Introducing Canberra
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) was born of a dispute between Sydney and Melbourne, each competing to become the capital of the newly independent and federated Australia. Neither could bear for the other to triumph, so when a compromise was reached, a small chunk was carved out of New South Wales’ Limestone Plains 280km southwest of Sydney. This became the site for Canberra, and the country’s smallest self-governing territory.
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The city of Canberra is a monument to the young country’s aspirations, its urban landscape expertly designed to show off the nation’s democratic and cultural institutions. The city is an excellent destination for museum addicts, with wonderful fine art and historical collections. Canberra is the nation’s political heart – its restaurants buzz with power-lunchers hammering out strategy, while at the city’s bars political reporters hang about hoping for a bit of gossip or a wine-fuelled indiscretion.
The ACT is known for its liberal politics, becoming the first jurisdiction to vote a woman its head of government and enacting progressive legislation on everything from gay unions and women’s rights to porn and marijuana.
Australia's almost too-tidy capital is cradled by mountain ranges and hills covered in bushland, beyond which are several charming villages and a growing number of cold-climate wineries. Half of the territory is protected as national park or reserve, with plenty to attract hikers, campers and nature-lovers of all kinds.
Last updated: Feb 12, 2010
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Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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Re: I need a spreadsheet.
by Kate_R 23 May 2012
If you don't reach Sydney I'd be happy to go down to Canberra for the day. Oh, and my birthday is early September (hint hint). Would…
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RE: I need a spreadsheet.
by whortleberry 23 May 2012
> Whortle, Canberra is definite. This is government work.... Oh good, I was hoping so! We will have to have dinner / show you around.…
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RE: HELP!!! QUICK!!! PLEASE!!!
by ruspin 23 May 2012
The inconsistency of embassies around the world is incredible. Last year I went to Canberra for a double entry tourist visa and the lady…
Canberra
Things to do
- All things to do (145)
- Activities (18)
- Entertainment (28)
- Restaurants (41)
- Shopping (10)
- Sights (48)
- Tours (0)
Make it happen
Our Top Picks For Canberra
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1 National Gallery of Australia
Stroll the corridors of creativity
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2 Australian War Memorial
Lose yourself for days or silently stand for the last post
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3 National Film & Sound Archive
Marvel at Australia's moving-picture and sound recording history
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4 National Museum of Australia
Negotiate the network of Australiana
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5 Lake Burley Griffin
Paddle, cycle, skate, walk or run around this man-made lake
Fast Facts about Canberra
- Population 339,500
- Sister cities Nara, Beijing
- Locals' nickname Pubes (public servants)
- Famous Canberrans James Hird (Essendon Football Club), George Lazenby (technically from Queanbeyan, NSW, but close enough!)
- Lowest recorded temperature -10°C (July 1971)
- Highest point Mount Majura (888m)
- Famous for politicians, public servants, being pre-planned, Blue Poles
- Obligatory quote from former Prime Minister Paul Keating What we have got is a dead carcass, swinging in the breeze, but nobody will cut it down to replace him. (on Australia's second-longest serving Prime Minster John Howard)
Our favourite Canberra Blogs (beta)
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Canberra, Australia: The Musical Version
Blog: Travelogged - 28 May 2011
When my friend Felicity Loughrey told me that she was moving to Canberra, she emailed me a link to a video that, well, basically pokes fun at Australia’s capital city. But at least it does so musically! But hey, you gotta love a place that has a sense of humor about itself. And the lyrics [...]
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Canberra: On Christmas Day (in the Morning)
Blog: Aerohaveno: A Travel Blog - 26 December 2010
If serenity and tranquillity are what you crave at Xmas, rather than the chaos of ringing cash registers and surging shopping crowds, you could do worse than hang around the Canberra city centre on the morning of Christmas Day itself. We're in Australia's national capital to spend Xmas with my wife Narrelle's family, which includes a multitude of her nephews, nieces, brothers and her Mum, along with the various in-laws.
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Airline Commercials and Advertising – Taking Advantage of Political Events
Blog: The Travel Tart - Offbeat Tales From A Travel Addict - 30 June 2010
We usually take notice of Airline Commercials and Advertising when there are some crazy deals to fly somewhere for less than a meal. Sometimes, it’s more expensive to get to the airport than to take an actual flight!
