Explore Australian Capital Territory

Park it here

Canberra was created in the early 20th century as a compromise for the bickering between Sydney and Melbourne about which city deserved to be the national capital. After much debate, in 1908 the 2,330sq km of sheep grazing land in New South Wales got the gig. Three years later the Australian Capital Territory was created and a competition determined the city design. American architect Walter Burley Griffin won and the circular geometry of his plan still dominates life in Canberra, especially when you're driving.

So, what to see?

Chances are that the information experts will say the new Parliament House is a good first port of call, given the political focus of the city.

Located on Capital Hill, Parliament House overlooks Lake Burley Griffin and dominates the skyline, so much so you'll see it from almost every part of the city. Don't expect the stuffy old world civic buildings you might find in Europe; this sleek contemporary creation is designed so visitors can even walk on the lawns which stretch over its roof.

Inside it features an excellent art gallery and décor embellished with Australian timberwork and other elegant materials. Guided tours depart every half hour.

Just down the hill is Old Parliament House. This much more traditional (but nonetheless elegant) building was built in 1927 at a cost triple the initial estimate. Its architect, John Smith Murdoch, was so particular about maintaining the overall style that he even designed the waste paper baskets. Somehow, this quirkiness still imbues the place, so guided tours are much more interesting than you'd expect. There's plenty of eccentric stuff to see, including a safe which reveals itself when you step on a particular floorboard, a secret hiding place for journalists above the opposition leader's office, and doodles made in the cement by the builders.

Canberra isn't only about politics

There's the outstanding National Library with its huge collection of Australian literature and over three million books. The hands-on exhibits of the National Science and Technology Centre (Questacon) near the library are a big hit with kids.

For a major art attack, the National Gallery of Australia will get your blood pumping. Browse major international art exhibitions and check out Jackson Pollock's famous work, Blue Poles. Purchased in 1973 by the Whitlam Government, its $1.3 million price tag was the highest paid for a modern painting. Controversy ensued, but the exhibit is now the most popular in the gallery.

An absolute must-see is the Australian War Memorial, a suitably imposing building on Limestone Avenue which houses a remarkable array of Australian war displays, models and memorabilia.

The National Film and Sound Archive on McCoy Circuit boasts Australia's most comprehensive collection of old films and sound recordings. It regularly screens historic films and documentaries that are open to the public. The National Museum of Australia isn't your typical museum either. It celebrates the land, nation and people of Australia by exploring key issues, events and people of influence. There are five permanent exhibitions which tell Australian stories in various ways, many using the latest audio-visual technology and interactive exhibits. The galleries include 'First Australian', which features the histories and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and 'Nation' which displays a swag of unique Australiana.

Canberra has embassies in spades and driving around checking them out in the suburb of Yarralumla is great fun, especially when you get to some of the more grandiose designs, like the huge Chinese Embassy.

This and the UK Embassy are in plain sight on Commonwealth Avenue as you drive towards Parliament House, but most require a map and a little sleuthing to find. Some are standard sort of structures like the red brick US Embassy, others have serious charm. For example, the Indonesian Embassy in Yarralumla is fronted by a lush garden that frames the building's traditional Indonesian village-style house.

For the best overview of the city, drive up to Black Mountain Tower. This rather severe structure can be seen from most parts of Canberra but standing on its lofty 195m top looking out, the view is rewarding indeed.

Australian Institute of Sport

Created as an antidote to the country's inability to compete on an international level, it has established itself as a training tour de force and has turned out a bevy of Olympic medallists and world champions.

Head out of town to some of the natural attractions close to Canberra. A standout is Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. South-west of the city, it's a great place to see Australian native animals including red and grey kangaroos, koalas and magpie geese. If you're into this experience, go one better on a guided tour. There are plenty of well-marked walking tracks, from short and easy, to full-on bushwalks like the 12.5km, 3.5hr trek to Camel Back.

Right nearby is the Tidbinbilla Deep Space Tracking Station, one of only three deep tracking stations in the world. The visitor centre has some trippy photographs and presentations on space and space exploration. While you're in a spacey state, take a gander at the Mount Stromlo Observatory at Weston Creek (west of the city) which is part of the Australian National University.

Editor's Pick

Floriade Flower Festival

Celebrate spring by attending the biggest flower festival in Australia. Held over 30 days, the festival is held in Canberra's Commonwealth Park and features breathtaking floral displays, garden showcases and exhibitions - all based on an annual theme.

Floriade Flower Festival © Tourism Australia