Your visit to Australia should include a road trip between Melbourne and Sydney. A great stop off is Canberra, the nation's Capital. If you are travelling from Melbourne, the journey will take you 6 hours. From Sydney, it will take you 3 hours.
It's an easy mistake to make to think that Sydney is the capital of Australia. There was such controversy as to whether Sydney or Melbourne should be the capital, that they had to create a brand new city. In 1908, Canberra became the Capital of Australia.
The state asked some famous architects to come up with a design for the new city. It was Burley Griffin and his wife who won the honour of designing Canberra. The plans were inspired by the garden movement that was very big at that time. The result is that Canberra has beautiful green areas, lush vegetation and is known today as the Bush City.
Walk in any direction just 10 minutes out of the city centre and you will be greeted with walking trails and cycle tracks. The lake, named after the architect himself, Burley Griffin, is at the heart of the city and is a wonderful place to watch the world go by, cycle, take a boat trip, horse ride or kayak.
For beautiful views over Canberra drive up to Black Mountain and visit the viewing deck of the Telstra tower.
The main attractions for the visitor to Canberra are probably its vast array of Museums. There is something to please everyone here - Interactive Science Museums for families, Star gazing at the observatory, learning about Australia's participation in the wars at the War Memorial Museum or finding out how the Australian Parliament works by visiting Parliament House. The art gallery also has some interesting works and often has excellent visiting exhibitions.
Just 40 minutes away you will be surrounded by beautiful countryside including a Nature Reserve and National Parks. Why not get to know some of the local wildlife? You'll find Kangaroos, Platypus, Koalas and Emus all at the Nature Reserve.
The Poacher's Trail is fast becoming a renowned food and wine route. This trail will take in some wonderful vineyards and wineries. Stop off and try some great red and white wines as well as delicious local produce. Stay the night in a Homestead or quaint B&B.
Canberra's inland position makes it either very hot in summer or very cold in winter. Given its mainly about the museums you can visit all year round but be prepared for some extreme temperatures. Spring is a great time to come as there is a flower festival in late September and October. There are always fabulous displays of tulips around the city and in particular at Commonwealth Gardens.
March sees the arrival of the Hot Air Balloon Festival which is a must see. You will have to get up early though to see the spectacular take off.
It's hard to say how long you'll need to explore Canberra but in my opinion you need at least 3 days. Why not take longer and lose yourself in the countryside.
It's an easy mistake to make to think that Sydney is the capital of Australia. There was such controversy as to whether Sydney or Melbourne should be the capital, that they had to create a brand new city. In 1908, Canberra became the Capital of Australia.
The state asked some famous architects to come up with a design for the new city. It was Burley Griffin and his wife who won the honour of designing Canberra. The plans were inspired by the garden movement that was very big at that time. The result is that Canberra has beautiful green areas, lush vegetation and is known today as the Bush City.
Walk in any direction just 10 minutes out of the city centre and you will be greeted with walking trails and cycle tracks. The lake, named after the architect himself, Burley Griffin, is at the heart of the city and is a wonderful place to watch the world go by, cycle, take a boat trip, horse ride or kayak.
For beautiful views over Canberra drive up to Black Mountain and visit the viewing deck of the Telstra tower.
The main attractions for the visitor to Canberra are probably its vast array of Museums. There is something to please everyone here - Interactive Science Museums for families, Star gazing at the observatory, learning about Australia's participation in the wars at the War Memorial Museum or finding out how the Australian Parliament works by visiting Parliament House. The art gallery also has some interesting works and often has excellent visiting exhibitions.
Just 40 minutes away you will be surrounded by beautiful countryside including a Nature Reserve and National Parks. Why not get to know some of the local wildlife? You'll find Kangaroos, Platypus, Koalas and Emus all at the Nature Reserve.
The Poacher's Trail is fast becoming a renowned food and wine route. This trail will take in some wonderful vineyards and wineries. Stop off and try some great red and white wines as well as delicious local produce. Stay the night in a Homestead or quaint B&B.
Canberra's inland position makes it either very hot in summer or very cold in winter. Given its mainly about the museums you can visit all year round but be prepared for some extreme temperatures. Spring is a great time to come as there is a flower festival in late September and October. There are always fabulous displays of tulips around the city and in particular at Commonwealth Gardens.
March sees the arrival of the Hot Air Balloon Festival which is a must see. You will have to get up early though to see the spectacular take off.
It's hard to say how long you'll need to explore Canberra but in my opinion you need at least 3 days. Why not take longer and lose yourself in the countryside.
About the Author:
Jennifer Schellington has nearly 5 years of experience in travelling Australia and has recently had a baby. Her website, www.realaustraliatravel.com offers relevant information for planning your visit to Australia as well as where to go and what to do. Click here for more information on visiting Canberra
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