Discover Canberra's attractions and scenic drives from the airport

From Canberra International Airport, you'll find yourself perfectly positioned to explore Australia's capital and its surrounding regions. The city offers exceptional museums like the National Gallery, peaceful Lake Burley Griffin for waterside drives, and the iconic Parliament House with its distinctive architecture. A rental car provides the comfort and convenience needed to navigate between these cultural landmarks while also accessing the beautiful Brindabella Ranges and charming nearby towns. The well-maintained road network makes driving enjoyable, whether you're heading to the city centre or venturing into the picturesque countryside that defines this unique Australian destination.

Parliament House and the Parliamentary Triangle

Parliament House stands as Canberra's most iconic landmark, featuring its distinctive grass-covered roof and impressive architecture that symbolises Australian democracy. The building sits atop Capital Hill within the Parliamentary Triangle, offering visitors guided tours and stunning views across the planned city. Driving to Parliament House is straightforward via well-signposted roads, with ample parking available for visitors. Your rental car allows you to easily combine this visit with other nearby attractions like the National Gallery and Old Parliament House. The surrounding area features beautiful gardens and monuments that showcase Australia's political heritage, making it an essential stop for understanding the nation's governmental heart.

Lake Burley Griffin and its waterfront attractions

Lake Burley Griffin forms the centrepiece of Canberra's design, offering scenic waterfront drives and numerous recreational opportunities. The lake's perimeter road provides beautiful views while connecting major attractions including the National Carillon, Australian War Memorial, and various parks. Parking areas around the lake make it easy to stop for photos or leisurely walks along the shoreline. The area becomes particularly stunning during autumn when surrounding trees display vibrant colours, creating perfect driving conditions for sightseeing. Multiple bridges cross the lake, each offering different perspectives of this artificial waterway that has become central to Canberra's identity and charm.

Australian War Memorial and Anzac Parade

The Australian War Memorial stands as one of the nation's most significant cultural institutions, combining a shrine, museum, and research centre dedicated to commemorating military service. Located at the northern end of Anzac Parade, this impressive building offers extensive exhibits covering Australia's military history from colonial conflicts to contemporary peacekeeping missions. The memorial provides convenient parking facilities, and your rental car enables easy access to this somewhat elevated location. Anzac Parade itself creates a ceremonial boulevard lined with memorials, leading directly to Parliament House and offering excellent views across the city. The surrounding area includes the Australian Defence Force Academy and Mount Ainslie lookout, making it perfect for extended exploration.

National Gallery of Australia and cultural precinct

The National Gallery houses Australia's premier art collection, featuring works from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists alongside international masterpieces. Located in the Parliamentary Triangle, the gallery sits within walking distance of other cultural institutions like the National Portrait Gallery and Questacon. Parking is readily available, and having a rental car makes it simple to explore this concentrated cultural precinct efficiently. The gallery's sculpture garden provides outdoor art experiences, while the building itself showcases contemporary Australian architecture. This area represents the heart of Canberra's cultural offerings, where you can easily spend an entire day moving between world-class museums and galleries.

Mount Ainslie Lookout and surrounding bushland

Mount Ainslie Lookout provides the best panoramic views of Canberra, showcasing the city's planned layout and the Parliamentary Triangle from an elevated perspective. The drive up Mount Ainslie Road winds through native bushland, offering glimpses of local wildlife and native vegetation typical of the Australian Capital Territory. A rental car makes this scenic journey comfortable while providing access to various walking trails and picnic areas along the route. The lookout features parking facilities and interpretive displays explaining Canberra's urban design. From this vantage point, you can appreciate how Walter Burley Griffin's original city plan has been realised, with clear sight lines connecting major landmarks across the capital city's unique geometric layout.