Australia's capital city has no shortage of entertainment options. People travel here from all over the world and there are plenty of places to shop, drink and dance after dark and enjoy outdoor activities such as bush walking and boating.
Known for its diverse yet somewhat subdued nightlife, Canberra contains a number of bars and nightclubs. Bars cater for a wide range of tastes and while young travelers will find a home away in Australian National University Union Bar which features performances from internationally renowned live bands, more mature travelers will find plenty of stylish bars and pubs to relax in at the end of the day.
Canberra is also known for its festivals and wine lovers will want to arrive at the end of March to sample some of the city's finest tipples at the Canberra District Wine Harvest Festival, while Canberra's citizens gather to celebrate the city's cultural diversity with Oktoberfest.
Taking a hot air balloon ride over the city of Canberra is the ideal way to see the city. Balloon rides are available at sunrise all year round and take visitors over the lake and other prominent landmarks.
Open daily, Big Splash Water Park is particularly popular with families. Featuring a large number of swimming pools and waterslides, this is a great place to cool down on a hot day.
Wandering through the wilderness is popular in Australia and offers visitors the chance to observe animals in their natural environment. Although Canberra is a city, there are plenty of good places for bush walking, such as Canberra Nature Park.
Lake Burley Griffin is ideal for sailing. While it is possible to rent boats and row around the lake, taking one of the scenic Lake Burley Griffin Cruises allows plenty of time to take photographs and see the sights in comfort.
Located on Cotter Road, Mount Stromlo Observatory is the leading astronomical observatory in Australia. Star gazers will want to visit on Saturday nights to take part in the public star gazing event.
Held in February, Multicultural Festival features a large number of events such as concerts and competitions. One of the main attractions is the International Food Fare, which is comprised of more than 200 different stalls.
There are a large number of wineries around Canberra and visitors can visit the vines. Guided tours are also available at many wineries, with wine tasting included in the deal.
Many of Canberra's pubs, bars and nightclubs are open 24 hours, meaning that those who want to party will always find something going on here. The Woden Town district is popular with music lovers as live bands regularly perform in the district's large bars and restaurants.
