Canberra History

The site of Canberra was settled by Europeans in 1824, and in 1908 the sparsely populated area was chosen to be the capital of Australia. The American architect Walter Burley Griffin won an international competition for the design of the new city. Construction began in 1913 but was interrupted by World War I (1914-1918). Only in 1927 was the national parliament moved here from Melbourne, which had been its temporary seat since 1901. Canberra´s population grew rapidly following World War II (1939-1945). Population (1996) 322,723.

Canberra, city, southeastern Australia, the capital of the country, in the Australian Capital Territory. Canberra is a modern, rapidly expanding city located on the Molonglo River (a tributary of the Murrumbidgee River) in a predominantly agricultural region. It is built around the artificially-created Lake Burley Griffin and is the economic center for the nearby communities of Woden-Weston Creek, Belconnen, and Queanbeyan. The government is the chief employer in Canberra, but tourism and light-manufacturing industries are growing.

Government

Government:

The Australian Captial Territory is ruled with a system that contains only one house, unicarmeral. Is only contains 17 members who are all voted in by the people. The elected people then can become a minister.

History

History
It is believed that Aboriginal people used the area which is now the ACT as a meeting place, possibly for corroborees held to mark the migration of the bogong moth, which was hunted and eaten. Canberra was first settled by Europeans in 1824, when Joshua Moore bought the first land grant in the area, at the foot of Black Mountain. By 1845 a town had grown up in the shadow of the mountain, with the newly built St John´s Church and the nearby school at its centre.
The establishing of a national capital and surrounding Australian Capital Territory (ACT) was one of the tenets of the constitution created when the colonies were federated into Australian states in 1901.....
See this entire article History of the ACT

National Gallery

National Gallery of Australia
Canberra´s National Gallery, on the south shore of the lake, has probably the best collection of art in the country. The Australian collection ranges from traditional Aboriginal art through to 20th century works by Arthur Boyd, Sidney Nolan and Albert Tucker. Aboriginal works include bark paintings from Arnhem Land, pukumani burial poles from the Tiwi people and printed fabrics from central Australia. There´s also plenty of foreign art from all eras, and most travelling exhibitions stop by Canberra on their way around the world. The collection is not confined to paintings: sculptures, prints, drawings, photographs, furniture, ceramics, fashion, textiles and silverware are all on display. There are a couple of pleasant restaurants on the grounds, and free lectures are often given.

Emergencies

Emergencies

Ambulance, fire brigade, and police. Phone: 000.

Car Rentals

Car Rentals

National car-rental operators with agencies in Canberra include Avis (17 Lonsdale St., Braddon, Phone: 02/6249-6088); Budget (Shell Service Station, Girrahween St., Braddon, Phone: 02/6257-1305); Hertz (32 Mort St., Braddon, Phone: 02/6257-4877 or 13-3039); and Thrifty (29 Lonsdale St., Braddon, Phone: 02/6247-7422). A local operator that offers discount car rentals is Rumbles Rent A Car (11 Paragon Mall, Gladstone St., Fyshwick, Phone: 02/6280-7444).

The People

About the People

The Australian Capital Territory contains the Australian Capital of Canberra. As the capital, Canberra contains a myriad of people encompassing all walks and religions of life. As the embassy capital of Australia, Canberra reflects and pays homage to multiculturalism both in Australia and overseas. Recently, some people have exercised views that are not always the views of all Australians. These comments are only the views of a minority; they do not express the views of all the nation. Australia´s impression overseas and with our nearest neighbours as a sympathetic multicultural country has become sullied. The views of these persons are their own and are based on ideals borne of ignorance. They serve to ignite dissention and divide a country but they also reflect the democratic right of Freedom of Speech.

Freedom of Speech is a right that should be permitted to be exercised by each and every person. In Australia we are fortunate that our government supports this right and we need to action it with the same caution in the international arena as we would in our own homes. Freedom of Speech permits people to "speak their mind", but in reality, to speak your mind should be done with respect for others. Canberra has survivied as a city supportive of the multicultural ideologies of others for well over seventy years. It remains today a suitable starting ground from which we can learn to respect the different lives of others, ideals that should be inherent in all australians.

Embassies/High Commissions

Embassies and High Commissions

British High Commission (Commonwealth Ave., Yarralumla, Phone: 02/6270-6666, Opening Times:weekdays 8:45-5), Canadian High Commission (Commonwealth Ave., Yarralumla, Phone: 02/6273--3844, Opening Times:weekdays 8:30-12:30 and 1:30-4:30), New Zealand High Commission (Commonwealth Ave., Yarralumla, Phone: 02/6270-4211, Opening Times:weekdays 8:45-5), and U.S. Embassy (Moonah Pl., Yarralumla, Phone: 02/6270-5000, Opening Times:weekdays 8:30-12:30).

Questacon

Questacon
This is a ´hands on´ science museum which lives in a purpose-built, snappy white building near the National Gallery. There are over 200 devices in the centre´s five galleries, including the earthquake experience, the thongaphone, and the ´can you bowl faster than Alan Donald´ display. It´s designed for kids, but unselfconscious adults won´t have any trouble entertaining themselves for an hour or two. It may be educational, but it´s also great fun.

Busses

ARRIVING AND DEPARTING: By Bus

The main terminal for intercity coaches is the Jolimont Tourist Centre (65-67 Northbourne Ave.). Canberra is served by two major coach lines, both of which have at least three daily services to and from Sydney: Greyhound Pioneer Australia and Murrays Australia.

Geography

Canberra Geography
Land:
The area of the A.C.T is only small, it is located in the middle of New South Wales, and is set on a high above ground level.
Climate:
The climate in the A.C.T is one which is cold in winter and warm in summer.
Resources:
The A.C.T has a large argicultural industry.
Mining:
Mining is not a great asset of the A.C.T.

About the ACT

Australian Capital Territory

Australian Capital Territory (ACT), federal district in southeastern Australia and the home of Canberra, Australia´s capital and the ACT´s only city. The ACT has an area of 2,400 sq km (930 sq mi) and is located 320 km (200 mi) southwest of Sydney. The ACT is completely surrounded by the state of New South Wales, with the exception of Jervis Bay, a harbor on Australia´s eastern coast that is separate from the rest of the ACT but is incorporated into it for administrative purposes.....

Australian Reptile Centre

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

Ginninderra

Ginninderra
If you´re hankering after tourist tackiness, Ginninderra´s the place to go. About 11km (7mi) north-west of the city, the Ginninderra Village is the area´s centrepiece, a collection of colonial-era buildings quaintified into Devonshire tea spots, Australiana galleries, wood-turning workshops and shops selling nothing but cat knick-knacks. Next door, Cockington Green is a sprawling miniature (if such a thing is possible) English village, complete with cricket streakers and a working steam train - it´s horribly overpriced, but the kiddies will love it.

Just outside the village, the National Dinosaur Museum is a private collection with replica skeletons of 10 dinosaurs as well as a bunch of real bones and fossils. It´s pricey, but fun. An ACTION bus runs from Belconnen past Ginninderra Village on its way to Gunghalin.

Canberra Landmarks

Canberra

Major landmarks in Canberra include the new Parliament House (opened in 1988); the Church of Saint John the Baptist (1840s); Captain Cook Memorial Water Jet, located in Lake Burley Griffin; and the Australian War Memorial, which includes a museum and an art gallery. Other sites include the National Library (1960); the Australian National Gallery (1982), housing works by Australian and other artists; the High Court of Australia building; and the civic center. Major educational institutions and academic organizations in the Canberra area are the Australian National University (1946), Canberra School of Music (1965), the University of Canberra (1990; formerly Canberra College of Advanced Education), the Australian Defence Force Academy (1981), the Australian Academy of Science (1954), and the Australian Academy of the Humanities (1969). Mount Stromlo Observatory is also here. Canberra serves as the headquarters of Australia´s largest scientific research body, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization.

The Arts

CANBERRA: The Arts

Canberra Theatre Centre. The city´s premier arts and theater venue is used by the local opera company, theatrical troupe, and symphony orchestra. Performances by such major national companies as the Australian Ballet are frequently held here. For a listing of current events, check the entertainment pages of the Canberra Times. Civic Sq., London Circuit, Canberra, Phone: 02/6257-1077.

Getting Around: By Car

GETTING AROUND: By Car

Canberra is not an easy city to drive in, and you may well find yourself confused by the radial road system and its turnoffs. Still, because sights are scattered about and not easily connected on foot or by public transport, a car is a good way to see the city itself, as well as the sights in the Australian Capital Territory.

Bus tours, which depart every two hours daily, also visit the major city sights.

Maps ($2) featuring clearly marked scenic drives may be purchased at the Canberra Visitor Centre.

About ACT Towns

The Australian Capital Territory has very few towns as such, as it was developed as the base for Government in Australia (Read History), it was Planned around the central city, Canberra. So instead of towns, the ACT is divided into Districts, and Canberra divided into Suburbs. A list of both you will find here.

History Brief

Australian Capital Territory (1991 pop. 276,468), 939 sq mi (2,432 sq km), SE Australia, an enclave within New South Wales, containing Canberra, capital of Australia. It was called the Federal Capital Territory until 1938. Most of the territory consists of an area formerly known as Yass-Canberra, which was ceded to the commonwealth by New South Wales in 1911. In 1915, New South Wales additionally ceded Jervis Bay, providing a potential port for Canberra. In 1988 the territory gained self-government with its own unicameral parliament, and Jervis Bay was separated from the territory. The federal government is the largest employer in the territory. Nearly all of the population lives in Canberra.

The Private Bin

The Private Bin. One of Canberra´s longest-running night spots, this large, loud club incorporates a bar, a beer garden, pool tables, and a tri-level disco. The clientele is mostly under 25, but the club´s Waffles Piano Bar attracts older, more sophisticated patrons. Comedy nights, held every Wednesday from about 9 pm, are recommended. 50 Northbourne Ave., Canberra, Phone: 02/6247-3030. Opening Times: Varying hrs for different bars, but generally weekdays noon-about 2 am, Sat. 6 pm-3 am, Sun. 7 pm-1 am.

Bobby McGee´s

Bobby McGee´s. The party atmosphere at this flamboyant, American-style restaurant and entertainment lounge complex appeals to a varied group. In the restaurant, Cinderella might seat you, a matador offer you cocktails, and a Roman centurion wait on your table. The music in the entertainment lounge ranges from "Heartbreak Hotel" to this week´s pop hits. Service is slick and professional, and the staff are gregarious and spontaneous - it would require effort not to have a good time. Rydges Canberra Hotel, London Circuit, Canberra, Phone: 02/6257-7999. Cost: $5 Fri. after 8. Opening Times: Weekdays 5 pm-3 am, Sat. 7 pm-4 am

Interesting Trivia

Facts
Capital City:
Canberra is the capital city.
Population:
The population of the Australian Capital Territory is 304,000 people.
Area:
The area of the Australian Capital Territory is 1,346,200 kilometres square.
Animal Emblem:
The animal emblem for the Australian Capital Territory is the Red Kangaroo.
Bird Emblem:
The Wedge-tailed eagle is the bird emblem.
Floral Emblem:
The Sturt´s Desert Rose is the floral emblem.
Death Rate:
The death rate of the Australian Capital Territory is 6.3 percent.

Events

Events

The Canberra Festival celebrates the city´s birthday over 10 days in March with music, food, a mardi gras, displays, a raft race and a parade. March also brings the huge National Folk Festival to Canberra. Spring is celebrated with the Floriade Festival, when Commonwealth Park becomes a riot of floral colour. Canberra is best avoided at New Year when the Street Machine Summer Nats brings hot-rods and wet t-shirt competitions to the nation´s capital.

Canberra

Canberra:
Canberra is the captial of Australia and the Australian Captial Territory. Canberra has many walk ways, national parks, and there are other sites such as: the Australian War Memorial, the National Library, and the Australian National University, Parliament House and many other sites that deal with national issues, including the Royal Mint, National Film and Sound Archive; and a large array of galleries, including the National Gallery of Australia.

Canberra: Suburb & districts List

To see this entire List ‘Suburbs and Districts of the ACT ‘in the Articles section of this site
Or Go To:
http://australian.lifetips.com/RscArticleV.asp?id=466

Arriving/Departing: By Car

ARRIVING AND DEPARTING: By Car

From Sydney, take the Hume Highway to just south of Goulburn and then turn south onto the Federal Highway to Canberra. Allow 3 ½ to 4 hours for the 300-km (186-mi) journey. From Melbourne, follow the Hume Highway to Yass and turn right beyond the town onto the Barton Highway. The 655-km (406-mi) trip takes around 8 hours.

Visitor Information

Visitor Information

Canberra Visitor Centre.The city´s tourist information bureau is a convenient stop for those entering Canberra by road from Sydney or the north. The staff makes accommodation bookings for Canberra and the Snowy Mountains. 330 Northbourne Ave., Dickson, Phone: 02/6205-0044 or 1800-02-6166. Opening Times:Daily 9-6.

Canberra Centre. The ground floor kiosk in the Canberra Centre is another useful source of information on attractions and shops. Bunda and Akuna Sts. Opening Times: During shopping hrs.

Namadgi National Park: description

Namadgi National Park
Namadgi National Park is situated just south of Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory. For travellers between Cooma and Canberra Namadgi provides a rewarding scenic detour through majestic mountain terrain. The park sits on the northern end of the Australian Alps with snowfalls likely in the winter months, mainly on the higher areas of the Brindabella and Bimberi Ranges. Namadgi has a wide variety of flora and fauna in habitats ranging from grassy green valleys to stunning mountains shrouded with snow gums and bold granite outcrops. Kangaroos, wallabies, and wombats can be seen throughout the park. Commonly seen birds include magpies, crimson rosellas, pied currawongs, Australian Ravens and the spotted quail-thrush. Aboriginal paintings which were painted over a period of hundreds or possibly thousands of years can be seen at Yankee Hat Rock. The close grouping of art and ceremonial sites in the Namadgi ranges suggests this area was of special significance to Aboriginal people.170 km of marked walking trails cover the park allowing Bushwalkers to really appreciate the beauty of Namadgi. Stunning wilderness await the more experienced bushwalker prepared to venture into the remote areas of the park. All parties planning to visit the remote areas should be well prepared and record details of their trip in the bushwalking registers located at the visitor centre and elsewhere in the park. Camping grounds with toilets are located at Orroral and Mt Clear. There is a three night limit and bookings may be made at the Visitor Centre. Picnic areas are located beside most roads some with fireplaces and toilets.

Climate

Canberra Climate
The temperatures in Canberra vary considerably from summer to winter. Rug up 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.

Education

Education:

The education system provides 80 preschools, and there are 138 primary and secondary schools.

Orientation Tours

Orientation Tours

Murrays Canberra Explorer offers an affordable introduction to Canberra. In its comprehensive circuit of the city, the red Explorer bus stops at most of the major sights, including Parliament House, the National Gallery, the National Botanic Gardens, the embassies, and the Australian War Memorial. A driver provides commentary, and you are free to leave the bus at any of the 18 stops and board any following Explorer bus. You can also take a two-hour nonstop trip---a good orientation. Tours leave from the Jolimont Tourist Centre at 65--67 Northbourne Avenue and from the Canberra Visitor Centre at 330 Northbourne Avenue, Dickson, every two hours from 8:40 to 4:40. Murrays also offers a range of day or half-day sightseeing tours of Canberra and the surrounding area. Phone: 13-2251. Cost: $18 full day, $8 for two hours.

Arriving/Departing: By Plane

ARRIVING AND DEPARTING: By Plane

Canberra Airport is located 7 km (4 ½ mi) east of the city centre.

Taxis are available from the rank at the front of the terminal. The fare between the airport and the city is about $12. Canberra City Sights and Tours (Phone: 02/6249-3171 or 0412/625-552), a shuttle company, offers airport service for $6-$10, reservations required.

La Grange Boutique Bar & Brasserie

La Grange Boutique Bar & Brasserie.
In Manuka, this lively bar attracts a young, fashionable crowd. The disco swings Thursday through Saturday, and live jazz is a Sunday afternoon staple. Capitol Cinema Bldg., Franklin St., Manuka, Phone: 02/6295-8866. Cost: Sat. $5. Opening Times: Mon.-Wed. 4 pm-5 am, Thurs.-Sun. 11:30 am-5 am.

Australian War Memorial

Australian War Memorial
The massive war memorial is more than the usual pointy concrete thing in the middle of town, it´s actually a museum of Australia´s war history. It was conceived in 1925 and finally opened in 1941. It houses an amazing collection of pictures, dioramas, relics and exhibitions, including a fine collection of old aircraft. For anyone with an interest in toy soldiers, the miniature battle scenes are absorbing.
The Hall of Memory is the focus of the memorial. It features a beautiful interior, some superb stained-glass windows and a dome made of six million Italian mosaic pieces. The Unknown Australian Soldier was brought here from a WWI battlefield in 1993. Leading to the hall is the reflecting pool, its surrounding walls inscribed with the names of Australia´s war dead.

Events

Canberra Events
Canberra Festival
The festival is held every March to celebrate the founding of the city. Events include:- hot air ballooning, unique art and craft exhibitions, classical modern theatre, dance performances, spectacular musical productions, jazz and rock concerts, and lots more.
National Folk Festival
April
Exhibition Park
Phone: (06) 249 7755

Australian Science Festival
April
Telephone: (06) 205 0588

Canberra International Balloon Festival
April
Lawns of Old Parliament House
Telephone: (063) 44 1797

Oktoberfest
October
Dance to traditional German music and sample some fabulous food and drinks Germany is famous for.
Telephone: (06) 295 9853

National Festival of Australian Theatre
October
This festival is unique in its presentation of Australian performers, entertainers and playwrights.
Telephone: (06) 257 1077

Getting Around

Getting Around Canberra
The airport is 7km (4mi) south-east of the city centre. You can get a shutttle minibus to the Jolimont Centre in town and to various hotels for about $5, or catch a cab to the city for about $7.
Public transport in Canberra means the Action bus - the Australian Capital Territory Internal Omnibus Network! It´s not much chop - services are rather sparse and practically non-existent on Sundays or after 10pm. You´re much better off on a bicycle if you´re energetic (Canberra has an excellent network of bike paths which allow you to avoid the traffic pretty much anywhere you´re going) or, if you´re not, with a car.

National Portrait Gallery

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.

Lanyon Homestead

Lanyon Homestead
The beautifully restored Lanyon Homestead, beside the river near Tharwa, is about 30km (19mi) south of the city. The early stone cottage on the site was built by convicts, and the grand homestead, which dates from Canberra´s grazier days, was completed in 1859. More than a collection of pretty old buildings, this National Trust homestead documents the life of the region before Canberra existed. The Nolan Gallery in the homestead collects some of Australian painter Sydney Nolan´s most famous Ned Kelly works. As you´d expect, you can get a pretty nice Devonshire tea at Lanyon.

Physical

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT), carved out of southeastern New South Wales in two steps (1911 and 1915), contains the national capital, Canberra. The terrain consists of rolling grasslands called the Canberra Basin and is ringed by the Australian Alps. It covers 2,400 sq km (927 sq mi), including Jervis Bay Territory (70 sq km/27 sq mi), part of the ACT from 1915 to 1988. The elevation of the basin is about 580 m (1,900 ft). The population of the Australian Capital Territory is 299,400 (1993 est.), and nearly all residents live in Canberra. Parliament moved from Melbourne to carefully planned Canberra in 1927.

Parliament House

Parliament House
As Canberra´s raison d´etre, Parliament House is the thing most visitors to the city want to have a gander at. Opened in 1988, new Parliament House (as it´s commonly known, to distinguish it from the old Parliament House) is a marble lined monstrosity squatting at the apex of the Parliamentary Triangle. Built into the hill, the roof of the house is lined with grass to make it blend in. In true Australian tradition, the grass is imported lawn mix, which requires gargantuan quantities of water and weedkiller to keep it green and glowing. The interior of the house is rather impressive - each of its major sections is lined with Australian timbers, and it is littered with over 3000 art works bought or commissioned from Australian artists.

Visitors can wander around the public areas of the house, including the House of Representatives and the Senate, though you may have to make a booking if something particularly juicy is being debated. There are free guided tours of the building on non-sitting days.

Old Parliament House, further down the hill towards the lake, was the seat of government from 1927 until 1988. Far more modest than its succesor, the old house resembles a slightly sprawling wedding cake. You can take a tour of the building or wander its pleasant grounds. The house is also home to the National Portrait Gallery.

Botanic Gardens

Australian National Botanic Gardens
On the lower slopes of Black Mountain, behind the Australian National University, the beautiful 50 hectare (123 acre) botanic gardens are devoted to Australian flora. There are educational walks, including one among plants used by Aborigines. A highlight is the rainforest area, achieved in this dry climate with a misting system, while the eucalypt lawn has 600 species of this ubiquitous Australian tree. Take a guided walk, or take a seat in teh pleasant Kookaburra Cafe.

After Dark

Canberra after dark has a reputation for being dull. Actually, the city isn´t quite as boring as the rest of Australia thinks, nor again as lively as the citizens of Canberra would like to believe. Most venues are clustered in the city centre and the fashionable southern suburb of Manuka. Except on weekends, few places offer live music. The Thursday edition of the Canberra Times has a "What´s On" section.

Casino Canberra

Casino Canberra.
An attempt was made to create a European-style facility by leaving out slot machines in favor of the more sociable games of roulette, blackjack, poker, minibaccarat, pai gow, and keno. There are 40 gaming tables here, and the complex includes two restaurants, two bars, and a nightclub. 21 Binara St., Canberra, Phone: 02/6257-7074. Opening Times: Daily noon-6 am.

Doctors

Doctors

Canberra Hospital has a 24-hour emergency department. Yamba Dr., Garran, Phone: 02/6244-2222.

History Chronological

History of Australian Capital Territory

1820 - Joseph Wild, James Vaughan and Charles Throsby Smith came across the area of Canberra during their discovery of the Limestone Plains.
1821 - Discovery of Murrumbidgee.
1824 - Joshua John Moore had land granted on the Limestone Plains, and named the property ´Canberry´, after overhearing Aborigines using the word. "Kamberra" is the Aboriginal word for meeting place.
1845 - Saint John´s Church of England was completed.
1859 - The post office was opened.
1869 - Goulburn was linked with rail.
1876 - Yass was linked by rail.
1901 - Federation.
1911 - The area of the Australian Capital Territory was taken from the state of New South Wales.
1913 - Canberra was formally named as the Official Capital.
1914 - Rail extended to Queanbeyan.
1928 - Parliament House moved to Canberra from Melbourne.
1941 - Australian War Memorial was built.
1954 - The Australian-American Memorial was built.
1962 - King Avenue Bridge was constructed.
1962 - The new town of Woden was formed.
1963 - Commonwealth Avenue Bridge was built.
1965 - Anzac Parade was developed.
- The Royal Australian Mint was opened.
1968 - The National Library was opened.
1970 - National Botanic Gardens, Carillon, Captain Cook Memorial was opened.
1973 - Tuggeranong become the third town.
1975 - Guingahlin was the forth town.
1988 - The Australian Capital Territory (Self Government Act) was passed.

Getting around: By Taxi

GETTING AROUND: By Taxi

Taxis can be summoned by phone or hired from ranks, but you cannot flag them down in the street. Aerial Taxis (Phone: 02/6285-9222) is the city´s only taxi service.

Tourism

Tourism is the ACT´s major growth industry with more than 1.25 million visitors a year, staying more than one night in the national capital.
The Namadgi National Park covers about 40 per cent of the ACT. It reaches to the border of the New South Wales Kosciusko National Park, and together with parks in Victoria is part of a series of reserves which protect most of Australia´s alpine and sub alpine areas.

Attractions outside Canberra include Cockington Green Minature Village, Mount Stromo Observatory, Canberra Space Center and Cotter Dam..

ACT offers some beautiful natural landscape and excellent bushwalking tracks can be found close to the city.

Namadgi National Park

Namadgi National Park
Namadgi takes up all the bits of the ACT that Canberra doesn´t; that is, most of the south-west. Part of the park borders the mountainous Kosciuszko National Park in NSW´s Snowy Mountains. There are seven peaks over 1600m (5248ft) in the park, and some of the bushwalking is downright challenging. Booroomba Rocks is one of the most popular spots in the park, with some great climbing and scrambling over its huge granite boulders. Sometimes there´s enough snow in Namadgi for cross-country skiing.

The park has a visitor information centre, or you can pick up brochures from the Canberra visitor information centre. There are several picnic sites and two campsites - you´re not permitted to camp outside these. You can either get to the park in your own car on the road south from Tharwa to Adaminaby, or take a tour with one of a couple of operators in Canberra.

Getting There & Away: Plane

Getting There & Away
Canberra does not have an international airport. Flights arrive in Canberra from all capital cities as well as from towns in NSW, although many make a stopover in Sydney or Melbourne on the way. Buses run from Canberra to Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne, with connections to the other capitals. You can also catch buses to the south coast, the snowfields and throughout NSW. Trains run to Sydney, or you can do a combined bus-train trip to Melbourne.

The Hume Highway, which runs between Melbourne and Sydney, passes about 50km (30mi) north of Canberra - you can drive to Goulburn or to Yass to join up with it, depending whether you´re heading north or south. The Monaro highway to the south will take you to Cooma, the snowfields and the coast.

Tidbinbilla

Tidbinbilla
The Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, 45km (28mi) south-west of the city, is criss-crossed with walking tracks. But the reason most visitors come here is to feed the semi-tame kangaroos, be terrorised by the sandwich-snatching emus or scan the trees for the possibly non-existent koalas. The visitors centre here has some great displays on native fauna and flora. Tidbinbilla is a great spot to take the kids for a picnic, or to do a couple of short walks.

North of the nature reserve, the Tidbinbilla Tracking Station, otherwise known as the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex, is a joint US-Australian eye on the sky. The visitor centre here has displays of spacecraft and tracking technology, and it´s free to get in. South of the reserve, Corin Forest is an adventure playground on steroids, with its 1km (0.6mi) metal bobsled run, snow-making machine and flying fox. It´s a gas. You´ll need your own car to get to Tidbinbilla.

Canberra Description

Canberra is a fascinating 20th-century creation that has struggled to establish itself as the focus of Australia´s national history, pride and identity. Canberra has long been perceived as the ´fat cat´ of Australian cities, a town of politicians and bureaucrats living off the hard work of their countryfolk. Step outside the Parliamentary Triangle and you´ll soon find it isn´t true - most of the politicians go home every weekend, and a great many of the bureaucrats have lost their jobs in years of public service cutbacks. Canberra has grown from a Federation baby into an adult city with all the problems and delights that being a grown-up brings.

Many Australians knock Canberra for being a city without soul, but anyone who´s bothered to spend a bit of time here is bound to have a soft spot for the place. Carefully planned, Canberra´s suburbs are separated by swathes of native bushland, while its main tourist attractions - the National Gallery, Parliament House and other inhabitants of the Parliamentary Triangle - are set around a pleasant artificial lake encircled by bike tracks. If you´re enamoured of the bush and lungfuls of fresh air, but don´t want to be too far from a decent café latté, you´ll be in heaven in the national capital. Canberra is also a great base for visiting the nearby delights of the Snowy Mountains and the New South Wales south coast.

Canberra Activities

Activities
Canberra is a wonderful place for cycling and it has a great series of bicycle tracks. Inline skating is also popular. There are watersports on Lake Burley Griffin with canoes, catamarans, paddle boats and surf skis for hire. Canoeing and white-water rafting on the Murrumbidgee are other water-based activities. Swimming in the lake, however, is not recommended. There are several fine swimming spots along the Murrumbidgee and Cotter rivers such as Uriarra Crossing, Casuarina Sands, Kambah Pool, the Cotter Dam, Pine Island, Point Hut Crossing and Gibraltar Falls.

Bushwalking is one of Canberra´s most popular activities and there are particularly good walking tracks along the Murrumbidgee from Kambah Pool to Pine Island (7km/4mi) or to Casuarina Sands (about 21km/13mi). The Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve has marked trails. Cruises and balloon and aeroplane flights are another way to get an angle on the city. There is sometimes enough snow for cross-country skiing in Namadgi National Park, or you can enjoy the fake stuff at Corin Forest, and the NSW snowfields are within four hours´ drive.

Canberra

Canberra [kan´buru]
Pronunciation Key
Canberra , city (1991 pop. 276,162), capital of Australia, in the Australian Capital Territory, SE Australia. The Canberra urban agglomeration includes a small area in New South Wales. The federal government is the largest employer in Canberra; there are also printing and service industries. The site chosen (1908) for the capital city was first settled in 1824. In 1913, Canberra officially became the second capital of the commonwealth (succeeding Melbourne); however, although the Parliament first met there in 1927, the transfer of federal functions was not completed until after World War II. The city was planned by the American architect Walter Burley Griffin. Canberra is the seat of the Duntroon Royal Military College, Australian National Univ., Gallery, War Memorial, and Library, Mount Stromlo Observatory, the Academy of Science, and other research and scientific institutions.

Orientation

Orientation

The ACT is 80km (50mi) from north to south and is about 30km (19mi) wide. It is landlocked within the mountainous country of southeastern New South Wales, 305km (190mi) from Sydney by road. Canberra and its surrounding suburbs are in the northeast of the territory, while the Namadgi National Park occupies the whole southwestern area. The population grew from 50,000 in 1960 to 100,000 in 1967 and has soared to more than 300,000 today.

Canberra is arranged around the artificial Lake Burley Griffin. In Civic, on the northern side of the lake, are the shops, businesses, university and suburbs such as Reid, Braddon, Turner and Acton. Parliamentary and other administrative buildings are located to the south of the lake, surrounded by suburbs such as Parkes, Barton, Forrest, Deakin and Yarralumla (home to the prime minister and governor-general). Canberra is also surrounded by the satellite towns of Woden, Belconnen and Tuggeranong.

Canberra´s airport is about 7km (4mi) east of the city. Interstate buses arrive at the Jolimont Centre, which is in the centre of Civic. The railway station is in Kingston, on the south side of the lake. Most shops and restaurants are in Civic and Manuka, also just south of the lake, with a few cafes sprinkled through the inner suburbs. Each satellite town has its own charming mall. Civic is also the centre of Canberra´s nightlife, which is somewhat more lively than its reputation suggests.

Getting around: By Bus

GETTING AROUND: By Bus

Canberra´s public transportation system is the ACTION bus network. Buses operate 6:30 am-11:30 pm weekdays, 7 am-11:30 pm Saturday, and 8 am-7 pm Sunday. There is a flat fare of $2 per ride. If you plan to travel extensively on buses, purchase a Day Sightseeing ticket ($6.70), which allows unlimited travel on the entire bus network. A Shopper´s Off Peak Daily ticket, which allows travel between 9 am and 4 pm and after 6 pm on weekdays and all day on weekends, costs $4.

Tickets, maps, and timetables are available from the Canberra Visitor Centre and the Bus Information Centre (East Row and Alinga St., Civic, Phone: 02/6207-7611).

Arriving/departing: By Train

ARRIVING AND DEPARTING: By Train

The Canberra Railway Station (Phone: 02/6239-0111) is located on Wentworth Avenue, Kingston, about 5 km (3 mi) southeast of the city centre. EXPLORER trains make the 4-hour trip between Canberra and Sydney three times daily. A daily coach-rail service operates on the 10-hour run between Canberra and Melbourne. Passengers must travel the 60 km (37 mi) between Canberra and Yass Junction by bus.

Getting around Canberra

Canberra´s most important public buildings are located within the Parliamentary Triangle, formed by the lake on the north side and two long avenues, Commonwealth and Kings, which radiate from Capital Hill, the city´s political and geographical epicenter. The triangle itself can be explored comfortably on foot, but you´ll need transportation for the rest of your stay in the city.

Although locals maintain otherwise, with its radial roads, erratic signage, and often large distances between suburbs, Canberra can be difficult to negotiate by car. The best solution is to buy a good street map, and try to relax about missing turnoffs and ending up on the wrong radial road. Maps featuring clearly marked scenic drives are available from the Canberra Visitor Centre. If you don´t rent a car, Canberra´s ACTION buses and the Murrays Canberra Explorer Central can get you around town comfortably and without stress.