The ultimate guide to Canberra with teens in tow

Taylah Darnell Taylah Darnell
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Teenagers are in for a treat in Canberra, from zooming around the lake on two wheels to bouldering, glassblowing and everything in between.

Canberra is often seen as a city as a quiet destination popular among the politically inclined, as well as business travellers, history buffs and those keen to visit its historical and cultural sites. But Canberra’s burgeoning arts and foodie scene, as well as its stunning natural landscape, make it the perfect place for a family holiday. Trust us, the kids will love it, especially after ticking everything off this list.

1. Canberra Glassworks

If you’re visiting Canberra with teens in tow, you simply must pop in to Canberra Glassworks. The company’s Teen Glass Blowing class will not only keep your kids entertained, but engaged in the art of glassmaking. The sessions will have them feeling like a fully formed glass artist, where kids aged between 14 and 19 can learn how to make bubbles, bowls and cups.

For parents: Take your own glassmaking class or tour the onsite. state-of-the-art studios and exhibition space.

Canberra Glassworks, ACT
Canberra Glassworks holds workshops for teens. (Image: VisitCanberra)

2. Share a Bike

Canberra is a bike rider’s paradise, and it’s super easy to get in the saddle and set off on a freedom ride. There are various bike hire options in the city, but one of the best is the self-serve Share a Bike, set up at various hotels in the heart of the city. Once you’ve got your bike (and helmet – safety first) head to Lake Burley Griffin, which has plenty of dedicated bike paths along the foreshore.

For parents: Not too keen on cycling? If you’re teens are old enough to explore on their own, hit up one of Canberra’s best spots for brunch nearby.

Bike riding around Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra, ACT
There are plenty of bike paths around Lake Burley Griffin. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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3. Canberra Centre

If only there was some place that offered everything… What if we told you there is (cue surprise face)? The sprawling Canberra Centre on Bunda Street has everything from ten-pin bowling and arcade games to mini golf and escape rooms. And did we mention the pizza and doughnuts? We can sense you Googling right now.

For parents: Canberra Centre also has plenty of shops and restaurants, which is like the adult version of escape rooms and doughnuts.

Getty Images of ten pin bowling
Strike out at the Canberra Centre. (Image: Mihailo Milovanović)

4. Questacon

Put aside the day to visit Questacon and you’re sure to win best parents of the year. Also known as the National Science and Technology Centre, it’s all about science, technology and innovation here, but made engaging, immersive and so much fun. There are interactive experiments, hands-on workshops, games, live shows, interesting exhibitions and so much more, it’s seriously one of the best things to do in Canberra.

For parents: We’ll be honest, this is definitely one mum and dad will enjoy just as much as the kids.

Questacon in Canberra, ACT
There are more than more than 200 interactive exhibits at Questacon. (Image: VisitCanberra)

5. National Zoo and Aquarium

Animal lovers will forever remember their trip to the National Zoo and Aquarium. With a huge selection of close-encounter experiences, teens can become a zookeeper for the day and meet the friendly locals. From an African Savannah Safari to see rhinos, giraffes and cheetahs to an epic lion encounter for the particularly brave, there’s something for everyone.

For parents: The National Arboretum is a five-minute drive from the zoo and has beautiful gardens to wander, a bonsai collection to admire and a cafe to relax in.

A giraffe at the National Zoo & Aquarium in Canberra
Make new friends with the friendly locals. (Image: Tourism Australia)

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6. Treetops Adventure

If you’ve got cheeky monkeys in tow, let them swing from the branches at Treetops Adventure, just a short drive from the CBD. In the heart of Majura Pines, teens will love jumping and zooming through the air on over 90 aerial obstacles and 16 ziplines up to 15 metres above the ground. With trained instructors onsite as well as plenty of safety equipment, it’s a safe and fun way to do Canberra with kids.

For parents: If you’d rather stay on the ground, Majura Pines is perfect for a leisurely nature walk.

Treetops Adventure in Majura Pines, Canberra
Zip through the pine trees at Treetops. (Image: Nathan Darma/Treetops Adventure)

7. BlocHaus Bouldering

You’ve heard of indoor rock climbing, but bouldering at BlocHaus takes the concept one step further. With a dedicated location for younger climbers in the happening suburb of Fyshwick (known as FamilyHaus), its the perfect place for kids to expel their energy. There are shorter walls, ropes, harnesses and big padded mats to catch kids if they fall. Book a family day pass and get going!

For parents: Afterwards, head across the road to Capital Brewing Co. for a family feed, where you can sample some epic craft brews, too.

wall climbing at BlocHaus, Fyshwick
Challenge yourself at this indoor rock climbing gym. (Image: Izzy Huang)
Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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Red earth, light shows and ancient culture: discover the ultimate NT road trip

(Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Ben Savage)

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    The Northern Territory is made for road trips, and this one hits all the highlights.

    Craggy mountain ranges, inviting waterholes, ochre soil: the landscape of the Northern Territory is asking to be explored by road and foot. There are many iconic road trips to choose from here, but none so all-encompassing than the roughly 3000 kilometres of sealed road that make up Explorer’s Way.

    Spend 14 days (or more, to really make the most of it) driving this route from Adelaide, hitting the NT near the small settlement of Kulgera before later finishing in Darwin. Along the way, you’ll find nearly all the territory’s most iconic sights.

    Discover some of the top highlights that make Explorer’s Way one of Australia’s most incredible road trips.

    1. Alice Springs

    echidna at Alice Springs Desert Park
    See the locals at Alice Springs Desert Park. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)

    Recently hitting the big screen again with the story of The Kanagroo Sanctuary, there’s a lot to surprise you in Alice Springs.

    Three distinct desert habitats – desert rivers, sand country and woodland – are recreated over 1300 hectares at Alice Springs Desert Park. Time your visit for a presentation or a free bird show.

    Later, turn your attention to the skies above, taking a dive into local astronomy at Earth Sanctuary. You’ll find a range of experiences, from a 90-minute toe-dip into the stars through to an overnight adventure.

    Alice Springs packs a surprising punch with its tasty dining options, including pub grub and unique brews at Alice Springs Brewing Co, tapas and pizza at Epilogue Lounge and tasty cafe fare at the quirky Page 27.

    2. Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park

    woman standing at Ormiston Gorge
    Dive into Ormiston Gorge. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom and Jesso)

    Beginning 15 minutes from Alice Springs and stretching across 161 kilometres, Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park is packed with striking ancient landscapes and inviting water holes.

    Visit Standley Chasm – traditionally known as Angkerle Atwatye, meaning ‘Gap of Water’ – to take in its bold red and orange hues, and to observe the diverse bird species, lizards and wallabies that call it home.

    Cool off in one of several picturesque natural swimming holes, like Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge.

    3. Uluru & Kata Tjuta

    three women looking at Kata Tjuta at sunset
    Explore Kata Tjuta. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)

    Visiting the Cultural Heart of Australia is something everybody should experience. There are so many side trips in the Red Centre you could easily spend a week here, but to get the most out of a short time, park the car then get out on foot.

    Take the 10-kilometre Base Walk around the entirety of Uluru or join a free, ranger-guided Mala Walk along part of the base, learning about Tjukurpa (creation stories) and geology as you go.

    For a change of pace, wait until nightfall and wander through the iconic Field of Light display by celebrated artist Bruce Munro, or see the Wintjiri Wiru lightshow that shares the ancient Mala story using drones, lasers and projections.

    4. Tennant Creek

    pson looking at Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) northern territory
    See the ancient granite boulders of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom And Jesso)

    Tennant Creek was Australia’s third-largest gold mining town in the 1930s, and visitors can discover that history at Battery Hill Mining Centre – and even try their own hand at gold fossicking.

    For a completely different side of history, pop into Nyinkka Nyunyu Art & Culture Centre, which preserves and shares Warumungu culture through art, performance, a museum and more.

    Just outside town, find the ancient granite boulders of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). A site integral to important stories held by the Warumungu, Kaytetye, Warlpiri and Alyawarra peoples, the boulders appear to almost have dropped out of the sky and seemingly continue to defy gravity.

    5. Mataranka

    aerial of people swimming in bitter springs northern territory
    Dive into Bitter Springs. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Ben Savage)

    A town made famous by the novel We of the Never Never by Jeannie Gunn (and a movie of the same name), Mataranka is also known for its sandy-bottomed thermal pool, Bitter Springs, within Elsey National Park. Follow a 500-metre loop track around these spring-fed pools that stay a toasty 34°C year-round, before choosing your favourite spot to dive into. Enjoy the local birdlife while you relax.

    Elsewhere in the park, find historical sites, several scenic walks and Roper River, which is perfect for boating and fishing.

    6. Nitmiluk National Park

    Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise
    Join a sunset cruise with Nabilil Dreaming. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Lachlan Gardiner)

    Nitmiluk National Park is sandstone country, with 13 stunning gorges and plenty of waterfalls waiting to be explored.

    One of the most beautiful spots can be found along the 62-kilometre Jatbula Trail, a five-to-six day bushwalk that follows an ancient Jawoyn songline from Nitmiluk Gorge to Leliyn (Edith Falls). Numbers are restricted and book out quickly, so be sure to plan well ahead. Not up for the hike? Drive right up to the falls and enjoy a dip without the challenge.

    Elsewhere, explore Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. Paddle a kayak through the river running through the canyon, or save your energy on a Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise, discovering the stories and ways of the Jawoyn people while enjoying a candlelit dinner as the cliffs around you shift colour and glow with the changing daylight.

    Continue your cultural journey at local art centres like Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Art & Culture Centre or Mimi Aboriginal Art & Craft.

    7. Litchfield National Park

    cathedral termite mounds in Litchfield national park
    Be awed by giant cathedral termite mounds. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ As We Wander)

    Just over an hour’s drive from Darwin lies the beautiful Litchfield National Park. It’s famous for stunning waterfalls and swimming holes, including Buley Rockhole, Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Tjaynera Falls.

    Here you’ll also find hundreds of giant – and magnetic – cathedral termite mounds that are truly a sight to see. Ageing up to 100 years old, you won’t find mounds like these outside the northern parts of Australia. Stroll along the accessible boardwalk to see them up close.

    8. Darwin

    darwin street art
    Darwin art is streets ahead. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Mark Fitzpatrick)

    This list wouldn’t be complete without the territory’s capital city: Darwin. Situate yourself upon arrival with a stroll through the main streets, admiring the many art murals by local, interstate and international artists. They’re all remnants of the annual Darwin Street Art Festival, one of Australia’s longest running street art festivals.

    Stop to recharge along Darwin’s Waterfront Precinct, an area of delectable restaurants, public swimming pools and free events. And, of course, it would be wrong to leave the city without enjoying a bowl of laksa at Mindil Beach Sunset Market as the sun goes down.

    Learn more and start planning your Explorer’s Way road trip at northernterritory.com/drive.