There’s no better way to start a tour of Canberra than with a knockout bird’s-eye view of the entire city from the cosy confines of a hot air balloon. It’s also a stunning way to catch the sunrise, as these balloons hit the skies very early in the morning. Balloon Aloft takes off from the Canberra Hyatt in Yarralumla, making it almost too easy if you’re staying at the hotel to book a high-flying early morning ballooning adventure.

Even if you’re not into military history a visit to the War Memorial is a must-do. It’s one of the most fascinating places in Canberra if not Australia, filled with incredible stories of heroic feats in the face unbelievable odds and Australia’s part in history-making battles, peace-keeping and world-changing events. Unforgettable.

The striking National Gallery of Australia on the foreshore of Lake Burley Griffin looks like a piece of art from the outside and the creativity continues inside. Their regular exhibitions are noteworthy, but what sets this gallery apart is the incredible international exhibitions it regularly hosts. The current dazzling Cartier exhibition is exclusive to the National Gallery and well worth the price of a plane or train ticket to Canberra just for that.

Canberra’s climate means the bush capital truly gets all four seasons. And the best time to visit is during spring when Canberra holds its annual flower festival, Floriade. During September and October Commonwealth Park on the foreshore of Lake Burley Griffin is transformed into a magical outdoor fairy garden filled with flowers in all the hues of the rainbow. The endless beds of pretty tulips are a standout of the festival.

Calling all animal lovers, this one’s for you. The National Zoo and Aquarium is hands down one of the best zoos in Australia and not just for kids, thanks to their luxury overnight lodging experience allowing grown-ups to get super close to the animal kingdom from a luxe hotel-style room.

Taking a stroll through Cockington Green Gardens is like stepping through the looking glass before drinking the make-us-small elixir, it’s an entire universe of famous buildings and landmarks from around the world in miniature size. Exquisite attention-to-detail and the beautiful gardens the buildings are set in make this a must-see.

Canberra has a thriving restaurant scene with a raft of international and local cuisine options. And if you’re a foodie, you could spend an entire weekend just going from one delicious diner to the next. Our picks for top breakfast and lunch spots include Maple + Clove, Urban Pantry, the Farmer’s Daughter and Double Shot Deakin. Dinner is best served at authentic Italian Agostini’s in Kingston’s slick East Hotel, Braddon’s contemporary eatery Eightysix or Kingston’s Mediterranean standout, Pomegranate.

Of course no visit to the nation’s capital would be complete without a visit to where it all happens: Parliament House. Even the grounds are gorgeous, with a turn around the rose gardens an essential pit-stop on the Parliamentary tour. Watch Question Time live, see lively debate in the house and drink in democracy as it happens.

Hire a bike or pull out a pair of your fave runners and take a tour of Canberra’s heart, Lake Burley Griffin. It’s beautiful at any time of year but particularly in autumn when all the trees lining the foreshore turn into vibrant autumnal hues.