Five ways to spend a weekend in Canberra

John Mangila

All eyes are on the Australian Captial in the lead up to a federal election, but there is so much more to see than politicians in power suits – you just have to look beyond Parliament House. Here's our roundup of the best way to spend a weekend in Canberra.

1. Go hot air ballooning

For the best views of Canberra, soar around 900m in the basket of a hot air balloon and take in sights of the city, the lake and the surrounding nature reserves.

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2. See the Autumn leaves

The Autumn months might just be the most beautiful time to visit this pretty city as the streets become filled with a kaleidoscope of foliage. There's even an interactive map to help you navigate through the most striking displays of nature.

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3. Visit a vineyard

A short drive out of town, Brindabella Hills Winery is the perfect place to experience the cool climate wines that the Canberra District has to offer – not to mention the Instagram-worthy scenery of rolling hills and the Murrumbidgee River. Try their award-winning 'Brio' Sangiovese 2017.

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4. Take a history lesson

No trip to the capital is truly complete without a visit to the Australian War Memorial. This world-class museum was established to commemorate the sacrifice of those Australians who have died in war or on operational service and was first opened in 1941. With so much to see, give yourself plenty of time to take it all in.

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5. Shop

Within the inner north of the city, there is an emerging creative metropolis all of its own. Lonsdale Street – in the Canberra suburb of Braddon – is now bustling with artisan coffee roasters, unforgettable eateries and charming shopfronts filled with the work of local makers. Bison Home is just one of many retail destinations worthy of a visit – to read about our favourites, pick up the June issue of Home Beautiful Magazine.

John Mangila

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Holly Byrne

A country girl at heart, Holly swapped rural radio and race days for the Sydney city life, exploring her new hometown one cocktail party at a time. When she’s not in the kitchen recreating our HB recipes, Holly is writing up the latest in colour trends and designer profiles – Instagramming it all along the way.