Canberra

Where is it?

Diplomatically located between the squabbling siblings of Melbourne and Sydney, Canberra is one of few sizable inland settlements in the country. Canberra sits within the boundaries of the Australian Capital Territory in the southeastern corner of the country.

What is it like?

Canberra is a rough translation of the Aboriginal word for meeting place. This is apt as Canberra is the seat of national government. As a relatively new city Canberra is sensibly laid out in a fashion many of the beaureaucrats that work in the government would approve. Although the business of running the country is the most significant employer in the city there is a flourishing arts scene and the museums and galleries that provides an antidote to the claim that Canberra is a staid conservative place.
Work started on the embryo city in 1913, the design was provided by Walter Burley Griffin, an architect from the US (now that has to look cool on your CV 'designer of capital city's'). The city graduated to 'capital' in 1927 but really only began to develop properly after WW 2.
With its pleasing climate, green open spaces and thriving cultural life, Canberra is a great place to stay.

What to see and do.

Look on any map of the city and you can't miss Lake Burley Griffin, formed by the damming of the Molonglo River in the early sixties, the lake is the heart of the city. Suitable for sailing on, (swimming isn't recommended) cycling or walking around, most of the significant city sights are along the lakeside. The lake has numerous parks on its shores but check out Commonwealth Park, there is always something going on here amidst the pathways, waterfalls and open spaces.
On the southerly shore of the lake is the 'Parliamentary Triangle', unsurprisingly this is where the government is located. Guided tours are given around both the old and new parliament buildings. The old building was the seat of power from 1927 to the opening of the new building in 1988. The old building gives a feeling of the past whilst the new is an impressive piece of modern architecture. The new building was designed to melt into its hillside location and even has a grass roof. Guided tours of both buildings run regularly.
A short walk away is the Australian National Gallery. This excellent collection fully articulates Australian creativity. There are displays of Aboriginal works as well as works from the colonial era up to the modern day. This focus does not mean that other areas are ignored and there are significant collections of European, African and South East Asian art as well as a sculpture garden that is not to be missed. All this is housed within a very 1970's concrete building block edifice.
Nearby is the National Museum of Australia. Presented in a slightly offbeat fashion this collection is much more than a dusty collection of artefacts. Using many different styles and media the museum traces the history of all the country's inhabitants in a most challenging way.
Elsewhere the National Zoo and Aquarium and the Australian National Botanic Gardens give an insight into the native flora and fauna of the country. The zoo has creatures from other continents but the range of weird, wonderful Australian species on show are the most striking.
Canberra has a massive choice of attractions and others you may want to visit include the National Library or the National Archives. Children should enjoy the National Science and Technology Centre with its myriad interactive and hands on exhibits. Australians are rightfully proud of their martial history. Visit the Australian War Memorial, check out the facts behind the many conflicts Australians have fought in or reflect quietly at the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier.
Canberra has enough to keep anyone occupied for much longer than just a fleeting visit.

Eating, sleeping and drinking.

There is a massive choice of decent cafes and restaurants both in the centre and out towards some of the suburbs. Wherever you are, you won't go hungry. The Asian enclave of Dickson has some great places to eat at very reasonable prices.
Canberra does not cater very well for tourist traffic in the centre, mostly hotels here are geared towards business and political guests, the budget end of the market is better served in the suburbs to the north.
The city has liberal drinking laws that make it a lively place to go and 'blow the froth off a cold one'. The best area with the greatest concentration of watering holes is in the Civic area of the city but again, like the restaurants, pubs are everywhere. The live music scene is ever-changing but always worth checking out in Canberra.