| Things To see And Do: Index |
National Capital Exhibition: museum depicting the history of Canberra
A visit to the National Capital Exhibition should be mandatory for anyone visiting Canberra for the first time, as it gives the essentials in understanding what Canberra represents to the people of Australia, why it is where it is, it reveals that Canberra's design is deeply symbolic, and interprets that symbolism, giving visitors a fuller understanding of why Canberra is like it is. The significance of that design and the symbolism contained in it without that knowledge, Canberra might appear to be just another modern, well laid out but essentially boring place to glance at briefly to say you've been, then move on. Through interactive displays, the Exhibition features the people, events, history and design which contributed to the development of this unique city.
Contact: (02) 6257 1068. National Capital Exhibition Location: Regatta Point, Commonwealth Park, City Centre. How to get there: by car, proceed to Commonwealth Park on Barrine Drive off Commonwealth Avenue
Parliament House: iconic seat of Australian Government
As the home of the Parliament and the seat of Government, this building has a significance to Australians unique among buildings in Australia which is quite independent of its considerable architectural, aesthetic and townscape value. The buildings design and siting on the land axis creates a strong visual relationship and a linkage between the historic War Memorial and Provisional Parliament House. It is pre-eminently sited on Capital Hill at the focus of Walter Burley Griffin's 1912 plan for Canberra and the Parliamentary Triangle. The building design re-states the original profile of the hill and its curved walls reach out to encompass the radial avenues established by the 1912 Griffin plan as the primary axes of the city. The building is the result of a design competition with 329 entries for Australia's foremost public building and won in 1980 by Mitchell/Giurgola and Thorp Architecture. Completed and dedicated to mark Australia's Bicentennial year, 1988. Various timbers from around Australia have been used in the interior design, the building hosts numerous pieces of Australian art and craft. Large areas of the house are open for public inspection every day, during normal business hours. There are tours on non-sitting days every 30 minutes from opening, although a shorter tour also runs when parliament is sitting. It is possible to watch the proceedings from The House of Representatives or Senate gallery, but advance bookings is essential. Visitors may participate in guided tours of Parliament House. These free tours occur every half hour commencing from 9.00am. Free admission.
Contact: (02) 6277 2500. Website. Location: Capital Circle, Canberra. How to get there: by car, proceed from Canberra City Centre north along Commonwealth Ave., left into Capital Circle. If travelling to the complex by car, park in the suburb of Parkes and walk to Parliament House.
Captain Cook Memorial Globe & Water Jet: parklands and memorial to British navigator James Cook
The Captain James Cook Memorial, incorporating the Water Jet and Globe, was constructed by the Commonwealth Government to commemorate the Bicentenary of Captain James Cook’s first sighting of the east coast of Australia in 1770. The Memorial was officially inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II on the 200th anniversary of the Cook's discovery. Located in the Central Basin of Lake Burley Griffin, directly in front of the National Capital Exhibition at Regatta Point, the Captain Cook Memorial Jet sends water to a maximum height of 147 metres, pumping it from, and returning it to, the lake. The exit velocity of water leaving the nozzle is 260 kilometres an hour. About six tonnes of water is in the air at any one moment when the main nozzle is in use, discharging 500 litres per second. The Terrestrial Globe is about three metres in diameter and shows the three routes of Cook’s voyages, which are described on the surrounding handrail. Meridians of longitude and parallels of latitude form this open-cage globe, with landmasses depicted in beaten bas-relief copper. The parkland surrounding the memorial is a popular picnic spot and area where children can burn off some energy.
Contact: Website. Location: Regatta Point, Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra City. How to get there: by car or on foot from City Centre, proceed to Commonwealth Park, left into Barrine Drive off Commonwealth Avenue
Yarralumla: Canberra's main Embassy precinct and first garden suburb
In architect Walter Burley Griffin's original plan for Canberra, the area to the west of Parliament Hill was set aside as a residential area. Only a few of the suburbs planned by Griffin eventuated in the form he intended, and Yarralumla, one of Canberra's oldest suburbs, was one of them. Its street layout differs in detail from what Griffin planned, but the ideals of the garden suburb concept which was at the cutting edge of urban design in the Interwar years are clearly visible today. The main attraction for visitors, however, is that Yarralumla has the largest concentration of foreign embassies, consulates and commissions of any Canberra suburb. Recipients of embassy land here were encouraged to design their buildings in the styles of the countries they represent. Consequently, the part of Yarralumlu to the east of Empire Circuit where most of the embassies are is a colourful multicultural mix of architectural styles, gardens and settings with every continent in the world represented in its own unique way.
How to get there: proceed from Canberra City Centre north along Commonwealth Ave., proceeds around State Circuit, past the Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Adelaide Ave. exits, leaving the circuit at Perth Ave.
Australian War Memorial: one of Australia's leading and most respected Museums, devoted to those who have given their lives for their country in times of war.
The Memorial is a unique Australian national institution that combines a shrine, a world-class museum, and an extensive archive. Covering every conflict Australian military personnel have ever been involved in, the Museum has many highlights, among which is the Pool of Remembrance, the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier and the Hall of Memory. There are many galleries and exhibition spaces, including the First and Second World War galleries, Aircraft Hall, and ANZAC Hall. Artifacts in the Museum's collection on display include an Avro Lancaster B1 bomber, known with affection as G for George, in the aircraft hall; a composite of two Japanese midget submarines which took part in an attack on Sydney Harbour on the night of 31st May 1942; guns from HMAS Sydney I and SMS Emden, the two vessels that took part in Australia's first naval victory in November 1914. Free admission.
Contact: (02) 6243 4211. Website. Location: Treloar Crescent (top of ANZAC Parade), Campbell. How to get there: proceed east from Canberra City along Parkes Way, left into Anzac Pde., parking off Treloar Cres.
Mt. Ainslie Lookout: panoramic views of Canberra
When Chicago architect Walter Burley Griffin laid out Canberra, he used three mountain peaks as the corners of a triangle within which he laid out the parameters of the city. Mt. Ainslie Lookout is therefore not only one of the best places to take a panoramic view of Canberra, but one of the best places to view the magnificent Land Axis which forms a key feature of Griffin's original 1912 plan for Canberra. Views of the Australian War Memorial, Anzac Parade and Parliament House are especially good from this lookout. Small native flowers such as bluebells and everlasting daisies add beautiful colour to the bushland in spring and early summer, and many small mammals such as sugar gliders and ring-tail possums find shelter in the hollows of the old scribbly gums on Mount Ainslie.
Location: Mount Ainslie Drive, Ainslie. How to get there: drive, cycle or even run up Mount Ainslie via Mount Ainslie Dve. From Canberra City6, proceed east along Parkes Way, left into Anzac Pde., right into Fairbairn Ave., left into Mount Ainslie Dr.
| General Interest Attractions |
Telstra Tower: panoramic views of Canberra
Also known as Black Mountain Tower, Telstra Tower rises 195 metres above the summit of Black Mountain and provides 360 degree views of Canberra and the surrounding countryside. Situated in a nature reserve with many undisturbed animals, Telstra Tower provides Canberra's visitors with unique views of the city and the opportunity to dine in Canberra's only revolving restaurant, Alto (bookings essential; 02-6247 5518), as it plays a vital role in Australia's telecommunication network. The view at night is particularly spectacular. A hands-on exhibition within the tower tells the history of telecommunications in Australia. In 1989 the World Federation of Great Towers invited Telstra Tower to join such distinguished monuments as the Blackpool Tower in London and the Empire State Building in New York. Entry fees apply.
Contact: (02) 6219 6111. Website. Location: Black Mountain, Action. How to get there: from Canberra City, proceed east via Parkes Way, right into Clunies Ross Dr. at Acton, left into Black Mountain Dr.
Ginninderra & Gold Creek Villages: numerous family based attractions set around an historic village
Ginninderra Village, on the far outskirts of Canberra, was built in 1883 with the schoolhouse being the original school for the area now known as Canberra. Presently, it as fast developed as a major tourist attraction with its heritage buildings and other landscapes. The buildings are heritage listed and present the visitor with some knowledge of life in the early days. The attractions around Ginninderra are marketed as Gold Creek Village, and together provide a full day of activities. Gold Creek Village consists of Federation Square and the Gold Creek Cultural Centre which is beside the Gold Creek Resort. The family-focused attractions include Cockington Green Gardens, Australian Reptile Centre, The Bird Walk and the National Dinosaur Museum. Nearby you will see craftspeople making candles, wood turning, or patchwork quilts. Local galleries abound.
Contact: (02) 6205 0044. Website. Location: O'Hanlon Place, Nicholls, ACT, off the Barton Highway, 15km north of the city. How to get there: By bus, operating daily from: City & Belconnen, Bus Routes 50 / 51 / 52.
Cockington Green Gardens: an English village in miniature set in manicured gardens
Opened to the public in 1979, Cockington Green has been one of Canberra’s more popular attraction, particular for families, for many years. Part of Gold Creek Village these days, the park features an exquisite miniature English village, the Rose Room indoor exhibition, featuring ‘Waverley’ a 34 room Dolls House, a Garden Cafe, or bring a picnic lunch, ‘Playtown’ and miniature steam train rides, which encircle the displays.
Contact: 1800 627273 (Freecall). Website. Location: 11 Gold Creek Road, Nicholls, ACT, off the Barton Highway, 15km north of the city. How to get there: By bus, operating daily from: City & Belconnen, Bus Routes 50 / 51 / 52.
Royal Australian Mint: coinage production information centre
Opening in 1965, the Mint was commissioned to produce Australia’s decimal coinage, which was to be introduced into circulation on 14th February 1966. The Royal Australian Mint holds a place in history as the first mint in Australia not to be a branch of the Royal Mint, London. The Mint also manufactures medals, medallions, seals and tokens for private and public sectors and sporting and tourism groups, both nationally and internationally. Examples of these are The Order of Australia, Third Pacific Conference Games Medallions, Sydney Monorail token and Conrad Jupiter’s Casino tokens. At the mint, visitors can make their own coin, watch a video on coin production, buy collector coins and souvenirs and have a Barbecue or picnic on our grounds. Free admission.
Contact: 1300 652 020. Website. Location: Denison Street, Deakin, ACT. How to get there: proceed south from Canberra City along Commonwealth Ave., at State Circle, take the Adelaide Ave. exit, left into Kent St at Deakin, immediately right into Denison St.
Kambah Pool: attractions include scenic picnic spots, golden beaches, rock pools and nudist areas. Kambah Pool is a secluded and peaceful region, in the Tuggeranong district of Canberra. Open daily, 24 hours. Free admission.
Location: Kambah Pool Road, Kambah, Canberra
Mount Majura: close to Canberra city centre, Mount Majura is a popular spot for walking. Offering attractive views and an abundance of wildlife, attractions at Mount Majura include nature trails, parrots, cockatoos and tranquil picnic spots.
Location: MacKenzie Street, Hackett, Canberra.
Michelago Tourist Railway: popular with visitors to the city, it features restored steam locomotives and historic diesel trains. The Michelago Tourist Railway travels from Canberra railway station to Michelago, taking in many spectacular views along the way and using 49 kilometres of the railway line from Queanbeyan toward Cooma in southern NSW. Opening hours vary; admission fees apply. Website
Location: Geijera Place, at the end of Cunningham Street, Kingston
| Special Interest Attractions |
National Carillon: full functional bell tower on Lake Burlery Griffin
The Carillon was a gift from the British government to the people of Australia to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the National Capital, Canberra. Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the National Carillon on 26th April 1970. The 50 metre tall National Carillon tower underwent refurbishment including renovations of interior function facilities and the addition of two extra bells in 2004. The Carillon is in regular use, chiming every quarter hour and playing a short tune on the hour. It is played on a regular basis during the year by both local and visiting carillonists. It is often used to celebrate national days and is played in conjunction with other events such as Australia Day (26th January). All styles of music are represented, from compositions specially written for the Carillon to popular song arrangements and improvisation. The best place to listen to the Carillon is suggested to be within 100 metres of the building, though the sound can usually be heard much further away in the Parliamentary Triangle, Kingston and Civic.
Website | online virtual tour. Location: Aspen Island, Lake Burley Griffin. How to get there: from Canberra City, exit London Circuit into Constitution Ave., turn right into Wendouree Dr.
Australian Institute of Sport: tours of the sports training complex
The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) is widely acknowledged in Australia and internationally as a leader in the the development of elite sport and as a world best practice model for elite athlete development. It is a pre-eminent elite sports training institution in Australia with world class facilities and support services. A behind-the-scenes tour of the AIS is available for visitors. Tour charges apply.
Contact: (02) 6214 1111. Website. Location: Leverrier Street, Bruce ACT. How to get there: by car, proceed north along Northbourne Ave., left into Antill St, right into Mouat St, left into Ginninderra Dr., left into Braybrooke St, left into Masterman St, right into Leverrier St.
All-Saints Church, Ainslie: a church with unusual history
This little suburban church has a most unusal history - it began life as a railway station in the Sydney metropolitan area. In 1864, a spur railway line was built from Haslem’s Creek (now Lidcombe) station into Rookwood Cemetery and a funeral train service commenced. Two stations were built - one was the Mortuary Station near Sydney's Central Railway Station, and the other was the terminal - this building - in the cemetery grounds. In practice, the locomotive backed the train into the cemetery from Haslem’s Creek so that the coffin van at the end of the train would be under the complete shelter of the building. The coffins would then be taken out, processions formed and these would move either to the graveside or to the chapels. The last funeral train ran in April 1948, the track was pulled up and the old abandoned station remained the haunt of vagrants and the homeless until the Parish of Canberra North bought it for 100 pounds in 1958. It was taken apart stone by stone, shipped to Ainslie and rebuilt, ready for its dedication on All Saints Day, 1st November, 1959.
Website: Location: Cowper Street in Ainslie, ACT, just off Limestone Avenue. How to get there: by car, drive north along Northbourne Ave., right into Impima St at Ainslie, cross Limestone Ave. into Cowper St.
Girrawah Park Aboriginal Site: a National Trust heritage site in Canberra's Gungahlin district. Featuring a number of ancient Aboriginal sites and archaeological remains, Girrawah Park Aboriginal Site is also rich in native flora and fauna.
Location: Gamburrah Street, Gungahlin, Canberra
| Zoos, Wildlife Sanctuaries |
National Zoo and Aquarium: Australia's only combined zoo and aquarium
A privately owned zoo, located in Yarralumla at the western end of Lake Burley Griffin alongside Scrivener Dam. The zoo has both Australian endemic species and introduced species including the largest collection of big cats in Australia, including a tiger. It also has the largest inland saltwater tank in Australia. The facility is involved in a number of breeding programs for endangered species. Entry fees apply.
Contact: (02) Website. Location: Scrivener Dam entrance, Lady Denman Drive, Yarralumla, Canberra. How to get there: from Canberra City, proceed east via Parkes Way, take the Lady Denman Drive exit at Acton. By bus, City Bus Route 81 Bus timetable
Australian Reptile Centre: professionally presented educational venue about all things reptilian. Visitors can handle Australia’s largest, deadliest and most colourful snakes and reptiles including pythons.
Location: O'Hanlon Place, Gold Creek Village, Barton Highway, Nicholls.
Commonwealth Park: a five-minute walk from Canberra’s city centre, Commonwealth Park is on the north side of Lake Burley Griffin. Developed since the 1960s, it contains play areas, paddling pools, waterfalls, an amphitheatre and a path round the park. In summer there are weekly performances in the Sunday in the Park program, and annually in March the park is one of the venues of the Canberra Festival.
National Botanic Gardens: a centre for growing, studying and promoting Australia's flora
The concept of a National Botanical Gardens to exhibit the interpret Australia's flora was birthed by its inclusion in Walter Burley Griffin's original design for Canberra of 1912. It wasn't until the 1950s, however, that the foundation plantings were eventually established at Griffin's nominated site. In 1968 the first interpretive signage was installed and facilities for indoor interpretive displays and for teaching propagation methods were developed. The scientific and educational resources of the Gardens were further expanded during the late 1960s and early 1970s with the development of the herbarium, library, nursery (including glasshouses), and the research laboratory. The ANBGs' particular research interest in the families Fabaceae and Orchidaceae began in the mid 1970s; the living Gardens' collection of Australian orchids is now perhaps the most comprehensive in cultivation.
Contact. (02) 6250 9450. Website. Location: Black Mountain, Clunies Ross Dr., Action. How to get there: from Canberra City, proceed east via Parkes Way, right into Clunies Ross Dr. at Acton.
Lake Ginninderra: situated in Canberra's Belconnen district, Lake Ginninderra is a picturesque lake, surrounded by walking and cycle trails, marshlands, forests, large trees, picnic spots, barbecue facilities and playground areas for children. Free admission.
Location: Emu Bank, Belconnen, Canberra
Lake Tuggeranong: another of Canberra's numerous lakes, it is situated in the Tuggeranong district, with scenic views, Free admission. Location: Drakeford Drive, Tuggeranong, Canberra.
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Australia Day In The Park (26th January): celebration of Australia's national day
Summernats Car Festival (January): show cars, street machines, burn outs and full throttle entertainment.
National Multicultural Festival (February): Celebrate difference, share traditions and see performances from all parts of the world.
Paddy Pallin Adventure Race Series (February): Canberra area
The Canberra Festival (March): a festival of culture and the Arts, featuring Australian and overseas artists
National Folk Festival (Easter-March/April): a cultural celebration of traditional and contemporary music, dance, poetry and storytelling.
Canberra Region Heritage Festival (April): this festival has a different theme each year.
Fireside Festival (August): The Fireside Festival is a series of events celebrating winter.
Canberra Nara Candle Festival (September): Celebration of Canberra's Sister City Relationship with Nare, Japan.
Floriade (September/October): the biggest flower festival in Australia
Floriade is an annual flower festival, celebrated in the spring months of September and October each year. The garden beds, made up of more than a million blooms, create giant pictures which reflect the current year’s theme. The garden beds set the backdrop for a 30 day festival filled with entertainment, many different learning experiences, unique markets, live concerts and food and drink.
Contact: 1300 727 655. Website.
Location: Commonwealth Park, a five-minute walk from Canberra’s city centre. How to get there: the main public entry gate is located at Regatta Point off Commonwealth Avenue. (more information).
Canberra International Film Festival (October): a 12 day event featuring films from around the world.
Family & Community Fun Day (November): pre-Christmas day set aside to relax with family and friends.
Wine, Roses and all that Jazz (November): celebrates the art of the grape. Involves 25 wineries and local businesses, activities include sampling award-winning wines, gourmet food, and relaxing to live music in the vineyards of the Canberra region.
Old Bus Depot Markets: Canberra’s only indoor markets, they have a contemporary urban feel and promise an enjoyable, relaxing experience for locals and visitors. The 200 stalls offer a variety of wares, from clothing, accessories, bric-a-brac and home wares, mostly handcrafted by local and regional artists and craftspeople, to local produce. Buskers, musicians and performers provide entertainment. Sunday opening only; free admission.
Contact: Website. Location: Wentworth Ave., Kingston. How to get there: by car, proceed from Canberra City Centre north along Commonwealth Ave., left into State Circle, exit into Brisbane Ave. which becomes Wentworth Ave. at Kingston; by bus, routes 938 and 980.
Canberra Southside Market: a Community Market based on the southside of Canberra specialising in local art & craft, home produce and new and second-hand goods.
Contact: Website. Location: Monthly, Tuggeranong Community Centre, 245 Cowlishaw Street, Tuggeranong
Capital Region Farmers Market: a farmers market with over 100 stalls offering a diverse range of fresh food and agricultural produce.
Contact: Website. Location: Exhibition Park, Canberra
- Franklin Street, Flinders Way, Manuka - wide range of restaurants and cafes
- Woolley Street, Dickson - Canberra's Chinatown featuring many Asian restaurants
- Green Square, Giles Street, Kennedy Street, Kingston - wide range of cuisines and dining options
Namadgi National Park: National Park within the boundaries of the Aust. Capital Territory
Located in the southwestern part of the Australian Capital Territory, bordering Kosciuszko National Park in New South Wales, Namadgi National Park lies approximately 40 km southwest of Canberra, and makes up approximately 46% of the ACT's land area. The park protects part of the northern end of the Australian Alps with its spectacular granite mountains. Its habitat ranges from grassy plains over snow gum forests to alpine meadows. The fauna is also varied: Eastern Grey Kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, magpies, rosellas and ravens are commonly seen. In this sub-alpine region the weather ranges from cold winter nights to warm summer days, and it can change very quickly. Snow normally falls on the Bimberi and Brindabella Ranges during winter, and is not uncommon throughout most of the park. The highest mountain is Bimberi Peak (1911 m) which is the highest peak in the ACT. Namadgi has a rich heritage of human history. A rockshelter at Birrigai, just north of Namadgi National Park, contains evidence that Aboriginal people were living in the region during the last ice age 21 000 years ago. At this time, the Namadgi Ranges were snow covered most of the year. Clues to the lifestyle of the local indigenous people are found throughout the park. These include quarry sites where stone was gathered for tool making, campsites with discarded fragments of stone and animal bone, ceremonial stone arrangements on the high peaks, and rock painting sites.
Contact: Namadgi Visitor Centre, Naas Road (two kilometres past Tharwa), ACT, Phone (02) 6207 2900. More information.
Booroomba Rocks Walk: scenic bushwalk among the flora and fauna of the area
Booroomba Rocks is one of the most popular destinations within the Namadgi National Park and a favourite spot for bushwalking in the Australian Capital Territory. The walk passes through a craggy eucalyptus forest. From the platform at the top of the 120-metre high cliff of Booroomba Rocks, the panoramic view of the Canberra city make the trek worthwhile. Climbing and abseiling over the huge granite boulders of the Booroomba Rocks are very popular among the visitors who want to explore the thrills of rock climbing. Moderate pace; 1 to 2 hours duration.
Contact: Namadgi Visitor Centre, Naas Road (two kilometres past Tharwa), ACT, Phone (02) 6207 2900. Walks through the area.
National Museum of Australia:
Looks can be deceiving - this ugly looking monstrosity is actually excellent once you get inside. The Museum preserves and interprets Australia's social history, exploring the key issues, people and events that have shaped the nation. The Museum profiles 50,000 years of Indigenous heritage, settlement since 1788 and key events including Federation and the Sydney 2000 Olympics. On display is the world's largest collection of Aboriginal bark paintings and stone tools, the actual heart of champion racehorse Phar Lap and the original prototype of the Holden car. The Museum's innovative use of new technologies has been central to its growing international reputation in outreach programming, particularly with regional communities. In 2005 and 2006 the National Museum was named Australia's best major tourist attraction. Free admission.
Contact: (02) 6208 5000. Website. Location: Lawson Cres., Acton Peninsula, Acton. How to get there: from Canberra City, proceed east via Parkes Way, left into Lawson Cres.
Old Parliament House: Australia's first seat of Government, now a Parliamentary museum
Old Parliament House made headlines for more than sixty years as home to Australia's Federal Parliament from 1927 to 1988. Erected as a temporary measure until a larger more appropriate building could be planned and built, Old Parliament House opened in 1927 and served as the home of Federal Parliament until 1988, well past its planned use-by date. In Canberra’s early years the House was the social, geographic and political heart of the new Australian capital. Over time, this impressive building became synonymous with some of the country’s most important moments including Australia’s declaration of war against Japan in 1941 and the dismissal of Gough Whitlam’s Labor Government in 1975. Today, this much-loved heritage building offers the visitor a unique glimpse into Australia's fascinating past with regularly changing exhibitions.
Contact: (02) 6270 8222. Website.
Location: King George Terrace, Parkes, Canberra. How to get there: proceed from Canberra City Centre north along Commonwealth Ave., left into King George Tce.
National Dinosaur Museum: houses the largest permanent display of dinosaur and other prehistoric fossil material in Australia. With 23 complete skeletons, and over 300 displays of individual fossils, the museum continues to grow and expand our collection and our depth of information. Focusing on both education and entertainment, the museum offers a wide variety of activities to schools and the general public.
Website. Location: Gold Creek Village, Barton Highway, Nicholls.
Canberra Bicycle History Centre - a resource and visitor information centre. Website.
Location: Rosevear Pl., Dickson, ACT
Canberra Railway Museum - contains a variety of exhibits and includes the railway yard housing most of the Australian Railway Historical Society's rolling stock - locomotives, rail motors, passenger cars, freight cars and track-maintenance vehicles. See also separate entry, Michelago Tourist Railway. Website. Location: Geijera Pl., at the end of Cunningham St, Kingston.
Canberra Museum & Gallery - celebrates the region's social history and visual arts with dynamic exhibitions and unique community programs and events. The museum housing a permanent collection, Reflecting Canberra. Website. Location: Canberra Museum and Gallery is a short walk from Civic bus interchange, Cnr. London Circuit and Civic Square, Canberra City.
Calthorpes' House - Built in 1927, this genuine survivor is a treasure house of domestic history. Original furnishings, household appliances and photos reflect the fashionable ideal of style and taste in the middle class Australian home of the late 1920s. Website. Location: 24 Mugga Rd, Red Hill.
Lanyon Historic Homestead - on an historic sheep station on Canberra's southern outskirts, about 30km south, its centrepiece of the complex is the beautifully restored early stone cottage built by convicts in 1859, occupied until 1974. This National Trust homestead documents station life from early convict days in the region before Canberra existed and houses the Nolan Gallery, some of Sydney Nolan's paintings including his famous Ned Kelly works. Website. Location: Tharwa Drive, Tharwa.
Mugga-Mugga - an historic cottage set on seventeen hectares of grazing land, its centrepiece is a simple cottage built for the head shepherd of Duntroon in the 1870s. Location: 8 Narrabundah Lane, Symonston ACT
Australian Federal Police Museum - the history of the Australian Federal Police. Website. Location: AFP Complex, Weston, ACT
Blundell's Cottage - a five-roomed stone cottage on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra, that was built by colonist George Campbell in about 1858 for his ploughman William Ginn. The National Capital Development Commission renovated the cottage and in 1964 gave it to the Canberra and District Historical Society. Virtual tour.
Location: Wendouree Dve. off Constitution Ave., Canberra.
Questacon National Science and Technology Centre: science and technology museum in the national capital
Questacon - the National Science and Technology Centre, is located on the southern shore of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra. It is a large centre with more than 200 interactive exhibits relating to science and technology. The centre is split up into seven galleries on different floors, accessed by a spiral ramp around the 'drum'. The centre also features three theatres, used for performances by Questacon's theatre troupe, The Excited Particles, which are generally targeted at families. The troupe also does puppet shows for young children and more serious talks on science and current events.
Contact: (02) 6270 2800. Website. Location: King Edward Tce., Parkes. How to get there: proceed from Canberra City Centre north along Commonwealth Ave., left into King Edward Tce.
CSIRO Discovery Centre: an interactive journey through CSIRO and the history of science in Australia
CSIRO Discovery is a showcase of Australia's scientific and technological achievements. The focus of displays is on the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australia's national science agency and one of the largest and most diverse research agencies in the world. CSIRO Discovery is also home to a great range of public events, as well as a working laboratory that offers the public a unique insight into science at work.
Contact: (02) 6246 4646. Website. Location: Black Mountain Laboratories, Clunies Ross Dr., Acton, ACT. How to get there: from Canberra City, proceed east via Parkes Way, right into Clunies Ross Dr. at Acton.
Deep Space Communication Complex: functional deep space observatory with a visitor centre
The NASA Deep Space Network - or DSN - is an international network of antennas that supports interplanetary spacecraft missions and radio and radar astronomy observations for the exploration of the Solar System and the universe. The network also supports selected Earth-orbiting missions. Canberra's Deep Space Communication Complex is one of only three ground stations that are make up that network. The complex's Visitor Centre is a unique and informative learning environment for students of all ages. It offers visitors the chance to learn about the role that Australia plays in the exploration of space. The centre has a cafe, giftshop and picnic areas. Free admission.
Contact: Website. Location: about half an hour's drive out of Canberra in the Tidbinbilla valley region. How to get there: leave Canberra via Parkes Way, proceed into Tuggeranong Parkway which becomes Drakesford Dve., then Tharwa Dr. Proceed through Tharwa along Tidbinbilla Rd, right into Paddys River Rd, right into Discovery Dr.
Canberra Space Dome & Observatory: a unique astronomy complex in suburban Dickson
The Canberra Space Dome offers multimedia shows featuring magnificent star fields, video projection and awesome digital sound. The 11 metre Planetarium seats up to 70 people. The Canberra Planetarium is one of the most modern in Australia. The Observatory Gallery is the connecting corridor between the domes. It features a static visual display on a host of astronomical subjects.
Contact: (02) 6249 7817. Location: Hawdon Pl., Dickson. How to get there: from Canberra, proceed north along Northbourne Ave., right into Antill St, right into Hawdon Pl.
Mt. Stromlo Observatory: Australia's 'hands on' astronomy centre. Whilst most of the facilities were destroyed in the January 2003 bushfires, the ongoing reconstruction program is ensuring that the scientific work can continue. The Visitor Centre is open 10am-5pm Wednesday to Sunday.
Location: Cotter Road, Canberra.
| The Arts: Galleries & Archives |
National Gallery: the national art gallery of the Commonwealth of Australia
Most countries have a National Gallery which houses the nation's most prized artworks and honours its greatest artists - this is Australia's. It was established in 1967 by the Government of Australia as a national public art gallery. The National Gallery of Australia is located in the parliamentary triangle on the south side of Lake Burley Griffin. It is adjacent to the High Court of Australia and within walking distance to Old Parliament House. Entry fees apply to specific exhibitions.
Contact: (02) 6240 6411. Website | About the Gallery. Location: Parkes Place, Parkes, ACT. How to get there: by car, proceed from Canberra City Centre north along Commonwealth Ave., left into King Edward Tce., left into Parkes Place.
National Portrait Gallery: the national portrait art gallery of the Commonwealth of Australia
The National Portrait Gallery's website states that the Gallery was created to increase the understanding of the Australian people - there identity, history, creativity and culture - through portraiture. The Gallery's new building, bounded by the High Court of Australia and the National Gallery of Australia, has a gross floor area of approximately 14,000 square metres, providing a permanent display of 500 portraits of people who have shaped Australia and who continue to shape the nation.
Contact: Website. Location: King Edward Tce., Parkes, ACT. How to get there: by car, proceed from Canberra City Centre north along Commonwealth Ave., left into King Edward Tce.
National Archives of Australia
The National Archives has reading rooms in Canberra and each state and territory capital. The galleries in the National Archives' Canberra building, known as East Block, feature exhibitions that highlight many treasures held in its collection. Free admission.
Contact: (02) 6212 3600. Websiteå. Location: Queen Victoria Terrace, Parkes ACT, near Parliament House and Old Parliament House. How to get there: by car, proceed from Canberra City Centre north along Commonwealth Ave, left into Queen Victoria Tce. By bus: Action bus 34 stops close to East Block
National Film & Sound Archives
The National Film and Sound Archive's primary aim is to develop a comprehensive collection of Australian works and materials representing the history, technology and culture of the audiovisual media, from their origins to the present time. The NFSA will also collect international material selectively, as resources permit, and not to the detriment of Australian works and materials. The National Collection includes more than 1.3 million items. In addition to discs, films, videos, audio tapes, phonograph cylinders and wire recordings, the Collection includes supporting documents and artefacts, such as photographic stills, transparencies, posters, lobby cards, publicity, scripts, costumes, props, memorabilia and sound, video and film equipment.
Contact: (02) 6248 2000. Website. Location: McCoy Circuit, Acton, ACT.
See also ACT Museums and Galleries
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