ABOUT CANBERRA

Canberra is thought to be an Aboriginal name meaning meeting place from the Aboriginal word Kamberra. European settlers chose Canberra as Australia’s capital city in 1908. In 1912, an international architectural design competition was held to design Canberra’s urban living space. Chicago architect, Sir Walter Burley Griffin won the competition.

Canberra can be used as a base from which to explore local historic towns, the Snowy Mountains and local natural wonders. Leave enough time to linger in the district to experience all it has to offer.

Explore the national gallery, library and museums that house Australia’s history and national art works. Visit Old Parliament House and take a stroll through its famous rose gardens, or Parliament House, the High Court and the site of Reconciliation Square. Then there is Questacon, Australia’s National Science and Technology Centre where there is fun for all ages with cutting edge technology – all on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.

Take a tour of the National Zoo and Aquarium to see the sharks, tigers, lions and bears. Mint a $1 coin at the Royal Australian Mint which has a capacity to produce 2 million coins a day.

Visit the Australian Institute of Sport, the place where many Australian sporting dreams begin. Try your skills at rowing or wheelchair basketball. Go to Cockington Green Gardens to see the world in miniature and visit Gold Creek Village, the National Dinosaur Museum, take the Bird Walk and check out the Australian Reptile Park.

While in Canberra, take a tour of the cool climate vineyards. Most are within 30 minutes of the city centre and more than 30 vineyards have cellar doors with affordable prices and friendly people.

If you want to spend some time in the Australian bush, visit Corin Forest Mountain Retreat just 45 minutes from Canberra. This a recreational facility that has the excitement of a 1.2 km Bobsled Slide, a 110 m waterslide and a flying fox set in Australia’s natural bushland.

There is something for everyone to do in and around Canberra, whether it is visiting Australia’s national exhibitions or exploring the region’s natural wonders.