AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
Where Australia's Past & Future Meet
As a true-blue Aussie and owner of Swain Destinations since 1987, I’ve had the privilege of exploring every corner of Australia. The ACT continues to surprise me with new experiences—great food, excellent tours that celebrate Australia’s culture and heritage, gorgeous landscapes, and that easygoing Aussie warmth that makes you feel like you’re among mates.
I hope you’ll go experience the ACT for yourself soon!
Cheers,
Ian Swain
President & Owner
Swain Destinations
The ACT is for...
Featured Itineraries
Curated
Cosmopolitan
12 nights
Includes Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra and Brisbane
Australia's Scenic Southeast
11 nights
Includes Melbourne, Kangaroo Island, Adelaide Hills and Canberra
Recreation
Nicknamed the Bush Capital for its nature reserves, forests, wetlands and gardens, at Canberra’s heart lies Lake Burley Griffin—a gathering place for recreation and leisure. A water playground surrounded by green spaces, you’ll find cyclists, rowers, and paddlers sharing space with picnickers and art lovers exploring the city’s national treasures.
National Treasures
Lake Burley Griffin is framed by national landmarks like the Australian Parliament House, Australian War Memorial, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Museum of Australia. Through Swain Destinations, enjoy special behind-the-scenes access to some of these national treasures—transforming a remarkable visit into an extraordinary one.
Click the sections below to see photos of these national treasures.
01
Tour the Australian Parliament House for a fascinating glimpse into Australian democracy while admiring its striking architecture, impressive art collection and symbolic design.
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Learn and reflect at the Australian War Memorial, where a commemorative shrine, museum galleries, archives, and a tranquil sculpture garden honor the nation’s history and sacrifice. Each day at 4:30 p.m., the Last Post Ceremony pays moving tribute to one of the individuals named on the Roll of Honour, sharing their story and offering visitors a poignant moment of remembrance.
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Home to more than 155,000 international works of art, the National Gallery features the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. Explore world-class exhibitions and the tranquil Sculpture Garden, where art and nature meet along the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.
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The National Museum of Australia brings the country’s stories to life through immersive exhibits that explore its history, culture, and diverse peoples. The museum’s striking architecture and vast collection of historical objects invite visitors to connect with Australia’s past and present in engaging ways.
Wildlife & Nature
Just a short drive from Canberra, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve offers a unique opportunity to experience wild Australia. Stroll the Koala Path in the Eucalypt Forest, seek out an elusive platypus in the Sanctuary wetlands ecosystem, or venture out on one of 24 walking trails keeping an eye out for wandering wallabies and emus—all within this protected setting.
NAMADGI NATIONAL PARK
Namadgi National Park is an untamed landscape shaped by tens of thousands of years of Aboriginal history. To walk through Namadgi is to journey through time, where stories of First Nations culture are revealed in sacred sites, ceremonial grounds, and ancient rock art.
Food & Wine
The ACT’s cool-climate wine regions are home to 140 vineyards and more than 50 wineries—all within a 35-minute drive from Canberra. Enjoy intimate tastings of the region’s acclaimed Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Shiraz varieties, and meet passionate winemakers right at their cellar doors.
The ACT’s burgeoning culinary scene blends vineyard-to-table dining and innovative chefs who showcase the region’s seasonal abundance. That creative energy is reflected in the Territory’s recent acclaim: more than 20 ACT restaurants were recognized in the 2025 Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hat Awards, underscoring the ACT’s rise as a must-visit destination for foodies.
Winter (June to August) brings the thrill of truffle hunting, when you can join expert foragers and their dogs to discover prized black truffles—then enjoy them shaved over dishes at some of Canberra’s top restaurants.
Where Australia's past & future meet
Australia’s past and future meet in the ACT— where historic landmarks, treasured artifacts, First Nations culture, and abundant greenspaces sit side-by-side with modern art, imaginative exhibits, and bold innovation.
Due to its compact size, you can spend a morning immersed in Australia’s national treasures and by afternoon be surrounded by vineyards or bushland. We recommend spending at least three nights in Canberra to truly appreciate the ACT’s diverse cultural, historical, outdoor, and culinary offerings.
Is travel to Australia in your future?
Allow us to assist you in including the ACT in your journey.