Entrance to the Mint, Denison St, Deakin

©George Francis Dunford/Lonely Planet


The Royal Australian Mint is Australia’s biggest money-making operation. Its gallery showcases the history of Australian coinage; learn about the 1813 ‘holey dollar’ and its enigmatic offspring, the ‘dump’. There's also an observation platform where you can see coins being made (on weekdays). Engaging guided tours (30 minutes) about the history of currency in Australia run regularly throughout the day on the hour; call ahead to check times.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Canberra attractions

1. Embassy of Japan

1.24 MILES

The white walls and black beams of the elegant embassy building and adjacent Ambassador's Residence are reminiscent of traditional Japanese design. The…

2. Red Hill Lookout

1.25 MILES

The lookout at the top of Red Hill (720m) is a great spot to get a vantage north over Canberra's centre. There are plenty of walking trails winding…

3. High Commission of India

1.5 MILES

The design of the elegant, symmetrical Indian High Commission was inspired by classical Mughal and Hindu architecture. The grounds include a moat and…

4. United States Embassy

1.56 MILES

The US Embassy, constructed 1942–48, is the oldest embassy in Yarralumla, with the lease signed in 1941. It's built in a colonial Georgian style most…

5. Embassy of Finland

1.68 MILES

Constructed in 2002, the glass-and-steel 'Ilmarinen' building of the Embassy of Finland is designed to resemble a ship – its name recalls the hero of the…

7. National Zoo & Aquarium

1.86 MILES

It's certainly not the biggest in Australia, but Canberra's zoo is well laid out and animal friendly, with native fauna such as Tasmanian devils and…

8. Australian Parliament House

1.92 MILES

Built in 1988, Australia's national parliament building is a graceful and deeply symbolic piece of architecture. Sitting atop Capital Hill, the building…