Australian Capital Territory

Many people wrongly believe that Sydney is the capital of Australia, but it is the smart cultured city of Canberra that has this privilege.  When Australia became a nation in 1901 there was great rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne to become its capital.  The rivalry was so intense that the new federal Parliament decided to build a new city halfway between the two, to put an end to their arguing.  And so the concept of a purpose-built national capital was born.
The area around Canberra is known as Australian Capital Territory and is 250,000 hectares in area.  Canberra is home to the new modern Parliament House opened by the Queen in 1988, around which you can take free guided tours.  Canberra's population is about 3000,000.  It is located almost half-way between Sydney and Melbourne, about 286 kms. from each.  It has four distinct seasons, with temperatures varying from 28C in summer to 11C in winter.  It is the perfect place to visit on the way to the Snowy Mountains.  Canberras's tourist attractions include:
  • driving or cycling round the foreshore of Lake Burley Griffin
  • 90 minute cruises (or evening dinner cruises) on the lake
  • the Royal Australian Mint, where you can make your own Australian dollar
  • going to the top of Black Mountain for panoramic views of the city
  • the Botanic Gardens on the lower slopes of Black Mountain
  • the Australian War Memorial which contains exhibits documenting Australia's military history
  • the National Gallery of Australia with more than 70,000 works of art
  • guided tours of the city on the back of a Harley Davidson
  • Namadgi National Park
  • the living museum at Lanyon Historical Homestead
  • the April Autumnfest, one of its highlights being the International Balloon Festival
  • the spring flower festival of Floriade, with over half a million flowering plants including many varieties of tulips and daffodils

 

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