The story goes that because
Sydney and
Melbourne were fighting amongst themselves as to which city should be the country’s capital, it was decided that a new capital city would be built somewhere in between the two! So became Canberra, Australia’s capital city and political centre. Its name is taken from an Aboriginal name ‘Canberra’, meaning ‘meeting place’, quite a fitting name given that the city is indeed a meeting place for many of the country’s influential figures.
Canberra is one of only 2 of the world’s capital cities that have been pre-meditated in design, having come into being as a result of an international competition launched in 1911, for the design of Australia’s new Federal Capital. The result was a city with unparalleled symmetry, making it an easy job for new visitors to the city to find their way around!
Unfairly, Canberra has received a bad rap amongst many Aussies (generally the ones that have never been there!). They see it as lacking the glitz and glamour of its neighbouring cities. However, those that do make the journey are never disappointed. Few people realise that Canberra is actually one of, if not the, greenest of Australia’s main cities. This is an urban oasis waiting to be discovered. Instead of having parks fighting for space between high rise buildings, Canberra has architectural buildings fighting for space amongst the numerous big parks and areas of bush! The nickname ‘
Australia’s bush capital’ is for a very good reason! There is no shortage of green space, some manicured to perfection, some native bush, to wonder at leisure, partake in romantic picnics by the waterside, canoe down the river ways, and don a pair of roller blades for those wanting more action.
What to do in Canberra
Museums and Galleries: The historical buildings and museums are the hub of all that makes Canberra tick. There are so many museums and galleries that house the national treasures in every respect, that there really is something to suit everyone’s taste. For the kids amongst you, why not take a trip to the Canberra Deep Space Communications Complex, where you can learn all about
NASA, try an astronaut’s outfit on for size and see a piece of moon rock over 3.8 million years old – if that doesn’t impress then you’re a hard one to please! Art buffs should head over to the National Gallery, where they will find a diverse collection of art including heritage pieces of Aboriginal art alongside international pieces of all forms, including sculpture and textiles.
Whatever else you see, it would be criminal not to visit Australia’s Parliament House, one of the worlds’ most acclaimed buildings. Never mind the impressive building, you’ll be astonished by the massive Australian flag blowing in the breeze, the size of it is bigger than a double-decker bus! If you time your visit just after lunch, you might just catch the MPs in action at Question Time.
Activities for the kids: If you have little ones, take them for a fascinating interactive morning at Questacon National Science and Technology Centre where amongst other experiences they can see caged lightning or feel the force of an earthquake! Follow this with an afternoon either at the National Zoo and Aquarium where the kids can pat a cheetah on the ‘meet-a-cheetah’ encounter, or see them fall silent at the Australian Reptile Centre when they are asked to hold a ‘friendly’ python – after that they’ll be putty in your hands!
Hot Air Ballooning and Vineyards: With so much to see, you might want to take it easy on the legs the following day. Time to book a hot air balloon and marvel at the city sights whilst soaring high above the Brindabella Mountains that fringe this elegant city. You will probably be tempted by the many wineries you see beneath you as you make your way across the Canberra district, there are over 140 vineyards in total! Head out for a drive in the afternoon to sample the dazzling array of Sauvignons, Merlots, Rieslings and Pinot Noirs. With so many on offer, you’d be best to book accommodation as close to the vineyards as possible, preferably crawling distance!!
Cockington Green Gardens: For something completely different, head to Cockington Green Gardens and discover the world in 80 paces! The Gardens have been constructed from miniature buildings representing iconic structures from 19 different countries, with the buildings constructed exactly to scale.
Festivals and Events: Capital cities are often perceived as vibrant and although at first glance Canberra does not have the eclectic mix of architecture through the ages or of a carnival atmosphere, there is a busy calendar of public events and shows to keep even the most poker faced amused throughout the year! Take a trip there any time of year and you are almost certain to coincide with a festival of some sort, be it the flower festival in September and October, the Balloon Fiesta in April, not to mention the Canberra Birthday Festival every March, when the streets become a catwalk for the annual Mardi Gras parade!
So come along and see Australia’s friendly capital city and discover that it is much more than a bureaucratic centre, beneath it’s cool exterior lies a pulse waiting to be tapped into, be it lazing on the lawns of the many parks and gardens listening to native birdsong, ramping it up at the annual Canberra Car Rally, or just dining at one of the many stylish restaurants that are dotted amongst the leafy suburbs. It is all this and more.
