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Australian Capital Territory

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Fun Fact

Symbolically, the name Canberra was taken from the language of the Ngannawal people, indigenous to the area. Kamberra means meeting place.

Tourism Region of the
Australian Capital Territory

Australian Capital Territory

Welcome to
Australia's Capital

Australia’s ubiquitous capital, Canberra, was initially planned to be the meeting place of the elected political leaders from all of the newly federated six colonies, which amalgamated to become the ‘Commonwealth of Australia’. Despite the fact both Sydney and Melbourne were contenders for the title, the Yass-Canberra Valley, situated midway between the two cities, was in fact selected in 1908 as the site for the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

In 1912, renowned architect Walter Burley Griffin won an international competition to design the city and to date, his series of geometrically precise circles and axes have given the city a unique and elegant edge. With its grand avenues, stately buildings, galleries, iconic monuments, numerous lakes and open parklands, the city of Canberra reflects the entire nation of Australia.

Additionally, just a short drive from the capital, you’ll find historic rural towns, fertile farming country, a plethora of wineries and stunning beaches.

Canberra CBD
(aka downtown
Canberra)

Downtown Canberra

At the heart of Canberra is the magnificent Lake Burley Griffin, which covers around 664 hectares and has a shoreline of approximately 40 kilometres. Surrounded by galleries, museums, cafes and parks, as well as extensive walking and cycling paths, the lake is the perfect location for a scenic picnic, coffee or sunset ale.

Hire a peddle boat and hit the water, or jump on a bike and explore the cool-climate native flowers and cherry blossoms that surround this not-to-be-missed waterway.

Architectural delight

Canberra is also home to some of Australia’s most respected and prominent buildings, which all have considerable charm and are well worth visiting.

Parliament House
The Australian War Memorial
The National Science and Technology Centre
The National Library of Australia, and a plethora of international embassies.

However, there is also more to Canberra than just national monuments, museums and galleries. Believe it or not, the nation’s capital is host to a multitude of excellent restaurants, cafes and boutique stores.

Explore the city

Just a few minutes walk from the city centre is Braddon, Canberra’s ever-evolving shopping and foodie precinct, where you’ll find an assortment of boutiques, cafes, bakeries, restaurants and bars. At the heart of this hipster haven is Lonsdale Street, which showcases local makers and creatives, along a street overflowing with independent boutiques and stores.

A Green Agenda

Canberra is also a destination for nature lovers and believe it or not, it is a 100% renewable energy city, with approximately 70% of the ACT dedicated to nature parks.

Take a visit to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve to try and spot the five famous native Australian animals that call the area home, namely the koala, platypus, kangaroo, emu and wombat. Or if you fancy some scenic views overlooking the city, take a stroll up Mount Ainslie, Mount Painter, or Black Mountain.

The National Botanic Gardens

Australia’s National Botanic Gardens are just five minutes from the CBD and with over 4,300 plant species set on 35 hectares, it is the only place in the world where you can find such extensive plant diversity in one location. Finally, Floriade, a flower festival held in spring, is not to be missed. With more than one million tulips in bloom, as well as native flowers and cherry blossoms also flowering, the city is transformed into an unforgettable, multi-coloured destination.

Beyond Canberra

If you’re looking for a short trip to the Snowy Mountains, historic villages, or the NSW South Coast, Canberra is the perfect base. A three hour drive will lead to you either the snow, or a stunning beach. Additionally, the closer, charming Gold Rush towns of Gundaroo, Bungendore and Braidwood, offer a look into Australia’s historic past, these towns also boast some incredible antique stores, stellar wineries and delicious produce stores, making them well-worth a visit.

If you’d like to explore what Canberra has to offer, as well as some of its surrounding towns, beaches and mountains, let Liv Travel organise a bespoke itinerary for you, to ensure you tick off everything on your ACT bucket list.

Trip Tip

Numerous national events, festivals, exhibitions and exhibits rotate through Canberra throughout the year. If you're planning a trip to the ACT, remember to check the "what's on" webpages of major museums and other venue's websites, leading up to your trip, so you don't miss a cool event or travelling exhibit.

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