Australian Capital Territory School Holidays 2026

Why Visit Canberra?

Often overlooked as "just a political capital", Canberra offers exceptional educational experiences for families. The concentration of national institutions - most offering free entry - makes it one of Australia's best-value family destinations. School holidays are perfect for visiting as special programs run at many attractions.

Weather by Holiday Period

• Summer Holidays (Dec-Jan): Warm to hot (15-30°C). Excellent outdoor weather. Lake Burley Griffin activities popular. Floriade flower festival preparations begin in late summer.
• Autumn Break (April): Beautiful autumn colours (8-20°C). Popular time for national attractions. Fewer crowds than summer. Perfect outdoor temperatures.
• Winter Break (July): Cold (0-12°C) with frost and occasional snow nearby. Indoor attractions ideal. Ski fields in nearby Snowy Mountains. Cosy museum visits.
• Spring Break (September-October): Floriade flower festival runs September-October. Warming up (6-18°C). Popular tourist season. Book accommodation ahead.

National Institutions (Free Entry)

Canberra's national institutions offer world-class experiences for free. The Australian War Memorial provides moving exhibits and ceremonies. The National Museum of Australia has interactive galleries designed for children. Parliament House allows visitors to watch democracy in action. The National Gallery houses an impressive collection including Indigenous and Asian art.

Questacon - National Science and Technology Centre

Australia's premier interactive science centre deserves a full day. With over 200 hands-on exhibits across eight themed galleries, Questacon engages children of all ages. School holiday programs offer additional activities. Booking ahead for popular shows is recommended. This is many families' Canberra highlight.

Australian Institute of Sport

Tour the training facilities where Australian athletes prepare for international competition. Interactive Sportex gallery lets visitors test their sports abilities. Sometimes spot famous athletes training. Great for sports-loving families and inspiring young athletes.

National Zoo and Aquarium

Australia's only combined zoo and aquarium offers behind-the-scenes experiences including meeting big cats, hand-feeding bears, and overnight stays with animals (Jamala Wildlife Lodge). While not free, it's a unique experience not available elsewhere in Australia.

Outdoor Activities

Lake Burley Griffin offers cycling, kayaking, and paddleboating. The Australian National Botanic Gardens showcases native plants with free guided walks. Mount Ainslie and Black Mountain offer easy hikes with city views. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve (30 minutes away) provides bushwalks and wildlife encounters including platypus.

Getting to Canberra

Canberra is about 3 hours' drive from Sydney and 7 hours from Melbourne. Flights arrive from major cities. The city is compact and most attractions are close together. A car makes exploring easier but ACTION buses connect major attractions.

Accommodation Tips

Canberra offers accommodation from budget motels to luxury hotels. Self-contained apartments suit families well and are often excellent value. Consider staying in the Civic/City area for walkability, or Kingston/Manuka for restaurant access. Book ahead during Floriade and major events.

Planning Your Days

Most national institutions close at 5pm. Plan 2-3 hours per major attraction. The Parliamentary Triangle concentrates many attractions for walkable exploration. Consider the free Civic Loop bus service. School holiday programs at museums often require booking - check websites before visiting.

Day Trips from Canberra

Use Canberra as a base for exploring. The Snowy Mountains (2 hours) offers skiing in winter and hiking in summer. The NSW South Coast (2 hours) provides beach escapes. Historic Berrima and Southern Highlands (1.5 hours) make pleasant day trips. Murrumbateman wine region is just 30 minutes away.