Canberra is not only the youngest city and capital of Australia, but also one of the most amazing places in the world. There are many cultural centers here, a wonderful world of art, amazing food and fabulous bars. With all its attractions, both man-made and natural, Canberra is a great place for new discoveries, knowledge and entertainment.
Since there are so many attractions in Canberra, this list of 10 of the most interesting ones may come in handy when planning a trip there.
Australian War Memorial
Explore Australian history at a war memorial. If you want to experience Australian history, be sure to visit the Australian War Memorial. It chronicles every military conflict in which Australia's armed forces have been involved, from the colonial period to the present day. The exhibition includes a number of new exhibitions, including Echoes of the ANZACs and updated First World War galleries.
Parliament of Australia
On a tour of the Australian Parliament, a modern complex built in 1988, you can witness democratic processes such as Question Hour, which takes place in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Its effect begins at 14:00, when Parliament is in session. This magnificent building houses several public exhibitions and public galleries. Free tours there are at 10:00, 13:00 and 15:00.
Promenade on the Old Bas Depo market
Taking a break from visiting government buildings, you can discover another delightful side of Canberra. To do this, it is worth visiting the weekly Old Bus Depot market, open every Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. It is filled with many interesting things worth admiring and trying. There's everything from hipster clothing to homewares and delicious organic produce. This is a great place to pick up an original souvenir.
Visiting Canberra World of Galleries
For art lovers, Canberra will seem like heaven on earth. Although small art galleries are scattered throughout the city, they house some of the country's most important public collections. A national treasure, the National Gallery of Australia contains a collection of Australian Indigenous and Asian art. And if you want to see something unusual, visit the nearby National Portrait Gallery.
Meeting with a superstar at the sports institute
By visiting the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, you can be close to the sporting elite training there - athletes, gymnasts, swimmers and cyclists. The Institute welcomes visitors and offers them regular excursions. Here you can see Australia's best athletes performing to the best of their abilities. A variety of facilities are open to the public, including a 50-metre swimming pool, a tennis court and a fully equipped gym.
Dive into the green world of Canberra
Immersion in the green world is available to everyone who was able to attend the annual Floriade festival - one of the most colorful events in Canberra, attracting the attention of plant lovers from all over the world. And if you want something more intense, it’s worth visiting the National Arboretum. This ambitious project, begun in 2005, offers a walk among 48,000 trees, as well as a visitor center, restaurant and gift shop. Admission is free.
Cycling around an artificial lake
Lake Burley Griffin is one of the most remarkable places in Canberra. Its waters are used for activities such as sailing, kayaking and windsurfing. To truly appreciate this man-made miracle, it is worth cycling around its 35-kilometer perimeter. This vehicle can be hired from Mr Spokes Bike Hire, where they always have a large selection of Avanti bikes in stock and will deliver them straight to your hotel.
Climbing Mount Ainsley
Finding something to do outside the home is easy in Canberra. Jogging, cycling and walking are popular ways to pass the time. Many ethnographic routes allow you to enrich your impressions of the city views. The best is Mount Ainslie Lookout, which offers stunning views of landmarks such as the Australian War Memorial, ANZAC Parade and the Parliament of Australia. The entrance is free.
Great dinner in the vicinity of Canberra
It can be done, for example, in Poachers Pantry, located not far from the city. There, against a backdrop of rural landscapes and rustic interiors, you will be served gourmet food and fine wines. If you decide to have a meal at the Smokehouse Cafe, you can taste wines made from grapes grown in cold climates right at the cellar door. Restaurant Grasing offers delicious food made from local ingredients. And there are always a couple of potbellied bottles at Lleida Estate, a distillery overlooking Lake George.
New knowledge at Questacon and the National Museum
It is worth spending a few hours at the Australian National Museum to understand that, despite all the outward seriousness of Canberra, humor is an integral national feature of the people living here. The museum houses a shocking collection of objects, from the sacred to the ridiculous. And for those interested in science and technology, to satisfy this inner hunger, you need to visit Questacon.
