explore more

Browse all parks, beaches, galleries, walks, lookouts in Canberra.

Frequently asked questions

Are Canberra's national galleries free to visit?

General entry to the National Gallery of Australia and the National Portrait Gallery is free. Note that some special or touring exhibitions can carry a separate charge, so it's worth checking ahead before a visit.

What free outdoor spaces are good for families?

Parks such as Weston Park, Commonwealth Park, Yerrabi Pond District Park and Kingston Foreshore are open public spaces that suit a relaxed day out. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is also a good option for getting closer to native bushland.

Can I visit Canberra's markets for free?

Yes — browsing the Capital Region Farmers Market in Civic and the Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets is free, though you'll naturally pay for anything you buy. Check each market's trading days before you go.

Where can I find good views in Canberra without paying?

Shepherds Lookout and Himalayan Cedar Lookout are both free to visit and offer outlooks over the surrounding landscape.