Attractions and Activities Canberra’s famous National icons are within a few minutes drive or a relaxed walk or bike ride around the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Parliament House – home of the Federal Parliament and one of the worlds most famous and interesting pieces of architecture. Excellent free tours every half-hour.

• Old Parliament House- now houses the National Portrait Gallery and also has tours highlighting the time when it was the seat of parliament and the stories that go with it.
   
• National Museum of Australia – FREE, world class, cultural and historic museum opened 2001.
   
• National Gallery of Australia – view the works of the famous permanent collection or visit one of the regular spectacular special exhibitions.

• High Court of Australia - the highest court in the Australian judicial system is open to the public even when court is in session and has informative tours.

• Questacon - The National Science and Technology Centre-an array of ‘hands on’ science with interactive exhibits for the whole family.

• Australian War Memorial - National memorial to all those who have died in wars, a solemn reminder and an excellent museum.

Canberra has an outstanding network of cycle paths which include the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. An excellent way to take in the sights or just relax with a ride through some of the many parks. Bike hire is available at Victor Lodge.

As well as the well known attractions Canberra has a few secrets usually known those with particular tastes or special interests. Try some of these:

• Australian Institute of Sport
• Lake cruises-daily sightseeing cruises
• Hot air ballooning- Canberra is one of Australia’s best venues for ballooning
• The National Aquarium and Wildlife Sanctuary
• Tidbinbilla Deep Space Tracking Station
• The National Dinosaur Museum.
• Cockington Green-miniature English Village
• Australian Botanic Gardens
• National Library of Australia
• Royal Australian Mint
• Australian Archives
• Screen Sound Australia - Film and Recording Archives
• Corin forest flying fox and bob sled ride
• The diplomatic area of Yarralumla- home of most embassies and unique architecture

There are days full of a diverse range of activities and attractions within easy reach.

Within a short drive by car, or on one of the excellent day tours is the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and Namadgi National Park for excellent bushwalking, rock climbing or just a picnic or glimpse of our native birds and animals in their natural environment.

Business is only minutes away in any direction with Kingston being in the centre of Canberra.

Shopping at any of the major retail centres in Canberra City or at Woden is only 10 minutes away.

Kingston and Manuka with their boutique shops, cafes and restaurants are only a short walk.

Old Bus Depot Markets at Kingston are on most Sundays for those who like to stroll through stalls of interesting hand made items.

Dining out is always a feature of any visit and the restaurants, pubs and cafes of Kingston and Manuka can cater for virtually any taste with award winning venues and all types of cuisine within minutes walk from the Lodge.

Wine tasting tours are also available, as Canberra is the centre of the areas Cool Climate wine-growing region.