Canberra stands proudly as Australia's national capital in the Australian Capital Territory, located approximately 250km from Sydney and 650km from Melbourne and only a short distance from the east coast of the country. Whilst it is much smaller than cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with around 400,000 people, Canberra still offers an impressive array of services and activities to a broad range of locals and visitors alike. In many ways, Canberra offers the best of both worlds in that it holds many of the impressive services and facilities one would expect to find in a sizeable city, whilst still possessing unspoilt natural ruggedness and beauty, with bushland and mountains within reach - not for nothing did Canberra earn...
Canberra stands proudly as Australia's national capital in the Australian Capital Territory, located approximately 250km from Sydney and 650km from Melbourne and only a short distance from the east coast of the country. Whilst it is much smaller than cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with around 400,000 people, Canberra still offers an impressive array of services and activities
Canberra stands proudly as Australia's national capital in the Australian Capital Territory, located approximately 250km from Sydney and 650km from Melbourne and only a short distance from the east coast of the country. Whilst it is much smaller than cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with around 400,000 people, Canberra still offers an impressive array of services and activities to a broad range of locals and visitors alike. In many ways, Canberra offers the best of both worlds in that it holds many of the impressive services and facilities one would expect to find in a sizeable city, whilst still possessing unspoilt natural ruggedness and beauty, with bushland and mountains within reach - not for nothing did Canberra earn the title as the 'Bush Capital'. Being the nation's capital, Canberra is home to plenty of imposing monuments, institutions and other buildings of national importance; those visiting the city may enjoy a trip to: The Australian War Memorial, located in the suburb of Campbell - the site features majestic architecture and layouts and comprehensive military displays - the War Memorial offers an interesting and moving experience. The National Gallery of Australia, located in the suburb of Parkes - features well over 150,000 works of art and is one of the largest art museums in Australia. The Royal Australian Mint, located in the suburb of Deakin - produces Australia's coins and is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the production of the nation's coinage. Parliament House - the 'new' Parliament House - built within a grassed hill - opened in 1988 and is located directly across from Old Parliament House, which also serves as a fascinating visit. Questacon - the National Science and Technology Centre, located in the suburb of Parkes - hosts many wonderful displays and programs aimed at inspiring children to show an interest in science - many a school excursion has taken place here. You can also see the many embassies that occupy sites around the city - even a drive past these architectural wonders wouldn't be out of place in a highlights reel. The scale and imagination shown in these buildings is truly impressive. Canberra also plays host to a dazzling array of events and festivals; Being the nation's capital and home to these sites and many more, it is perhaps unsurprising that Canberra's major employer is the public sector, with government departments and their administrative divisions employing a broad share of the population. Sectors such as retail and hospitality are smaller but significant employers in the city. The identity and image of Canberra is evolving and changing, moving beyond simply being the capital and seat of Australia's government - there is much more to Canberra than meets the eye. Canberra offers a sophisticated and varied food scene - as demonstrated by reputable food guides which allude to the number of 'hatted' restaurants to be found in the city. Canberra's more rugged charms should also not be forgotten - the city lies within reach of the Brindabella Ranges, where you can find Australia's most northerly ski fields. This area can be enjoyed for its snow or hiking. Back in the city, the man-made Lake Burley Griffin provides a tranquil site to simply stroll by or a more active option in the form of water sports. Adding another dimension to the city's profile are some of the nation's finest educational institutions - Canberra is home to universities including the Australian National University - located in the suburb of Acton, and the University of Canberra - located in the suburb of Bruce. These institutions draw thousands of students to Canberra and add to the city's vibrancy. You can travel to Canberra in a number of ways and there is a trip to suit you, whether it be driving, by rail or by air. Driving from Sydney will see you arrive at Canberra in around three hours - and in around seven hours from Melbourne. Canberra Airport links to several state capitals around the country as well as a number of regional centres. In terms of rail, Canberra links to Sydney - meaning those from regional locations can be linked to the nation's capital. Canberra is a multi-faceted city and is much more than national institutions and services. If you want urban delights within charming bushland, then consider Canberra for your next visit. Canberra - more than a capital.