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What’s open in Canberra right now?

Here's a list of the shopping centres, public venues, attractions and dining spots open to Canberra locals during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

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Courtney Edwards

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Dylan Crismale
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Canberra has returned to life without lockdown. In saying that, there are still some restrictions in place you should be aware of before you head out and about.

If you need to head out, but don't know what's open, you'll find all of the details here. Plus, see our top recommendations for things to do in Canberra.

Note: The below is accurate as of 1 November 2021. Due to the changing nature of the situation, it's best to get in contact with the venue or attraction prior to visiting to ensure it is open for business.

What are the lockdown restrictions in Canberra and the ACT?

Note: Unless otherwise stated all venues can have up to 25 people before density limits apply. Density limits of 1 person per 4 square metres apply for indoors, this changes to 2 square metres in outdoor settings.

  • Masks must be worn outside of your own home.
  • 10 people can visit another household at any time for any reason.
  • Outdoor gatherings can take place with up to 30 people.
  • You can return to work at your and your employer's discretion.
  • Children can return to school.
  • Up to 2 people can visit aged care or hospital settings, they must be vaccinated.
  • Weddings, funerals and religious, ceremonies can proceed. Dancing is permitted at weddings.
  • Restaurants and bars can have up to 25 people across the venue or 1 person per 4 square metres (whichever is lesser, excluding staff). This number is up to 50 in outdoor spaces.
  • Non-essential retail can re-open subject to density limits.
  • Hairdressers and personal care services can open.
  • Community centres, zoos, museums and other tourist attractions can open.
  • Bootcamps, personal training and outdoor contactless coaching can recommence. Swimming pools can have up to 25 swimmers.
  • Organised outdoor events are permitted with up to 75% capacity with a density of 1 person per 2 square metres in unfixed seating areas. Indoor theatre-style venues are the same but the density limit is 1 person per 4 square metres.
  • You can take recreation in National Parks.
  • Auctions can proceed with up to 25 people before density limits apply.

Travelling in the ACT

You can travel inside and outside of the ACT, as long as borders remain open with other states and territories.

This means Canberrans are free to travel to Melbourne for culinary experiences or head to Sydney and the South Coast for beach vacations.

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What's open in Canberra

With lockdown ending attractions have started to open. You'll need to book ahead for some attractions to secure your spot as density limits still apply.

Canberra attractions open in November 2021

AttractionOpening hours
National Zoo and Aquarium Open 9:30am–5pm Monday to Sunday
National Museum of AustraliaOpen 9am–5pm Monday to Sunday
The National Dinosaur MuseumOpen 10am–5pm Monday to Sunday
National Gallery of AustraliaOpen 10am–5pm Monday to Sunday
National Portrait GalleryOpen 10am–5pm Monday to Sunday
Australian War MemorialTemporarily closed
Palace Electric CinemaOpen 10am–10pm Monday to Sunday

Parks and walking trails

There are plenty of great spots in Canberra for you to explore. Gatherings of up to 30 people are permitted. Just be sure to keep a 1.5-metre distance from any person you come into contact with while outside.

Here are some of the top parks and walking trails you can visit:

Parks

  • Acton Park
  • Australian National Botanic Gardens
  • Canberra Nara Peace Park
  • City Hill
  • Commonwealth Park

Walking trails

  • The Centenary Trail
  • Mount Ainslie
  • Murrumbidgee Discovery Track
  • National Arboretum

Shopping centres and grocery stores

It's business as usual for shopping centres and grocery stores. Shoppers are encouraged to use the tap and go payment method, to use the hand sanitiser that is likely to be found at the entry and exit point of a store, and to be mindful to keep a distance of at least 1.5 metres between you and other shoppers.

  • Canberra Centre. Open and trading as usual. Retailer trading times may vary.
  • Homeworld. Open and trading as usual. Homeworld has increased the frequency of cleaning in high-touch areas, including bathrooms and common spaces.
  • Majura Park Shopping Centre. Open and trading as usual.
  • Manuka Shopping Precinct. Open and trading as usual. Retailer trading times may vary.
  • Westfield. Westfield Belconnen and Westfield Woden are open. Trading hours may vary between stores. Hand sanitiser is available at the concierge desk and increased cleaning measures have been implemented.

Are hotels open in Canberra?

You can make a booking and stay at a hotel in Canberra. Additional hygiene measures will be in place and some amenities may be unavailable.

Looking to book accommodation in Canberra? These hotels are open now.

Do I need to pre-book to visit dining venues and attractions?

If you're looking to visit an eatery or attraction, it's best to book in advance while some restrictions are still in place in Canberra.

What restaurants and cafes are open in Canberra?

Restaurants and cafes in Canberra are open and trading. If you're heading out for coffee, leave your keep cup at home for now as takeaway cups are being used as a hygiene and safety precaution.

See our top picks for dining in Canberra

If you know of any other eateries that are trading, let us know in the comments below.

Quick ways to save cash

Spending some money in Canberra? How about saving a little too? There are plenty of little changes that you can make to your daily expenses to save some extra cash, which is a pretty good idea in this time of uncertainty.

Find out how to save money on your credit card or switch your energy provider for better rates. Here are some guides on how to save money.

Picture: GettyImages

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