Canberra, ACT

A CAPITAL VISIT

For a city of some 350,000, Canberra has a remarkable array of attractions and activities on offer, many quite unrelated to its political and cultural institutions.

From the chic galleries and restaurants of Manuka and the Saturday markets at Gorman House, to the Canberra Maze and immaculate golf courses, the national capital is a great destination for couples and families alike. You will find some excellent accommodation options on the following pages. If you’re driving, call in at the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre at 330 Northbourne Avenue, Dickson for detailed information on the ACT. (It’s the main road into the city from the north.)

The first-time visitor has a bewildering number of options, and the close proximity of everything in this elegantly planned city means the day can be broken up into blocks of sightseeing and outdoor adventures.

>> follow this link for hotels and accommodation in Canberra.

The massive flagpole on top of Parliament House is the symbol of political Canberra and the building, with its 27 kilometres of passages, is well worth exploring. Entry is free and on non-sitting days, Parliament is open from 9am to 5pm, with free tours commencing every half-hour.

There’s much to see in addition to the House of Representatives and the Senate, with many works from Australia’s top artists – past and present – beautifully displayed. Before you’re “galleried out”, make time for the National Portrait Gallery at Old Parliament House just down the hill from Parliament House.

Lake Burley Griffin, which divides “civic” from “political” Canberra, is circled by a pedestrian and cycle pathway and thousands of trees and parklands, perfectly suited to picnics and relaxation.

One of the newer additions to Canberra is the National Museum, located on the edge of the lake. Despite some controversy, the museum won a National Tourism Award earlier this year.