Canberra Vacation

Guide Note

Canberra, the capital of Australia, is an inland city with a population of over 330,000.¹ It was chosen as the capital in 1908 to ease tensions between Australia’s two largest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, which were both rivals for the capital. Canberra, unlike most cities in Australia, is a planned city that was designed by Chicago architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin. Their design relied heavily on incorporating parks and green spaces, earning the city the title of “bush capital.”

Fast Facts

1. Language: English
2. Currency: Australian Dollar
3. City Code: 02
4. Country Code: 61
5. Population: 333,940 ¹
6. Time Zone: AEST (UTC+10)
7. Capital of Australia

1. National Zoo and Aquarium: The only combined zoo and aquarium in Australia, the National Zoo and Aquarium showcases a mix of terrestrial and aquatic wildlife and houses the largest inland saltwater tank in the country.²
2. Royal Australian Mint: Make your own coins at the Royal Australian Mint. Since it opened in 1965, the mint has produced over eleven billion coins in circulation and can produce over 2 million coins a day.³
3. Telstra Tower: Take in the city skyline from the Telstra Tower, built atop Black Mountain. The purpose of the tower is telecommunications, but it also provides great views from its public viewing gallery.⁴
4. Casino Canberra: Live entertainment, restaurants, bars and casino.
5. Old Parliament House:Home to Australia's Federal Parliament from 1927 to 1988. Today, it is a museum detailing Australia's history.
6. The National Gallery of Australia: Collections at the gallery over 100,000 pieces of Australian, Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Asian and International Art.
7. Australian War Memorial: Commemorates Australians who have died in battle representing their country. It was established as a place to grieve for soldiers buried on foreign soil.⁵
8. The National Museum of Australia: Celebrates the lives of ordinary and extraordinary Australians.

If planning a trip, please see Canberra Hotels, Canberra Restaurants and Canberra Tours.

• How to Book a Cheap Flight
• How To Book a Cheap Hotel Room
• Packing Tips