AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

A visit to Australia would not be complete without a seeing the national capital. Canberra is the seat of government and centre of a lively diplomatic community. Bushland, mountain ranges and nature parks surround this stylish modern city.

The city is approximately 30 minutes by air from Sydney and 50 minutes by air from Melbourne and lies in the north-eastern quarter of the Australian Capital Territory at an altitude of 571 metres, which means it enjoy the full spectrum of the seasons. The air is clean, the water clear and there is virtually no traffic

What to See

Canberra - Australia's capital city Canberra is one of the world's greatest examples of urban planning and landscape architecture. A purpose built city designed around three lakes by the American, Walter Burley Griffin

Canberra is the home of Australia's Parliament House, the National Gallery of Australia and War Memorial, the High Court of Australia, the National Library and Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre. You will never be short of a cultural sightseeing encounter when you visit this striking inland metropolis.

The National Capital Exhibition at Regatta Point is the perfect place to learn about Canberra's history and look out across Lake Burley Griffin to take in views of these national attractions located within the Parliamentary Triangle.

The Mount Ainslie and Red Hill lookouts, exquisite foreign embassies and the National Film and Sound Archive also add to making a visit to Canberra a thoroughly well rounded experience.

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve - 40 minutes from the centre of Canberra with guided bush walks, observation of protected or endangered wildlife and remote mountain walks that may uncover glimpses of the lives of traditional Aboriginal people.

Namadgi National Park - Close to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and also rich in Aboriginal history provides a magnificent mountainous backdrop to Canberra city.

The Australian National Botanical Gardens - offer a relaxing place to take a picnic, see kangaroos and appreciate native flora. The National Aquarium and Australian Wildlife Sanctuary will introduce native animals, fish and other aquatic species.

Activities & Adventures

Adventurers' Playground - For the more adventurous traveller, Canberra offers an array of blood-pumping activity. At Corin Forest, just south of Canberra, hurtle at high speed down a kilometre-long luge track through this mountain forest. There is a flying fox, a snow making machine and skiing during winter

Wine And More - The Australian Capital Territory boasts a climate similar to that of the famous Bordeaux region of France and therefore has a flourishing boutique wine industry, which is experiencing steady growth as the world discovers the high quality, cool climate wines that are being produced. At the regions wineries, scattered around picturesque Lake George, Murrumbateman, Bungendore and Hall, it is possible to meet the winemaker and see the wine process in action

Cafe Culture - The cultural diversity of Canberra is reflected in the vast array of restaurants and pavement cafes with more than 300 of them. Pivotal to Canberra's cafe culture is the city centre and the stylish suburbs of Kingston and Manuka.

Up, up and away - Hot Air Ballooning is a great way to see the nation's capital from above. Marvel at the perfect designs and cleanliness of Canberra as the sun comes up over the picturesque Brindabella Ranges.

Natural Attractions - For those who enjoy the great outdoors, close to 70 per cent of the Australian Capital Territory is national park or natural bushland.

Unique Experience

Try tandem-powered hand-gliding or skydiving all available in the Australian Capital Territory

Nestled in the natural surrounds of Canberra are the Murrumbidgee, Cotter, Goodradigbee and Upper Murray rivers, all offering excellent whitewater rafting for beginners right through to those with lots of experience.

For abseiling, try Ginninderra Falls, only 15 minutes drive from Canberra or go further out of town to experience the cliffs of the Brindabella Ranges for rock climbing and the nearby Caves of Wee Jasper let you try another new experience under the guidance of experienced instructors

Time To Go

Canberra's average summer temperature is 27°C or 80°F in summer and 12°C or 54°F in winter. The climate is temperate but with the distinct four seasons, the spring producing an abundance of blossoms, followed by the summer months being hot and very sunny, the autumn offering its splendid colours and the winters being crisp and cool.