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Henry Rolland Park

Parks and Gardens

Henry Rolland Park

Henry Rolland Park is located on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin and offers wide open lawns, landscaped gardens and unmatched views across the water. Opened in 2018, the park was designed as a welcoming green space for both relaxation and activity. It features walking and cycling paths that connect to the lake's broader trail network, along with shaded seating, picnic spots, electric barbecues and fitness equipment. It's the perfect place to unwind, meet with friends, or take in the beauty of Canberra's unique waterfront. Dogs are welcome on-leash in most areas of the park, but are prohibited within 10 metres of playgrounds, fireplaces, fitness equipment or barbeques that are in use.

Parkes ACT

0.2 km away

Captain Cook Memorial — Image credit: National Capital Authority

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Captain James Cook Memorial

The Captain James Cook Memorial is on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin - and in the lake! This memorial comprises a water jet and a nearby terrestrial globe commemorating the bicentenary of Captain Cook's landing on the east coast of Australia in 1770. The water jet reaches a height of 114 metres. The bronze globe uses meridians of longitude and parallels of latitude to form an open-cage map of the world, with land masses depicted in copper. Lines on the globe illustrate Captain Cook's voyages.

Canberra City ACT

0.2 km away

Family taking the Australian of the Year Walk. Photo by Jinkyart

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Australians of the Year Walk

The Australians of the Year Walk is a permanent record of the Australians selected to be Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Local Hero. There is one plaque for each year of the award. The plaques are arranged chronologically, starting at the western end of the path near Commonwealth Avenue Bridge. Search for the five metal strips that form the five stave lines of a music score. The plinths represent the notes to the music score of Advance Australia Fair, which can be read from West to East.

Parkes ACT

0.3 km away

Centre

Shopping and Markets

Canberra and Region Visitors Centre

The Canberra and Region Visitors Centre sits within the Regatta Point precinct, boasting one of Canberra's best views. Look out over Lake Burley Griffin towards a range of iconic national attractions including Parliament House, the National Gallery of Australia, the National Library of Australia and Questacon. Purchase local and regional wines, beer, and spirits. Pick up designer merchandise, jewellery and souvenirs from local makers, and peruse a range of maps and books, kids' treats and toys. You can also find the entire range of CBR merchandise boasting quality made hoodies, beanies, stationery and more. Chat to the friendly staff and volunteers. They're a wealth of local knowledge, offering valuable insights to help you get the most from your stay, whether it's a last-minute accommodation deal or tips about cool new cafes. See for yourself why the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre won Gold at the 2023 Australian Tourism Awards! Canberra's official and fully accredited tourism information centre is operated by VisitCanberra for the benefit of tourists and locals. Limited free parking available, along with designated free parking for caravans, camper trailers, coaches and RVs.

Parkes ACT

0.5 km away

Inside the National Capital Exhibition — Image credit: National Capital Exhibition

Galleries, Museums and Collections

National Capital Exhibition

Visitors are welcomed. The exhibition tells the story of Canberra as the capital city of Australia. Canberra is unique in design and innovative in the history of town planning by being the result of a worldwide competition. The winners of that competition, Walter and Marion Griffin, presented a design where the built and the natural landscapes have equal importance. They designed a city that fits in between landmarks and remains in scale with humans. Come and learn more about what was here before the city, how the site and the design were chosen, what it might have looked like and what may happen in the future. All digital presentations have international translations.

Parkes ACT

0.5 km away

Willows weep over the bridge

Parks and Gardens

Commonwealth Park

Take a walk or have a picnic on the lawns in this beautifully landscaped park in the city, right on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin. You'll find interesting sculptures, hidden walks and tranquil ponds within the park's 34.5 hectares. For four weeks each spring Commonwealth Park welcomes Floriade, Australia's largest spring festival. The park also hosts many colourful outdoor concerts and events at other times. Whether you're with family, friends or just taking some time out alone, Commonwealth Park is a beautiful place to be any time of year.

Canberra City ACT

0.5 km away

Mabo v Queensland (No. 2): 30th Anniversary exhibition at the National Library of Australia,

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Mabo v Queensland (No. 2): 30th Anniversary Exhibition

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Mabo decision, the National Library of Australia invited Gail Mabo, Eddie's daughter, to select material for display to mark this landmark moment in Australian legal history. 'The Mabo v Queensland (No. 2)' decision was handed down in the High Court of Australia on 3 June 1992. 'Mabo', as it has come to be known, altered the foundation of land law in Australia. It provided official recognition of the inherent rights of Indigenous Australians to their traditional lands. In 2001, the Mabo Case Manuscripts were inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. The Library holds an extensive collection of material relating to the Mabo decision and its lead applicant, Eddie Koiki Mabo. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Mabo decision, the Library invited Gail Mabo, Eddie's daughter, to select material for display to mark this landmark moment in Australian legal history. Explore the display in the Library's Treasures Gallery, open daily, except Christmas Day and Good Friday. Entry to the Gallery is free and no bookings are required. A free booklet containing an interview with Gail Mabo about the significance of the Library's Mabo Collection is available in the exhibition.

Parkes ACT

0.7 km away

Treasures Gallery at the National Library of Australia

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Treasures Gallery Exhibition

While the Library's collection has millions of books, it also collects other items. From maps and books to manuscripts, photographs, paintings and ephemera, the Treasures Gallery is where you can find highlights from the physical and digital collection. In the Gallery, you will find answers to popular questions, such as: 'Where are the books?' and 'What is Trove?'. The Treasures Gallery showcases the extraordinary holdings of the National Library of Australia. Their vast collection is primarily made up of documentary resources and is the largest collection about Australia and the Australian people in the world. Highlights of the latest display include: Behind-the-scenes videos showcasing our stacks and collection care and digitisation work. Pages from William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice from the First Folio (1623). A cedar bookcase carved by poet Dorothea Mackellar. A tactile map of Australia embossed with Braille script. Photographs from the nation's photo album including images of Diwali celebrations, balls, share house residents, and the 27 brides over 64 years who wore the Lockhart family's wedding veil. A display of The Wiggles' websites from 1997 to today from the Australian Web Archive. The Treasures Gallery includes labels for children.

Parkes ACT

0.7 km away

International Flag Display with views to the High Court of Australia

Landmarks and Buildings

International Flag Display

The International Flag Display (the Display) in Canberra's Parliamentary Zone colorfully acknowledges the international presence in Australia's National Capital. Originally launched in 1999, by the Governor General, the Hon Sir William Deane, the display has become an important attraction for tourists and locals alike. The Display consists of 110 flags in total, representing 108 Missions that have a diplomatic presence as well as flags for the European Union and the United Nations.

Canberra ACT

0.8 km away

Great Southern Land Gallery

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Great Southern Land Gallery

Ours is an ancient land. A continent that is powerful, interconnected, life-giving and ever-changing. It is a land crisscrossed by grand songlines, with an incredible history and a boundless future. There's a place where you can take your time to hear these stories; to listen to the land. There you'll discover the most wonderful tales of power, connection, life and change. And when you do, you can't help but be left in awe. Come Listen to the Land at the Great Southern Land Gallery.

Canberra ACT

0.8 km away

An aerial view of the National Museum of Australia, Canberra. — Image credit: Hcreations

Galleries, Museums and Collections

National Museum of Australia

Australia's stories come alive at the National Museum of Australia, on the shores of Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin. The Museum's stunning architecture provides an extraordinary place to explore the rich and diverse stories of Australia and its people. Take a guided tour or wander solo through the many exhibitions. Get to know the real, the treasured, the surprising and the inspirational objects from Australian history. Discover the stories and meanings hidden in the Museum building, design and landscapes on the Building and Architecture guided tour at 10 am or discover the highlights on the Museum Highlights guided tour at 1pm or the First Australians Tour at 3pm daily. For a treat, why not book the Ultimate Museum Experience with a tour, a meal in the Museum Cafe and a voucher for the Museum Shop.

Acton ACT

0.8 km away

Main Reading Room at the National Library of Australia

Galleries, Museums and Collections

National Library of Australia

Welcome to the National Library of Australia – the home of your story. There is always something going on with a constantly changing calendar. Wander through the Main Reading Room to view some of the building's artwork and look through a selection of books on display. Or take advantage of one of their free guided tours. Trained volunteer guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge of the Library and its collections. And don't forget to browse the Bookshop for a souvenir, a special gift or your next great read. Or, if you need to recharge with a drink and a bite to eat, you can also visit the Paperplate Cafe. Know what is happening at the Library before you arrive. Check out the National Library website for their opening hours and to plan your visit. Also, have a look at the What's On page to find out what events, lectures, discussion panels, author talks, special exhibitions and school holiday activities they have coming up for you to see and participate in. Visit the exhibition galleries, including the Treasures Gallery, which showcases the extraordinary holdings of the National Library of Australia.

Parkes ACT

0.8 km away

Japanese plantings in Canberra Nara Peace Park

Natural Attractions

Lennox Gardens

Lennox Gardens, set on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, offers beautiful views of Black Mountain, the Brindabella Ranges and the city centre. Kids love the expanse of lush green grass and there's plenty of space to picnic, have a barbeque or just relax under the shade of towering trees. Lennox Gardens is home to two landscaped gifts from Japan and China; each celebrating the sister city links between Canberra, Beijing and Japan’s ancient capital, Nara. The Beijing Garden is designed in the imperial Chinese garden style of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912); a style symbolic of luxury and refinement. It features a traditional Chinese welcome gate, paths that meander past Chinese stone sculptures and a Chinese pavilion offering a place for quiet retreat to enjoy the garden's serenity. Canberra Nara Peace Park is the home of the annual Canberra Nara Candle Festival held in October. It features a small Japanese themed garden, traditional wooden gate and gazebo, and a number of iconic cherry blossom trees. A distinctive feature of the park is its "borrowed landscape" or the extension of the park's boundaries to encompass landmarks such as Lake Burley Griffin, Black Mountain, Mount Ainslie and Lotus Bay.

Yarralumla ACT

0.8 km away

Gallery building at night

Galleries, Museums and Collections

National Portrait Gallery

Get to know artists, musicians, politicians, athletes, scientists, community leaders and more! Home to over 3000 portraits, the Portrait Gallery tells stories of the Australian people from past to present through the eyes of some of our best-known artists. Gain a greater understanding of Australia's identity, history, creativity, culture and diversity through portraiture, stories and a myriad of exhibitions and programs in the award winning building of the National Portrait Gallery. Discover more on the National Portrait Gallery website.

Parkes ACT

0.9 km away

Reconciliation Place — Image credit: National Capital Authority

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Reconciliation Place

Reconciliation Place reaffirms Australia's shared history and commitment to Reconciliation as an important national priority. Wander down pathways among public artworks and explore the themes of Indigenous achievements, partnerships, belonging and connection to the land and waters. The location of Reconciliation Place in the Parliamentary Zone places the Reconciliation process physically and symbolically at the heart of Australia's democratic life and institutions. Reconciliation Place is constructed on the traditional land of the Ngunnawal people.

Parkes ACT

0.9 km away

Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre — Image credit: Questacon

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre

Questacon is Australia's national science centre, where science and technology come alive in a hands-on experience for all ages to inspire your imagination with the world of science and technology. With over 200 interactive exhibits across 8 galleries, you can travel to the centre of an Earthquake, to the heart of a beehive, all the way to outer space! To guarantee a visit to Questacon, please pre-book your ticket.

Parkes ACT

0.9 km away

Pool hall

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Canberra Olympic Pool

The Olympic outdoor pool is ideal for keeping cool in the hot summer months. It's covered and heated in winter so you can swim whatever the season. A minimum of two swimming lanes are open to the general public at all times. Toddler and dive pools are open during Summer. Their Health Club is great for all levels of fitness and abilities. Make use of pin-loaded strength equipment, free weights and Olympic bars. The Cardio Theatre is decked out with all the machines you'll need to get hot and sweaty: treadmills, bikes, cross trainers, steppers, rowers and more!

Canberra City ACT

1.0 km away

Canberra Contemporary exterior — Image credit: Canberra Contemporary

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Canberra Contemporary

Canberra Contemporary is a gallery in which contemporary artists can develop daring new work that will energise their practices and bring vitality to the arts in the ACT. With exhibitions by local, national and international artists, Canberra Contemporary offers opportunities for networking and collaboration, while introducing audiences to exciting new ideas and media. Supported by an experienced team who encourages excellence ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous, Canberra Contemporary aims to provide artists and audiences with their best-ever gallery experience. Canberra Contemporary is one of a national network of Contemporary Arts Organisations Australia (CAOA), that can be seen as centres of innovation, testing new ideas and directions for the contemporary visual arts. The Canberra Contemporary program of exhibitions, performances, artists’ talks, public programs and publications generates an environment in which artists can produce work of the highest quality in the context of current national and international practice. Canberra Contemporary exhibitions and related public programs run over two spaces: the main gallery in Parkes, and Platform in Manuka.

Parkes ACT

1.0 km away

The Shine Dome. Photo credit Adi Chopra — Image credit: Australian Academy of Science

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

The Shine Dome

The Australian Academy of Science's Shine Dome and its custom-designed furniture were created to reflect the inquiring and innovative nature of science. It was the first Canberra building to be added to the National Heritage List for its historical and architectural significance. A Canberra landmark since its construction in 1959, the Shine Dome has received numerous awards and is one of seven projects the Royal Australian Institute of Architects has nominated to the World Register of Significant Twentieth Century Architecture. While the exterior of this iconic building is easily accessible, currently the only way to experience the Shine Dome interior is to attend one of the talks in the Australian Academy of Science's Public Speaker Series. Take the opportunity to engage with scientists, academics and like minded individuals and expand your view of the universe. The Shine Dome is available for hire.

Canberra ACT

1.0 km away

Civic Library

Landmarks and Buildings

Civic Library

Civic Library is located in the heart of the city close to transport and amenities. Make use of a wide range of services. Computing services offered include free internet, free word processing, and free desktop publishing. The library has a great range of international and local magazines and newspapers. The library offers regular English conversation classes.

Canberra City ACT

1.0 km away

The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia — Image credit: The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia

Entertainment Venues

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia

The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia is open daily on McCoy Circuit in Acton's cultural precinct – drop in for date night, a family outing or a quiet afternoon to yourself. Check out the weekly Arc Cinema movie program, explore the curious collection of audiovisual artefacts on display in The Library, or simply enjoy a locally roasted coffee in the cosy Mediatheque or the sunny heritage courtyard.

Acton ACT

1.0 km away

Old Parliament House Gardens

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Old Parliament House Gardens

Old Parliament House Gardens offer a pleasant, rose filled place to pause in the heart of the Parliamentary Zone. Located on either side of Old Parliament House are the House of Representatives Garden and Senate Garden. The roses in this garden were planted during the Great Depression. When parliament moved, the gardens were opened to the public. They were restored in 2004 to their current beauty. The Old Parliament House Gardens are available for public and corporate functions. Call the National Capital Authority for garden-related enquiries. Email Tennis Canberra for tennis court bookings.

Parkes ACT

1.0 km away

Artworld ADG — Image credit: Artworld ADG

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Artworld ADG

Artworld ADG on London Circuit in Canberra City is the sister gallery of the long-established Aboriginal Dreamings Gallery. Artworld ADG has a large selection of authentic, ethically sourced Aboriginal artworks, artefacts, quality Australian made corporate gifts and Aboriginal design gift products to suit all budgets. The larger, main gallery- Aboriginal Dreamings Gallery has been bringing Aboriginal art to Canberra since 1989 and is a must-see destination for Aboriginal art collectors. There is an extensive collection of Aboriginal art from remote Aboriginal art regions. A feature of the Gallery's collection is the paintings by famous Old Masters comprising collectable artworks by Rover Thomas, Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri, Turkey Tolson Tjupurrula, Jack Britten, Ada Bird Petyarre and Eunice Napangardi. Collectors are advised to make an appointment to view important works from the collection.

Canberra City ACT

1.1 km away

The Curatoreum - National Portrait Gallery

Shopping and Markets

The Curatoreum - National Portrait Gallery

The Curatoreum are independent stores located in Canberra, at the National Portrait Gallery and National Arboretum Canberra. Specialising in art, botany, design and children’s books there is a wide selection of inspiring and thought-provoking publications. The Curatoreum’s two unique locations are also ideal for presenting the best of Canberra’s creative talent, offering a large range of locally sourced jewellery and gifts for the home.

Parkes ACT

1.1 km away

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