Walk through portrait art at National Portrait Gallery
Canberra, Australia • 
Must Do
Must DoCanberra, Australia
Must Do
Best months to visit
Jan, Dec
15°C – 27°C, warm temperatures with moderate rainfall; average high of 27, high crowds, peak season
15°C – 27°C, warm temperatures with moderate rainfall; average high of 27, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
No
Fully accessible with wheelchairs, ramps, and seating.
Fully accessible with wheelchairs, ramps, and seating.
Value for money
Medium
Free entry balances against potential exhibition fees.
Free entry balances against potential exhibition fees.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Elegant Setting
Couples loved the gallery's modern, relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a romantic stroll.
Artistic Journey
Visitors felt the diverse portrait collection offered an enriching cultural experience.
Easy Access
Couples found the accessibility features and location very convenient for a day out.
Smaller Collection
Some couples felt the gallery's collection was smaller than expected, a bit disappointing.
Limited Exhibits
Travelers noted that special exhibitions could have entry fees, which was a drawback.
No Cafe
Couples were a bit sad there was no cafe to get a coffee and relax.
Hours of operation
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Take a scenic stroll through National Portrait Gallery and uncover its hidden gems.
Follow this immersive path through National Portrait Gallery’s vibrant culture and history.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
February
MEDIUM
14-25°C
Warm temperatures with slightly higher rainfall; average high of 25.3°C and low of 14.2°C.
Warm temperatures with slightly higher rainfall; average high of 25.3°C and low of 14.2°C.
Open
No specific restrictions; more availability compared to January.
No specific restrictions; more availability compared to January.
Recommended
February provides warm weather with moderate crowds, offering a more relaxed experience at the National Portrait Gallery. Prices and availability are generally favorable.
February provides warm weather with moderate crowds, offering a more relaxed experience at the National Portrait Gallery. Prices and availability are generally favorable.
March
LOW
12-23°C
Mild temperatures with reduced rainfall; average high of 22.7°C and low of 12.0°C.
Mild temperatures with reduced rainfall; average high of 22.7°C and low of 12.0°C.
Open
No specific restrictions; ample availability.
No specific restrictions; ample availability.
Recommended
March offers pleasant weather and minimal crowds, making it an excellent time to visit the National Portrait Gallery. Prices are typically lower, and availability is high.
March offers pleasant weather and minimal crowds, making it an excellent time to visit the National Portrait Gallery. Prices are typically lower, and availability is high.
April
LOW
9-19°C
Cooler temperatures with low rainfall; average high of 18.7°C and low of 8.5°C.
Cooler temperatures with low rainfall; average high of 18.7°C and low of 8.5°C.
Open
No specific restrictions; excellent availability.
No specific restrictions; excellent availability.
Recommended
April's cooler weather and low crowd levels provide a serene environment for exploring the National Portrait Gallery. Prices are favorable, and availability is excellent.
April's cooler weather and low crowd levels provide a serene environment for exploring the National Portrait Gallery. Prices are favorable, and availability is excellent.
May
LOW
2-16°C
May in Canberra is characterized by cool temperatures and low precipitation, making it a comfortable time for indoor activities.
May in Canberra is characterized by cool temperatures and low precipitation, making it a comfortable time for indoor activities.
Open
No significant restrictions; all exhibits are accessible.
No significant restrictions; all exhibits are accessible.
Recommended
May offers a pleasant climate with fewer crowds, making it an ideal time to explore the National Portrait Gallery at your own pace.
May offers a pleasant climate with fewer crowds, making it an ideal time to explore the National Portrait Gallery at your own pace.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Buses 2 and 6 stop at Parkes Place East, directly opposite the gallery. Other routes (4, 5, 7, 10, 57, 58, 59, 180, 181, 182) have nearby stops.
Taxi
Recommended
Taxis and rideshares can drop off directly at the main entrance on King Edward Terrace.
Walking
Recommended
A 45-minute walk from the Civic center via Commonwealth Park and across Lake Burley Griffin via the Commonwealth Bridge.
Bike
Bike racks are available near the main entrance on Parkes Place and near the Sculpture Garden.
Car
The gallery has an underground car park with entry on Parkes Place. Paid parking is in effect from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm daily.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required
