Fly to Canberra

Spend a day (or three) discovering Canberra's incredible national collections. Immerse yourself in Indigenous cultures and histories at the National Museum of Australia. Put faces to the names of prominent Australians at the National Portrait Gallery, set in an architecturally stunning space. Or head to the National Gallery of Australia to view works by local and international artists. Be sure to check out the gallery's Australian Garden and take a moment to reflect inside James Turrell's Within without Skyspace lighting installation.

Pull your sneakers on and go walking or hire a bike and hit the 40km of cycling tracks around Lake Burley Griffin. This gorgeous lake surrounded by greenery is at the heart of the city and you can easily spend a day soaking up the scenery. There are parklands ideal for a picnic and waterside restaurants. You might even spot a kangaroo here. Go kayaking or fishing, book a lake cruise, or hire a GoBoat and go your own way.

Head north of the city to Braddon, a once-industrial area now percolating with coffee roasters, microbreweries and crafty artisans. This popular hub is humming with cafés, bars and restaurants, and is home to the Ori Building retail complex on Lonsdale Street. Spend a few hours exploring the boutiques and design stores. After hours, you can go for a brewed-on-site beer at BentSpoke Brewpub, go food-van hopping or dine on modern Australian cuisine at the super sleek eightysix.