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Canberra, Australia’s Capital, houses Australia’s Parliament, historic museums and national treasures in a variety of locations.  Drenched in history, there is so much to see and do, with most exhibits open 7 days a week.  If you only have a weekend to visit, here is a list of activities you can choose from.

Parliament House, Canberra

The meeting place of our Federal Members and the place Australian Federal policy is born, Parliament house is in the epicentre of Canberra.  Costing $1.1 billion in the late 1980s, it is open 7 days a week for tourists. Displaying Australian contemporary artworks and historical treasures the House of Parliament is a must visit. If you are looking for a central place to stay, you can’t go past the Adina Serviced Apartments Canberra Dickson with everything you need to make your stay feel like home and only 9 minutes from Parliament House.

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Old Parliament House

Built and designed by John Smith Murdoch, the Old Parliament House has the same design expert as the Hotel Kurrajong Canberra, which was home to Prime Minister Ben Chiefley during his term and only 3 minutes from Parliament House.  Opened the year after Hotel Kurrajong Canberra, the Old Parliament House was opened in 1927. Now a living museum, it is considered Australia’s Museum of Australian Democracy.  Housing Australian social and political history it is a nationally listed heritage building. Open daily, this old favourite must be included in your weekend itinerary.

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National Gallery of Australia

The National Gallery of Australia houses over 166 thousand works of art.  It has developed and maintained the collection over the past fifty years and frequently exhibits works of art from the national collection.  It is well worth a visit, open 7 days a week.

Canberra Theatre Centre

Showcasing world-class performing arts and entertainment, the Canberra Theatre Centre is conveniently located in the heart of Canberra. Performances include dance, theatre, comedy, music of all genres, cabaret, circus, musical puppetry and physical theatre. It is recommended to check their website when visiting to see if there are any events you are interested in while staying.

Questacon

Interested in Science and Technology, then you must visit Questacon.  Known as the National Science and Technology Centre in Canberra, it displays over 200 interactive exhibits for you to get stuck into. Open 7 days a week and located in the centre of Canberra on the southern shore of Lake Burleigh Griffith you won’t be sorry you visited.

National Museum of Australia

Preserving and collecting Australia’s social history, exploring issues, people and events which have shaped our Nation, the National Museum of Australia is a historical archive of the Australian people and its Indigenous and European settlement.  Open seven days a week, making time to visit and immerse yourself in a rich history is a must.

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National Zoo & Aquarium

Privately owned, this zoo reveals 12 hectares of open range exhibits. The aquarium has 30 different species on display with an underwater viewing tunnel and a large restaurant nearby. Native and exotic wildlife roam the 12 hectares in spacious accommodation ensuring that all animals are well cared for and safe. Open 7 days a week, the Zoo is a located on the western end of Lake Burleigh Griffin.

Other iconic sights you could consider are: the man-made Lake Burley Griffin in the centre of Canberra, The Australian War Memorial, remembering those who have died or participated in wars involving the Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra Glassworks for glassblowing demonstrations and only 12 minutes from the Vibe Hotel Canberra, Canberra wineries on the outskirts of the city and of course Mount Ainslie Lookout with sweeping views of the nation’s capital.

Whatever you choose as your itinerary, you will find a weekend packed full of great history, art and entertainment whilst surrounded in fantastic architecture with a naturally beautiful backdrop.

TFE Hotels manage 5 hotels in Canberra including 3 Adina Serviced Apartments.