ACT Theme Parks and Attractions

The Australian War Memorial combines a shrine, a world-class museum, and an extensive archive. The Memorial's purpose is to commemorate the sacrifice of those Australians who have died in war. Its mission is to assist Australians to remember, interpret and understand the Australian experience of war and its enduring impact on Australian society.

The Memorial features a staggering array of moving displays depicting conflicts dating to Australia's colonial period way back in 1788 and covering the likes of World War 1 and 2, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and more modern conflicts such as Iraq and Afghanistan as well as more general overviews of military history and way of life.

The National Gallery of Australia's collections include more than 160,000 works of art across four main areas: Australian art, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander art, Asian art and European and American art. Works in the Gallery are part of Australia's national collection. They belong to the people of Australia and are preserved and presented for their enjoyment and education. It is the Gallery's intention to make the collection as widely appreciated as possible both in Australia and overseas.

Get up close and personal with some of the world's most amazing creatures at the National Zoo & Aquarium in Canberra. From lions and tigers and bears to giraffes and penguins and monkeys, the Zoo features a variety of native and exotic animals, as well as the largest inland saltwater tank in Australia. You can even pat a cheetah, feed a bear or become acquainted with a meerkat during some of the most amazing hands-on animal experiences in Australia.

Jamala Wildlife Lodge is the ultimate overnight safari at the National Zoo & Aquarium and Canberra's first all inclusive, luxury lodge experience. You will meet many of the most dangerous and endangered species on earth and learn how you can help their survival.

The National Dinosaur Museum is situated in Canberra, Australia's capital city. One of the premier tourist attractions in the area, the museum was established in 1993 and since then has grown into one of the largest permanent displays of dinosaur and prehistoric fossil material in Australia. New exhibits include 12 life-like animatronic dinosaurs and 20+ realistic replicas. There has never been a better time to visit the museum than at the moment!

Inspiring, informing and connecting people with the Australian flora. The Australian National Botanic Gardens maintains a scientific collection of native plants from all parts of Australia. The plants are displayed for the enjoyment and education of visitors and are used for research into plant classification and biology. A herbarium of preserved plant specimens is closely associated with the living collection. The Gardens also cultivates plants threatened in the wild. This helps protect them against extinction and provides information which might assist reintroduction to their natural habitat.

Glimpse into Australia's own story told through rare coins from the National Coin Collection. See behind-the-scenes footage in the theatrette as you are led through the coin making process. Join a free guided tour, and complete the experience by making your own collectible coin, or pick up the latest collectible coin release or a souvenir made at the Mint, in the Mint Coin Shop.

Situated in the centre of the Nation's capital, Parliment House is renowned for its impressive architecture, landscaped gardens and collection of Australian contemporary art. The 81 meter flag mast soaring above the building has become the symbol of Canberra. When Parliament is sitting, visitors can observe the process of democratic government.

Simply no better way to spend your Sunday in Canberra! Lovers of fine hand crafted wares, clothing collectors, food fanatics and jewellery junkies are just a few of the people who make their way to Canberra's famous Old Bus Depot Markets every Sunday. In a fabulous old industrial building you will experience the endless colour, tastes, sounds and atmosphere that is "Canberra's Sunday Best".

The Tidbinbilla nature reserve borders Namadgi National Park and is nestled between the Tidbinbilla and Gibraltar Ranges to the south of Canberra. With fourteen protected habitats including wetlands, grasslands, woodlands, wet and dry forests and sub-alpine areas, the reserve supports a wide range of wildlife. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is an ideal destination for families and school groups. Activities available at the reserve include a scenic drive through the reserve including car access to a lookout that provides panoramic views of the Tidbinbilla Valley; Picnicking at one of several picnic spots; Bushwalks on formed walking trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging day trips; Bike riding on sealed roads and fire trails; Ranger guided activities on every weekend, some week days and during school holidays.; Overnight discovery tours in partnership between Tidbinbilla and Conservation Volunteers Australia.

Come and explore the National Arboretum's incredible living collection of over 44,000 rare, endangered and symbolic trees from around the world. They are planted in 94 single-species forests and spread across 250 hectares of rolling hills, providing unique opportunities for students and teachers to learn about conservation, geography and ecology. We offer curriculum-based programmes linking into sustainability and environmental education. At the Village Centre discover the stories, people and science behind the Arboretum's forests. Enjoy the Pod Playground, and marvel at the living miniature works of art at the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection. Located six kilometres from the centre of Canberra, the Arboretum offers spectacular views over Canberra, Lake Burley Griffin and the mountains beyond.

The Canberra Walk-In Aviary is a 1000 square metre, planted, privately owned walk-in aviary where the friendly free flying birds can be observed, photographed and fed. The Walk-in Aviary's owners developed the aviary as a way to enjoy and share their extensive collection of feathered friends. Visitors to the aviary walk amongst approximately 500 birds representing over 60 different species (Parrots, Finches, Doves and Quail) from Australia and around the world. The aviary is situated in the village of Gold Creek. Gold Creek Village is situated off the Barton Highway (road to Yass) in the Northern Canberra suburb of Nicholls. We are approximately 20 minutes from the City Centre.

Mogo Zoo is situated 10 kilometres south of Batemans Bay. It was established in 1989 by Sally Padey, and has attained an international reputation as one of the most successful private zoos in Australia. Delivering world standard facilities for over 250 animals, of which more than 44 are rare or exotic species, Mogo Zoo's commitment to the conservation of endangered species is balanced with fulfilling visitor expectations of today's zoological gardens. This extraordinary collection includes gorillas, rhinoceros, silvery gibbons, Bolivian squirrel monkeys, giraffe, zebra, meerkats, cheetah, cotton-top tamarins, snow leopards, Sumatran tigers, Nepalese red pandas, ring-tailed lemurs, oriental small-clawed otters, siamangs and white lions. They have a wide range of amazing up close and personal experiences available.

The best indoor funpark on the coast! Funland Ulladulla has been thrilling families for over 40 years with fantastic rides and games - our huge assortment provides something for everyone. Free admission lets you come and have a look around and stay for any time you like. Some of the many attractions include Super Tube slides, Laser Skirmish, Dodgems Cars, the Jumping Star Drop Ride and much more!

Described as one of the most beautiful and fascinating tour cave systems in Australia, Careys Caves offers opportunities not found on conventional cave tours. There are a total of seven beautiful chambers of Crystal formations. There are 30 steps down into Careys Cave. After this, most of the pathways are fairly level. The floors of the chambers are mostly flat and you have the opportunity to explore different options.

The CSIRO Discovery Centre offers an interactive journey through CSIRO and Australian science history. It is one of Canberra's major attractions and is definitely worth adding to your list of things to do when you visit the city. The attraction presents science in an entertaining way to demystify it, and educate kids and adults of all ages about the fascinating world of research and innovation. The exhibition is self-guided and allows visitors to immerse themselves in stories of Australian research and its value to society. A highlight of visiting Discovery is viewing the 3D movie exploring the latest in CSIRO and Australian science and research.

At the Canberra Reptile Zoo, you'll come face to face with the world's most venomous snakes as well as some of the cutest reptiles you will ever see! Focusing on education and awareness, the Canberra Reptile Zoo is an educational experience, featuring Australia's many cold blooded animals including crocs, blue tongue lizards, geckos, pythons, lace monitors, pig nosed turtles and a heap more!

Discover the smarter way to have fun at Questacon - The National Science and Technology Centre. There's something for everyone as you experience science in extraordinary ways. Questacon's eight interactive exhibitions feature more than 200 hands-on experiences, designed for visitors of all ages to touch, play and explore. Questacon's exhibitions cover a range of science topics, from astronomy to zoology and everything in between - including the spectacular Science Show.

One of Canberra's most striking landmarks, the National Carillon is also a unique musical instrument. It was built as a gift from the British Government to the people of Australia to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Capital. The 50 metre high tower ranks among the world's largest and allows the music of the 55 bells to drift across Lake Burley Griffin.