If you’re a Canberran you’d probably say it’s known for being ‘boring’, or you might mention the huge number of roundabouts and the funky bus shelters.
But if you’re considering visiting Canberra or generally trying to identify what Canberra is known for, you should know that it is Australia’s capital city. Canberra known for its clean and green environment and as a planned city with a modernist design. The many parks and nature reserves make Canberra one of the greenest capitals in the world, which gives it its nickname “the bush capital”.
Canberra was established as the national capital in 1908 and has since grown into a prosperous and livable city that attracts many visitors every year. Canberra boasts a population fast approaching half a million people. Reflecting this success, the Australian Government has made Canberra one of the most environmentally sustainable cities in the world.
Canberra also has many public facilities and attractions that are free to use. One example is the Australian War Memorial building which houses an art gallery, theater, museum, and more. Canberra is home to Parliament House – the house of Australian Parliament – which was built in 1927. The building’s white wings represent freedom and peace while its dome stands for honesty and justice.
Canberra is situated in the Australian Capital Territory, which includes a large amount of natural parkland with many lakes, rivers, and streams that can be enjoyed during the warmer months. The city was planned ahead of other Australian cities by Walter Burley Griffin, where he envisioned a design that would combine all aspects of city living together: liveable houses, good water supply and drainage systems, schools and universities.
One of the most popular attractions in Canberra is Parliament House, which houses the debating chambers of both houses of Parliament. The official residence of the Prime Minister of Australia, The Lodge, is also located in Canberra. Visitors can visit Parliament House and navigate the halls where decisions are made for the whole Australia. And once you’re done with the new Parliament House, you can pop in to Old Parliament House!
If you’d like to have a meal somewhere scenic you can pop into the Southern Cross Yacht Club in Yarralumla. During dragon boating season the early morning dragon boat races are also a great sight to behold in Yarralumla.
Canberra is also surrounded by wonderful nature reserves, national parks, and scenic lookouts. Mount Majura is a mountain with three peaks in Canberra, Australia. It overlooks Canberra from northeast of Belconnen district and south-east. Then there’s Red Hill Lookout, close to Yarralumla.
The National Museum of Australia showcases Australian history since 1770, Indigenous culture and natural history, with interactive displays and activities for children. The National Gallery set out to collect modern art from all over the world; you can see paintings by renowned artists like Picasso or