Canberra is located in the Australian Capital Territory, on the ancient lands of the Ngunnawal people, who have lived here for over 20,000 years. Canberra’s name is thought to mean ‘meeting place’, derived from the Aboriginal word Kamberra. European settlers arrived in the 1830s, and the area won selection by ballot for the federal capital in 1908. Since then the ‘Bush Capital’ has grown to become the proud home of the Australian story, with a growing population of around 390,000.

Canberra hosts a wide range of tourist attractions, including various national museums, galleries and Parliament House, as well as beautiful parks and walking trails. Several attractions are within walking distance of the ANU campus, including the National Museum of Australia and the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Canberra is also a fantastic base from which to explore the many treasures of the surrounding region, including historic townships, beautiful coastlines and the famous Snowy Mountains. Learn more about what to do and see during your stay in Canberra.

ANU is located on the north side of Lake Burley Griffin. From the Mathematical Sciences Institute it is a short walk to the central shopping areas, the main bus interchange, numerous restaurants, and Canberra's major theatres and concert hall. It is also walking distance to the National Botanic Gardens and the National Museum.

The weather in Canberra is generally sunny and pleasant. The average daily temperature range is 0-11 degrees in July and 12-26 degrees in December. Visitors to Canberra during July and August from abroad should remember to bring warm clothes, since it is winter in Canberra during this time.

Getting around Canberra

From the airport

The best way to get to ANU from the airport is by taxi - phone 13 2227 or book online. If you are travelling directly to the Mathematical Sciences building (John Dedman building 27), ask to be dropped off at the end of Kingsley Street as many taxi drivers do not know where this building is.

Parking at ANU

There is scarce free parking at ANU. Parking restrictions apply 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless stated otherwise. Permit, Pay As You Go, Pay&Display (ticket) and time limited zones are in force from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, public holidays excepted.

You can access more information on the parking options on the campus website.

Public buses

ANU is well serviced by buses, with over thirty routes travelling close to and through campus. Route 3 and Route 7 travel through the middle of the ANU campus on weekdays and Route 934 on weekends.

The Blue Rapid express bus travels between Tuggeranong, Woden, Civic and Belconnen town centres with stops near campus. Buses depart every 5-8 minutes on weekdays between 7am - 7pm and every 15 minutes on evenings and weekends.

Bus tickets

A MyWay card is the cheapest and easiest way to pay for bus trips. Cards can be purchased and recharged at most newsagents and Canberra Connect shopfronts. They can be recharged online and over the phone. You can also pay for bus trips with cash on board the bus.

NXTBUS

ACTION's NXTBUS service tracks the location of your bus in real time. Every bus stop has an ID number. You can search for bus stop IDs on the NXTBUS website. NXTBUS can also tell you if the bus has a bike rack, easy access or is delayed or cancelled via SMS.

Bike and ride

Bicycle enclosures, lockers and bicycle hoops are located at many convenient places around Canberra, providing links with major bus routes. Access to bicycle enclosures is via a registered MyWay card. Most ACTION buses are fitted with a bicycle carrier on the front of the bus with space for two bicycles.

Park and ride

Park and Ride facilities allow users to park their car, and transfer to an ACTION bus. All Park and Ride facilities are well lit and most sites offer weather resistant bus shelters.

Accessible buses

ACTION provides easy access buses and services for hearing, vision and mobility impaired users.

ANU transport services

Campus traveller

The Campus Traveller is a free shuttle bus service will provide pick-ups and drop-offs from and to the Lindsay Pryor car park.

See the website for more information.

On Campus Night Bus

ANU Security provides free, safe travel across campus for students and staff, Monday to Saturday evenings during semester.

The night bus provides transport between libraries, carparks and lecture theatres on campus, from 6.30pm to 12am from Monday to Thursday, and from 6.30pm to 2am on Friday and Saturday. Please note there is no service on Sunday

See the website for more information.

Accommodation

ANU offers a broad range of accommodation choices for students, within a diverse and vibrant community.

For short-term accommodation, please visit the ANU accommodation alternatives page.