Uncover the most underrated capital city in the Southern Hemisphere, where you can’t stop playing

Canberra, the capital of Australia, may not be as lively as Sydney or as literary as Melbourne, but it is definitely the most underrated travel treasure in the Southern Hemisphere! Here you can find the magnificent Parliament Building, tranquil lake and mountain scenery, super cool national museums, and mouth-watering food and wine. Want a low-key yet luxurious travel experience? This practical guide designed specifically for Ctrip travelers will help you unlock the ultimate way to play in Canberra, so you can have fun, take beautiful photos, and eat satisfyingly! --- ## **Why go to Canberra? ** - **Politics and History**: The old and new Parliament Houses and the National Museum take you into the core of Australia's power and culture. - **Natural beauty**: Lake Burley Griffin and the surrounding national parks, where you can take pictures of the healing scenery. - **Art Feast**: National Gallery and Portrait Gallery, a paradise for art lovers. - **Food and Wine**: From local markets to wineries, the enjoyment on your tongue will never stop. --- ## **Must-visit attractions in Canberra** 1. Parliament House - The pinnacle of modern architecture, free to visit and you can climb to the top to overlook the whole city. - **Tips**: Book a guided tour online in advance to gain a deeper understanding of Australian political secrets! 2. Lake Burley Griffin - The "heart" of Canberra, cycling or boating around the lake is super relaxing. - **Tips**: Watch the sunset in the evening and take pictures of the reflection on the lake, it’s so beautiful! 3. National Museum of Australia - Interactive exhibitions tell the story of Australian history, from Aboriginal people to modern society. - **Tips**: Allow 2 hours to stroll around, the cakes in the cafe at the entrance are super delicious! 4. National Gallery of Australia - From Aboriginal art to Picasso masterpieces, this is a must-see for art lovers. - **Tips**: The free area is stunning enough, remember to take a picture of the "Raindrop" sculpture! 5. Australian War Memorial - A solemn landmark commemorating Australia's military history, with a moving exhibition. - **Tips**: Attend the "Last Post" ceremony before closing every day, it's super shocking. 6. Mount Ainslie Lookout - The best spot to overlook the panoramic view of Canberra, accessible by foot or by car. - **Tips**: Go early in the morning or at dusk, the light is absolutely beautiful, perfect for taking great photos! --- ## **Practical Tips** ### **Best Time to Travel** - **Spring (September-November)**: Flowers are in full bloom and the Floriade Festival is super dreamy. - **Autumn (March-May)**: The city is covered with red leaves and the weather is cool and pleasant. - **Tips**: Summer (December-February) is hot, winter (June-August) is cold, it is more comfortable to avoid extreme weather. ### **How ​​to get there** - **Plane**: Fly from Sydney (1 hour) or Melbourne (1 hour) to Canberra Airport. - **Drive/Train**: 3 hours by car from Sydney, 4 hours by train (NSW TrainLink). - **Tips**: It takes 10 minutes from the airport to the city center, and it is most convenient to take an Uber or taxi. ### **Local Transportation** - **Bus**: Transport Canberra covers major attractions, and a one-way ticket costs about AUD 5. - **Cycling**: Rent a bicycle to go around the lake or stroll around the city, which is healthy and environmentally friendly. - **Tips**: The distances between attractions are a little far, so driving or renting a car is more flexible. ### **language** - English is the main language, locals are friendly and communication is stress-free. - **Tip**: Smile more when asking for directions, Australians are happy to help! ### **Currency** - Australian dollars (AUD) are accepted. Credit cards are widely used and are accepted by most tourist attractions and restaurants. - **Tip**: Bring some cash with you, as vendors at farmers markets may only accept cash. --- ## **Canberra Food Recommendations** - **Australian steak**: Go to the restaurant in Kingston, the meat is so tender! - **Seafood**: Restaurants along Lake Burleigh offer fresh fish and oysters. - **Wine**: Visit Murrumbateman Winery nearby and enjoy the scenery while tasting wine. - **Tip**: Go to the Capital Region Farmers Market on weekends to try local honey and handmade cheese! --- ## **Exclusive gameplay** - **Hot air balloon experience**: Take off in the early morning and overlook Canberra, so romantic! (About AUD 300/person) - **One-day winery tour**: Rent a car to visit nearby wineries, and it’s super chill to drink and chat. - **Night Zoo**: Night activities at the National Zoo & Aquarium, see kangaroos and koalas. - **Tips**: Stay in the city center (such as Crowne Plaza) and you can reach many attractions on foot. **Three-day flash trip** - **Day 1**: Arrive in Canberra, visit Parliament House and National Museum, and take a walk by the lake in the evening. - **Second day**: National Gallery and War Memorial in the morning, Flinders Hills for sightseeing in the afternoon. - **Day 3**: Hot air balloon or winery tour, visit the market to buy local specialties and then return. Canberra is a low-key luxury, a perfect fusion of nature and culture! After reading this guide, share it on Ctrip and unlock this treasure of the Southern Hemisphere with more travelers! Upload your beautiful photos and travel notes of Canberra and let everyone be inspired by your travel stories! ✨ **Final Tip**: Canberra is a great place to relax, bring your camera and a good mood, and prepare to be filled with surprises! Have a nice trip! 🌟🏞️🍷