Canberra, Australia

Canberra, meaning “meeting place” is the capital and power city of Australia, with a population of 400,000. Designed by architect Walter Burley Griffin with the idea that it would be the focal point of the country, Canberra is known for its peaceful surroundings and many attractions. It is home to the main attractions of Australia. Most of them sit on the northern half around Lake Burley Griffin and the Parliamentary Triangle. Sitting at the top is the Parliamentary House as the center for Australia’s democracy. The symbolic architecture demonstrates simplicity and openness for their government. Further through the Triangle is the five story building designed by Walter Bunning in 1968; the National Library of Australia. Displaying more than 7 million books, it is the nation’s leading research and reference centre. Near the library, Queen Elizabeth II opened the High Court of Australia in 1980. It contains three court rooms with six High Court judges and many art components symbolize respect and commitment to the justice system.

On through to a suburb, Yarralumla, is the Australian War Museum with monuments and tributes to those fallen in the war, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Another great attraction is the National Gallery of Australia. Included in the nearly 100,000 pieces of art are the sculpture gardens, Aboriginal art collections, and other famous artists’ work. It was opened in 1982 with early European to present day art to show the cultural diversity of the country. 

One tourist favorite is the 195m Black Mountain Tower. On the slopes are the Australian National Botanic Gardens which has nearly 90,000 plants and story-telling Aboriginal trails.

In addition to the gardens is the National Zoo and Aquarium. Throughout the 22 acre zoo a tourist would see koalas, wombats, cheetahs, and giraffes. Connected to the zoo is the Aquarium which houses a variety of Australia’s native fish and coral species.

Among other attractions is the Australian Institute of Sport where some of Australia’s top Olympic Medalists train and guide tourists through their interactive sport facilities. Also the National museum of Australia is near and shares a location with the Australian institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. With a jigsaw puzzle type architecture the building attracts tourists interested in the many different artifacts of the Aboriginal people and other pieces of art that symbolize the culture from past to present.

The southern half of the Capital Territory is home to the native animals of the Namadgi National Park 22 miles south of Canaberra and covers nearly half of the Capital Territory. It’s popular for its solidarity and naturalistic views. The Murrumbidgee River is one of the favorite places to fish, canoe, and picnic. Locals and tourists enjoy the many activities this city offers along with the amazing sites.