About Canberra

Canberra with a population of nearly 300 000 is Australia's capital. The name is derived from an aboriginal word meaning meeting place. It is unique in having every detail of it's construction planned from the beginning, then being built halfway between Sydney and Melbourne after a dispute over which would become the nations capital.

The nerve centre of Australian national government, is just a three hour drive or a 45-minute flight south-west of Sydney. Set in a broad valley in the southern tablelands of New South Wales, Canberra is a well-planned lakeside city of parklands, impressive restaurants, beautiful bushland and leafy suburbs. Many of the public buildings display some of Australia's most innovative architecture including those housing our major, and most impressive, national attractions.

The temperatures in Canberra vary considerably from summer to winter. Every building and transport has heating system for the winter months as temps often drop below zero at night and are usually below 10C in the day. In summer the temperatures are usually mild but can rise above 30C.

Months	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Max C	28	27	24	20	15	12	11	13	16	19	23	26
Min C	13	13	11	7	3	1	0	1	3	6	9	11
Rainfall mm	58	56	53	49	49	37	40	48	52	68	62	53

Take a self guided tour to Canberra's major attractions in the Parliamentary Triangle. Produced by the National Capital Authority, Virtual Canberra is an interactive armchair tour of our national capital sites. [Link]

Australia Capital Tourism Corporation site promotes major Canberra events and features facts about Canberra as well as travel & accommodation information. It also lists the major Canberra attractions in broad categories such as art galleries, history, science & technology, sport, and fun for kids. [Link]

Situated at Gold Creek on the Barton Highway, the Australian Reptile Centre Canberra provides a dynamic, professionally presented educational venue of all things reptilian.

Parliament House

Built into the peak of Capital Hill, is the focal point for the whole of Canberra. The interior incorporates Australian artworks and is designed to embody the spirit of democracy. Visitors can take a guided tour, have lunch on the terrace, or view the story of Australian democracy in the theatrette. You are also welcome to observe Australia's political process if your visit occurs when Parliament is in session.

National Gallery of Australia

The National Gallery has the finest modern art collection in the southern hemisphere. It has more than 70,000 works which range from European Old Masters to contemporary Aboriginal artists, and is renowned for its inter- national blockbuster exhibitions and permanent gems such as Jackson Pollock's Blue Poles. A wander through the Sculpture Garden will introduce you to many exciting works by Australia's foremost sculptors, and the wonderful "fog sculpture" shrouds the garden and lily pond in a delicate white mist. Follow a path through land- scaped greenery to Mirrabrook, an outdoor restaurant beside Lake Burley Griffin.

Canberra Railway Museum

The Museum is located at Geijera Place, at the end of Cunningham St, in Kingston, not far from the Canberra Railway Station. Relax at the Museum while you experience the golden age of railways. Open Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays 1 to 4 pm, except Christmas and Boxing Days. BBQ facilities are available at no charge.

National Portrait Gallery

Situated in Old Parliament House and opened in 1994 the gallery is in an early stage of its development. Exhibitions, built around a theme are changed every four or five months and include artworks borrowed from public and private lenders some of which have never been exhibited before.

Questacon

More like a movie set than a museum, Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre, is a hands-on science centre which takes visitors through a maze of scientific knowledge and endeavour.

National Film and Sound Archives

National Film and Sound Archives houses Australia's film, television, recorded sound and radio heritage dating from the 1890s.

Australian War Memorial
Australian War Memorial is a national shrine and museum with a vast collection of exhibits, militaria, relics and paintings documenting Australia's military history.

National Botanic Gardens

On the slopes of Black Mountain, the National Botanic Gardens covers 50 hectares that focus on over 6000 species of native flora. The misted rainforest is a highlight; there's a walk among medicinal plants used by the Aborigines; there are guided tours; and the eucalypt forest numbers over 600 species.

Lanyon Historic Homestead

A visit to Canberra should include Lanyon Historic Homestead, a superb reminder of 19th century rural living, and historic Cuppacumbalong with its art and craft centre, cottages, restaurants, picnic areas and river swimming. Continue on to Namadgi National Park which embraces a region of sublime landscapes including alpine wilderness. It covers more than a third of the Australian Capital Territory.

The Deep Space Communication Complex in Tidbinbilla

Just south of the city, is operated jointly by the Australian Department of Science and NASA. The Visitor Centre features spacecraft models and audio-visuals; there are maps and information on guided walks. Nearby is Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve where emus, kangaroos, koalas and other native fauna can be seen in this natural habitat tucked in amongst the mountains.

National Aquarium Australian Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in the heart of Canberra see colourful living coral, sharks, moray eels, murray cod, crocodiles, kangaroos, waterfowl and much more.