Travelling from Melbourne to Canberra
Australia's capital, Canberra is home to a wide range of events and experiences that attract millions of travellers every year. Treat yourself to an adventure in the ACT when you book flights from Melbourne to Canberra with Virgin Australia.
Ready to explore? Book Melbourne to Canberra flights with Virgin Australia now or read on for more information about flying to the nation’s capital.
Arriving at Canberra Airport
Canberra CBD is a close 8km from the Airport, making it an easy commute. Transport options include taxi / rideshare, bus shuttle services with Transport Canberra ACTION Bus Route Rapid 3, limousine services, and car hire.
Transfer times and cost guide (to Canberra City):
- Taxi and rideshare: 8 mins - approx. $23-$26
- Bus shuttle service: approx. $3.50
Read more in our Canberra Airport Guide.
Departing from Melbourne Airport
Located 23 kilometres from central Melbourne, Melbourne Airport is best accessed by the Skybus service which runs regular services from various central city locations including Southern Cross Station, 24-hours a day.
Another commute option to Melbourne Airport is via taxi and rideshare - or self-drive utilising the Melbourne Airport parking facilities.
The drive time is approximately 25-minutes from central Melbourne in non-peak hour, however allow plenty of time during peak times as the journey may potentially take longer in traffic.
Virgin Australia operates from Terminal 3 (T3) for your Virgin Australia Domestic flight to Canberra.
What time do I need to arrive at Melbourne Airport?
If you’re planning to check in luggage we recommend that you plan to arrive at the airport 60 minutes prior to your flight time, as check-in is 45 minutes prior departure. This should allow you enough spare time to grab a coffee on your way to the departure gate, without feeling rushed.
Canberra Itinerary – What to do in a day?
Only have 24 hours in Canberra? Here’s a handy guide so you can squeeze in lots of key attractions and things to do, without feeling like you’re a contender on The Amazing Race.
8.30am – Breakfast at The Cupping Room
You’re starting the day at Canberra’s legendary cafe The Cupping Room, where champion baristas serve up the local roastery ONA Coffee with names such as Black Betty and Raspberry Candy. You’ll discover a delicious brunch menu catering for all diets.
9.30am - Lake Burley Griffin and National Gallery of Australia (NGA)
Take a walk through the sculpture garden and along scenic Lake Burley Griffin to the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) for its opening at 10.00am. Boasting one of the largest art collections in the country, explore everything from contemporary Aboriginal to European artists like Monet, plus the extensive range of changing exhibitions such as Patricia Piccinini’s Skywhalepapa.
11.30am – Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre
After grabbing a takeaway coffee at NGA Café, make the short 7-minute walk to your next adventure, Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre on King Edward Terrace. Here you can travel to the centre of an earthquake, the heart of a beehive, or all the way to outer space! Questacon is a quirky unconventional museum which includes displays like Awesome Earth – a geology installation with an earthquake simulator, and MinQ – a child-friendly exhibition for budding scientists.
1.00pm – Lunch at Molto Italian, Kingston
You’ve certainly walked a lot today, it’s time for sustenance! Today lunch is at Molto Italian , located at Kingston foreshore, a quick 5-minute drive from Questacon. This seaside trattoria boasts authentic Italian meals, we recommend their signature dish Agnello, however you’ll find the main offerings change daily.
2.30pm – Vintage shopping trail in Fyshwick
A short 6-minute drive and you’ve reached the light industrial area of Fyshwick. Once renowned for used car yards, fireworks retailers and adult shops, this area is now best described as being ‘industrial eclectic’ - home to collectables and unique treasures on the vintage shopping trail (that dare we say rivals some shops back home in Melbourne). Meander the trail, from Designer Op Shop Emporium, Dirty Janes Canberra, to the many antique shops including Fox Antiques.
4.00pm - Capital Brewing Co, Fyshwick
You’ve worked up a thirst with all this shopping, it’s time to try a local brew at Capital Brewing Co. With names like Dos Capitol (a Mexican lager) to Cosmic Panther (Neipa), how could you resist?
6.00pm – Dinner at The Boat House
After a freshen-up at your hotel, you’re off to The Boat House in Barton, for a fine-dining experience at its incredible location surrounded by private parkland, overlooking Lake Burley Griffin. The seasonally changing menu offers locally sourced produce used to create visually stunning dishes, like Humpty doo barramundi, caramel sake, wombok and mussels.
9.30pm – Nightcap at White Rabbit, CBD
Hidden in the heart of Canberra is White Rabbit, a glamorous cocktail and tapas venue lined with beautifully patterned wallpaper. Sample one of their creative cocktails, and next time you’re in Canberra, book in for their ‘Tipsy Tea’ (a high tea with a twist), or visit on one of their DJ hosted nights.
Where to stay in Canberra?
Canberra offers a diverse range of accommodation from budget to boutique hotels through to 5-star luxury, throughout the city centre, and its inner-city precincts each with their own personality.
Canberra CBD
Canberra CBD is the perfect base to explore everything Canberra has to offer - from galleries, museums and attractions – as well as award-winning bars and restaurants. City attractions include Lake Burley Griffin, Parliament House, Royal Australian Mint, Australian War Memorial, Questacon, and National Gallery Australia. Our hotel pick is QT Canberra with its playful chic décor.
North Canberra
North Canberra, aka inner north suburbs of Acton, hipster Braddon (which is practically Melbourne), and Dickson, just kilometres from the City, are perfect suburbs to stay in to be close to dining, entertainment and shopping. A fashionable area with unique and quirky shops, vegan fare, op-shop clad Uni students, and community gardens. If you have an eye for style stay at Ovolo Nishi, in the hip NewActon arts area.
South Canberra
The inner South Canberra is home to Parliament House, and the prestigious suburbs of Barton, Kingston, Yarralumla and million-dollar hotspot Forrest. Think leafy streets, neat hedges, luxury cars and popular local shops. Stay here if you fancy a more upmarket area.
When to visit Canberra?
Canberra is a rare gem among Australian cities. Whatever time of year you visit from Melbourne, you’ll be sure to find plenty of things to do.
Spring
Spring (September to November) is peak season in Canberra, the city bursting with colour under a clear sky, plus it’s a great time for bushwalking and cycling around Lake Burley Griffin. It’s a popular (and busy) time to visit for the famous Floriade, Canberra’s celebration of spring.
Summer
Summer (December to February) is another great time to explore the outdoors – Canberra has oodles of lakes, superb parks, reserves and rivers – all so close to the city. But don’t forget the sunscreen, Canberra can surprise you when she turns on the sun.
Autumn
Autumn (March to May) is a stunning time of year to visit, watch Canberra’s city transform with rustic colours as the season transitions. It’s also a season packed to the brim with cool events - including Enlighten Festival, Summernats Rare Sparts Rev Rock n Roll, Canberra Balloon Spectacular, Symphony in the Park, Canberra Comedy Festival – and much more.
Winter
Winter (June to August) is chilly, even by Melbourne standards, yet the sun still shines on. It’s an ideal time to enjoy winter activities – visit the galleries and museums - and enjoy a hunt at the Truffle Festival.
What to pack for your trip to Canberra?
Packing for your trip to Canberra all depends on what you’re planning to do and the time of year you’re visiting.
Must Packs-
- Summer: lightweight clothes, sunscreen, comfortable dresses for women, short- sleeved shirts for the men
- Autumn: a light jacket
- Winter: jeans, boots, wool scarf, long-sleeved tops, medium to heavy weight jacket
- Spring: a light jacket for cooler evenings
Frequently asked questions
The average time for your flight from Melbourne to Canberra is 1 hour and 5 minutes.
*Note: flight times should be used as a guide only. Carefully consider your requirements before travelling and always allow extra time to arrive at your destination.
You will travel over 470 kilometres on your flight from Melbourne to Canberra.
During peak periods, Virgin Australia flies up to 3 direct flights a day from Melbourne to Canberra plus up to an additional two flights that include a stopover, operating regularly scheduled flights from 8.45am to 2.10pm.
Virgin Australia flies our Boeing 737-700 and 737-800 on the Melbourne to Canberra route. More information on our fleet here