Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), is the beautifully built capital of Australia, brimming with cultural treasures. It’s no coincidence that the city is located halfway between Sydney and Melbourne. In 1908, the capital’s location was decided as a compromise between these two competing towns. The city’s design, which incorporates vast greenbelts and geometric shapes, was won by American architects Walter Burley Griffin and his wife, Marion Mahony Griffin, in an international competition.
Canberra’s glittering jewel is Lake Burley Griffin, which is located in the city centre. Many of the city’s key tourist sites and activities, including as the National Gallery of Australia, Questacon, and the National Library, are located along its shoreline. The Parliamentary Triangle, formed by Kings Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue, and Lake Burley Griffin, contains the parliament buildings as well as some of the city’s other top tourist attractions.
Canberra is also noted for its great events, such as the well-known Floriade, which celebrates the city’s abundant spring blossoms. With this list of the top attractions and activities to do in and around Canberra, you can learn more about the greatest locations to visit in Australia’s vibrant capital.
1. Australian War Memorial
The Australian War Memorial is one of the most emotional sights in the capital city. On September 15, 1942, the enormous Byzantine-style monument was unveiled to commemorate the Australians who lost their lives during World War II. It is, however, much more than that. The museum, archives, art gallery, and library in the complex are world-class.
2. New Parliament
One of the greatest examples of contemporary architecture is the New Parliament House, which was designed by Walter Burley Griffin in 1912. Provisional Parliament House, now known as Old Parliament House, was demolished to make way for the boomerang-shaped structure now standing in its stead.
Parliament House, created by a New York architect, was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1988. The month of May was chosen to commemorate the 1901 Melbourne Inaugural Federal Parliamentary Assembly and the 1927 opening of the Old Parliament House.
You can see how Parliament dominates the city grid of Canberra from the grassy roof.
3. Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House
When the Duke of York (later King George VI) built the “stripped classical” edifice in 1927, it hosted Australia’s Parliament until 1988. The temporary Parliament House remained in place for 61 years until a permanent building could be built.
To put it another way: It has been placed in a time capsule. Learn about previous Australian Prime Ministers, tour the Press Room, and peruse historical papers during your stay. Using Australian wood panelling, Australian furniture, and Australian flora wall hangings, the House of Representatives and Senate take their design cues from the British House of Commons and House of Lords, respectively. It’s a win-win situation for both parents and children.
4. Lake Burley Griffin
The majesty of the water Burley Griffin serves as the city’s focal point. A 1912 plan by the city’s architect included this lake, but it wasn’t created until 1958. It’s a great day for outdoor activities at this location.
Tourists and locals alike may be seen strolling along the sand dunes, picnicking in the parks, and taking use of the many watersports available. The nightlife in Canberra? The MV Southern Cross is a great way to see the lights of the city while enjoying a tasty lunch.
5. National Gallery of Australia
Queen Elizabeth II opened the cube-shaped concrete structure in 1982, which has 11 galleries on three floors, a Sculpture Garden, and a Fern Garden.
In addition to the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, it includes works from Asia, Europe, the United States, and the Pacific. The museum’s most famous painting is Jackson Pollock’s Blue Poles, which was purchased in 1973.
6. The Jerrabomberra Wetland is the sixth location.
In search of a little urban greenery? Located 8 minutes from the city centre, the Jerrabomberra Wetland is a great place for a peaceful stroll.
Although Lake Burley Griffin’s filling boosted the water level in the Moonglow River floodplain, this bird-rich wetland was created.
The luckiest among us will get a prise! There are purple swamp chickens, black swans, eastern rosellas, and yellow-tailed black cockatoos in this area. Hides are useful for spotting species that are more elusive.
Visits to this urban haven are enhanced by organised bird-watching excursions and other educational programmes. Learn about the wetland’s attractions by downloading a free app that has three different trails to explore.
Hotels and Entertainment
Many of Canberra’s greatest attractions are in or around the Parliamentary Triangle overlooking Lake Burley Griffin. Manuka and Kingston provide great stores, restaurants, and entertainment. The city core north of Lake Burley Griffin is minutes from the Parliamentary Triangle. These places have high-rated hotels. Canberra entertainers are also present there that provide further entertainment too.
