8 days in Australian Capital Territory Itinerary

A planned city with streets laid out in elaborate, geometric patterns and founded specifically to serve as the capital of the emerging Australian state, Canberra has a self-sufficient atmosphere.

Start off your visit on the 12th (Wed): meet the residents at National Zoo and Aquarium, take in panoramic vistas at Telstra Tower, and then look for all kinds of wild species at Floriade. Here are some ideas for day two: examine the collection at Old Parliament House, then get engrossed in the history at National Museum of Australia, and then get your game on at iPlay Belconnen.

For ratings, traveler tips, other places to visit, and other tourist information, use the Canberra road trip planner.

Philadelphia, USA to Canberra is an approximately 27-hour flight. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time to Australian Eastern Standard Time (New South Wales), which is usually a 15 hour difference. Expect much warmer weather when traveling from Philadelphia in December: highs in Canberra hover around 82°F, while lows dip to 54°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Fri) to allow enough time to travel to Canberra.

On the 14th (Fri), get a sense of history and politics at Parliament of Australia, then admire the masterpieces at National Portrait Gallery, then admire the masterpieces at National Gallery of Australia, and finally make a trip to Mount Ainslie Lookout. Here are some ideas for day two: explore the activities along Lake Burley Griffin, get curious at Questacon, and then pause for some photo ops at Australian Vietnam Forces National Memorial.

To find maps, more things to do, reviews, and tourist information, read our Canberra online attractions planner .

Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 16th (Sun) to allow enough time to travel back home.