ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr has condemned the massacre at a gay nightclub in Orlando, saying there is "no place in any civilised society for this kind of hate".
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Mr Barr said Canberra monuments would be lit up in rainbow or pink if only one colour is possible on Monday, joining other Australian landmarks in a show of solidarity.
"The news overnight of another mindless shooting massacre from a deranged fundamentalist, this time targeting the gay community, is devastating," he said.
"There is no place in any civilised society for this kind of hate and LGBTI people have experienced more than their share.
"Our priority now is to come together as a community to support those who are suffering today. Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones and friends in this senseless tragedy."
Mr Barr said he would be in contact with the US ambassador in Canberra, John Berry, to let him know the people of Canberra stand with all LGBTI Americans and the people of Orlando.
Mr Barr is Australia's first openly gay state or territory leader, and celebrated a civil union with his long-time partner in 2009. Mr Berry is also gay, and married his partner Curtis Yee in 2013.
Mr Berry thanked Australians for their thoughts and prayers.
"I deeply appreciate the Prime Minister's and Governor General's calls today to express Australia's condolences. Curtis and I are deeply saddened by this despicable act of hate, and stand in solidarity with the world's LGBTI community."
"As President Obama said today, we are united in grief and outrage. 'In the face of hate and violence, we will love one another. We will not give into fear.'"
The public landmarks expected to be lit up included Kings Avenue bridge, the Malcolm Fraser Bridge, Telstra Tower and the Carillon.
Mr Barr said the government had put requests in to the NCA and privately-owned monuments to also light up in rainbow or pink.
The massacre was the deadliest mass shooting incident in modern US history.
Fifty people were killed and at least 53 people were wounded when a gunman armed with an assault rifle and a handgun opened fire inside the club.
Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The gunman, identified as Omar Mateen, 29, an American citizen whose parents are from Afghanistan, called emergency services shortly before the attacks and pledged allegiance to Islamic State, officials said.
President Barack Obama described the mass shooting as "an act of terror" and "an act of hate", saying it was an attack on all Americans.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull also condemned the massacre as "a murderous attack on gay people" and an assault on freedom.
"This is a vile attack on freedom. But as I said earlier, it is an attack on all of us."
Australia stood in solidarity with the people of the US, and remained determined to fight terrorism in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, Mr Turnbull said.
Vigils were held in Melbourne and Sydney on Monday.
