Fast facts
- The national capital city and centre of government
- A striking inland urban oasis, surrounded by farmland
- 289 km south-west of Sydney, population 324,000
Why go there
Canberra is one of the world's greatest examples of urban planning and landscape architecture, thanks to the visionary work of Chicago-born designer, Walter Burley Griffin.
It is the home of Australia’s Parliament House, National Gallery, National Museum and War Memorial, as well as many more significant cultural and architectural offerings.
History
In 1899, the country’s colonial premiers agreed that the Federal Capital would be in New South Wales, but no closer than 160 km from Sydney.
The Federal Capital Territory finally came into being on 1 January 1911 and an international competition was launched to devise an overall plan for the city. The winner was a young American, Walter Burley Griffin.
The city was named Canberra, after a local Aboriginal name meaning "meeting place".
Things to do
- Spend days exploring Canberra’s impressive museums and galleries.
- Soar over the capital in a hot air balloon.
- Visit botanic gardens, nature reserves and see mobs of kangaroos at Namadgi National Park.
Events
- Floriade, a month of major flower displays, events, music, food and gardening activities between mid-September and mid-October.
- Canberra Balloon Fiesta, in April, features more than 50 colourful hot air balloons launched from the forecourt of Old Parliament House.
- Rally of Canberra, in March, sees the forests surrounding Canberra transformed into rugged driving courses. For spectators, it's a feast of fast-driving rally car action.
Don’t miss
- Tales of wartime valour at the Australian War Memorial.
- The country’s best art collection at the National Gallery of Australia.
- The nation’s images and sounds at the National Museum of Australia.
- Fascinating interactive science and technology at Questacon.
- A weekend boat cruise on Lake Burley Griffin.
