Backpacking Canberra, Australia.
About Backpacking Canberra.
A planned city built on a vast limestone plain edged by
rugged mountain ranges, Canberra is Australia’s national
capital, seat of Federal parliament and home to many
institutions and national monuments. Four distinct seasons
add to its charm and visitors quickly discover that it really is
Australia’s ‘hidden gem’. The surrounding countryside
contains historic and picturesque rural villages and a
burgeoning 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 and
glorious 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 was
the work of Chicago architect Walter Burley Griffin with wide, tree-lined avenues and spacious open parklands. Many national
institutions 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 now
also a major university and research centre with an emphasis on high technology industries.
Backpacking Canberra; things to do.
Over half the area of the ACT is a national park with a well-developed and maintained network of walking trails through mountain ranges and sub-alpine forest. A spectacular way to see the city is to take a hot air balloon ride high over Lake Burley
Griffin. The surrounding region offers more than 30 wineries, historic townships, beautiful coastlines and the famous Snowy
Mountains.
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
Canberra City YHA
7 Akuna St, Canberra ACT 2601
PH (02)6248 9155
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
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