Mumkurla-nginyi-ma parrngalinyparla – from the darkness into the light.
The Gurindji freedom banners are a collection of 10 hand-painted banners created in 2000 by the Gurindji to share the community's version of the historic 1966 Wave Hill walk-off. The walk-off, or Gurindji strike, led by Gurindji man Vincent Lingiari was an important event in Australia's land rights movement. Many of the 35 Gurindji people involved in the banner-making project were participants in the walk-off.
At some stage, banner eight, Ngumpittu nguwula junypa wanyjarnana (Two young men dancing), went missing. In July 2025, a banner-making workshop was held in Daguragu and Kalkarindji to reconstruct the missing banner and restore the collection.
Behind the Lines 2025: 'Are We Rolling?' celebrates the year's best political cartoons.
Featuring established and emerging cartoonists from across Australia, this exhibition highlights the significant contribution they make to cultural and political debates through witty, insightful and often poignant satirical drawings.
This year, the Behind the Lines theme is the cinema, acknowledging that, like some of your favourite movies, 2025 has been full of thrills and spills, romance and heartbreak, with plenty of unexpected plot twists. Australia's cartoonists and illustrators have tackled many of the issues that made news, including the federal election, the cost of living, energy policy, interest rates, housing security, the economy, climate change and stories from overseas.
The exhibition is free.
Light up your curiosity at Illuminate! Bend light, make music with sensors, and play with lenses across 13 hands-on exhibits.
Step into a world where science and light collide to ignite your senses. Through hands-on interactive play, come on a colourful adventure as you explore the science behind light, the fastest traveller in the universe. Packed full of vivid hands-on activities and interactive exhibits, this exhibition will have you bending light, blending colours, dancing with shadows, and transforming your reflection.
As you journey through the exhibition, discover how light behaves, where it comes from, how it reflects and refracts, and explore the tools humans have created to harness its power.
Illuminate: How Science Comes to Light is a Museums Victoria Touring Exhibition.
The National Zoo and Aquarium will be highlighting some amazing animals this weekend.
Join the team for a special keeper talk on all the unique and interesting facts about reptiles on Saturday and on Sunday the Natives Team will be celebrating Canberra's resident Southern Hairy-Nosed Wombat 'Poppy'!
All special keeper talks will be held at 10:30am on their respective days.
The National Zoo and Aquarium will also release a commemorative Komodo Dragon Coin in celebration of Reptile Awareness Day!
All the activities are free with admission and memberships.
There's so much fun to be had at the National Zoo and Aquarium, Canberra's 'Centre of Adventure'.
Come and enjoy a weekend of everything psychic, spiritual and wellbeing.
Browse the beautiful stalls displaying crystals, handcrafted jewellery, handcrafted candles, clothing, scents, Wicca and Witchcraft items. Book in for a reading from some of the best psychics and mediums in Australia or receive a wax art reading, aura reading, spirit drawing, reiki healing and so much more.
Take a drive through the story of an Australian icon in 'Rear vision: the Holden collection' at the National Archives of Australia in Canberra.
Trace Holden's journey from a 19th-century saddlery to 'Australia's Own Car' and its lasting impact on the nation's economy, industry and identity.
Explore archival records, rare artefacts, drawings and images that reveal the people, innovations and decisions behind General Motors-Holden.
Developed by the State Library of South Australia in partnership with Adelaide University, the exhibition has been expanded by National Archives of Australia with records from the national archival collection.
From wartime production to the fight for equal pay, these stories highlight how Holden helped shape modern Australia.
This free exhibition is open daily, with daily gallery talks for visitors keen to discover the stories under the hood.
Immerse yourself in an imagined near-future Australia where quantum technologies transform how you live, work and play.
Journey through an imagined future Australia, where tomorrow's quantum technologies come to life through the colourful illustrations of Canberra artist Paul Summerfield, airborne sculptures and a mesmerising cloud chamber.
Along the way, you'll encounter some of the Australian researchers who are harnessing the behaviours of quantum objects to create world-changing technologies that could make ordinary lives extraordinary in the future.
Discover how these technologies could transform how you sense the invisible, share information and solve the most important problems. From unhackable communications to personalised medicines and ultra-responsive prosthetics, the quantum future is full of promise.
Lawn mower racing, rock climbing, dry river-bed boating, mountain biking, disc golf and pickleball are some of the unique and emerging sports played across Australia.
'Regional Rivalries' celebrates the diversity of Australian sporting culture through unique and unexpected competitions and events. With more than 10 million people living in regional and remote areas, sport and competitive events play an important role in bringing the community together.
Many of these events are specific to particular regional locations and are based on long-term traditions. Some are new and just gaining popularity. Others are creative takes on mainstream sports and events.
Between 2024 and 2026, the National Library of Australia commissioned the Regional Sport and Competitive Events Photography Project, aiming to document sports and competitive events not already represented in the Library's collections. This exhibition showcases highlights from this collection.
See a selection of the images from the exhibit coming soon to the Library's Treasures Gallery, learn more about the collecting project, and dive into the full collection online on Trove.
'Regional Rivalries' runs from 22 September 2026 to 19 September 2027 and is exclusive to Canberra. This free exhibition is curated by the Library's Karen Schamberger.
Lien To invites you to enter a world of colour and enjoy the stories of her life.
This exhibition expresses the beauty and colour that Lien To sees in the world in spite of her vision impairment. It reflects the people who have impacted her life journey, and the places, both real and imaginary, that she keeps alive in her imagination. To's artwork reveals her love of bright colour and detail, with a mix of Copic marker and collage.
Lien To comes from a Vietnamese background and has a rare genetic condition, Septo-Optic Dysplasia, which means the nerves that connect her eyes to her brain are underdeveloped, resulting in vision impairment. To's journey with art began when she was in college and saw a book about Picasso. She was inspired by his use of colour and shape to create masterpieces. She began drawing and experimenting with colour and fell in love with the process.
For To, art is an escape and a solace, a calming safe space for self-expression.
Dean Cross X Sidney Nolan: Two Heads brings new and recent works by Canberra-born artist Dean Cross into dialogue with Sidney Nolan's paintings at Canberra Museum and Gallery.
Playing on the adage 'two heads are better than one…', the exhibition is a speculative collaboration shaped by Cross' long-standing interest in Nolan and his connection to Country as a Worimi man. Working three generations apart, both artists revisit familiar Australian stories, exploring personal memory, identity and unresolved histories.
Visitors can discover connections through collage, spray paint, freewheeling lines and recurring shades of cadmium yellow. Three paintings from Nolan's Untitled (Heads) series sit alongside Cross' own portrait head, each drawing on memories that are captured, concealed or elusive.
Cross also reimagines Nolan's 1940 rooftop mural at Heide through his installation The boy and the moon, developed from his studio on Walbunja Country, outside Braidwood.
Presented in the Nolan Gallery on Canberra's Civic Square, Two Heads invites visitors to look closely at two distinct artistic practices and consider how the stories told through Australian art continue to change.
Members of the University of Canberra Faculty of Art and Design and their collaborators explore the meaning or the experience of 'phase'.
The word "phase" has a number of loosely related definitions, associated with time and change; with making things happen in gradual stages; or with being in (or out) of harmony.
The current point of history, globally, is one of rapid and typically unplanned change: one phase has ended, and a number of phases are swinging into operation. Many feel 'fazed' by the changes and the prospects they bring; many fear what comes next in this sequence of events.
In this exhibition, members of the faculty and collaborators explore the meaning or the experience of 'phase', and aim to interrogate, illustrate, elucidate, or illuminate something fresh about the term.
A vibrant place in the heart of the city, the Canberra Museum and Gallery celebrates the region's social history and visual arts with dynamic exhibitions and unique programs and events.
Canberra is a young city on an ancient continent. This place, selected to be Australia’s National Capital in 1909, has had a much older history but it is also one that continues to evolve to embrace new narratives of belonging and expressions of identity.
Journey through these changes in the new major exhibition drawn from Canberra Museum and Gallery’s collection Canberra Place and People. Find the stories of the people who have always been on this country and those who have come to make their lives here.
Told with objects of daily use and special significance, artworks and design of purposeful creativity and moving images made for screens large and small, Canberra’s story as the place where nationhood found a home is unlike no other.
Canberra Museum and Gallery is also the home of The Foundation Collection of Sir Sidney Nolan's paintings, donated by the artist to the people of Australia in 1974. The gallery manages the collection on behalf of the Australian Government.
Canberra Theatre Centre is the heart of live performance in the nation's capital, bringing world-class theatre and entertainment to audiences of all ages. From comedy, circus and family favourites to drama, dance and music, there's truly something for everyone. With a vibrant year-round program across the Canberra Theatre, The Playhouse and The Courtyard Studio, it's the perfect place to experience the magic of live performance.
Craft + Design Canberra is a not-for-profit organisation that supports artists, craft practitioners, designers and makers at every stage of their careers.
They promote and celebrate excellence and innovation in contemporary craft in everything they do – in their retail space, exhibition gallery, events and throughout their annual Design Canberra Festival.
The Treasury at Craft + Design Canberra features over 40+ local makers, and over 250+ products.
The newly rebranded shop at Craft + Design Canberra celebrates Canberra as a creative capital.
The Treasury at Craft + Design Canberra is a destination filled with a curated collection of works by Canberra's most talented makers and designers. Every piece has been chosen because it is beautiful, because it is made with care, and because it represents the best of what our city creates.
Visit the Treasury in person, open noon to 4pm Wednesday to Saturday at Craft and Design Canberra.
Craft and Design Canberra is a not-for-profit organisation that supports artists, craft practitioners, designers and makers at every stage of their careers.
They promote and celebrate excellence and innovation in contemporary craft in everything they do – in their retail space, exhibition gallery, events and throughout their annual Design Canberra Festival.
Mooseheads Canberra is an iconic institution that has been at the heart of Canberra's nightlife for over three decades. Located in the vibrant heart of the city, Mooseheads has earned its reputation as the ultimate destination for locals and tourists seeking an unforgettable night out.
Looking for some delicious pub fare? Look no further because they take pub food to a whole new level!
Indulge in their one-of-a-kind parmis, mouthwatering beef burgers, succulent fried chicken burgers, flavourful brisket rolls, irresistible BBQ ribs, and classic chicken schnitty! If you weren't already a fan, this culinary experience is sure to win you over!
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, looking to dance the night away, a place to satisfy your classic pub food cravings or just seeking a fun night out with friends, Mooseheads Canberra welcomes you with open arms.
Come experience the Mooseheads magic for yourself and discover why they are Canberra's nightlife icon.
The ACT Legislative Assembly is Australia's youngest legislature.
From 1938, when the ACT was officially formed, until 1989, Canberra was administered by the Federal Government. Now Canberra residents elect their own assembly of 25 members.
They're the only Australian parliament responsible for both territory and local government functions, including health, education, economic development and tourism.
Join a free public tour of the Assembly building
Tours run on Thursdays at 1pm from the Assembly foyer and offer an insight into the history of self-government in the ACT. Experience the gravitas of the chamber, visit committee rooms, and see items of the Assembly's locally significant art collection.
On sitting Thursdays, you can stay to watch question time at 2pm.
Bookings are not required for individuals/ small groups. Contact them for dedicated tours for medium/large groups.
Experience golf like never before at Status Golf — Canberra's premier indoor golfing destination.
Open since 2022 and proudly affiliated with Golf NSW, Status Golf redefines the way golf is played and enjoyed. Purpose-built for golfers of every skill level, their state-of-the-art facility brings the world's most iconic courses to life right in the heart of the nation's capital. From Pebble Beach and Augusta National to TPC Sawgrass and St Andrews, players can tee off on over 200 internationally renowned courses—without ever leaving Canberra.
At Status Golf, it's the real game. Players use real clubs and real golf balls, creating an authentic feel with every swing. Powered by advanced simulator technology and fully automated tee-up systems, every shot is tracked with pinpoint accuracy, providing instant performance feedback and a truly immersive playing experience.
Whether you're perfecting your swing, competing with friends, or simply enjoying a relaxed round, Status Golf offers a welcoming environment where everyone can play, learn, and have fun. With stunning ultra-high-definition visuals, realistic course conditions, and a comfortable indoor setting, it's the ultimate way to enjoy golf year-round—rain, shine, or Canberra chill.
More than just indoor golf, Status Golf delivers the ultimate golf adventure—combining innovation, realism, and excitement for an unforgettable experience every time you play.
City Hill Park is an open green space in the heart of Canberra, offering a quiet escape from the City Centre.
It is considered to be one of Canberra's most significant landmarks. As one of Walter Burley Griffin's original design points, the hill is laid out in a circular pattern with radial paths that reflect his vision for Canberra's geometric plan.
From the top of the hill, visitors can take in views along the avenues that connect to other important parts of Canberra, highlighting its role as both a scenic spot and a piece of the city's heritage.
Ever wanted to throw an axe? MANIAX offers an urban axe throwing experience like no other.
Learn how to hurl hatchets with your trained Axe-pert coach before jumping into an epic competition to crown the axe throwing champion!
With a selection of craft beers and stone-baked pizzas onsite, MANIAX is the perfect place for birthday parties, bucks’ and hens nights, team building, date night - or if you’d just really love to throw an axe!
Go up and down and round and round on the magical carousel located in Petrie Plaza in the Canberra Central Business District. This picturesque carousel delights children and adults alike with its air of olde-worlde charm. Most of the horses and elephants have names; even Pharlap has his place on the platform.
Beginning life in Melbourne in 1914, the carousel was installed in Canberra in 1974, and has been taking people in circles, and back in time, ever since.
One of Canberra's most loved pieces of public art, Big Swoop is a larger than life sculpture of an Australian magpie pecking a chip.
The cheeky sculpture sits in the city's Petrie Plaza and is a nod to Canberra's unique urban wildlife. It was created by Canberra resident and artist Yanni Pounartzis and unveiled in 2022.
Sitting at 2.4 metres high and 3.5 metres long, Big Swoop is Canberra's contribution to Australia's list of "big things".
Whether you're a visitor exploring the city or a local passing through, Big Swoop is more than just a sculpture, it's a playful reminder of Canberra's unique character.
Civic Art Bureau is an independant contemporary art gallery located on the first floor of the historic Melbourne Building in the heart of Canberra City.
Civic Art Bureau gallery presents innovative presentations by emerging and established artists and operates within a distinct precinct that includes the ANU School of Art and Design, Drill Hall Gallery, National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA), and Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG).
