Do as much or as little as you like in Australia’s capital, Canberra. Soar above the city in a hot-air balloon, explore the mountainous surrounds, see international art exhibitions and go shopping at the city’s weekend markets. Sample the region’s award-winning cool-climate wines, check out the latest foodie hotspots and enjoy a myriad of family-friendly activities. Get more travel ideas at visitcanberra.com.au.

WALK AMONG A MILLION BLOOMS

Celebrate spring time at Floriade (Sept 17 to Oct 16) in Canberra’s Commonwealth Park. Take selfies with exotic bulbs, participate in horticultural workshops and ride the Ferris wheel. The park will be turned into a twinkling wonderland filled with music acts and comedy shows for Floriade NightFest.

SOAR ABOVE THE CAPITAL

Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the city as your hot-air balloon drifts into the sky. Catch the Canberra Balloon Spectacular event (March 11 to 19, 2017) for the specially-shaped balloons. In previous years, there were hot-air balloons modelled after Darth Vader’s helmet as well as a kookaburra.

VISIT ICONIC SITES

Get a snapshot of Australia’s history at the National Museum of Australia and tour one of the world’s great war museums at the Australia War Memorial. The National Gallery of Australia is also a must-see for its national art collections and international exhibitions. Entry into most of the city’s attractions is free.

DISCOVER YOUR WILD SIDE

Plan a stay at the luxurious Jamala Wildlife Lodge, where you can share a Jungle Bungalow with bears, feed giraffes from your balcony and get close to a cheetah. For more wildlife fun, go on a bushwalk at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and catch sight of Australia’s native animals like the emu and platypus.

CONQUER THE FREAKSHAKE

Indulge in a towering milkshake piled high with cake, whipped cream and all sorts of deliciousness. Get this monster milkshake that has been creating a frenzy worldwide at Patissez cafe in Manuka and Civic.

CREATE YOUR DREAM HOLIDAY MOMENTS IN CANBERRA: Take part in the SingaporeAir Moments Contest and stand to win a trip for two. Visit singaporeair.com/canberra for details.

FLY DIRECT TO CANBERRA WITH SINGAPORE AIRLINES: From Sept 20, Singapore Airlines will fly from Singapore to Canberra four times a week. Singapore Airlines is the first to operate regularly scheduled international services to and from Canberra. For sale fares, visit singaporeair.com/canberra.

Produced by the TODAY Special Projects Team