Looking for portrait locations in Canberra? Our city is full of hidden spots perfect for photos. Our team has been taking pictures across Canberra for years – in parks, urban settings, and everywhere in between, so we have some great recommendations!
Here are our favourite places to shoot portraits, along with tips on when to visit and what makes each spot special:
Weston Park, Yarralumla
Starting off strong with one of my favourites: Weston Park in Yarralumla. This sprawling, 40-acre lakeside park is full of places to get great shots: Under the shade of willow trees, on the jetty overlooking Lake Burley Griffin, or posing with kangaroos next to towering gum trees.
I recommend shooting here at dusk so you can make use of the soft, warm light and shadows cast by the trees. Autumn is a beautiful time of year to visit – many of the trees are deciduous, and the falling red and orange leaves are a sight to behold.
I have to warn you, though, to avoid Weston Park at all costs during the school holidays – it’s a popular barbecue spot, so it can get pretty busy.
National Gallery of Australia
The National Gallery of Australia (NGA) was designed in 1976 in the brutalist style, and it’s one of Canberra’s beautiful buildings. It’s a striking brushed concrete building with sharp angles, softened by the greenery of the surrounding gardens and the curvature of outdoor art installations.
Although you can’t shoot inside the NGA without submitting a written request first, you’re spoiled for choice in the adjoined sculpture garden. Some of the spots I recommend for portraiture are the Fern Garden, James Turrell’s Skyspace, and the Spring Gardens.
Any time of day is perfect for photo sessions here. I recommend visiting on a weekday to avoid the crowds – the NGA is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Canberra after all.
National Rose Gardens
The National Rose Gardens are a heritage-listed outdoor space established in 1933. The gardens are attached to Old Parliament House and were often used to host official receptions during the parliament’s heyday.
The Art Deco architecture, blooming wisteria and vibrant lawns are ideal for a whimsical fashion shoot – think 1950s garden party vibes or the old-timey opulence of Taylor Swift’s Blank Space music video. It’s this style that makes the National Rose Garden the perfect backdrop for romantic engagement shoots or weddings.
There’s no question about the best time to visit the National Rose Garden – spring!
National Arboretum
Aren’t we lucky to live in Canberra, home to so many of Australia’s national treasures? Any one of them makes for some of the best places for portraiture in all of Australia. The National Arboretum in particular – this list wouldn’t be complete without it.
The National Arboretum has 250 hectares of diverse forests and gardens, with over 44,000 rare and endangered trees. The huge array of native trees and distinct locations makes it an incredibly varied place for photographers in Canberra to experiment with different locations.
Want some dark and moody? Head under the canopy of the 100-year Cedar Oak Forest or the Himalayan Cedar Forest. If you’re looking to put your subject in front of a beautiful view, go to Dairy Farmers Hill Lookout for a beautiful view of Canberra’s skyline.
Take a walk through the arboretum, watch the sunset, and you’ll find the perfect location in no time.
Grant Crescent, Manuka in Autumn
Grant Crescent in Manuka is one of the most scenic streets in Canberra, but it’s widely known for one thing: Turning into a leafy paradise in Autumn. Last Autumn, it was all I saw when I was scrolling through my Instagram feed, and the Canberra Times named it Canberra’s prettiest street.
Overdone? I think not. I haven’t seen a lot of portrait work done on Grant Crescent, but I’d love to! It would be a lovely spot for a lifestyle or fashion shoot with a complementary colour palette. Book it in your calendar for Autumn. At the very least, it’s an unmissable sight to see.
Majura Valley Sunflower Maze
Another seasonal one worth waiting for: The sunflower maze at Majura Valley Free Range Eggs, which runs from March to April every year. You and your subject can meander through the thousands of sunflowers across a two-hectare area, capturing fun photos along the way.
The Sunflower Maze is just 15 minutes from the city centre, and tickets cost between $10 and $15. The maze is open from 10 am to sunset. I recommend planning your session start time as close to sunset as possible so you can get the soft light coming through the swathes of sunflowers.
National Botanic Gardens
Another national gem. The National Botanic Gardens is nestled on the lower slopes of Black Mountain and has the world’s largest display of native plants, with a collection of over 70,000 from different ecosystems in Australia. It offers many beautiful locations to take your photos, from the Rock Garden to grassy areas of the Eucalypt Lawn.
My favourite spot for photography has to be the Rainforest Gully – it’s full of lush plants from Australia’s rainforests. It’ll make your photos look like you travelled 2000km north just for the shoot. It’s misty and shaded, with a long winding path throughout. Truly like nothing else in Canberra.
Offshoot!
And last but certainly not least – Offshoot! When the weather isn’t cooperating, or you want complete control over your environment, our Canberra studio is ready for your next shoot.
With Space 1‘s soaring 6.m ceilings, complete light control, and 126 square metres of space, you can create any look you want, from moody portraits to bright, airy fashion shoots. The studio comes equipped with paper backdrops in multiple colours and professional lighting gear, giving you complete creative freedom.
Our common area includes a kitchenette where you can relax between shots, and our central location in Beard puts us just 9 minutes from the airport and 20 minutes from the city. We also stock professional photography equipment for hire, including C-stands, heavy-duty light stands, and an Elgato green screen.
Ready to start creating? Book your session at Offshoot today.