Discover the Australian Story Through Canberra's Cultural Attractions

National Gallery of Australia

Nowhere is Australia's journey as a nation better reflected than in its national capital, Canberra. Spend a weekend in Canberra discovering more about Australia by viewing the country's rich and varied collections.

48 hours in Canberra arts and culture itinerary

Start your weekend the right way with coffee and breakfast in the exciting inner-city suburb of Braddon. Experience the eclectic mix of cafes, bars, pop up stores, vintage op shops and galleries, as well as car yards and hairdressing salons, and while you are there grab a coffee, bite to eat and indulge in some people watching.

After breakfast head to the Acton Peninsula by Lake Burley Griffin to explore the National Museum of Australia, a social history museum with a focus on Indigenous cultures and histories of European settlement. See the nation's most popular and important objects – from Phar Lap's heart and the Holden Prototype No.1 to bark paintings and ochre used by Aboriginal artists more than 50,000 years ago in the Gallery of First Australians.

Next make your way to the parliamentary triangle, home to some of the country's top national attractions. Visit the Treasures Gallery at the National Library of Australia and see beautiful, rare and unexpected gems from its extraordinary and varied collections. Displays change regularly to ensure there is always something new to discover. Then choose a prime spot on the verandah at bookplate and grab a bite to eat while enjoying the great water views over the lake.

After lunch take a lift up to the roof of Parliament House for panoramic views of Canberra and then celebrate the spirit of Australian democracy in a national treasure at the Museum of Australian Democracy in Old Parliament House. Once you've finished exploring the beautiful building designed by Chief Commonwealth Government architect John Smith Murdoch head on over to the National Archives where Australia's government records are kept. The Memory of a Nationexhibition features hundreds of treasures that are fascinating, quirky and moving, including Banjo Patterson's handwritten sheet music of Waltzing Matilda.

Don't miss the Australian War Memorial and its vast collection of everything from bombers and fighters, submarines, tanks and guns to newspaper reports, soldiers' diaries and letters home. Search for the names of loved ones on the Roll of Honour, visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and do whatever it takes to be in the Memorial forecourt at closing time for the moving Last Post closing ceremony.

Enjoy dinner in the inner-city NewActon precinct with cafes and restaurants drawing on seasonal local produce, cool wine bars, a cinema, community gardens, pop-up festivals and public artwork. Head to the uber-cool Hotel Hotel to dine at Monster Kitchen and Bar and make sure to get a photo in the extremely photogenic grand staircase in the Nishi building while you are there. Enjoy a nightcap nearby at the Parlour Wine Room.

South of the city by Lake Burley Griffin, the Kingston Foreshore is transforming into a vibrant waterfront precinct with a strong arts, cultural, recreation and dining presence. Grab some breakfast served with water-front views before embracing a Sunday tradition in Canberra and visiting the Old Bus Depot Markets for some shopping.

Immerse yourself in the home of Australia's National Art Collection nearby at the National Gallery of Australia, which has more than 165,000 works and includes Australia's largest collection of Indigenous Australian artwork. It's easy to lose a few hours exploring gallery so it can pay to go in with a focus – choose from collections of Australian, Pacific, Asian, European or American art. Pause to reflect at the Aboriginal Memorial, an installation of 200 painted hollow log coffins created by artists in Arnhem Land as a tribute to the suffering and loss experienced by Indigenous Australians.

Gems from the Gallery's contemporary collection now have their own home at the NGA Contemporary gallery along the lake foreshore. This small space is Insta-friendly and encourages people to take selfies with the artwork.

Then come face to face with the famous, the infamous and the sometimes forgotten icons of Australian history at the National Portrait Gallery. Bushrangers and judges sit side by side, while prime ministers mingle with pop stars. The gallery spaces host vibrant exhibitions, lectures, education programs and events to help increase the understanding and appreciation of the Australian people through portraiture. Don't miss the popular Portrait Gallery Store with a superb array of books, quirky gifts and jewellery, glassware and ceramics from Australian designers.

National Museum of Australia

Finish your weekend in Canberra indulging in the famous afternoon tea buffet in the heritage-listed 1920s Tea Lounge at Hyatt Hotel Canberra. Tea and scones anyone?

Go to visitcanberra.com.au for more information.