Canberra, which is situated between Sydney and Melbourne, became the capital of Australia in 1911. The city was bestowed with the honour as a means of providing a neutral location for a national capital – and to end the infighting between Sydney and Melbourne.
Because of this, Canberra’s rise has been somewhat stunted, and it is only in recent years that it is beginning to find its feet and garner clout as a destination worthy of tourists’ time.
Despite having some catching up to do, last year Canberra was listed amongst the world’s top destinations when it received third place on Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel list of 2018.
As a city, Canberra offers cosmopolitan sophistication and style without the congestion of the country’s larger urban centres. In recent years the city has changed astronomically, with investment and reinvention giving rise to a host of modern attractions.
Canberra is now home to some of the best cultural institutions in the country. There is a newly invigorated focus on Australian art and history, which is contributing hugely to modern Australia.
If you haven't been to Canberra recently (or ever), there has never been a better time to visit Australia's capital – and a hire car will help you discover the best of the city and its surrounds for yourself.
In the city
Explore Braddon, a hip area with coffee roasteries, modern Australian eateries and renovated industrial buildings. The area is also home to some great shopping with an ever-changing array of boutiques and craft shops selling locally made items. To soak up more of Canberra’s cool, head to NewActon, an innovative cultural district that is contributing to Canberra’s reputation as a city synonymous with design, creativity and culinary brilliance.
In recent years, heavy investment in Canberra’s cultural institutions is breathing new life into the city, as well as helping to reframe Australia’s story. Take time to wander through the galleries and museums within the Parliamentary Triangle, then grab a bite to eat or take a stroll out in the fresh air around Lake Burley Griffin.
To see an older side of Canberra, explore the historic 1920s centres of Manuka and Kingston, both of which are great for entertainment, dining, shopping and people watching.
For families with young kids, jump in your rental car and head for Gold Creek Village in the city’s north. Here you’ll find fun, family-friendly attractions such as Cockington Green Gardens and the National Dinosaur Museum. Both are guaranteed to keep kids entertained.
Explore outer Canberra in a hire car from Hertz
Canberra is nestled in a beautiful, scenic location surrounded by the park of Mount Ainslie and the idyllic shores of Lake Burley Griffin. The city has a serene, country atmosphere, while still offering the cosmopolitan energy befitting of a nation’s capital.
For nature and wildlife lovers, Canberra boasts a world-class zoo where guests can sleep with only a glass wall between them and a pride of lions, cheetahs, tigers or brown bears.
For those who prefer to observe the natural flora and fauna roaming free, Canberra is also home to several lakes and gardens where you’re sure to find native animals.
Canberra is a city well and truly coming into its own and becoming ever more comfortable with its title as Australia’s capital. For the best way to see it all, jump in a rental car and hit the road.
Wherever you want to go, you’ll get there in a rental car from Hertz.
