CANBERRA
Canberra is one of the world’s great national capitals, and one of the few planned cities on earth.
The name Canberra stems from the aboriginal word Kamberra meaning ’meeting place’, and it is home to many of Australia's iconic institutions and treasures, the Federal Parliament of Australia, the judiciary, the defence and intelligence agencies, the Australian public servants, and the International diplomatic community.
Canberra showcases the diverse history of our country and is home to the Australian Story. It is a city of 350,000 people and is geographically 150 km from the ocean and 281 km from Sydney . It is conveniently nestled between the Snowy Mountains and Australia’s high country and the pristine beaches of Australia's east coast. The Australian Parliament sat in Canberra for the first time in 1927, after the city was selected and named Canberra in 1913.
Canberra has more attractions than any other Australian capital city, with an array of world class museums, galleries and institutions housing some of the most valuable of Australia's artworks, war memorabilia, documents, publications, archives, music and sound recordings.
Many of the most significant attractions are located within the Parliamentary Triangle, on either side of Lake Burley Griffin. These include Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, the National Library of Australia, Australia's National Science and Technology Centre: Questacon, the National Portrait Gallery, the High Court of Australia, the National Gallery of Australia, The National Museum of Australia and the National Archive of Australia. The National Film and Sound Archive is allocated within the grounds of the Australian National University.
On the outskirts of the city the Australian Institute of Sport is located in the suburb of Bruce, the Royal Australian Mint is located in Deakin. The Australian National Botanic Gardens is located a short distance from the Australian National University, the National Zoo and Aquarium is in Yarralumla, and the Gold Creek precinct, to the city’s north, houses Cockington Green Gardens, the National Dinosaur Museum, the popular Bird Walk Avery and the Australian Reptile Park.
Stromlo Forest Park is a world-class sporting facility 15 minutes drive from the city. The purpose-built event pavilion, criterium cycling circuit, grass running track, a trials course and cross country and downhill mountain bike tracks have hosted national and international events. Stromlo Forest Park has trails suitable for equestrian riders, runners and walkers.
And within 30 minutes of the city are around 35 wineries, producing national and international award-winning wines. These cool climate vineyards in Murrumbateman and Lake George are among the best in the world.
Key attractions
Floriade
Floriade is the biggest flower festival in Australia, a spectacular celebration of spring, set in Canberra's Commonwealth Park. This event boasts over 1 million plants and attracts visitors from all over the world. Apart from the spectacular array of garden beds, there are displays of garden products, arts and crafts, activities and demonstrations of all sorts, garden features, and a wide variety of merchandise on sale, as well as restaurants and cafes.
Australian War Memorial
The Memorial is one of the world's best war museums. It commemorate the commitment, camaraderie and sacrifice of Australians who have served their country. You’ll discover the stories of war, armed conflict and peacekeeping activities. Place a poppy on the Roll of Honour wall, experience a 1943 night raid over Berlin, view the G for George sound and light show. You can explore a First World War trench, a Vietnam War helicopter and sound show, a Cold War submarine and learn about the peacekeeping activities of the Armed services. Don’t miss the moving rendition of the Last Post at 5pm daily.
National Gallery of Australia
More than 100,000 works of art and world-class art exhibitions are on display at the National Gallery of Australia. See the famous Blue poles, and the impressive selection of famous Australian artworks by Sidney Nolan, Arthur Boyd, Arthur Streeton, Tom Roberts and many more. There’s also works from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, Asia and Art of the Indian Subcontinent Gallery.
Parliament House
The home of Federal Parliament, the massive building is topped with an 81 metre flagpole with an Australian flag bigger than a double-decker bus. Watch parliamentarians in action at Question Time from 2pm on sitting days. Take a free guided tour to learn about parliamentary processes and the impressive architecture. You’ll also enjoy the renowned collection of Australian contemporary art. Stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens. The Queen's Terrace Cafe offers sweeping views of Lake Burley Griffin. Choose from a great range of quality gifts, souvenirs and books at the Parliament Shop.
National Museum of Australia
The Museum contains thousands of objects that represent Australia’s history and cultural heritage. See famous Australian icons like Phar Lap’s heart and Captain Cook’s teacup. Discover the key themes of Land, Nation and People. State-of-the-art technology and exhibition design, multimedia, live performances, hands-on activities and guided tours will enhance your visit. This multi-award winning museum is the first in the country devoted to the stories of Australia and Australians. The colourful building is an architectural landmark that complements its beautiful surroundings.
National Portrait Gallery
See more than 400 portraits of people who have shaped the nation, and the paintings, drawings, sculptural works and photography that reflect Australia’s history, diversity and culture. Discover portraits of people from all walks of life including artists, musicians, entertainers, politicians, sports people and royalty. Favourites include Ned Kelly’s death mask and Howard Arkley’s portrait of Nick Cave. Enjoy the natural light, wood and stone featured in the National Portrait Gallery's design, and take time out to have a coffee at their well appointed café.
Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre
This is a high-technology science museum and is the ultimate in hands on interactive displays. Highlights are the Cybercity display and the Earthquake House, great fun for all ages. Free fall from six metres high! Go on a virtual roller coaster ride. Take a journey of discovery through seven different exhibition galleries. Watch a lightning bolt, learn about tornadoes, the physics of sound and more. Exhibits change constantly so there's always a good reason to come back.
National Library of Australia
See the beautiful, the rare and the unexpected at the National Library of Australia on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Enjoy unparalleled access to Australia’s documentary heritage. Australian print materials include books, serials, maps, newspapers, music and ephemera. Search for online publications and unpublished material such as manuscripts, pictures and oral history. You can also find considerable general overseas and rare book materials, and world-class Asian and Pacific collections. Discover fine food and places to relax at their three cafés. The bookshop has Australia's best authors on offer and perfect gifts.
National Zoo and Aquarium
Visit Australia's only combined zoo and aquarium and see Australia's largest collection of big cats, giraffes and bears. See the eight magnificent white lions that have made Canberra their home. It is a fun zoo for all ages with a mix of terrestrial and aquatic species. There are plenty of native animals on display as well as some favorite overseas visitors.
The Canberra International Arboretum
Canberra is also developing an International Arboretum, just 6 km from the city centre, featuring 100 forests of 100 trees from around the world. It will also include magnificent gardens and water features. It is in the early stages of development, but is open to the public at certain times during Floriade.
Canberra Glassworks
The Canberra Glassworks is housed in the historic Kingston Powerhouse in the suburb of Kingston. This contemporary glass centre is the only one of its kind in Australia. You will see professional glass artists at work. And if you are lucky you could make your own glass beads and tiles. Visit their striking exhibitions and view their array of exquisite handmade pieces in their gift shop. Finish off your visit with refreshments in the Glassworks Cafe.
Cockington Green
Explore the world in miniature at Cockington Green Gardens. See highly detailed miniature buildings and magical landscaped gardens. Take a miniature steam-train ride. Marvel at detailed replicas of actual buildings. Figurines, sound and movement bring scenes to life. See Scotland’s Braemer Castle, the Ukraine’s St Andrew’s Church, Chateau De Ruit from Mauritius and many more. Picnic in the grounds or enjoy the café. Cockington Green is only 15 minutes from Canberra’s centre.
Canberra Deep Space Communication station
This information centre on space is still active tracking results from Mars Pathfinder, Voyager 1 and 2 and many other space explorations, it also provides a link with NASA spacecraft. See the largest giant antennae in the Southern Hemisphere. Learn all about NASA. See a piece of 3.8 billion-year-old Moon rock. Take a look around the Canberra Space Centre where you can watch a space movie, check out what the well-dressed astronaut wears, and get the latest space news. For the past 40 years this Complex has played a key role in the exploration of space as part of NASA’s Deep Space Network. Located 39km southwest of Canberra, it is a must for people interested in astronomy and space missions.
Australian National Botanic Gardens
The Gardens contain the best collection of Australian flora in the world. Explore the diversity of Australia’s weird and wonderful plants. See the rare and the beautiful. Hear native birdsong as you walk along winding paths. Wander through towering gum trees. Explore the Rainforest Gully, the Rock Garden, the Eucalypt Lawn and the Mallee Shrublands. Free daily guided walks at 11 am and 2 pm. Browse Canberra's best range of nature publications at the Botanical Bookshop, then relax indoors or outdoors at Hudson's in the Gardens cafe.
High Court of Australia
See Australia’s highest court of appeal in a striking building by Lake Burley Griffin that features a seven storey high public hall and stunning waterfall. The High Court features three courtrooms and an impressive public hall adorned by murals depicting the development of the Australian nation and its Constitution. Interpreting and upholding the Constitution is one of the important functions of the High Court, together with interpreting Federal Law and hearing cases referred from other courts. High Court sittings are open to the public. The building was opened in 1980 by the Queen.
National Archives of Australia
Discover a treasure trove of fascinating records about Australia or your family’s history at the National Archives of Australia. The National Archives, housed in Canberra’s original general post office, looks after Australia's valuable Commonwealth records dating back to Federation. Among the must sees is Australia’s birth certificate – The Constitution and Royal Commission of Assent - along with ever changing exhibitions and displays. Delve into original government records that trace the events and decisions that shaped the nation including papers of Prime Ministers and Governors-General, cabinet documents, Royal Commission files and immigration records.
The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House
Old Parliament House is much more traditional than its more modern replacement, but still most imposing. Burley Griffin imagined that this was just going to be a temporary building however, Parliament sat here for 61 years, from 1927 until 1988. Daily tours are available.
Telstra Tower
The Telstra Tower is 195 metres high and built on the top of Black Mountain, five kilometres from the city centre. The main purpose of the tower is its telecommunications functions, but it also has a revolving restaurant and public viewing gallery and an exhibition showing the history of telecommunications in Australia.
The Australian Institute of Sport
This famous sporting institute opened in 1981 and since then has trained most of Australia's greatest athletes across a variety of sports. There are some fun and interesting tours conducted here, with well known members of the Institute conducting many of them. A highlight is the interactive Sportex museum, where you can test your fitness levels against our top Olympians.
National Film and Sound Archives
Relive your childhood at the National Film and Sound Archive. This is a collection of radio, television and film archives. Discover film clips, sound bites, touch screens, photographs, costumes and other memorabilia from Australia’s audio visual history. See continuous screenings of film classics. Visit the exhibitions. Stay for a film or browse in the shop. Enjoy the art deco architecture and courtyard cafe. The Archives, housed in the art deco former Institute of Anatomy, are a division of the Australian Film Commission. It is locate within the grounds of the Australian National University
Royal Australian Mint
Mint your own $1 coin and watch money being made from the viewing gallery. Visit the coin shop and browse among a wide range of collector coins and medallions. The Royal Australian Mint was officially opened in February 1965 to produce Australia’s decimal coinage. Today the Mint , the first mint in Australia, produces more than 600 million coins per year. Watch presentations in the theatrette explaining coins and coin production. See displays of coins dating back to the First Fleet.
National Capital Exhibition
The National Capital Exhibition is a great place to start your tour of Canberra. Explore the people, events, history and design that contributed to the development of our unique capital city. The Exhibition illustrates Canberra's vital role as a symbol of Federation through interactive displays and multi-media models.
Lanyon Homestead
The Lanyon historic precinct is set in a landscape of great natural beauty. Stroll in the rambling gardens, visit the restored 1850's homestead and the courtyard buildings. Changing exhibitions focus on aspects of Australian country life. A wide range of interactive educational and community programs are also available. Cafe and gift shop on site. The homestead is some 25 kilometers south of the city centre
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and Visitors Centre
This rural heaven is located about 40 minutes drive west of Canberra. You can see hosts of native birds and animals in their natural environment. There are plenty of hiking trails, with some adventurous ones to the mountaintops.See koalas, emus, kangaroos, the endangered brush-tail wallaby, reptiles, possums and echidnas in a natural setting. This unique outdoor attraction also features high quality exhibits and boardwalks. Ask about guided walks, activities and bush trails at their Visitor’s Centre. Enjoy hands on displays and education amenities. Gifts, coffee and light refreshments for sale. Electric and wood-fired barbecues are available free of charge. Take one of their many guided tours.
Blundell's Cottage
This six room sandstone cottage was built before Canberra existed in 1860, it was moved to this site and restored in 1964. A hands on historic home where you can touch the artefacts.
National Carillon
The National Carillon, a bicentennial gift from Britain, stands on Aspen Island in Lake Burley Griffin. It is a three column bell tower comprising 53 bells and chimes every quarter of an hour.
National Dinosaur Museum
There are over three hundred exhibits including ten full-size replica skeletons of dinosaurs in this museum. Located 11kms north of Canberra. Gold Creek Road
Namadgi National Park
This magnificent stretch of alpine wilderness is located near Tharwa and covers over 45% of the ACT. This park is ideal for scenic drives, bushwalking and flora and flora watching. An informative visitors centre is located here and can be found 30kms from Canberra.
Red Hill Lookout
South of the city centre, Red Hill offers a lookout over many of our national icons. In autumn, the brilliant reds and oranges of the deciduous trees in the suburbs below are stunning. Relax in the kiosk and restaurant or do some bird watching. The eucalypt hollows are the favourite nesting places of white-throated treecreepers and southern boobooks. Red Hill Lookout provides sweeping vistas of Canberra from the south. The lookout is directly above a golf course and the restaurant and cafe have superb views.
Mount Ainslie Lookout
Walk, cycle or drive to the top of Mount Ainslie for a perfect view of Canberra’s unique layout. Take in Lake Burley Griffin, many of Canberra's national attractions and the mountain ranges surrounding the city. See great views of the Australian War Memorial, Anzac Parade and Parliament House.