Canberra

Canberra, Australia's capital city, is located in the Australian Capital Territory 280km south west of Sydney and 660km north east of Melbourne.

Built in the early 1900s, Canberra was planned by American architect, Walter Burley Griffin, who won an international competition to design the city. His plan focused on geometrical, circular patterns and incorporating Australia's natural landscape.

Canberra - the bush capital

Canberra is known as Australia's bush capital due to the large amount of natural vegetation in and around the city, which flourishes in Canberra weather.

One of Canberra's main natural attractions is the Floriade festival, Australia's biggest flower festival, a colourful celebration of flowers held each spring.

Canberra heritage and culture

The Australian federal capital also holds several important historical and cultural institutions. Canberra visitors and locals relish in spectacular exhibitions held at Canberra's National Gallery of Australia, the National Museum of Australia and the National Library of Australia.

There are many free events and festivals through out the year, so don't forget to find out what Canberra events are on when planning your next visit.

Canberra's national buildings

But Canberra is most known as the political centre of Australia. Both the Parliament and Old Parliament House are located in Canberra, and it's not surprising that the federal government is Canberra's largest single employer.

For more significant buildings to visit in Canberra, the Commonwealth government buildings, such as the High Court of Australia and the Royal Australian Mint, are there for you to see.

Other top Canberra attractions

Other places in Canberra worth a peek are the National Dinosaur Museum, Australian National Botanic Gardens and the Telstra Tower.

If you're looking for somewhere to stay, Canberra offers both five-star accommodation and affordable hotels, as well as backpackers. Australia's major airlines provide regular flights to Canberra. When you arrive in Canberra, you can use public transport, hire a car or walk to explore the national treasures in Canberra, Australia.