You might think that Australia’s purpose-built capital city might be a staid, uninteresting place to visit. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Canberra is, in fact, a gleaming, modern city of monuments, museums and parks, set amid a quintessentially Australian landscape of rolling, eucalypt-clad hills. Built around the sinuous shores of Lake Burley Griffin, named after the architect who designed the city, Canberra is laid out in a series of geometric patterns that blend seamlessly with its surroundings. Pride of place goes to Australia’s Parliament House, built into the top of Capitol Hill. Canberra’s substantial selection of luxury hotels range from opulent, colonial-style bungalows to state-of-the-art downtown apartments. But the city’s 5-star hotel scene doesn’t just cater for well-heeled bureaucrats and visiting foreign dignitaries. Lovers of seclusion and pampering can indulge in all manner of sybaritic self-indulgence in Canberra’s day spas, couple’s retreats and wellness centres. The city has a lively nightlife scene and it’s restaurants serve up some of the finest food in Australia. Add an extensive collection of cafés (politicians need their caffeine) and suddenly Canberra has gone from staid to superb!
Welcome to Canberra, Australia’s arty capital! Brimming with cultural treasures, this innovative city is known for its attractions such as the National Gallery of Australia, Questacon, Lake Burley Griffin, and the National Library. Book a room at one of Canberra luxury hotels and discover some of the city’s finest attractions!
Kick off your Canberra travel itinerary with a visit to the Parliament House. Both new and old Parliament houses offer something different. You will have an opportunity to see amazing artwork and historical documents including an original copy of the Magna Carta from the 13th century. The interior of the buildings looks spectacular and features marble panels with portraits of both social and political figures. Travellers can also climb up to the roof to enjoy panoramic views of the city and see the giant Australian flag.
Laid out over three levels, the National Gallery of Australia is a world-class venue that houses more than 100,000 artworks on permanent display. The gallery is actually divided into five sections: Australian Art, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander, European & American, Asian and the Pacific. Keep in mind that the gallery is a large facility and it is easy to spend a full day here. There’s also a cute café at the gallery where you can enjoy delicious foods and drinks.
Travellers staying in Canberra can pay a visit to the iconic Australian War Memorial. This educational shrine pays respect to all Australians who lost their lives fighting for their country. It also illustrates the impact that warfare has on society. During your visit, expect to find a range of informative archives from modern peacekeeping missions to indigenous conflicts.
After having breakfast at your luxury hotel in Canberra, go for a stroll to the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Covering over 50 hectares of land, these botanic gardens feature an exotic collection of Australian flora. You can admire the beauty of native plants such as ferns, fungi, orchids, and gum trees. Some of the most popular attractions here include the Gallery of gardens, Penjing collection, and the National Bonsai! The Australian National Botanic Gardens are also a haven for birdwatchers with a number of avian species.
No visit to Canberra is complete without spending a day at the tranquil Lake Burley Griffin. Located close to the National Library and Questacon, this artificial lake is a great place to enjoy various outdoor activities. Whether you wish to stroll along the beautiful waterfront paths, paddle the glistering waters, see the 147-meter-high fountain, or visit Commonwealth Park and see its waterfalls and paddling pools, there is plenty to look forward to when visiting Lake Burley Griffin. If you are visiting in spring, don’t miss the famous Floriade festival when more than a million flowers are in bloom.
Canberra is blessed with having lots of wide-open spaces and a fresh and clean environmnet. This makes it a perfect location for producing some of the best local produce that Australia has to offer. While in Canberra, be sure to visit one of the many high-quality local restaurants that the region has to offer. The area in and around Parliament House is a particular hot-spot for a good selection of restaurants that are definitely worth checking out.
Wine lovers will definitely want to visit Mount Majura Vineyard. Covered with red clay soils, this vineyard and winery is one of the best places in Canberra to sample some of the finest wines from the region. Book a guided tour of the vineyard and includes stories about the process of winemaking, exploring the cellars, and wine tasting. Mount Majura Vineyard is known for its Riesling and Shiraz wines.
Welcome to Questacon, Canberra’s National Science and Technology Centre. A huge hit with both adults and children, Questacon is located right on the shores of the beautiful Lake Burley Griffin. You will see a combination of cutting-edge technology and an interactive range of science displays. You can even participate in various experiments all by yourself and create your own science masterwork. Some of the most popular exhibitions include the Science Room and H20 Soak.
Rating: 8.7