Hyatt Hotel

The Hyatt Hotel Canberra is one of Australia's most luxurious five star hotels. Located only minutes from Canberra's major attractions, city centre and parliament this heritage-listed hotel relives its original art deco style and architecture.

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Poachers Pantry

Visit Poachers Pantry, part of the Poacher's Way, and step up to the rustic tasting bar to try the large range of products smoked on the premises including smoked chicken, kangaroo, emu and pork. Food is matched beautifully with their Wily Trout wines (tastings daily). Dine in at the Smokehouse Cafe (open Friday to Sunday). A booking for the restaurant is essential.

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Canberra Glassworks

Head to the Canberra Glassworks, housed in the historic Kingston Powerhouse. Learn about glass with introductory courses, watch artists create stunning glass pieces, make your own glass objects, see striking exhibitions, buy exquisite handmade gifts and take a break in the café.

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National Portrait Gallery of Australia

Admire people who have shaped and continue to shape our nation in paintings, drawings, sculptural works and photography. See portraits of artists, musicians, entertainers, politicians, sports people and royalty. Enjoy a fascinating iPod touch portrait story tours of the people behind the portraits. Free general admission.

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Burnelee Excursions on horseback

Experience the beauty of the Australian bush on horseback across a breathtaking property just outside Canberra. Discover a great experience for beginner to advanced riders and a great day for the whole family at Burnelee Excursions on Horseback, part of the Poacher's Way.

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Stromlo Forest Park

Ride the tracks that defined world champions or take your kids on a leisurely ride around the criterium circuit. This world-class multi-use sporting facility, available to all, boasts a purpose-built pavilion, criterium cycling circuit, grass cross country running track and mountain bike trails.

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Aquila Helicopters

Get the best aerial view of Canberra by taking a scenic flight by helicopter. Take in the sights of Canberra against the backdrop of the Brindabella Mountains and even drop into a winery for a tasting.

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Balloon Aloft

Rise early, rug up and take off with Balloon Aloft. Drift peacefully by balloon over Canberra's picturesque Lake Burley Griffin, with a unique view of Canberra's major attractions. Canberra is one of the only places in the world with the chance to fly directly over a parliament house.

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Alto Restaurant

Enjoy the breathtaking views of Canberra as you enjoy modern Australian dining at Alto. Alto revolves and takes 85 minutes so you can relax and enjoy the vista. Drink in the view with a cocktail and extensive win list in the lounge.

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Day One

• See lions, giraffes, bears, sharks and more at National Zoo and Aquarium. In Australia's only combined zoo and aquarium, you can also hand feed lions or meet a cheetah on special tours.
• Discover stories of unique Australians set in stunning architecture at the National Museum of Australia. Free admission.
• Visit the Australian War Memorial to commemorate the commitment, camaraderie and sacrifice of Australians in war. Free admission.
• See 360-degree views of Canberra and the surrounding area from the 195m Black Mountain Tower
• Walk among some 90,000 native plants from across Australia in beautiful and tranquil Australian National Botanic Gardens. Free admission.

Day Two

• Walk though a world in miniature in beautiful landscaped gardens at Cockington Green Gardens
• Celebrate Australia's sporting culture at the Australian Institute of Sport. Tour with an elite athlete and test your athletic skills in the Sportex exhibition. Ninety-minute public tours daily.
• Questacon - The National Science & Technology Centre makes science fun! Discover science in everyday life.

Day Three

• Rise early for delightful views of Canberra with a Morning Balloon Flight.
• Cruise Lake Burley Griffin for an insight into the history, culture and ecology of the National Capital.
• At Stromlo Forest Park, ride trails that determine world champions with cycling circuit, running track, equestrian and mountain bike trails.
• Walk among native animals roaming their natural habitat at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Day Four

• Marvel at Australians who have shaped and continue to shape our nation at the National Portrait Gallery. Free admission.
• At the National Gallery of Australia, experience Australia through artist's eyes. See world-class exhibitions and explore the sculpture garden. Free admission.
• Indulge in a memorable high tea in elegant surrounds with High Tea at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra
• Visit one of the world's most acclaimed buildings at Parliament House. Watch parliamentarians in action at Question Time on sitting days. Free admission.

Day Five

• Experience the beauty of the bush by horse with Burnelee Excursions on horseback
• At Poachers Pantry Restaurant & Vineyard, Dine at Smokehouse Cafe for smoked delicacies. Taste their Wily Trout wines.
• At CSIRO Discovery, don a lab coat to conduct real experiments, make faces at the facial recognition software and feel the strange sensations of 3D cinema.
• See artists at work, learn about working with glass and make your own glass art at Canberra Glassworks. Free admission.

ANZAC Day at Australian War Memorial

On 25 April, take part in the national Anzac Day ceremony, commemorating the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.

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Floriade 2010

Floriade, Australia’s celebration of spring, transforms Canberra’s Commonwealth Park into a tapestry of colour. Over a million colourful bulbs and annuals bloom on cue, creating a vibrant display. From 11 September – 10 October, enjoy lively entertainment, children’s activities, food, craft and much more.

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Fireside Festival

Firesides, flavours and friends mean plenty of fireside activities. During weekends in August, distinctive venues will create a warming and memorable experience offering authentic cool climate wines matched with gourmet, seasonally inspired contemporary food, music and entertainment.

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Australian Science Festival

Celebrate with big bangs, shooting stars and soaring rockets! It’s a festival that takes science out of the textbooks and makes it exciting, intriguing and fun. Running from 2–15 August, there are workshops, talk shops and drama events that explore the wonder of science and technology.

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National Folk Festival

Come and see a cultural celebration of traditional and contemporary music, dance, poetry and storytelling staged across the Easter break. From 1 – 5 April, enjoy five days of the finest folk from Australia and around the world with over 100 concerts to choose from.

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Canberra International Music Festival

Come to Canberra in our glorious autumn to share the experience of compelling music making. From 14–23 May, listen to brilliant international and Australian artists in venues such as embassies, national attractions and churches.

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Street Machine Summernats Car Festival

The Street Machine Magazine Summer Nationals is more than a car show. Summernats is a four-day carnival for the enthusiast and spectator alike. From 7 – 10 January 2010, see awesome street machines, roaring hot rods, stunts, the only purpose-built burn out facility and the famous supercruise each evening.

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Wine, Roses and all that Jazz

Celebrate the art of the grape by visiting Capital region wineries during the 6-7 November. Sample award-winning reds and whites, indulge in gourmet food, relax to live music in the vineyards, take a wine tour and meet Canberra’s passionate vignerons.

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Australia Day Live!

The lawns of Parliament House are the place to be as Australia celebrates on the 25 January, with a major concert boasting some of the hottest names in Australian music and the announcement of the Australian of the Year awards.

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Australian 24hr Mountain Bike Championships

The world’s largest 24-hour mountain bike race gives riders of all skill levels the chance to participate in a competitive and fun environment. In October 2010, competitors take on other teams, individuals, the terrain, the clock and themselves to try to complete the most laps in 24 hours.

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