Ace Rental Cars Blog

Embark on a journey through Canberra's rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty with a weekend getaway to the country’s capital. Discover iconic landmarks while indulging in local bites and scenic drives, with your Ace rental car as your trusty companion.

• National Arboretum
• Australian War Memorial
• National Gallery of Australia
• Parliament House

Day 1: Local Bites and Wilderness Walks

• The Cupping Room
• The National Arboretum

Begin your Canberra adventure with breakfast at a local cafe. The Cupping Room is a concept cafe located just outside of City Hill, showcasing the best of Canberra’s specialty coffee and delicious brunch meals in a light-filled setting. Grab a cup of coffee and a bite to eat, and perhaps take some time out to journal and set your intentions for the day before beginning your road trip. Next, drive about ten minutes out of the city in your Ace rental car to reach the National Arboretum. A woodland haven full of rare and endangered trees, many visit this 250-hectare site to roam the luscious green trails and enjoy the serene atmosphere. With all access, grade one and grade two trails to walk, you’ll be able to explore the Arboretum at your own pace and feel your worries melt away along with the breeze over the beautiful landscapes - remember to wear enclosed shoes with adequate grip when heading out on a trail walk. Bring along snacks for a picnic with a view, or head to the Cafe at the Village Centre for a tasty lunch.

Day 1: History Tour and City Views

• Australian War Memorial
• Mount Ainslie Lookout
• Rebel Rebel

Continue your adventure through Canberra with a visit to the Australian War Memorial. An important museum filled with Australian military archives, visit here to learn about the history of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps and wander the galleries filled with artefacts dedicated to the World Wars. Book to view the Last Post Ceremony - held at 4:30 pm daily - and visit the Honour Roll in the Memorial Building to see the names of over 103,000 members of the Australian armed forces displayed on bronze panels. After a day spent exploring greenery and learning about ANZAC history, drive up to Mount Ainslie Lookout for panoramic views of the city, Lake Burley Griffin and surrounding hills and mountains. A peaceful spot to head to before dinner, pause for a moment here to reflect on your journey so far and plan your next 24 hours in Canberra. Enjoy dinner at a local favourite like Rebel Rebel and enjoy a relaxing stroll along the waterfront before turning in for the night.

Day 2: Art Gallery and Scenic Drive

• National Gallery of Australia
• Lake Burley Griffin

Prepare for your second day in Canberra to be filled with art, culture and scenery, beginning with a visit to the National Gallery of Australia. The gallery holds over 155,000 works of art, with a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art, Worldwide and Australian Art. Admire the works over four floors and pop by the Art Store on your way out to bring a piece of the Gallery home with you, commemorating your trip to Canberra. A popular way to tour the city is to take a scenic drive in your rental car around Lake Burley Griffin - which runs through the centre of Canberra. Catch moments of the sun cascading over the lake as you drive past, and take a moment to stop at landmarks and attractions during your drive, like the Commonwealth Park, the Captain Cook Memorial Jet and the National Carillon.

Day 2: Landmarks and Neighbourhood Visits

• Parliament House
• Braddon
• Chez Frederic

As the capital city of Australia, one of the most popular things to do when visiting Canberra is to visit the Parliament House. Choose from six guided tours here, including the Best of Parliament House tour where you’ll see architectural highlights and meeting chambers, the Heart of the House tour which delves into political events history and the Prime Ministers Portraits tour for insights into the Historic Memorials Collection. There’s also a cafe on-site here for refreshments during your visit. After your tour, explore Braddon - a vibrant neighbourhood known for its hip cafes, boutique shops, and street art. Enjoy a stroll along Lonsdale Street and discover unique and eclectic stores like Hive, POP Canberra and Pink Ink. For dinner, enjoy a delicious meal at Chez Frederic. Inspired by French and Italian flavours in a modern setting, it’s the perfect spot to dine and indulge while reflecting on your holiday before farewelling Canberra.

After adventuring Canberra for 48 hours, you’ll have captivating experiences and cherished moments to reflect on. From the natural beauty of the National Arboretum to the artistic works of the National Gallery, you’ll discover history and a vibrant atmosphere with each landmark, attraction and moment throughout your journey.