Visiting Canberra

Australia’s Kanga Cup capital, Canberra, is a destination full of surprises for the whole family. From soaring ziplines and hands-on museums to nature escapes and mouth-watering burgers, Canberra offers unforgettable experiences all within easy reach. It’s more than you expect and it’s waiting for you.

Family activities Encounter the animal kingdom up close and personal at the National Zoo & Aquarium, or take a chance to swing through trees yourself at Treetops Adventure which has over 90 aerial obstacles and 16 ziplines. Alongside the high ropes courses, the new Networld experience adds another dimension, especially for younger visitors. Suspended netted play zones stretch between the trees, creating a soft, bouncy environment where kids can run, jump and explore freely without harnesses.

Or turn up the fun indoors at the Canberra Centre which offers quality entertainment for all ages. Explore the quirky challenge rooms of Hijinx Hotel, enjoy themed mini golf at Holey Moley or catch the latest blockbusters at Dendy Cinemas, home to a state-of-the-art IMAX. You also can’t go past Questacon, for interactive exhibits, hands-on experiments, and live shows. It’s a must-visit for families—offering an engaging indoor experience that keeps curious minds entertained, especially on chilly winter days.

Must-visit Events

Canberra knows how to celebrate every season and winter is no exception. The city centre comes alive during Winter in the City (8–18 July), with high-energy circus acts, dazzling fire performances, and a vibrant mix of experiences across local businesses. Rug up, wander the streets, enjoy a bite to eat, and soak up the festive atmosphere into the evening. At the National Arboretum Canberra, Winter in the Woods (26 June–9 August) invites families to reconnect with nature through play, storytelling, craft activities, and engaging school holiday programs. Visitors of all ages can explore at their own pace, unwind, create, and connect in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Museums and galleries Honour Australia’s heroes at the Last Post Ceremony and explore the newest galleries at the Australian War Memorial and check out the interactive exhibitions at the National Museum of Australia. Make your own coin at the Royal Australian Mint, spot famous faces at the National Portrait Gallery, and laugh at the best political cartoons of the year at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Or see the largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art at the National Gallery of Australia and discover where the big decisions are made at Australian Parliament House.

Outdoors and Nature

Canberra is home to one of Australia's more impressive playgrounds, located within the National Arboretum Canberra. Pod Playground lets kids explore giant acorn cubbies and music-making instruments. Meanwhile, adults can unwind with a coffee from the on-site café, take in sweeping panoramic views of the city, and admire the Arboretum’s award-winning Bonsai Collection. If you’re looking for a unique nighttime activity, try Canberra Stargazing just 25 minutes from the city along the tranquil Murrumbidgee River. This experience blends accessibility with nature, offering laser-guided tours, telescope views of planets, stars, and galaxies, and engaging storytelling that combines science and myth. The tour is best suited for children aged 4 and above; younger children are welcome but may find it harder to fully engage with the experience.

Food and Drink

Lonsdale Street in Braddon is one of Canberra’s most popular dining destinations. You’ll find plenty of options such as Grease Monkey, a local favourite known for its mouth-watering burgers served in a laid-back setting. For something a little more adventurous, Lazy Su delivers Asian fusion cuisine in a quirky, neon-lit space (don’t miss their signature wagyu cheesesteak spring rolls). Prefer your meal with a view? Take in the stunning views of Lake Burley Griffin at Snapper & Co., which offers fresh fish and chips in a relaxed family atmosphere.

Canberra and Region Visitors Centre

Be sure to pop by the award-winning Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, your one-stop shop for maps, booking support, local tips, and friendly advice to make the most of your stay.

VisitCanberra Website

Canberra and Region Visitors Centre

Canberra Visitor Guide

72-Hour Family Fun Guide

To help make planning easier, Kanga Cup has partnered with Little Drifter, offering modern, family-friendly accommodation close to key venues and Canberra attractions. Little Drifter properties are designed with teams and families in mind - comfortable, convenient and perfect for winding down after a big day on the pitch. 

Early bird accommodation offers may be available for Kanga Cup teams who book early, helping families secure great locations at a great value. Availability is limited, so we encourage interstate teams to plan and lock in accommodation as soon as possible. 

When booking accommodation with Little Drifter, please note that a 20% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking. This deposit secures your reservation, with the remaining balance payable closer to your stay, in line with Little Drifter’s booking terms.  

We strongly encourage families and teams to review the Little Drifter Refund Policy before confirming their booking to ensure it suits their travel plans. 

We can’t wait to welcome you to Canberra for a week of football, friendship and memories that last long after the final whistle. 

Use promo code: KANGA for 15% off your Little Drifter Canberra booking.

Flying to Canberra
Canberra Airport (CBR) offers regular direct flights from major Australian cities. Approximate flight times are: 

• Sydney → Canberra: around 1 hour 

• Melbourne → Canberra: around 1 hour 

• Brisbane → Canberra: around 2 hours 

Canberra Airport is located just 10 minutes from the city centre and many key playing venues. 

Driving to Canberra
Canberra is easily accessible by road, making it a popular option for families and teams travelling together. 

• Sydney → Canberra: approximately 3 hours 

• Melbourne → Canberra: approximately 7 hours 

• Regional NSW: travel times vary, with Canberra well connected via major highways 

Travelling by Coach or Bus
Teams travelling as a group by coach or bus are well supported in Canberra. Major roads and venue precincts can accommodate team buses, with suitable drop-off areas available near most playing venues. Teams are encouraged to plan arrival and departure times around match schedules and allow extra time on busy match days. 

Canberra Airport & Local Transport

From Canberra Airport to the city and venues
Canberra Airport is conveniently located just 10 minutes from the city centre. Most Kanga Cup playing venues can be reached within 10–20 minutes by car, making arrivals and match-day travel quick and easy for families and teams. 

Getting around from the airport
A range of transport options are available directly from Canberra Airport: 

• Taxis and rideshare services (including Uber) operate from the terminal 

• Car hire is available on site, with several major providers located within the airport 

Hiring a car is often the easiest option for families and teams, particularly when travelling between multiple venues across the tournament.

Car hire (recommended)
Hiring a car is the easiest and most flexible way for families to get around Canberra during the Kanga Cup. With venues spread across the city and matches scheduled at different times, having your own vehicle makes travel between games, accommodation and meal stops much simpler. 

Public transport
Canberra’s public transport network includes buses and a light rail line. While services are reliable for travel within the city and along the light rail corridor, public transport does not always provide direct or time-efficient access to all Kanga Cup venues, particularly early in the morning or on weekends. Families and teams using public transport should allow extra travel time. 

TRAVEL TIMES

Most Kanga Cup playing venues are located within 10–25 minutes of each other by car, depending on traffic and time of day. Canberra is a compact city, but travel times can increase during peak periods and busy match windows. 

Allow extra time on match days
To ensure a smooth match-day experience, teams are encouraged to allow a minimum buffer of 20–30 minutes on top of expected travel time. This allows for parking, warm-ups, check-in and any unexpected delays. 

Planning and arriving early helps everyone start the day relaxed and ready to play. 

PARKING AVAILABILITY
Parking is available at most Kanga Cup venues; however, capacity varies depending on the location and time of day. We encourage families and teams to arrive early, particularly during peak match periods. 

Designated parking only
Park only in marked and designated parking areas at all venues. Parking inspectors regularly visit venue precincts, and vehicles parked illegally may be fined or towed. We ask everyone to be considerate of residents and avoid parking in unauthorised areas. 

Accessibility parking
Accessible parking spaces are available at many venues for those who require them. These spaces are clearly signed and should be used only by vehicles displaying the appropriate permits.