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Canberra
Old Parliament House Old Parliament House made
headlines for more than sixty years as home to Australia's Federal Parliament
from 1927 to 1988. Today, this much-loved heritage building offers tourists a
unique glimpse into Australia's fascinating past - a time when this magnificent
building was the centre of political controversies and drama. Old Parliament
House echoes with the power and the passion of stories from Australia's
political past. Today, this much-loved heritage building offers an exciting
program of guided tours, exhibitions and other engaging activities for all ages,
and is also home to Australia's National Portrait Gallery. Visitors can enjoy
dining at the Cafe in the House and find a unique souvenir at the old Parliament
House Shop. Don't miss a visit to this award winning attraction - the House
where Australia grew up. New Parliament House Parliament House, the
home of Federal Parliament, is one of the world's most acclaimed buildings.
Situated in the centre of the nation's capital, it is renowned for its
impressive architecture, landscaped gardens and collection of Australian
contemporary art. The 81 metre flag mast soaring above the building has become
the symbol of Canberra. When Parliament is sitting, visitors can observe the
process of democratic government. The lively debate of question time at 2pm
attracts wide interest and proceedings may be observed from the public
galleries. Free guided tours commence every 30 minutes. Self guiding brochures
and audio-guides are available in English, French, German, Japanese and Chinese.
The Queen's Terrace Café offers sweeping views of the Parliamentary Triangle and
Lake Burley Griffin. The Parliament Shop stocks a wide range of quality gifts,
souvenirs and books. Royal Australian Mint The Royal Australian Mint was officially opened on Monday 22nd February 1965. The Mint was commissioned to produce Australia’s decimal coinage, which was to be introduced into circulation on 14th February 1966. The Royal Australian Mint holds a place in history as the first mint in Australia not to be a branch of the Royal Mint, London. Since opening in 1965 the Mint has produced over eleven billion circulating coins and has the capacity to produce over two million coins per day, or over six hundred million coins per year. You can also watch from the elevated viewing gallery as money is being made - you'll see more money made in an hour than most of us make in a year! There are presentations running continuously in the theatrette that explain coins and coin production, displays of coins dating back to the First Fleet and a coin shop where you can browse among a wide range of collector coins and medallions. What's more, you can operate a coin press to mint your very own $1.00 coin. The coin you make will have a "C" mint mark, indicating that it has been made in Canberra. The mark sets it apart from the normal circulating dollar coins. Telstra Tower Most people visit Telstra Tower for the view from the public gallery - it's spectacular, day or night. The tower rises 195 metres above the summit of Black Mountain, providing 360 degree views of Canberra and the countryside around it. The tower is more than a landmark and viewing gallery, however. It has a functional role in providing state-of-the-art telecommunications facilities for Canberra. In the lower level of the Tower's entrance foyer, the exhibition "Making Connections" traces the history of Australian telecommunications from the earliest days into the 21st century. Did you know that Australia's first telegraph wire was laid in Victoria in 1854, and that the first telegram received at Geelong that year reported the rebellion at Eureka Stockade? Or that Australia's first public telephone was installed in 1888? In the exhibition you can see old equipment and photographs and listen to the colourful history of Australia's telecommunications. National Museum of Australia Australian and
international visitors get a unique chance to explore what it means to be
Australian at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra. Opened in March
2001, the National Museum is the first in the country devoted to the stories of
Australia and Australians, exploring the key issues, events and people that have
shaped and influenced our nation. The Museum uses three key themes of Land,
Nation & People to tell the story of Australia and Australians. State-of-the-art
technology and exhibition design present the stories of the collection in an
exciting and inventive manner, including the use of multi-media, live
performances, hands-on activities and guided tours to appeal to a wide range of
audiences. Highlights include The Circa, a rotating cinema that introduces
visitors to the Museum’s three main themes of Land, Nation and People. Another
must-see is a huge three-dimensional map of Australia, visible from three
floors, which shows the tracks of our explorers and settlers, and changing
landscapes and boundaries over time. Excitement and innovation are not just
limited to the exhibits — the colourful building itself is now an architectural
landmark, one which complements the beautiful surroundings of Canberra’s Acton
Peninsula. General admission is free.
ANZAC Parade Anzac Parade is The
National Capital's major ceremonial avenue and is set along the magnificent Land
Axis which forms a key feature of the original 1912 plan for Canberra by Walter
Burley Griffin. The parade is easily distinguishable, especially when viewed
from Mt Ainslie. The red gravel and the mixed plantings of Australian blue gums
and New Zealand Hebe species is the element which links the Parliamentary Zone
to the northern lake shore. Spanning the length of the parade are 11 Memorial
sites dedicated to the many Australian New Zealand and soldiers that have lost
their lives in war. The National Capital's major commemorative way features The
Australian Hellenic Memorial, The Australian Army National Memorial, The
Australian National Korean War Memorial, The Australian Vietnam Forces National
Memorial, The Desert Mounted Corps Memorial, The New Zealand Memorial, The Rats
of Tobruk Memorial, The Royal Australian Air Force Memorial, The Australian
Service Nurses National Memorial, The Royal Australian Navy Memorial and the
Kemal Ataturk Memorial.
We
recommend only fully licensed and insured/registered
International Travel Agents. We recommend Australian Discount Travel & Tours for both Australian and international travel bookings |
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