This local museum is worth it for the Sidney Nolan paintings alone – 141 works, including canvases from his Ned Kelly series and Burke and Wills Expedition were gifted to the Australian government in 1974, and a rotating collection is on display here. There's also an exhibition on Canberra's own story, which is often overshadowed by 'national' stories, as well as a variety of interesting and unusual temporary exhibitions – when we last visited, there was one solely devoted to snow globes.

The gallery staff give good floor talks, and there are also fun activities for kids – check the website to see what's on during your visit. The museum cafe is also very pleasant.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Canberra attractions

1. Glebe Park

0.28 MILES

This spacious green park is filled with leafy elm trees that turn a lovely golden yellow in autumn. There's a playground for kids and lots of paved paths…

2. Drill Hall Gallery

0.49 MILES

The Australian National University's main gallery displays specials exhibitions and items from the ANU's art collection. On permanent display is the…

3. National Film & Sound Archive

0.57 MILES

Set in a delightful art-deco building (look for the stained-glass platypus in the foyer dome), this archive preserves Australian moving-picture and sound…

4. Nerang Pool

0.61 MILES

This lovely pool is a serene spot in Commonwealth Park, with an abundance of bird life and some beautiful landscaped gardens.

5. National Capital Exhibition

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This small but fascinating museum tells the story of how Canberra came to be Australia's capital. Displays include reproductions of the drawings entered…

6. Captain Cook Memorial Water Jet

0.77 MILES

Built in 1970 to mark the bicentenary of British explorer James Cook's landfall, this memorial near Regatta Point consists of a 6-tonne column of water…

7. Australian of the Year Walk

0.97 MILES

The signs along this stretch of pathway pay tribute to those selected annually as Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian…

8. Lake Burley Griffin

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Every morning you'll see politicians running off the night before around this majestic lake and perhaps a few journos hot on their trail. This constructed…