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Australian Capital Territory

City style meets the beauty of the Australian bush just under three hours drive south-east of Sydney in the Australian Capital Territory. The nation’s heart of political and cultural activity, Canberra is a city in a park that changes with the seasons and is home to Australian icons and hidden treasures. If you’re after restaurants, wineries, shopping, entertainment and world class galleries and museums you’ll find it in Canberra and for those more adventurous our scenic natural surrounds await you.

Stay in Australian Capital Territory this weekend!

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Australian Capital Territory Reviews

Canberra ... so much more than politics!, Saturday, 28 June 2008

Written by CanberraGem

The nation's capital holds a plethora of wonders, surprises and adventures for all ages. C'mon over for a visit and see the seat of the Australian Government in action. Nestled between the rolling hills on the limestone plains between Goulburn and the Snowy Mountains, put Canberra on your itinerary. Get around the city on the superb bike tracks, take in the views from Mount Ainslie or Black Mountain.

Visit such wonderful institutions as our very own Parliament House, both old and new, Questacon, the National Museum, the National Archives, the Australian War Memorial, the National Gallery, the National Library and the National Portrait Gallery. These are only some of the most popular houses but there are many more plus hidden galleries, antiques shops and other curiosities. Take in the visually stunning spots around Lake Burley Griffin and picnic in the park. Take a step back in time and experience the pioneering life in Canberra by visiting the Lanyon Homestead.

Take a cruise or a paddle-boat on the lake and view some of the most exquisitely designed buildings in the country from a different perspective and if you are lucky you might catch the Captain Cook Fountain in action or hear the bells of the Carillon playing. In the surrounding Canberra mountains you'll find the year-round recreational Corin Forest, the Tidbinbilla Nature Discovery Centre and the astronomy observatory on Mount Stromlo.

Enjoy the nightlife, concerts, theatre and the ultimate in wining and dining at some of Canberra's most famous cafes and restaurants. The cafe scene is alive and thriving in Manuka, Kingston, Yarralumla and Civic as well as all the major shopping centres. Canberra has accommodation to suit every purse from five star hotels to bunking down with friends.

Come in autumn, the most spectacular colour change of the year ... no come in winter, because you can enjoy the crisp cool mornings and beautiful sunny days ... no come in spring when the city is alive with floral colour or come in summer, don't feint, it actually gets pretty hot here and the swimming holes are pretty fantastic.

Time your visit to coincide with your favourite activities, the Folk Festival, the world famous Floriade, the Science Festival, the Dance Sport Championships ... whatever your bent, our national capital Canberra, has it all, just for you. Oh, and the people are friendly too!
Canberra's tops!, Sunday, 20 July 2008

Written by Michelle Phillis

Canberra is a bit like an unknown great aunt. She's a relative, but family folklore says she's cold, overly tidy, and a bit boring...but when was the last time you listened to your family anyway?!

Cold? OK, Canberra is chilly in winter, but easily fixed with a good coat, gloves, and a hot chocolate.

Tidy? Yes, Canberra is rather tidy...but what's wrong with tidy?

Boring? Well, it's this part of the folklore that I just don't get. Sure, stay in your hotel room, and Canberra is boring. But step outside, and your biggest problem will be finding the time to fit everything in. Here are my top 10 suggestions:

1. Visit the thoroughly modern National Museum of Australia - you'll be fascinated by old, new and familiar objects from Australia's social history. (Warning...if going with your grandparents, expect a lot of reminiscing!)

2. Go to the National Gallery of Australia for some seriously good artwork - and a 'must see' is the infamous 'Blue Poles' painting by Jackson Pollock.

3. Visit 'Old' and 'new' Parliament Houses - even if you're a little 'ho hum' about politics, both houses hold fascinating stories of our political history.

4. Drive around the streets near Parliament House and play 'guess the embassy' - the Chinese embassy is a cinch!

5. Take your time at the Australian War Memorial - the museum's huge, and it's very moving. One of the lifeboats used in the landings at Gallipoli is a personal favourite.

6. The Australian National Botanic Gardens is urban bush-walking at its best! It's hectare after hectare of Australian native plant specimens from across Australia.

7. Head up Telstra tower for impressive 360 degree views of the ACT. It's rather romantic...so you can stay for a cosy dinner at the revolving restaurant (we left it at a quick pash in the car park!)

8. The Australian Institute of Sport runs 'behind-the-scenes' tours of the Institute - you may even catch some of our Aussie athletes in training.

9. For some top quality 'quiet time', see a movie at Arc - it's the new, stylish state-of-the-art cinema at the National Film and Sound Archive, showing all sorts of celluloid treasures.

10. And kids!...do not leave Canberra until mum or dad has taken you to Questacon. Australia's National Science and Technology Centre is a whole building full of activities just for you, making science fun. (I dare you to do the 'free fall' drop!)
Canberra, City for all seasons, Friday, 27 June 2008

Written by Jack and Jilly

Thought Canberra was just for pollies and Public Servants? Think again! Canberra is vibrant and alive with activities for everyone! The most-visited attraction anywhere in Australia is right here, at the Australian War Memorial. If you are lucky enough, as we were, to visit the Memorial on Anzac Day, it leaves you with with an emotional impact that is impossible to forget. Listen to the heart-rending accounts of the Japanese prisoners-of-war (if you can, without shedding a tear) or marvel at how real heroes won their VC's. Pat Simpson's donkey or watch the excitement of the Son et Lumiere, as only the Memorial can do it.
But Canberra can also take you through the awe-inspiring visions of Hot Air balloons, the colour and spectacle of Floriade, the views from the Telstra Tower, the charming melodies of the Campanile across the blue waters of Lake Burleigh Griffin - and that's before you start on the museums and art gallery or, if you really must, a tour of Parliament House (old or new!)
Canberra is a city for everyone and a fitting and beautiful place as capital of this great and diverse country of ours. Canberra rocks!
Rediscover the Child Within in Our Capital, Tuesday, 08 July 2008

Written by Christina Coleman

All politics aside, Canberra would have to be voted one of the top family holiday destinations. It's number one for fantastic food, accommodation and fascination! The incredible number of highly educational attractions that enthral the young and the old are a major draw card. On our last visit, our family took great pleasure in our expeditions to the sweet smelling gardens, National Dinosaur Museum, the National Australian Museum, the Australian Mint, Questacon, the War Memorial and the National Zoo and Aquarium. This all sounds pretty tiring doesn't it? Not at all. Surprisingly, it was as if my husband and I had found our long lost inner child. We rose to the challenge with increasing energy and enthusiasm. We were as awestruck by many of the displays as our children. In fact, it was my ten year old son who alerted me to the fact that we were about to spend a night in a Canberra museum if I didn't stop raving on about the Hills Hoist and get out! Wotif Canberra, where the children may just need to babysit their wide-eyed parents.
Too much to do!!, Saturday, 19 July 2008

Written by Allison

Despite the belief that there's not much to do in Canberra, there is so much to choose from. There are the usual tourist attractions; The War Memorial, Telstra Tower, Questacon, National Gallery of Australia and the National Museum of Australia. There are beautiful parks to visit including Commonwealth Park and the Botanic Gardens. In warm weather bike riding and paddle boating are popular at Lake Burley Griffin.
There are endless option for the Foodies amongst us ... try Kingston or Manuka for a miriade of awesome restaurants. And in the city there are some family favourites - Hogsbreath Cafe, Australian Pizza Kitchen and the Pancake Parlour.
There are also plenty of shops; Federation Square in Gungahlin has a great deal of cute unique boutique shops with some cafes to stop at. The Canberra Centre had a refusbishment a year or so ago and is so big you could get lost there. There is also a DFO (Direct Factory Outlet) near the airport and another one about to open in Fyshwick.
For parks and BBQ areas to take the kids try Black Mountain Peninsula, John Knight Memorial Park (at Lake Ginnindera) or Commonwealth Park is beautiful too (no BBQs but so nice for a picnic).
This is a beautiful city, I am so lucky to have grown up here and to be raising my children here !

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