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Museum of Australia Take a ride on the rotating theatre exhibit and hear the stories of Australian personalities. – Acton Peninsula, Acton Australian War Memorial See some of the world’s most significant military relics, including the Lancaster Bomber G for George. – Treloar Crescent, Campbell National Gallery of Australia Home to the famous Blue Poles and more than 100,000 works of art, including a renowned Indigenous art collection. – Parkes Place, Parkes Old Parliament House See where Australia grew up in this beautiful and iconic 1920s building, home of the Australian Parliament for 61 years. – King George Terrace, Parkes National Portrait Gallery Home to Ned Kelly’s death mask, here you can study the portraits of people who have had a significant impact on Australia. – Old Parliament House, Parkes Questacon — The National Science and Technology Centre Questacon makes science fun! Free fall down a six metre slide or experience an earthquake. – King Edward Terrace, Parkes Australian National Botanic Gardens See more than 90,000 Australian plants and experience the sounds of native birdlife. – Clunies Ross Street, Acton National Capital Exhibition Tells the story of how one of the world’s only modern purpose-built cities, was named, designed and built. – Regatta Point, Commonwealth Park |
Celebrate Australia’s proud sporting achievements at the Australian Institute of Sport, explore political history at old and new Parliament Houses, and reflect on stories of bravery at the Australian War Memorial. See our country and people through the eyes of our artists at the National Gallery of Australia and the National Portrait Gallery, and experience Australian character through sound and film, books and engaging exhibitions at a range of other national attractions.
Canberra was established in 1911 to create a capital for the newly federated country of Australia. The city is one of the world’s greatest examples of urban planning and landscape architecture, thanks to the visionary work of Chicago-born designer Walter Burley Griffin.
The Canberra region had a rich Aboriginal and farming heritage long before Australia’s early politicians thought of choosing the area for the new federal capital in the early 1900s. Located on the lands of the Indigenous Ngunnawal people, Canberra’s name is thought to mean ‘meeting place’, derived from the Aboriginal word Kamberra. European settlers first came in the 1830s, and the area was chosen for the federal capital in 1908.
Admire colourful wildflowers in spring and enjoy forests that are home to significant native plant and animal species. Cycling, mountain bike riding and horseriding are permitted in designated areas along formed fire trails.
The Yankee Hat Walking Track in Namadgi National Park takes you to an Aboriginal rock art site, Mount Namadgi has stone arrangements believed to be part of the ceremonial life of the local Aboriginal people and the Birrigai Time Trail at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve shows traces of previous inhabitants in boulder shelters, camps and tool making sites.
There’s no better way to experience Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin than by boat. Many cruises are available or for fun try a paddle boat. Beyond the national museums and galleries in Canberra, the city has a vibrant cultural life and thriving arts scene.
See stylish musical and theatrical performances or simply browse the galleries with works by world-class local artists.
See Australian heritage come to life and see a nation reflected in its capital.