Things to do in Canberra
Canberra is home to many national buildings including the National Library, the National Gallery, the High Court of Australia and Parliament House. The city enjoys a thriving arts, music and café scene. It is sometimes called 'the bush capital' because pockets of bushland reserve extend almost to the city centre and over half the land is classified as national park or nature reserve.
Attractions
Parliament House
This building is the focal point for Canberra. Built in 1988, into the peak of Capital Hill, it is a modern structure set in the middle of 23 hectares of native gardens, topped with a grass-covered roof on which you're allowed to walk. Visitors are allowed to observe Question Time when Parliament is sitting; alternatively you can view some of the wonderful modern art that is on display.
National Gallery of Australia
The National Gallery is home to the finest modern art collection in the southern hemisphere. It has more than 70,000 works which range from European old masters to contemporary Aboriginal artists. The gallery is also home to internationally renowned collections including Jackson Pollock's Blue Poles. Home to one of the most impressive permanent collections in the country, the NGA is an essential stop for lovers of Australian art.
High Court
Next door to the gallery is the High Court of Australia. This impressive venue has three courtrooms which have been the venue of many of the country's most historical judgements over the past 30 years. Members of the public are permitted to sit in on hearings when the court is in session.
National Botanic Gardens
Situated on the slopes of Black Mountain, and spreading over 50 hectares, the Gardens contain over 6,000 species of native flora. The eucalypt forest alone has over 600 species. Take a walk through the misted rainforest and a tour of the medicinal plants used in years past by the Aborigines.
The Australian War Memorial
This commemorates all Australians who lost their lives in war. The intricately built Hall of Memory is the focus of the memorial and its beautiful interior features a dome made of six million Italian mosaic pieces.
Events
Canberra Day is held on the third Monday in March each year, and in celebration the city holds a ten-day festival to mark the occasion. The Canberra Festival celebrates the city's birthday with a combination of music, food, a Mardi Gras, displays and a parade. March also brings the huge National Folk Festival to Canberra.
