On the southern side of Lake Burley Griffin and the city, the picturesque suburbs of Yarralumla and Forrest are home to some of Canberra's grandest and most exclusive residences, including The Lodge (official dwelling of the Prime Minister), Government House, the majority of Canberra's foreign embassies, and the historic Hyatt Hotel. Yarralumla's additional beauty is provided by the extensive reserves and parklands which stretch for kilometres by the shores of the lake. Along the way, there are plenty of great spots to relax with a barbeque or picnic, especially towards the eastern end at Weston Park.

Also on the lakeside in Yarralumla is Canberra's newest ecological attraction. The National Zoo and Aquarium is Australia's only "Zooquarium", combining its numerous marine exhibits with eight hectares of native and exotic wildlife. The aquarium features the continent's largest inland reef, as well as an amazing riverland tunnel which literally allows visitors to walk through schools of freshwater fish. Outside, the zoo is equally impressive, boasting large, open habitats for all of its animals. Favourite enclosures include Bear Park, Leopard Rainforest, Monkey Island, and the cougar's den. Nature lovers are also able to pat the dingoes, and hand feed the kangaroos.

Opposite Yarralumla, the suburb of Deakin is home to the Royal Australian Mint, another of Canberra's enduring attractions. The mint produces over two million coins a day, and visitors can observe the process from raw materials to finished product. In the foyer, there's also a collection of rare coins, as well as an exhibit which details the history of money minting in Australia.

Beyond the mint and the residential suburbs of Hughes and Curtin, the commercial district of Woden and Phillip make up the main shopping district for the adjoining urban expanses of Woden Valley and Weston Creek.