Australian Capital Territory

ACT and Canberra Accommodation and Travel Info

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Canberra Destinations

Canberra is the federal (political) capital of Australia. It is located several hours drive west and slightly south of Sydney, (which is the State capital of New South Wales on the central eastern coast). This area was farmland, settled by early pioneers about 150 years ago. However, as Australia's fledgling white population grew, more States were declared and, when there were a number of them, it became obvious a federal government had to be elected, to speak for the country as a whole. Having made this decision, the next question was "Where is it to be sited?" Many suggestions were put forward, but eventually this particular area of land, comprising some 250,000 hectares (2,360 square kilometres), was chosen and purchased from the farmers, to be set aside for a national capital. It was regarded as being central to all the eastern States, where most of the population lived and accessible by air from the other States. A competition was held to design the finest capital city from bare pastures upwards - nothing being too good for politicians. This was eventually won by American architect Walter Burley Griffin, after whom the lake in the centre of town was eventually named. There they set about building the first federal Parliament House 80 years ago, with all the infrastructure and housing necessary to accommodate the many politicians and their myriad staff.

Today, Canberra is a beautiful city of some 300, 000 residents, with wide sweeping avenues and boulevards in verdant landscaping. However, the original Parliament House became too small to accommodate all the people who needed to work there and so we have a grand new, sprawling trendsetter of a building, costing well over a billion dollars, standing proudly atop of Capital Hill, open to the public with plenty of underground parking, all at no cost to visitors. The old building became a popular parliamentary historical gallery. Although this city functions purely to keep the wheels of government running, it has a beautiful setting and a myriad of delightful tourist attractions. It also has excellent accommodation, from backpacker hostels, trailer, caravan and camping park sites and self contained family cabins, delightful bed and breakfast opportunities, a wide range of motels and many hotels from three to five star, so there's something to suit everyone.

ATTRACTIONS: First time visitors would be wise to call in at the Canberra tourist Information Centre on Northbourne Avenue, approaching the city, to gather a free bag of literature covering all the things to do and see in Canberra. The obliging staff here can book tours, accommodation, balloon flights, horse riding treks, coach tours, lake cruises and more.

EATING OUT: In the heart of Canberra there is an attractive shopping centre, with some excellent restaurants, both traditional Australian and a wide variety of ethnic fare - there are more still in the suburbs - take your pick.

HIGHLIGHTS: LAKE BURLEY GRIFFIN is always a delight, with its spectacular boating at weekends and when the yacht club is holding regattas. On its banks you can inspect historic BLUNDELL'S COTTAGE. Then there is the FLORIADE, which takes place each September, when literally carpets of brilliant flowers can be seen throughout the parks and gardens, most of which are floodlit by night. The stark white concrete HIGH COURT of Australia has a dramatic forecourt, with terraced waterfalls at the front and the lake at the rear. Almost next door is the NATIONAL GALLERY, another grand white cement building, with ever changing collections of artwork on display and plenty of modern sculptures in the gardens at the rear. There too can be found one of Canberra's nicest open air restaurants. The NATIONAL LIBRARY is also in the vicinity. Both the old and the new houses of Parliament are built in this same stark white and very expensive cement, to promote Canberra's 'clean and green' environs and give an overall harmonious appearance. Children and many grownups usually make for the NATIONAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CENTRE, with its myriad hands-on equipment and displays. The AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL, on Anzac Hill, is well worth a visit and has much to see of interest to everyone. Of course, there is no charge for admittance and there are great views down to Parliament House from here. Then there's the NATIONAL MUSEUM of AUSTRALIA, the NATIONAL AQUARIUM & WILDLIFE SANCTUARY and TELSTRA TOWER on top of Black Mountain, with 360 degree views from the restaurant or viewing platforms at the top. The NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS, below Telstra Tower are worth a visit on the way up. Within the grounds of the AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY is the NATIONAL FILM & SOUND ARCHIVES and you can also see where many of Australia's finest athletes are trained at the INSTITUTE OF SPORT. A bit further out of the city, about 15-20 minutes drive, are great dual attractions that should not be missed. They are the relatively new NATIONAL DINOSAUR MUSEUM and, across the road, COCKINGTON GREEN, a vast miniature English Village that is an extremely popular tourist attraction with working trains and windmills etc. A little further out still is the great MT. STROMLO OBSERVATORY and DEEP SPACE TRACKING COMPLEX, the delightful TIDBINBILLA NATURE RESERVE, scenic COTTER DAM in the Brindabella Ranges, NAMADGI NATIONAL PARK and, for enthusiasts of Sydney Nolan's paintings, his extensive gallery in historic LANYON HOMESTEAD. CANBERRA EXPLORER buses run around all the major attractions frequently. A loop takes an hour, if you do not want to get off the bus, but are happy to listen to the commentary. However, the day ticket will allow passengers to get on and off at as many attractions as they wish that day. They pick up and drop people off at most of the popular accommodation houses on request and it only costs about $6 for a full day's use. Canberra is also surrounded by a variety of wineries, all of which offer free cellar tastings and tours. Then there is the RAILWAY MUSEUM, a BICYCLE MUSEUM, the CANBERRA MAZE and more, so it is wise to call into the Information Centre and get all the leaflets before planning your capital city tour.

HIRE CARS: Most international vehicle hire companies have Canberra agents, both at the airport and in the city centre

LOCAL TOURS: Telephone Murrays Coaches on 13 2251 (24 hours) Free accommodation pickups are available from the central area.

LAKE CRUISES: Contact Canberra Cruises

NEARBY PLACES OF INTEREST: The small historic townships of COOMA, BUNGENDORE and QUEANBEYAN are fairly close by and well worth some exploration.

Australian State Information