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Canberra, Australia

Canberra is Australia’s national capital. It was created to resolve a dispute at the time of federation between Sydney and Melbourne over the site. Being pragmatic they chose sheep paddocks miles from anywhere.

The design of the city was put to open competition. An American architect, Walter Burley Griffin won with an outstanding design aiming to harmonise development with the landscape. Between 1921 and 1930, under the guidance of the Federal Capital Advisory Committee construction progressed slowly. Road and sewerage layouts continued, tree planting was carried out, Parliament House constructed. Shops were built at Civic, Manuka and Kingston; offices, hostels and houses completed for 1100 public servants. The depression caused a shortage of funds and the nation lost interest in its capital. There was also a feeling that the design was too grandiose for this country and little development occurred until 1957 when the Federal Government under Robert Menzies established the …

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The best things to do in Canberra

The top 5 experiences in Canberra. There are 2 more experiences in Canberra. See all »

New Parliament House
Recently I travelled to Australia's capital to visit a long time mate and confidante who I regularly communicate with. With my…
Booroomba, Gibraltar Peak and Canberra climbing
The huge granite slabs and boulders around Canberra are a bit of a paradise for climbers looking for good adventure climbing an…
Blue Poles (Pollock)
'The purchase of Blue Poles by the National Gallery of Australia in September 1973 for US$2 million unleashed a storm of contro…
National Gallery of Australia
Canberra’s mist and bush in shades of green and grey is distilled and focused into a smaller area in the garden of the National…
National Folk Festival
Five days and 22 venues featuring over a hundred concerts of the best of local and international folk music talent is a lot of …