Come and Explore the Australian Capital Territory


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Canberra, the capital of Australia and its surrounding bushland make up the Australian Captial Territory. It is the largest inland city in Australia. 220km south west of Sydney and 660km of Melbourne. The site was selected as a compromise between the two rivals for a planned city. An international contest was announced and two Chicago architects, Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin started their construction in 1913 to build the 'bush capital'.
Canberra Tulip Festival   Canberra Tulip Festival

Visit Canberra's tulip festival, Floriade. The inspirational garden show runs September to October and is free. Beds of beautiful colour and extraordinary shapes and designs. A must for any gardner.

Canberra Night Festival   Canberra Night Festival

Canberra's tulip festival comes alive at night. Floriade Nightfest does have an entrance fee, but wandering around the flower beds after hours with amazing coloured lights showcase blooms like you are Alice in Wonderland. Live music, 35m ferris wheel, acrobats, comedy acts, various activity stalls and a huge outdoor inflated screen means there is plenty to keep you and your family busy.

Tidbinbilla National Park   Tidbinbilla National Park   Tidbinbilla National Park

With European history back to the 1800's and part of the Australian Alps National Park; Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is set in a beautiful valley framed by rocky topped mountains, protected woodlands and wildlife. Enjoy a picnic, explore the areas of The Sanctuary, Hanging Rock, Mountain Creek and the Black Flats. to name just a few.

Hot Air Balloon Festival   Hot Air Balloon Festival

A hot air balloon ride over Canberra is magical and unforgettable. The Balloon Spectacular Festival in March is a great time to see over 50 balloons inflate at sunrise in front of the lawns of Old Parliament House.

Australian War Memorial   Australian War Memorial   Australian War Memorial

The Australian War Memorial is to commemorate the sacrifice of those Asutralians who have died in the war. It is beautifully maintained and reminds us of the experience of war and its enduring impact on the Australian society.

Space Centre Canberra   Space Centre Canberra

The Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex is part of NASA's Deep Space Network and is one of three that spans the globe. See the large radio antennas that provide two way communication with unmanned spacecraft exploring the planets, moons, comets, asteroids and other bodies throughout our solar system. Discover what astronauts eat and wear in space and have fun with hands-on interative displays. A very enjoyable and educational visit.

Australian Mint   Australian Mint

The Royal Australian Mint is Australia's national institution responsible for producing all of Australia's circulating coins. You can see early and rare coins in the gallery and from the observation windows, you are able to see Mint staff and robots hard at work.

View from Mt.Ainslie   Zoom views from Mt. Ainslie

10 minutes from the city, Mt. Ainslie gives great 360 degree views over Canberra's national attractions and the mountain ranges of the Brindabellas.

Lake George   Lake George

Just north of Canberra long side Federation Highway, 25km long and 10km wide; shallow and flat, Lake George is said to be over 1 million years old. It originally drained its catchment into the Yass River but over time the escarpment rose blocking this which created the lake. It finally dried out in November 2002 and since has only retained pools of water. Today, wine grapes are grown on the western side whilst sheep and cattle graze.

Canberra Parliament House   Canberra Old Parliament House

Famous for its 81 meter flagpole, the new parliament building is on a site designed in the shape of two boomerangs enclosed in a circle. Built in 1988 constructed on top of the hill, it was sited to be in perfect alignment with the Australian War Memorial and old parliament house. Old Parliament House operated between 1927 to 1988, although it was originally built only as a temporary governing house. Today it is the home of The National Portrait Gallery. You can wander round on your own or take a guided tour.

Black Mountain Tower   view from Telstar, Black Mountain Tower

A vital telecommunications network raising 195 meters above the Black Mountain; visitors to the Telstar tower have the option of two open viewing platforms which allow you to survey 360 degrees of Canberra and the surrounding countryside.

Cockington Green Gardens Model Village   Cockington Green Gardens Model Village

With many tourism awards, Cockington Green Gardens makes a delightful outing. Experience the crafted miniature buildings of an English village within beautifully landscaped gardens. Ride the miniture train around the exhibition and also see the International display of famous icons.

National Carillon   National Carillon

One of the main attractions in Canberra, The National Carillon was a gift from the British Government to the Australian people to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the national capital. It houses 55 bronze bells whose pitch ranges chromatically through four to one half octaves. The bells weigh between 7 kilos to 6 tonnes and ring out regularly. Recitals are played on Sundays and Wednesdays.

Lake Burley Griffin   Lake Burley Griffin

Constructed in 1963 the 35km shoreline of Lake Burley Griffin is fringed by gardens and picnic areas. You can take a tour boat, walk, cycle, jog or skate round the walkway. The lake also contains the Captain Cook Memorial Water Jet. Built in 1970, the jet throws 6 tonnes of water, 147 meters into the air.