General Information About Canberra
Canberra is Australia's most talked about city. After the constitutional decision to build the national capital, the site diplomatically situated between arch rivals Melbourne and Sydney was chosen and given a name Canberra. Canberra is believed to be an Aboriginal term for 'meeting place'. Canberra has some of the best arhcitecture and exhibitions in Australia, including the splendid Parliament House and National Gallery. Fascinating and totally planned city surrounded by the magnificent hills - that is Canberra.
All Australians know Canberra as the seat of federal governement. It is the place where important national decisions are made. It is the reppository of Australia's cultural and art treasures. It is a city of impressive monuments. Canberra is a clean, carefully planned, people friendly sity that 300,000 Australians call home.
Attractions
Parliament House
Parliament House is the home of Australia's Parliament and the meeting place of this nation. This acclaimed building houses superb works of art and one of the world's largest tapestries. You can explore beautiful gardens and enjoy the free guided tours, public performances, films, displays and changing exhibitions. It is open from 9am to 5 pm everyday except on Christmas Day. Admission is free.
Telecom Tower
This is Canberra's futuristic landmark. This tower rises 195 metres above the summit of Black Moutain and provides 360 degrees spectacular views of Canberra and the surrounding countryside. Stunning panormaic views of the city can be seen by day or night from the two open viewing platforms or enclosed viewing gallery. It is open 9am to 5 pm daily and the entrance charge applies.
National Dinosaur Museum
This is Australia's largest permanent display of dinosaur material and contains ten full size replica of dinosaurs, large bones, skulls and reconstructions of Autralian dinosaurs. Displays of orginal and cast fossils illustrate the history of life on earth. It is open everyday between 9am-5pm and attracts the entrance fee.
Questacon
This National Science and Technology Centre is Australia's leading interactive science centre. At Questacon you can use your hands, feet and whole body, as well as your mind, to discover and explore the science that is part of our lives. With over 200 exhibits you can have more fun learning than you imagined possible. It might be educational but it's also great fun.
Casino Canberra
This is Australia's finest boutique style Casino. The Casino offers 50 gaming tables, a "Keno Lounge", a "Poker Lounge" , two bars, Cafe 21 and Shuffles Restaurant. Casino Canberra is located in Glebe Park, next to the Capital Parkroyal Hotel in the city centre.
Aquarium - Australian Wildlife
The National Aquarium - Australian Wildlife Sanctuary is situated just about five minutes from the city. The aquarium has both fresh and saltwater tanks and a 1.5 million litre Riverland Tunnel. The 17 acre Wildlife Sanctuary has koalas, wombats, dingoes, emus and many more. Picnic and BBQ facilites are available. Open daily 9am-5.30pm.
Cockington Green
This Australian Tourism Award-winning display consists of 1/12th scale replicas of many buildings found in Britain today. Each model, an accurate reproduction os the buildings, is set in beautiful landscaped gardens.
National Botanic Gardens
The Australian National Botanic Gardens are located on the slopes of Balck Moutain. The gardens are home to the world's finest living collection of Australian native plants. Here you can experience the Rainforest Gully, Rockery and Aboriginal Trail.
Accomodation
There's wide variety of accomodation available in Canberra, including hostels, motel and luxury hotels. In summer, the peak tourist season, the accomodation rates rise just about everywhere. For longer term stays, it may be better off renting flats of shared accomodation.
The following are a few central and relatively inexpensive places to stay:
Business Name Location Phone Number
Canberra YHA Hostel Dryandra St. , O'Connor 248 9155
Kingston Hotel Near Parliament House 295 0123
Victor Lodge Kingston 295 7777
Macquarie Private Hotel Bourke St. 273 2325
Transportation
The airport is 7 kilometres from the city centre. From here you can take airport bus to go to various hostels. Buses run fairly frequently around Canberra. The flat 'one route' fare is $2. A budget car is one of the best ways to see Canberra and the surrounding regions. You can also go on guided tours offered by one of many coaches.
