Canberra

 


The Australian Capital Territory, famous for it's historical oversight of the nation's Federal parliament. Lake Burleigh Griffin, Parliament House, National War Museum, National Art Gallery and much much more.  

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.

Red Hill Lookout


Take a drive up to the Red Hill Lookout to get a spectacular view of the city and discover the world class Federal Golf Club set amongst the natural surrounds of the Canberra Nature Park. Nestled at the base of Red Hill, Federal golf club is one of Australia's premier inland courses. The golf course challenges players of all skill levels with its 6,312 par 73 layout, while the clubhouse offers solace or reward after the game. Function facilities available for up to 200 guests, overlooking the 18th green and views to the Brindabella's.

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.
 

 

Canberra Airport

The Canberra International Airport is less than 10 minutes from the city's commercial heart and parliamentary triangle. The principle airlines serving the airport are Qantas, Virgin Blue and Australia wide. With up to 600 non-stop flights per week the Canberra International Airport provides convenient direct routes and competitive fares to and from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Newcastle. International travellers can easily make connections to Sydney and Melbourne. Once in Canberra, transport to the city is available via shuttle bus, taxi, limousine and rental car. Be sure to stop and visit the food and retail outlets in the terminal.
 



 

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source http://www.jameswiseman.com/australia.html

Photo source: Reto Jeger

Canberra: Parliament House
Photo source: Jameswiseman.com

 

We recommend only fully licensed and insured/registered International Travel Agents.
If you are considering booking we recommend the following travel agents:
Australian Discount Travel & Tours,
Travel With A Cause Inc (a not for profit travel agency assisting several projects in many developing countries).

We recommend Australian Discount Travel & Tours for both Australian and international travel bookings