Looking for a way to spend your weekend without breaking the bank? Check out these top spots and activities to explore in the capital for zero dollars!
Free Exhibitions at the National Gallery of Australia
With an evolving collection of over 155,000 works of art, created by more than 15,000 artists, The National Gallery of Australia is not to be missed. Hosting the largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander works, representing Australian art and modern art worldwide, most galleries and exhibitions are free to attend and are just waiting to be explored. Then, end your tour with a walk outside to the beautiful Sculpture Gardens between the Gallery and Lake Burley Griffin.
Explore the Australian National Botanic Gardens
Be immersed in Australian flora at the Australian National Botanic Gardens and discover the beautiful and diverse range of native flowers and plants plucked from all over the country. Walk through the lush rainforest gully or stroll past the Asteraceae Garden and let nature put your mind at ease. Also, be on the lookout for the wild animals that live amongst the gardens!
Free Wine Tastings at the Wine & Spirits Merchants
Join the Canberra Wine & Spirit Merchants for their weekly Thursday night free wine tastings! The merchants showcase up to 70 local climate wineries, along with quality distilleries, craft beers and ciders. Discover what the Canberra wine region has to offer with the spotlight on a different local winery each week.
Browse the collection of works at the National Library
The National Library of Australia holds the world’s largest collection of material relating to Australia and the Australian people, along with significant international works. Apply for a free library card, browse the enormous range of books, newspapers, maps, audios and images, then find a quiet and peaceful spot to read in the Library’s reading rooms.
Join a Tour of the Royal Australian Mint
Creating the coins you find in your wallet and the ones you collect and cherish, the Royal Australian Mint has a fascinating collection to explore, as well as new coins being made. To understand more about the captivating world, join one of their free public tours running every day where you can see the ins and outs of production, hear stories of historical and cultural coins and check out collectables available to purchase.
Explore the Gallery of Small Things
The Gallery of Small Things is Canberra’s tiniest walk-in gallery showcasing emerging through to established artists who love texture, form and all things really small. Expect works in textiles, ceramics, paintings, photography, jewellery and print media.
Arts & Crafts at the Haig Park Markets
Every Sunday morning the Haig Park Village Markets come alive with an incredible array of local fresh produce, handmade goods and delicious foods. Entertaining kids for free, the markets have an arts and crafts table set up with different workshops for them to get their hands dirty. Along with a rotation of musicians, performers and more!
Walk around Lake Burley Griffin
Lake Burley Griffin is Canberra’s biggest and most iconic free attraction. If you’re a traveller, a walk around the picturesque lake is a must and an everyday activity for many locals. Walk the bridge to bridge and enjoy the outdoors while walking past other popular attractions like Bundles Cottage, the Sculpture Garden and the National Library.
Want to explore more of the great outdoors? check out 10 of the best nature walks in Canberra
