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Welcome to Canberra
Welcome to Capital Country - Canberra!
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the land on which we will meet in Canberra, and pay respect to Ngunnawal ancestors, and elders past and present. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and contribution they make to the Canberra region.
Canberra, Australia's capital city, sits beautifully nestled between Sydney and Melbourne in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). This planned city offers a perfect blend of political significance, cultural attractions, and natural beauty.
More information on Travelling to Australia
Getting to Canberra
By Air
Canberra Airport welcomes direct flights from major Australian cities and select international destinations including Singapore, Doha, and Fiji. Most international visitors connect through Sydney (35-minute flight) or Melbourne (1 hour flight).
From Other Australian Capitals
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Sydney: 3 hours by car, 3.5 hours by bus, or 4 hours by train
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Melbourne: 1 hour flight, 7 hours by car, 8 hours by bus, or 11 hours by train (overnight service available)
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Brisbane: 1.5 hours by flight, 12 hours by car
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Adelaide: 1.5 hours by flight, 11 hours by car
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Perth: 4.5 hours by flight
Getting around Canberra is compact and conference-friendly with reliable public transport, bike paths throughout the city, and most venues within easy reach. The city centre and parliamentary triangle are particularly walkable. The conference venue will be the Australian National University, which is located in the suburb of Acton, adjacent to Canberra's Civic Centre.
Learn more about the history of Canberra and the ACT at the National Capital Authority
For more information on Canberra see visitcanberra.com.au
Canberra Cultural Attractions
National Museum of Australia
The National Museum of Australia presents the nation's social and cultural history through innovative exhibitions and interactive displays. The museum's contemporary building design houses diverse collections ranging from significant historical artifacts to popular culture exhibits that illustrate Australian society's evolution. Permanent displays explore themes including Indigenous culture, migration, and social movements that have shaped modern Australia. The museum's approach combines serious historical content with engaging presentation methods, making it accessible to international visitors seeking to understand Australian identity and culture. Winter weather makes this indoor attraction particularly appealing, with climate-controlled galleries providing comfortable exploration conditions.
Australian National Botanic Gardens
The Australian National Botanic Gardens showcase the continent's unique flora across 90 hectares of beautifully landscaped grounds and natural bushland. Despite June's winter conditions, the gardens offer distinctive seasonal experiences with specialised plant collections that thrive in cooler temperatures. The rainforest gully maintains a warmer microclimate year-round, providing a welcome shelter from winter weather while displaying fascinating tropical Australian species. Winter lighting creates wonderful photographic opportunities, with low-angle sunlight highlighting the distinctive textures and forms of native vegetation. The visitor centre includes educational displays and a cozy café, offering a perfect respite from outdoor conditions while providing insights into Australia's botanical heritage and conservation efforts.
Australian War Memorial
The Australian War Memorial serves as both a museum and commemorative site, widely recognised for its thoughtful approach to military history and remembrance. The memorial's galleries present Australia's military heritage through carefully curated exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays spanning from colonial conflicts to contemporary peacekeeping operations. The Hall of Memory, with its impressive dome and eternal flame, provides a moving space for reflection. Winter months offer a quieter, more intimate visiting experience, allowing for deeper engagement with the powerful exhibits and stories presented. The daily Last Post ceremony at 5pm provides a touching tribute to fallen service members, particularly meaningful during the crisp June evenings.
Parliament House
Parliament House offers visitors fascinating insight into Australia's democratic system and political heritage through engaging guided tours. The building's distinctive architecture, built into Capital Hill, represents one of Canberra's most impressive landmarks. Tours provide access to both chambers of parliament, historical displays, and informative presentations about Australia's governmental processes. The structure's unique design allows visitors to walk on the building's roof, offering spectacular panoramic views across Canberra's planned cityscape. June's cooler temperatures make indoor exploration particularly comfortable, while the clear winter atmosphere enhances the elevated viewing experience. These free tours provide valuable context for understanding Australia's political culture and democratic traditions.
National Gallery of Australia
The National Gallery of Australia is the nation's premier art institution and a perfect winter retreat during June. Housing Australia's most comprehensive art collection, the gallery features remarkable Indigenous Australian works alongside significant international pieces from renowned artists. The facility regularly hosts world-class temporary exhibitions that complement its impressive permanent collection. Visitors can wander through multiple wings and galleries, with the building's striking modern architecture providing a beautiful backdrop to the artworks. While the outdoor sculpture garden offers additional artistic displays, winter visitors will find plenty to discover within the extensive indoor collections. Best of all, admission to the permanent collection is free, making this an accessible cultural experience for international travelers.
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Canberra Leisure & Lifestyle
Craft beer
June is ideal for exploring Canberra's thriving craft beer scene, with local breweries offering warm spaces to escape the winter chill. Local breweries focus on creating rich, warming beers perfect for the season - robust stouts, hearty porters, and spiced ales that complement the winter atmosphere. Many venues feature cozy fireplaces, comfortable seating, and hearty pub-style food perfect for long, leisurely afternoons. The craft beer community is particularly welcoming, with brewers often available to chat about their processes and seasonal offerings. June's quieter tourist season means more opportunities for intimate tastings and conversations with local beer enthusiasts.
Hikes and trails
For more adventurous visitors, June offers excellent conditions for tackling Canberra's surrounding mountain trails and bush walks. Mount Tennent Trail is one of Canberra's hardest walking trails and a hard-won accomplishment that'll justify a delicious prize at any one of Canberra's best restaurants, showcasing the best of the 160,000-hectare Namadgi National Park. The cooler June weather makes challenging hikes more comfortable, with clear mountain air providing spectacular views across the region. Booroomba Rocks is a short but steep 30 minute walk up from Apollo Road, about an hour from Canberra's centre, offering summit views scattered with boulders of all sizes for rock scrambling and a good spot for picnics on sunny days. Winter hiking requires proper preparation, but rewards visitors with pristine conditions and fewer crowds on popular trails.
For more information: Visit Our Canberra ACT Walks
Wildlife encounters
Canberra's wildlife experiences shine during June's cooler months, with animals more active during the day and comfortable viewing conditions for visitors. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve has 24 signposted walks that will take you beyond the main roads and picnic areas, offering excellent opportunities to spot kangaroos, koalas, and native birds in their natural habitat. The reserve's guided walks provide expert commentary on local wildlife behavior and conservation efforts, while the visitor center offers educational programs about Australian fauna. June's crisp air and clear skies create ideal conditions for wildlife photography and bird watching. The reserve also features specialized experiences like nocturnal tours and feeding sessions that showcase native animals in a natural bush setting.
Coffee culture
Canberra's coffee scene has evolved into something truly special, with passionate local roasters creating the perfect antidote to June's chilly mornings. The city's café culture thrives during winter, when locals seek out cozy spots for expertly crafted brews. Head to trendy Braddon and NewActon for innovative coffee houses serving single-origin beans alongside locally-made pastries. The cold weather makes it perfect for exploring indoor coffee havens, from intimate laneway cafés to spacious warehouse-style roasters where you can watch the process while sipping your flat white. Many cafés embrace winter with special seasonal drinks and hearty breakfast options.
Canberra wine country
The Canberra wine region truly shines during cooler months, with June offering perfect conditions for exploring acclaimed cool-climate wines. The region's cellar doors provide warm, intimate settings for tastings, often featuring cozy fireplaces and stunning winter vineyard views. Local wineries specialize in varieties that thrive in the continental climate, including exceptional Rieslings, elegant Pinot Noirs, and structured Cabernet Sauvignons. Many venues offer special winter experiences like wine and cheese pairings, intimate tastings with winemakers, and hearty vineyard lunches featuring local produce. Winter also brings unique opportunities to see the vines in their dormant state, providing a different perspective on the wine-making process.
Indigenous cultural experiences
Immerse yourself in some of the oldest and richest cultures in human history with the extensive collections at Canberra's museums and galleries. June offers perfect weather for exploring Aboriginal cultural experiences that showcase 65,000 years of continuous living culture. The National Museum of Australia and Australian Museum feature comprehensive Indigenous collections, while specialized tours provide hands-on experiences with traditional art, storytelling, and bush tucker. Cultural workshops allow visitors to pick and taste real bush tucker, discover bush medicine, throw a boomerang, make their own spears, and have their face painted with traditional ochre clay while gaining knowledge through an immersive and authentic experience of rich Aboriginal culture. Winter months are ideal for these indoor cultural experiences, and many venues offer special programs during June that combine education with hands-on activities.
National Museum of Australia
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1020254-133
National Museum of Australia
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Photo credit: Tourism Austrlia
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