About Canberra

Map of Australia showing the location of Canberra in relation to other capital cities

Canberra is the capital city of Australia, located at the northern end of the Australian Capital Territory. It has a population of about 325,000 people.

Canberra was established in 1913 as a purpose-built capital for the newly federated Commonwealth of Australia. The selection of a purpose-built capital city brought the rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne for national capital status to an end. Canberra is a highly planned city, its primary design conceived by the American architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahoney Griffin.

Lake Burley Griffin divides central Canberra, with the the city centre, known as "Civic", on the north side and the parliamentary and embassy area on the south side. National institutions are likewise divided, examples being the National Museum of Australia and the Australian War Memorial on the north side and the National Library and National Gallery of Australia on the south side. (Wikitravel)

Things to do in Canberra

Stay longer and take advantage of the many things to do and see in Canberra. The nation's capital is home to many unique attractions.

Lake Burley Griffin

Major national institutions clustered about Lake Burley Griffin include:

National Capital Exhibition - The story of Canberra. Free entry.
National Museum of Australia - Free entry to the permanent exhibition.
Australian War Memorial - National memorial to members of the armed forces and military museum. Free entry.
National Gallery of Australia - Free entry to the permanent collection.
National Portrait Gallery - Free entry.
High Court of Australia - Free entry.
National Archives of Australia - Permament exhibition Memory of a Nation, Federation Gallery, visiting exhibitions and reading room. Free entry.
Parliament House - Free entry to public spaces and free guided tours.
Old Parliament House - Small entrance fee. Free guided tours.

Canberra and Region

Attractions throughout the rest of Canberra and the region include:

Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex - 35km south of the city. An important link in tracking and the relaying of signals from NASA missions. Free entry to the visitor centre.
National Film and Sound Archive - The national collection of Australian film, television and sound recordings from the 1890s to the present. Free entry.
Royal Australian Mint - Making 2 million coins per day. Free entry.
Australian National Botanic Gardens - Just west of the city at the foot of Black Mountain. Free entry and free guided walks.
National Zoo and Aquarium - Australia's only combined zoo and aquarium with a mix of native and exotic animals.
Telstra Tower - The 195m communications tower on top of Black Mountain. 360 degree viewing platform and revolving restaurant.

Shopping

Canberra Centre - Canberra City.
Brand Depot - Retail factory outlet.
Old Bus Depot Markets - Canberra's only indoor market. Open Sundays.

More Information

For more information on Canberra's attractions, see: