Canberra / 10 photo spots
10 Instagram spots around Canberra
Canberra rewards a slower look at its wooded hills and planned gardens. These ten viewpoints and garden paths offer both broad city views and close studies of plants and architecture.
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Photo spots on the map
3 of 10 photo ideas have sourced location coordinates. The initial view is for orientation. An area marker does not indicate an exact photo position.
Select a highlighted number to show its sourced location on the map. Every name links to the photo spot.
If the map does not load, use the OpenStreetMap link or the photo spot list.
All photo spots
- Glebe ParkApproximate area
- Commonwealth ParkApproximate area
- Black Mountain Nature ReserveApproximate area
Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.
Destination reference: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Spot coordinates: Wikidata, CC0. Selection, association and some calculations by You, Me, Away.
Mount Ainslie Lookout
At the designated lookout, use the long axis of the city to lead the eye towards Lake Burley Griffin. A wider frame includes the mountain ranges beyond.
Search Google MapsRainforest Gully
The elevated boardwalk winds through rainforest plants in the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Look along the path and let the foliage fill the sides of the frame. For commercial photography, check the permit requirements with Parks Australia.
Search Google MapsRed Centre Garden
A short detour from the Main Path reaches the Red Centre Garden. Compose a close scene of its arid plants and the garden landscape, staying on the marked route. For commercial photography, check the permit requirements with Parks Australia.
Search Google MapsHimalayan Cedar Forest
A sealed path leads into the Himalayan cedar forest at the National Arboretum. Try a vertical frame that follows the tall trunks upwards from the path. Organised and promotional photography requires prior application.
Search Google MapsDairy Farmers Hill
Dairy Farmers Hill has a circular lookout above the National Arboretum. Take a wide landscape from the platform and place the city low in the frame. Organised and promotional photography requires prior application.
Search Google MapsGlebe Park
In Glebe Park, use the old rotunda as the centre of a garden scene and include the surrounding elms or oaks. The paved park paths give room to vary your distance.
Search Google MapsCanberra Nara Peace Park
Within Lennox Gardens, the Japanese-themed Nara Peace Park has a wooden gate and gazebo. Frame one of those structures through the surrounding garden rather than trying to show the whole park.
Search Google MapsCommonwealth Park
Paths wind between open lawns, ponds and smaller garden spaces in Commonwealth Park. Use a curve in the path to connect a foreground planting with the wider park.
Search Google MapsBlack Mountain Nature Reserve
The marked walking tracks on Black Mountain pass through woodland and offer views between trees. Photograph the trunks as a layered foreground from the trail.
Search Google MapsRed Hill Lookout
Red Hill Lookout offers views across Canberra from the south of the city. Choose a tighter view of a neighbourhood below, leaving a strip of hills or sky above.
Search Google MapsSources for these photo spots
- VisitCanberra: Mount Ainslie Lookout
- Parks Australia: Rainforest Gully
- Parks Australia: Main Path Walk
- National Arboretum Canberra: Lookouts and picnic spots
- National Arboretum Canberra: Photography and filming
- VisitCanberra: National Arboretum
- VisitCanberra: Glebe Park
- VisitCanberra: Lennox Gardens
- VisitCanberra: Commonwealth Park
- VisitCanberra: Black Mountain
- VisitCanberra: Red Hill Lookout
- Australian Business Licence and Information Service: Parks Australia permits