As they say, good things come in small packages! And that’s a big part of our city’s charm. Whether you’re a science, music, art, adventure, flora or fauna lover, you'll find some unusual things to do in Canberra. Explore our top seven hidden gems, some of which are just around the corner from ANU.
Overview
- Canberra is filled with unique and unusual things to do.
- No matter what interests you, you’ll be able to find something to your taste.
- With ANU near the city centre, some of the best attractions are just around the corner!
1. For thrill-seekers
Spend a crisp morning soaring up, up and away in a beautiful hot air balloon and gain a bird’s-eye view of Canberra’s most iconic national monuments. What a magical way to start the day! Or, if your balloon adventures are more of the grounded type, wake to the breathtaking views of myriad hot air balloons (over 50 of them!) drifting blissfully across the skies at the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, which is held over two weeks during the city’s birthday celebrations in March every year.
Fun fact: Some of the unusual balloons over the years that we've seen include a windmill, a Scottish bagpiper, a turtle, a frog and a pair of dancing honeybees!
Find an amazing vantage point to take in the Canberra Balloon Spectacular.
2. For food fanatics
If in Acton, eat in Acton. Well, you don’t have to, but it’s certainly worth doing if you’re within walking distance of ANU. Especially when you have the likes of Yori Fusion Bento & Bowls, which serves a fusion of Japanese and Westernised dishes within reach. Launched by two Korean brothers with a fun and mouth-watering approach to food, Yori is in the Kambri precinct on our campus. Popular favourites include the Chicken Karaage Don, Flamed Unagi and, for vegetarians, the Sweet and Spicy Tofu.
Fun fact: If you love a frosty ale, they also serve no-alcohol Kirin Ichi Zero beer so that you can head back to class guilt-free!
Amazing food events year-round in Canberra.
3. For animal lovers
A bath with a bear — or as close to it as you can get (which is probably a good safe distance): this is just one of the unforgettable experiences you can have in Jamala Wildlife Lodge at the National Zoo and Aquarium. If your budget’s a little tighter, choose an up-close-and-personal encounter with some of the world’s most dangerous and endangered animals. The choice includes lions, tigers, meerkats, owls and giraffes and you’ll have an experience of a lifetime. The fee allows the zoo to assist with wildlife conservation and breeding programs. Feathered and furry hugs abound!
Fun fact: When the local owners first started the zoo, they took on animals who had spent their entire lives in circuses or inadequate private collections. These animals loved their new retirement home!
Get up close to the animal in your own private hotel room at the National Zoo & Aquarium.
4. For culture chasers
Lennox Gardens offers fabulous views of the Brindabella Ranges, Black Mountain and the city centre, and is an often missed find on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Home to two landscaped gifts from China and Japan that celebrate Canberra's sister city links with China’s Beijing and Japan’s ancient capital, Nara. Surround yourself with enticing sculptures and iconic cherry blossom trees and, in October, bathe in the light of tens of thousands of candles at the annual Nara Candle Festival.
Fun fact: The Beijing Garden was designed in the imperial Chinese garden style of the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912) and was a centennial gift from the Beijing Municipal Government to celebrate the significance of its sister city relationship with the ACT Government.
The Beijing Gardens looks over the lake.
5. For art enthusiasts
At the National Portrait Gallery, gaze into the eyes of those who have shaped Australia, from royalty, artists and entertainers to musicians, athletes and politicians. Offering a superb visual kaleidoscope of the nation’s history, identity, culture, creativity and diversity, the gallery has over 450 works in its permanent exhibitions. But rather than name the (inspiring) people in the portraits for you (and there are so many!), explore the collection for yourself.
Fun fact: The strips of granite on the floor of the gallery's main entrance hall come from every state and territory in Australia. Walk across them, and you can say you’ve (metaphorically) travelled across Australia!
The entrance to the National Portrait Gallery.
6. For music fans
Please forgive us for our unashamed self-promotion. But when it comes to music, and in particular if you appreciate superb acoustics, you can’t go past Llewellyn Hall at ANU, in the School of Music. Among Australia’s finest concert halls, it has proven itself as a world-class venue for various local and international performers – from Aussie icon Paul Kelly to the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra. It has also hosted the annual Multicultural Festival and the Australian Youth Orchestra.
Fun fact: Llewellyn Hall was severely damaged by a hail storm in 2007 (okay, not so fun). However, the resulting $10 million refurbishment transformed this venue to its Commonwealth-Heritage-Listed glory (super-fun).
7. For science buffs
Scratch the surface of Australia’s geological past with a visit to Geoscience Australia, located in Symonston, a 15-minute drive from the ANU campus. You'll see a superb collection of world-class rocks, minerals, fossils and historical equipment and can also take a geological TimeWalk outside in the landscaped gardens. To up the hidden gem factor, you can also view their most valuable (and unseen) geological specimens by visiting their online exhibits portal. In terms of unusual things to do in Canberra, this place rocks!
Fun fact: The site has a carefully hidden two-tonne safe that stores valuable gems, minerals and meteorites. Value-wise, the most amazing specimen is pyrosmalite, which is regarded as the best example of its type in the world.
Want to study in Australia’s capital? Explore Canberra and find out more about studying at ANU.
