Surrounded by rolling hills, landscape views, trendy cafes and unforgettable art – Canberra is incredibly photogenic. So, if you love capturing places, people, and unforgettable moments for your Instagram account, we have you covered.
Here are our top 9 most Insta-worthy locations in Australia’s capital city!
The street art in Braddon
Braddon is one of the liveliest strips near the city centre, home to cozy cafes, fine foods, and a celebrated street art collection. You can find enormous murals that scale whole buildings, or stroll down a narrow alleyway lined with an explosion of colour. Take a selfie or snap in front of more than 30 works of art lining the inner-city walls, many of these concentrated in the trendy neighbourhood Braddon – making this the perfect place to enjoy a café and lunch spot in between!
The Cupping Room Café
Run by award-winning café roaster Ona, The Cupping Room has both excellent coffee and delicious, Insta-worthy food. Their all-day menu regularly changes but has a consistently impressive selection of beautiful breakfast treats. Inside, the space is decorated with shared benches, hanging plants and light-wood panelling, making this a warm and welcoming spot to hang out with a book or catch up with a friend.
Plus, The Cupping Room is super accessible – right near Canberra’s city centre.
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Rainforest Gully in the Australian National Botanic Gardens
The lush and shady Rainforest Gully at the Australian National Botanic Gardens is a cool and captivating oasis. Be transported to the native tropics along the misted walkway, alive with spectacular trees and bird life.
Capture the landmarks surrounding Lake Burley Griffin
“Stroll along the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, camera in hand, and discover Canberra’s iconic landmarks. From the water’s edge, you’ll see the National Library of Australia, the National Gallery of Australia with its captivating outdoor artwork, and just next to it, the National Portrait Gallery.
In the cooler months, the trees surrounding the lake drop their leaves. The pathway underneath lights up with shades of green, orange and red, becoming an irresistible photo opportunity!
The campus at the Australian National University
You don’t need to be attending the Australian National University as a student to enjoy its beautiful campus surroundings. Discover a wide, shaded green corridor lined with beautiful big trees that look spectacular in photographs all year round. Then, have a wander with your camera and find a perfect picnic location hidden beside the university’s wonderful old buildings.
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Lennox Gardens
Right beside Lake Burley Griffin is the peaceful Lennox Gardens. The gardens include two landscaped gifts from Japan and China that celebrate inter-city links between Canberra, Beijing, and Japan’s ancient capital, Nara.
Stroll through the Beijing Garden, designed in the imperial Chinese garden style of the Qing Dynasty, and walk beneath the traditional Chinese welcome gate. You can explore the Chinese stone sculptures until you reach the Chinese pavilion, a quiet space that is perfect to sit and relax.
Forest Sculpture Gallery at the National Arboretum
Enjoy a world-class collection of iconic sculptures set among the trees at the National Arboretum Canberra. This walkway of modern art is a must for art lovers and budding photographers alike.
One of the pieces includes the Nest, a huge eagle sculpture perched on its ‘nest’ made from found objects (mostly abandoned farm machinery).
The Drawing Breath sculpture, visible from multiple points around the Arboretum, appears to beautifully float above the water. Created using folded aluminium, the silver swirls seem to ripple on the dam’s surface.
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Gibraltar Falls
If you’re chasing a waterfall photo, just outside of Canberra you can find the magical Gibraltar Falls. Located around 50 km from the city, this is the perfect place to go for an escape into nature. If you hike to the summit, you’ll find breathtaking views overlooking green, rolling hills.
Gibraltar Falls has walking tracks for visitors and a viewing location for the waterfalls. While you can’t swim at the falls, you can go for a dip nearby at Gibraltar Creek, Woods Reserve.
Floriade
Floriade in Canberra is a treat for the eyes! This annual flower festival turns Commonwealth Park into a colourful wonderland every spring. With tulips, daffodils, and a whole bunch of other flowers in full bloom, it’s a paradise for photographers. The flower beds, sculptures, and art installations are carefully crafted, making it one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city. So, if you’re looking for a burst of vibrant colours and fantastic photo opportunities, Floriade is where you want to be!
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