Acton

Canberra

Acton featuring a city and modern architecture
Acton showing cafe scenes and modern architecture
Telstra Tower showing a city as well as children
Acton
Telstra Tower showing views

This northern Canberra suburb offers natural beauty alongside engaging planned cityscapes and urban design, inviting you to learn, browse, eat and buy.

Visit Acton to stroll along the lake, learn about Australia’s scientific achievements and explore innovative architecture. Bordered by Black Mountain and City West, this diverse suburb offers enjoyable and relaxing experiences.

Step into the science labs at the CSIRO Discovery Centre, open on weekdays. See what’s under the microscope or bubbling away in beakers and learn about important moments in Australian research. At the National Film and Sound Archive, watch and listen to treasures from Australia’s audio-visual history, including music, TV and radio recordings. Learn about a very early feature film The Story of the Kelly Gang.

In the east, the National Museum of Australia looks over the water. This colourful modern complex reviews Australian society, Aboriginal history and the nation’s relationship with the natural environment. On Acton’s western side, the Black Mountain Peninsula juts into Lake Burley Griffin. Picnic or play in vast open parkland, dive into the water or launch a boat off the ramp for a pleasant day on the lake.

Visit Australian National University’s main campus to glimpse Australia’s academic life. Experience live performances at theatre restaurant Teatro Vivaldi or attend a public concert at the ANU School of Music.

After seeing historical wonders and places of learning, venture to modern Canberra at NewActon, a contemporary city precinct near the banks of the lake. See striking modern architecture all around, particularly the fascinating Nishi building. Browse gardens, boulevards, cinemas, art galleries and boutiques. Enjoy art and design exhibitions and live performances, dine in trendy wine bars and restaurants, stay in some of the city’s best modern hotels and relax in the day spa. Discover the work of local street artists adorning the walls and lobbies here.

Hire a bike to get the most out of a visit to Acton and ride around the lake’s edge at West Basin. From here, it’s easy to get to the Australian National Botanic Gardens, Telstra Tower and the National Convention Centre.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Acton

Deco Hotel

Deco Hotel

4 out of 5
214 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon, Braddon, ACT
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Canberra. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,006 reviews)
"Returned customer. Enjoyed our stay overall. The room was big and clean. The beds and pillows were comfy. Food and drinks offered in the restaurant were good and price was reasonable. However, I was disappointed that the light in the bathroom wasn’t working. Initially, it was fine, but then it started ..."

Reviewed on 14 Aug 2025

Deco Hotel
Rydges Canberra

Rydges Canberra

4 out of 5
Corner Canberra Ave & National Circuit, Forrest, ACT
The price is RM421 per night from 22 Aug to 23 Aug
RM421
RM463 total
22 Aug - 23 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Canberra. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
7.6/10 Good! (757 reviews)
"The staff were"

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Rydges Canberra
The Sebel Canberra Civic

The Sebel Canberra Civic

4.5 out of 5
197 LONDON CIRCUIT, Canberra, ACT
The price is RM379 per night from 22 Aug to 23 Aug
RM379
RM417 total
22 Aug - 23 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Canberra. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (871 reviews)
Great location
"Great location, nice staff, room well set up"

Reviewed on 14 Aug 2025

The Sebel Canberra Civic
Avenue Hotel Canberra

Avenue Hotel Canberra

5 out of 5
80 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon, ACT
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM424 per night from 14 Sept to 15 Sept
RM424
RM466 total
14 Sept - 15 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Canberra. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Nice hotel with large shower and new facilities. Close to many restaurants. Has own parking and was clean."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Avenue Hotel Canberra
QT Canberra

QT Canberra

4 out of 5
1 London Circuit, Canberra, ACT
The price is RM421 per night from 21 Aug to 22 Aug
RM421
RM463 total
21 Aug - 22 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Canberra. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Food was terrible, certainly would not recommend and would not eat there again. Great ambience but that was it which was a real shame."

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2025

QT Canberra
ibis Styles Canberra

ibis Styles Canberra

3 out of 5
203 Goyder Street, Narrabundah, ACT
The price is RM364 per night from 20 Aug to 21 Aug
RM364
RM401 total
20 Aug - 21 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Canberra. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
6.6/10 (1,001 reviews)
"Very cozy place with many extras I enjoyed my short stay"

Reviewed on 14 Aug 2025

ibis Styles Canberra
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Acton

Australian War Memorial which includes a memorial and flowers

Canberra City Centre

4.5/5(17 area reviews)

The ample dining options and fantastic lake views are top of the list for many visitors to Canberra City Centre. A stop by Canberra Museum and Gallery or Canberra Theatre Centre might round out your trip.

Canberra City Centre
Australian War Memorial which includes a memorial and flowers

Northern Canberra

Northern Canberra is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Canberra Museum and Gallery and Civic Square, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Canberra.

Northern Canberra
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City East

While visiting City East, you might make a stop by sights like Civic Square and Canberra Theatre Centre.

City East
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Braddon

Abundant dining options and relaxing spas are well-reviewed features of Braddon. Make a stop by top sights like Canberra Contemporary Art Space while you're exploring the area.

Braddon
National Portrait Gallery showing modern architecture and art

Parkes

You'll enjoy the restaurants and museums in Parkes. You might want to make time for a stop at National Portrait Gallery or High Court of Australia.

Parkes
Melbourne featuring a city, a square or plaza and heritage architecture

Yarralumla

Unique features of Yarralumla include the restaurants and art galleries. Make a stop by Royal Canberra Golf Club or Lake Burley Griffin while you're exploring the area.

Yarralumla

Acton