Away from the hustle and bustle of Sydney, many foreigners are unaware that Canberra is Australia’s official capital city. Canberra is located inland in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), surrounded by New South Wales, it is about 3 hours drive from Sydney. Its geographic location and size often mean that Canberra is not the first choice destination for many domestic and international travellers, but it has surprisingly a lot to offer.
A Short History of Canberra
Australia is a federation of States and Territories. Although Sydney has always been the international business capital of Australia, and the hub of international travellers, it remains the capital of the State of New South Wales, while nearby Canberra is the federal capital of Australia.
The ancient land surrounding Canberra originally belonged to the Indigenous Ngunnawal people, until like the rest of Australia, it came under European settlement. Europeans settled in Canberra in the late 1830’s, but it wasn’t until 1908 that it was officially chosen as the federal capital of Australia.
The word Canberra was actually derived from a traditional Indigenous word Kamberra, which means ‘meeting place’. And today that is what it remains, a meeting place for all the States and Territories to come together.
Canberra’s Attractions
Canberra is dotted with perfectly manicured stretches of green open spaces. Autumn turns Canberra’s parks into a kaleidoscope of colours as visions of gold, red, ochre and russet are carefully scattered amongst delicate greens, greys and browns of the native eucalypt trees. The sunny days and cool nights of autumn in Canberra make outdoor activities as pleasant as its indoor attractions. But visitors should still make time to visit two of Canberra’s most famous attractions.
- Australia’s Parliament
The main attraction of Canberra – the style of architecture of Australian Parliament House makes this building the focal point of the city. Perched upon Canberra’s Capital Hill, a visit to Australia’s Parliament is an interesting way to start a sightseeing tour of the nation’s capital – fascinating for even the most cynic of travellers.
The building, recognised as a major international achievement in art and architecture, is a testament to modern extravagance. The forecourt boasts a beautiful Aboriginal mosaic, depicting Australia as a continent inhabited by Indigenous peoples, while the marble and timber foyer symbolise the arrival of European settlers. Various artworks and portraits from the Australian Parliament House Art Collection are also scattered throughout the halls.
For those interested in its political significance, free guided tours are available daily. Times and information is available at the Information Desk in the Foyer upon arrival. Australian Parliament operates on a bicameral system – the House of Representatives where the laws originate and the Senate where the laws are passed. Visitors are also welcome to wander and discover the public galleries and chambers.
- The Australian War Memorial
The Australian War Memorial is one of the most moving collections of Australian war history, reflecting Australia’s contribution to armed conflicts and peacekeeping throughout the world. The Memorial is located at the end of Anzac Parade, which is also dedicated to those who have fought for Australia, and boasts one of the most stunning and innovative audiovisual remembrance museums.
The impeccable entrance and courtyard host the Role of Honour, a list of 102,000 Australians that have died in war since 1885. The beautiful sandstone courtyard leads inside the Hall of Memory to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, surrounded by striking stain-glass windows, underneath the dramatic copper-clad dome.
A place of grandeur, the museum houses works of art, photographs and displays with 10 galleries ranging from colonial conflicts to the War in Afghanistan. More information on the history of Australians at war, and the collections housed at the Memorial con be found on the official website.
Entry is free and the Museum and Shop are open 10am-5pm daily.
How to Get There
All major domestic airlines have flights to Canberra from most Australian cities. Alternatively, it is a 3 hours drive from Sydney. Take the M5, connect with the Hume Highway and continue on the Federal Highway.
Greyhound Australia also offers a coach service from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide.
Where to Stay in Canberra
Canberra has a range of accommodation options for all budgets. For more information, visit the official tourism website, VisitCanberra.
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