Introduction

Canberra really is the bush capital – kangaroo-dotted nature reserves are scattered throughout the city, and the Brindabella mountain range bounds the south-western edge. As the national capital, Canberra claims some of the nation’s most significant institutions, including a magnificent art gallery and a remarkable war museum. Grand public buildings and monuments complement the order and beauty of the city’s original design, and the landmark flagpole of Parliament House can be seen from many parts of the city.

Many visitors are attracted by Canberra’s national collections or the experience of federal politics, but the city has much more to offer. The capital also boasts cool-climate wineries, top-class restaurants and bars, attractions for children and a full calendar of cultural and sporting events.

With a population of about 340 000, life in Canberra moves at a comfortable pace; and with the snow and the sea both only two hours away, the locals have the best of both worlds. The city’s creation solved the debate between Sydney and Melbourne over the location of Australia’s capital, and Canberra is now one of the world’s few completely planned cities.