Opened in 1941, this monument commemorates the Australian service men and women who have served in the armed forces. As well as hosting honour roles of the fallen and an extensive archive of conflict-related material, the memorial is also home to a museum that features permanent – and often moving – exhibitions on the First and Second World Wars, as well as special visiting exhibitions.

As spring arrives, the team behind Floriade put on Australia’s premier flower and entertainment celebration in Commonwealth Park. For a whole month, the park is transformed with markets, sculptures, tours, photography workshops and, of course, one million of the most beautiful blooms and annuals.

Home to the most treasured pieces in Australian art history and works from up-and-coming artists, the gallery is never short on exciting exhibitions. Artists with work on show include international icons Monet, Matisse and Warhol, alongside Australian favourites including Albert Namatjira, Sidney Nolan and Margaret Preston.

While schoolchildren can no longer mark their visit by rolling down the grassy sloped roof of Parliament House, visitors to the peak of the Parliamentary Triangle can see their tax-payer dollars at work by catching Question Time in the House of Representatives or the Senate, taking a guided tour of the building or perusing the extensive Parliament House Art Collection.

Featuring 94 forests of at-risk species from Australia and the world, you’re able to walk, cycle or drive around the National Arboretum. Take a guided tour, which also provides brilliant views of Canberra and make sure to plan at least three hours for your visit.

Since 1965, more than 15 billion coins have been created in this building, including the 15,000 five-cent coins that line the central staircase. Go behind the scenes to discover how up to two million coins are made there each day, from everyday-circulation coins to special collectors’ editions.

Swing past the Old Bus Depot for the city’s legendary food, clothing and craft market. This Sunday institution has something for everyone – wood-fired bread, handcrafted metal and glass jewellery, lavender-scented sachets, brightly coloured ceramics, one-of-a-kind spice blends - and you’ll never know what bargain or unexpected treasure you’ll stumble across next.

The National Library collects everything from manuscripts and newspapers to music, archived websites and dance performances so exploring this library could take a while. Wind your way through the Treasures Gallery and brush up on Australia’s colourful history as brought to you by some incredible artefacts, including books, newspapers and multimedia.

The National Science and Technology Centre is a must-visit for family outings and holidays in the city, too. There are plenty of hands-on activities to keep visitors young and old entertained, from feeling the force of an earthquake in the Awesome Earth display to playing air hockey against a robot at EXCITE@Q.