Things to do in Canberra with a local
Canberra is a planned capital built around a lake, with national institutions, bushland lookouts and a growing café and dining scene in its inner suburbs. It rewards a little local knowledge of where to go between the landmarks. This guide covers eight well-known Canberra experiences and how each one feels with a Deeplay Companion — a verified local you book by the hour for platonic social activities.
Published by Deeplay ·
The guide
Eight Canberra experiences, better shared
- 1
Lake Burley Griffin
Central Canberra
The lake at the centre of the capital, with walking and cycling paths connecting the national institutions, Commonwealth Park and the Captain Cook Memorial Jet.
Why with a local: A walk around part of the lake is the easiest way to understand how the city fits together.
- 2
Mount Ainslie Lookout
Campbell
A lookout with the classic view along the land axis — over the Australian War Memorial and Anzac Parade to Parliament House.
Why with a local: A local knows the walking track up from behind the War Memorial and the best time of day for the view.
- 3
Australian War Memorial
Campbell
A national memorial, museum and archive, and one of Canberra's most visited places.
Why with a local: A thoughtful visit is easier with someone to talk it through with afterwards.
- 4
National Gallery of Australia
Parkes
The national art collection, including Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and international art, with a sculpture garden by the lake.
Why with a local: A gallery afternoon with a Companion, followed by a walk along the lake shore.
- 5
Parliament House
Capital Hill
Australia's Parliament House, open to visitors, with public galleries and a grass roof walkway.
Why with a local: A local can help you make sense of the building and how it fits into the city's design.
- 6
Braddon and Lonsdale Street
Braddon
Canberra's best-known café and dining strip, a short walk from Civic.
Why with a local: A local's favourite café is the best introduction to Canberra beyond the national institutions.
- 7
Dickson
Inner north
An inner-north town centre known for its concentration of Asian restaurants and casual dining.
Why with a local: A Companion can recommend where to eat and help you order something new.
- 8
Old Bus Depot Markets
Kingston
A long-running Sunday market in a heritage building near the Kingston Foreshore, with local makers, food and produce.
Why with a local: A Sunday morning market wander, then a coffee or lunch on the foreshore.
Practical tips
Getting around Canberra
- Canberra is spread out. Plan your outing around one area — the lake, the inner north or Kingston — rather than crossing the city.
- Winters are cold and frosty. Gallery and museum outings make good winter bookings.
- Light rail runs between Gungahlin and the city centre, which makes Braddon and Civic easy to reach.
- For a first booking, choose a public, central meeting spot and agree on the plan in Deeplay messages beforehand.
- Having a good time? You can extend a booking during the activity, from an extra 30 minutes up to 3 hours.
Admin approved
Every Companion is reviewed and approved by the Deeplay team before going live.
ID verified
Companions pass Stripe Identity government-ID verification before taking bookings.
Charged on acceptance
Your card is only held when you book, and charged once your Companion accepts.
Platonic, always
Social activities only, under our Community Standards. Deeplay is not a dating app.
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