Canberra is the capital city of Australia. Unlike most other major cities in Australia, Canberra is an inland city situated situated approximately 280km southwest of Sydney and about 150km from the coast. From its beginnings in 1913, Canberra was a planned city centred on Lake Burley Griffin and radiating outwards. This has given Canberra a green and open feel with tree-lined avenues and many public parks and open spaces separating each suburb.
360,000 people call Canberra home. As the centre of government, many Canberrans work in government and the many national institutions found in the capital. These include Parliament House, the National Library, Gallery, University and Embassies, all built around beautiful Lake Burley Griffin. Moving around Canberra is easy with an efficient public transport system and Australia’s most extensive network of bicycle ways.
The climate is mediterranean with hot sunny summers and mild winters. While it rarely snows in Canberra, the Snowy Mountains region is just a few hours drive away where Canberrans enjoy all the winter sports. And the coast is only 2 hours drive away for a weekend by the beach.
There is more information about Canberra in the pages “Visit Canberra”
What to do in Canberra:
- Lake Burley Griffin – the geographic centre of Canberra and ideal water playground. Rowing, sailing, stand-up paddling, fishing, biking and hiking – anything is possible on the lake or along its 40 km of shoreline.
- Visit to the Questacon, a grand science and technology museum with many interactive exhibits
- A walk through Braddon and NewActon, more hip areas of Canberra with a mix of cafes, bars, pop-up stores and galleries
- Swimming in Manuka “The Swimming Pool” – not only a cooldown, but an extraordinary example of public art-deco architecture from 1931
- Visit Mount Ainslie Lookout – giving a picture-postcard view of Canberra – highly recommended for sunrise and sunset.
- Canberra’s National Zoo & Aquarium – if you like you can feed bears here.
- Floriade – every year in September / October, the Australian spring, the Floriade will take place. It is the largest flower and blossom show in the southern hemisphere and Australia’s largest spring festival.
Red: State Schools; White: Private Schools; Green: Regional Schools (For details see The Australian Education System; Prices see under Prices and Services)
