Cheap flights to Canberra are available from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Direct flights from Brisbane are available but will typically include a transfer in Sydney as will departures from the Gold Coast. Services departing from Cairns may include a transfer in Brisbane. Cheap flights are available from Darwin and these will include a transfer in Sydney, Melbourne or both. Perth offers cheap flights routing through Sydney or Melbourne. Adelaide and Hobart departure points offer direct flights with a flight time of around an hour and a half and Launceston departures will include a transfer in Sydney or Melbourne. The population in Canberra is significantly smaller than other major Australian cities. This means that transport services and parking are notably cheaper. The airport is just 10km from the CBD and however you choose to make this journey it is going to be quick and economical. The Airport Express Bus offers services to and from the city with a one-way ticket costing $10. There is a taxi rank located a short walk from the arrivals hall. Follow the signs to the green car park for this convenient option. A number of car rental companies operate on site and a number of coaches offer services to the ski fields. These services are not frequent so plan ahead.
Public transport in Canberra is limited, but cheap. Bus services are frequent and extensive as they service nearly all the attractions Canberra has to offer. Hiring a car is by far the best way to see Canberra. Rates are incredibly cheap, the traffic is relatively quiet and there is not a great distance to cover. The roads are well signed and if you are organised there will be plenty of time to fit in all your sightseeing.
You’re spoilt for choice across every imaginable arena because Canberra is gallery and museum crazy. Step back in time with a visit to the Canberra Railway Museum or check out Australia’s favourite dinosaur, the Muttaburrasauraus at the National Dinosaur Museum. The National Portrait Gallery houses artwork of over 400 subjects and is close by to Old Parliament House. Cockington Green Gardens is home to some cute and very detailed miniature models and is a cheap morning out with or without kids. Get wet on all eight waterslides at Big Splash Waterpark or play a round of golf on any number of international courses at The Cyber Bunker. Be amazed at the National Science and Technology Centre, Questacon and be moved at the Australian War Memorial. Hop on a tour to the Snowy Mountains – you don’t have to be a ski enthusiast to appreciate this spectacular landscape. A trip to Canberra wouldn’t be complete without a visit to parliament house – check the website to watch the heated exchanges at question time.
Shop for a bargain at the Direct Factory outlets in Fyshwick or at Costco in Majura Park. Canberra Centre has your typical department stores along with boutique shops and chain stores. For something special visit the Old Bus Depot markets or Craft ACT. Canberra dining is seasonally fresh. Dine in style at The Boathouse By The Lake, Aubergine or at the relaxing Debacle. Try some native Australian cuisine at Ironbark or solve the world’s problems at The Ginger Room in Old Parliament House. If you’re looking for that political setting with a cheap, but classic feel, Café in the House will settle you into your surrounds. Local wines saturate drink menus throughout Canberra. Don’t go past Benchmark Wine Bar for a lazy, yet sophisticated drink. For an up market night out try Tilley’s, the Kremlin Bar or the extravagant cocktails and atmosphere that is the Hippo Bar. Start your evening sipping away in the intimate setting of Northbar and party seriously hard at Moosehead’s Bar and Nightclub.