Free Things to Do in Canberra: National Treasures, Lakeside Paths and Weekly Wine Tastings

Canberra is packed with free attractions that rival any capital city, from nationally significant institutions to sprawling green spaces and weekly markets. Entry to Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, the National Gallery of Australia, the National Museum of Australia, the National Library, the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, and the Royal Australian Mint is all free, the Australian National University notes. Daily free guided tours are also available at Parliament House and the War Memorial, making these sites accessible to everyone.

Museums, galleries and democracy, all free

The National Gallery of Australia and the National Museum of Australia sit on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, offering visitors the chance to explore art, culture and history without spending a cent. The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House tells the story of the nation's political life. The Royal Australian Mint, where Australia's coins are produced, is another free stop. Parliament House's daily guided tours give behind-the-scenes insight into the workings of federal government, while the Australian War Memorial's free tours cover the country's military history from Federation to the present day, with its commemorative courtyard and the Hall of Memory open to all.

Lake Burley Griffin and the gardens

Lake Burley Griffin remains the city's scenic centrepiece, with free walking and biking paths that wind past the Captain James Cook Memorial, the National Gallery's Sculpture Garden and the National Library. The lake's bridges and shoreline connect much of central Canberra. For those who prefer greenery over water, the Australian National Botanic Gardens and the National Arboretum Canberra offer wide open spaces for walking and picnicking without cost. The Arboretum's POD Playground, a popular spot for families, is also free to enter, according to a guide published by the Australian National University.

Weekly markets and wine tastings

Several free markets operate throughout 2026. The Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets run from March to December, while the Haig Park Village Markets are held on Sundays. The Old Bus Depot Markets, a weekend fixture in Kingston, are scheduled from January 2025 through to January 2027. For those who enjoy a tipple, free weekly wine tastings are held at Canberra Wine & Spirit Merchants on Thursday and Friday afternoons. The tastings showcase up to 70 local wineries and distilleries, according to VisitCanberra, giving drinkers a chance to sample the region's cool-climate wines without a fee.

Making the most of a budget-friendly weekend

Between the free museums, the lakeside paths, the Botanic Gardens and the markets, a weekend in Canberra can be as rich in culture as it is light on the wallet. The guided tours at Parliament House and the War Memorial require no booking, though visitors should check opening hours in advance. The gardens and arboretum are open daily, and the lake paths are accessible year-round. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a long-time local keen to rediscover the city, the capital's free attractions offer a full day out without spending a dollar.