Backpacking Canberra, Australia.

About Backpacking Canberra.
A planned city built on a vast limestone plain edged byrugged mountain ranges, Canberra is Australia’s nationalcapital, seat of Federal parliament and home to manyinstitutions and national monuments. Four distinct seasonsadd to its charm and visitors quickly discover that it really isAustralia’s ‘hidden gem’. The surrounding countrysidecontains historic and picturesque rural villages and aburgeoning cool-climate wine industry.

With its 320,000 inhabitants, Canberra is one of the world’s few planned cities, a city in a park with golden autumn leaves andglorious spring blooms. Surrounded by native bush land, Canberra is perfect for getting back to nature.

Following the Federation in 1901 Canberra was chosen as a site of the national capital. The initial design for Canberra wasthe work of Chicago architect Walter Burley Griffin with wide, tree-lined avenues and spacious open parklands. Many nationalinstitutions and monuments are located close to the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, the focal point of the city. The city enjoys four distinct seasons and visitors quickly discover what a ‘hidden gem’ the capital is. It is close to mountains and native bush land and is often referred to as ‘the bush capital’. Originally a public service town, the national capital is nowalso a major university and research centre with an emphasis on high technology industries.

Backpacking Canberra; things to do.

National Library of Australia
The National Library of Australia was rebuilt in 1968, and inspired by the Parthenon. Australian copyright law requires that a copy of every book published in Australia be deposited with the National Library of Australia. Although the library is “closed access”, it also holds a national bibliographic database and offers access through the Libraries Australia service.

New Parliament House
Completed in 1988 in time for the bicentennial celebrations of the first settlement by the British in 1788 the futuristically designed building, the seat of Federal parliament, features the use of native timbers and contemporary art work by Australian artists.

Old Parliament House
Built in 1927 it served as the seat of government until 1988 and now is open for tours through the chambers and corridors of power. The lovely Rose Gardens on either side of this national heritage site area visual delight.

National Museum of Australia
Spectacularly sited on Acton Peninsula thrusting out into Lake Burley Griffin the museum explores the events, issues and people that shaped the nation.

Australian War Memorial
Serves both as a memorial to Australians who served their country and as a military museum. The building, roughly shaped like a Byzantine church, is a revered national shrine.

National Gallery of Australia
A comprehensive collection of Australian art including a superb collection of Aboriginal Art. The gallery also hosts special interest exhibitions from around the world.

Questacon - National Science and Technology Centre
Interactive science facility that delights visitors young and old with its entertaining hands-on exhibits.

Backpacking Canberra Accommodation

Victor Lodge Bed and Breakfast‎
29 Dawes St, Kingston ACT 2604‎
PH (02) 6295 7777‎

Dickson Backpackers‎
4-14 Woolley St, Dickson ACT 2602‎
PH (02) 6262 9922‎

Civic Pub Backpackers‎
8 Lonsdale St, Braddon ACT 2612‎
PH (02) 6248 6488‎

(Backpacking Canberra accommodation information sourced from google.com.au)

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Fruit Picking near Canberra