Canberra

Canberra is Australia’s capital, the only major inland city in the country, the nerve center of the national government – one which is very different from other Australian capital cities. It is actually located in the Australian Capital Territory or ACT, something which has a rich history all by itself.

ACT was a product of a dispute between Melbourne and Sydney, with each place competing to become the capital of the newly-federated and independent Australia. When a compromise was reached, Canberra became Australia’s smallest self-governing territory.

Places to Visit in Canberra

Canberra in general represents the aspirations of a relatively young country. When you see the city’s well-planned landscape, you will have an idea about how Canberra has turned into the cultural and democratic institution that it is today.

If you’re expecting to witness the roughness and rawness of the land down under, you will have a different perspective of what the other side of Australia is made of once you visit Canberra. It is a destination for history buffs with the numerous museums that you can get to visit in the country. Despite the city feel to Canberra, you can still have a feel of Australia’s outdoor core because it is set amidst mountain ranges, hills and bushland.

Some of the must-visit spots when going to Canberra in Australia are these:

• Black Mountain Tower
  The Black Mountain Tower offers a fantastic view of Canberra’s city skyline. This modern structure also has great dining options, with a revolving restaurant in tow.

• Blundell’s Cottage
  This cottage offers guided tours, being a place of some of Canberra’s earliest settlers.

• Villages outside the City of Canberra
  For those who would like to veer away from the typical tourist destinations in Canberra, you can visit Tharwa Village or the Lanyon Homestead. Another off-the-beaten-track destination is the Namadgi National Park which makes up most of the northern part of the Australian Alps.

Things to Do in Canberra

Your stay in Canberra will never be complete without indulging in some touristy and not-so-touristy activities. One great example would be hiring a paddle boat, kayak or canoe as you explore Lake Burley Griffin.

The adventurers-at-heart would have a blast mountain biking through Canberra’s mountain bike trails. If you want, you can also explore the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve which is about 40 minutes south of Canberra. Another unique activity is going tobogganing in Corin Forest which also offered bobsled rides during winter.

You should also not miss out on having a wine tasting tour at some of the wineries around Canberra while sampling what the local cuisine has to offer. Go souvenir shopping at some of the most famous arts and crafts stores in Canberra like the Jamison Market, the charming Tuggeranong Market, Fyshwick Market or the Southside Farmer’s Market.

Canberra may be a city which is not as popular as Sydney, but it is an equally compelling place to explore. If you want to understand what makes up the land down under as an entire nation, then visiting Canberra is definitely a must.