A Guide to Gungahlin That’ll Convince You That All the Best Attractions Are in Canberra
Being a frequent traveler based in Canberra, I get spidey senses when it comes to knowing what the next big thing is. I love discovering an attraction right before it gets popular and telling my friends about it before all the non-locals flock to it.
Well, something tells me that Gungahlin is about to explode into the tourist consciousness. It has that healthy mix of residential areas with a nice dose of top-notch attractions that are fun to visit for the whole family.
From educational museums to more adventurous endeavors, they’ve got it all.
So what are you waiting for? Use this guide to get ahead of the curve and see all the must-visit places in Gungahlin, Canberra.
Where is Gungahlin?
The district of Gungahlin can be found in the northernmost end of the Australian Capital Territory. It is right above the districts of Belconnen, Inner North, and East Canberra.
How to Get to Gungahlin
Via Light Rail: Gungahlin is included in the Canberra Light Rail system. To get there, just hop on the train and get off at the ‘Gungahlin Place’ stop.
Via Bus: You can find plenty of bus stops all over Gungahlin. The following bus lines have stops in the different suburbs within the district:
8, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1009, 1010, 1012, 1013, 1015, 1018, 1019, 1020, 1022, 1027, 1028, 1037, 1047, 1048, 1049, 1056, 1064, 1065, 1066, 1067, and 1068.
Via Taxi or Ride-Sharing Service: Call a taxi or use your preferred ride-sharing app (like Uber). Tell your driver where you want to go within Gungahlin and they’ll take you there.
Via Private Car: Find the best route to Gungahlin by setting your GPS to a specific destination inside the district. There are free parking spots all over, such as the ones in Gungahlin Village, Marketplace Gungahlin, Jamison Centre, and Kippax Centre.
What to See in Gungahlin
Cockington Green Gardens
– Media credit: visitcanberra
Website: https://cockingtongreen.com.au/
Address: 11 Gold Creek Rd, Nicholls
Hours:
- Sunday 9:30 AM–5 PM
- Monday 9:30 AM–5 PM
- Tuesday 9:30 AM–5 PM
- Wednesday 9:30 AM–5 PM
- Thursday 9:30 AM–5 PM
- Friday 9:30 AM–5 PM
- Saturday 9:30 AM–5 PM
Phone: +61 2 6230 2273
Cockington Green Gardens is undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary attractions in all of Canberra. Even if its contents are small, you and your entire family are bound to have huge amounts of fun.
It features carefully made miniature scenes set against a backdrop of vibrant flowers and lawns. Each piece of these models was meticulously crafted by hand.
Originally, they only started with a few displays of English villages inspired by a holiday the owners went on. Over time, they added replicas of buildings from all over the world, including the Kucuksu Palace in Turkey and Machu Picchu in Peru.
There are also plenty of interactive activities for children and their parents to enjoy. The most popular is a ride on the miniature steam train, which offers a different perspective on the models.
The gardens are open daily from 9:30 AM to 5 PM. Make sure to allot at least one hour to see everything this attraction has to offer.
National Dinosaur Museum
– Media credit: nationaldinosaurmuseum
Website: https://nationaldinosaurmuseum.com.au/
Address: 6 Gold Creek Rd, Nicholls
Hours:
- Sunday 10 AM–5 PM
- Monday 10 AM–5 PM
- Tuesday 10 AM–5 PM
- Wednesday 10 AM–5 PM
- Thursday 10 AM–5 PM
- Friday 10 AM–5 PM
- Saturday 10 AM–5 PM
Phone: +61 2 6109 8160
In case you didn’t know, Australia has its very own version of Jurassic Park, minus all the dinosaurs wreaking havoc. Canberra’s National Dinosaur Museum houses collections of fossils that are more than hundreds of millions of years old.
You can be face-to-face with a 20-metre-tall (animatronic) T-Rex in the garden. Here, there are also other photo opportunities such as the Raptor Alley and other dinosaurs that can even be climbed on.
But even though ‘dinosaur’ is in the name, the museum also talks about the past and the evolution of life on Earth. That’s why they also exhibit the remains of other life forms from the same time period as dinosaurs, such as reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Kids who end up falling in love with the place can hold their birthday parties here too. The museum ensures that their special day is both educational and entertaining, with fun activities like dinosaur excavation and fossil handling.
One Tree Hill Lookout
– Media credit: littlelistofmine
Address: Hoskins Street, Hall
You don’t have to be an experienced hiker to take the trail to One Tree Hill Lookout. In fact, this might be the reason you take up the hobby.
This is actually one of the most visited trails in Canberra because of how easy it is to climb. Just keep an eye out for runners and mountain bikers because they use this path frequently as well.
Other than that, it’s well-maintained all year round and it’s climbable throughout January to November.
Keep in mind that it’ll still take you around 2 hours to complete the entire thing. But once you get to the top, you’ll get rewarded with breathtaking views. From one side, you can look out and see the ACT and then New South Wales on the other.
There’s a seating area here too, so you can choose to snap a few pictures while you catch your breath or watch some wildlife as you enjoy the fresh air.
Yerrabi Pond District Park
– Media credit: dr_phil_k
Address: Wunderlich St, Gungahlin
Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Phone: +61 2 6207 1923
Yerrabi Pond District is where you can get some nice exercise along with some quality bonding time with the rest of the family.
The playspace and adventure playground are where kids can enjoy as much as they want. They can make new friends as they take turns on the monkey bars, Burmese bridge, and tandem flying fox.
Older teens can hang out and learn some tricks at the skateboard area. There’s also the bike jump circuit for some fast-paced action.
On the other hand, family members who wish to take it slow can have a pleasant stroll around the pond. It has a paved pathway where you can walk, jog, or simply just watch the swans gracefully gliding around.
And of course, we can’t forget our beloved pets. The park allows dogs on leash, and they even have a designated dog swimming area so your pups can have some of their own fun too.
Canberra Reptile Zoo
– Media credit: viridescent.phantazein
Website: http://canberrareptilezoo.com.au/
Address: O’Hanlon Pl, Nicholls
Hours:
- Sunday 10 AM–5 PM
- Monday 10 AM–5 PM
- Tuesday 10 AM–5 PM
- Wednesday 10 AM–5 PM
- Thursday 10 AM–5 PM
- Friday 10 AM–5 PM
- Saturday 10 AM–5 PM
Phone: +61 2 6253 8533
With Australia’s international reputation as a country teeming with creepy crawlies, the Canberra Reptile Zoo is the perfect addition to any tourist itinerary.
Everyone is going to learn a lot as they see all the different animals chilling and being fed in their enclosures. It’s also always a thrill to see a mighty saltwater croc or even a boa constrictor all curled up.
It’s a hands-on experience, so be prepared to get up close and personal with some of the scaly fellows. You might get to pet some of the animals, such as the turtles, the lizards, or even a snake.
With these interactive experiences, it’s definitely going to be an unforgettable visit. You can drop by anytime between 10 AM to 5 PM because they’re open every day except on Christmas.
Where to Eat near Gungahlin
Spice Affair Canberra
– Media credit: tanikatastes
Address: Shop 8/15 Kingsland Parade, Casey ACT 2913
Phone: +61 2 6170 3468
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Tuesday – 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Wednesday to Sunday – 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
It’s no wonder why you always need to book a table before going to Spice Affair. The smell of freshly cooked food right outside is so mouthwatering that it works up the appetite.
Once you’re seated, you’ll immediately feel well taken care of. Their service is amazing, with the staff knowing the right timing and delivery for each meal.
The restaurant offers authentic flavors from different regions of India. All of their dishes are superb because they make sure to use fresh ingredients without any preservatives.
Their version of the classic Butter Chicken is excellent, but you should also try the Chicken Vindaloo if you’re looking for something more adventurous. Just don’t miss out on their famous melt-in-your-mouth Gulab Jamuns for dessert.
The George Harcourt Inn
– Media credit: thegeorgeharcourt
Address: 3 Gold Creek Road, Nicholls ACT 2913
Phone: +61 2 6230 2484
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Monday – Closed
If you’re looking for a nice cold drink, George Harcourt Inn is perfect for you. This old-fashioned English pub has been serving Canberra its favorite beverages for over 40 years.
It’s common to hear loud laughter and shouts of “Cheers!” inside this establishment. Everyone, from its customers to the staff, gets wrapped up in its lively atmosphere.
As you probably guessed, they specialize in tap beers from the United Kingdom, but they also serve a wide array of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. In fact, you’ll see customers of all ages inside.
This is because they’ve got an extensive menu, which includes kid-friendly meals. Their portions are so filling that everyone leaves with full bellies and ear-to-ear smiles.
Where to Stay near Gungahlin
Mercure Canberra Belconnen
– Media credit: mercurecanberrabelconnen
Address: 59 Cameron Avenue, Belconnen ACT 2617
Phone: +61 2 5104 3000
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Mercure Canberra Belconnen is the place to stay if you want to feel connected to the rest of Canberra while still maintaining some peace and quiet.
You’ll be able to relax in your spotless room with great views of Lake Ginninderra. But right outside of the hotel, there are a ton of shops and a bus stop that makes accessing the city’s top attractions easy and hassle-free.
Each room is carefully designed to heighten your comfort. Their plush beds, in particular, are guaranteed to give you a sound night’s sleep.
They also managed to find the kindest people in the city to be part of their reception staff. No question or request goes unanswered when you stay here.
Canberra Parklands Central
– Media credit: canberraparklands
Address: 6 Hawdon Place, Dickson ACT 2602
Phone: +61 2 6262 7000
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Canberra Parklands Central ensures that you don’t need to do anything but relax throughout your stay. Each corner of this hotel comes with special touches that make everything feel premium.
A stay here will get you a spacious room complete with kitchenette facilities. Guests also love the water pressure in the shower, stating that it’s just at the right amount to feel invigorating.
Wellness is a priority here with their onsite gymnasium and pool. Both facilities are impressive, with the pool being heated for your comfort.
Right across from the hotel are beautiful parklands perfect for a lovely stroll. The views will definitely have you wishing you could stay here forever.