Canberra: Overview

A smooth lake, a glamorous gallery and a whole lotta politics.

Canberra is often described by Australians who haven't been there as a boring town, full of politicians, bureaucrats - and not much else. But those who go there find beautiful galleries and museums clustered around a lake and cupped in bushland.

One of only two capital cities in the world that have been built to a premeditated design, Canberra is rather eerily symmetrical. Placed about its nice, planned combinations of straight and curving streets are the old and new Parliament Houses, the National Gallery, and the National Museum.

Travel Warning: Carry-on Baggage Requirements

As of March 31, 2007 all passengers flying to and from Australia on international flights will only be permitted to carry small quantities of liquids, gels or aerosols in their cabin or carry-on luggage. Small containers of 100 mls (3.5 fl oz) are permitted and must be sealed in a transparent plastic bag. Details of the new security measures can be found at the Department of Transport website.

Domestic travel is not affected by these regulations.

severity: Mid-level alert

Fast Facts

Population

329,000

Currency

Name: Australian Dollar
Code: AUD
Symbol: A$

Electrical Plugs

Australian-style plug with two flat angled blades and one vertical grounding blade
220-240V 50Hz

Languages Spoken

Official: English

Time Zones

GMT/UTC +10 

Country Dialing Code

+61

Weights & Measures

Metric

Australia - Free Guidebook Chapter

Australia -  Pick & Mix Chapters

Download the free Getting Started chapter or buy individual chapters from our Australia guide, in our online Shop.
› Go to the Australia download page.

Traveller Tips & Discussion

Thorn Tree Forum

  • Canberra
    Post by: sigh_fran, 28 May 07
    21 Replies
    Last reply: 466 days ago
  • What to do in Canberra?
    Post by: boyee, 25 Feb 07
    25 Replies
    Last reply: 558 days ago

View more Thorn Tree threads ›

BLUELISTS blu,list to recommend a travel experience

View more Bluelists ›

Jump to Navigation

Shop Online

Advertisement

Book Your Trip

Travel insurance. Be covered by our recommended partner.

Compare & book flights from 100's of domestic & international airlines.

Hotels & Hostels

Booking hotels is simple with Lonely Planet. See our reviewed and recommended hotels in one place and book online. Browse hotels ›

Lonely Planet Newsletters

Updates, offers and inspiration - straight to your inbox.
Subscribe now ›

Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.

Lonely Planet