Canberra, Australia’s capital city, is home to a wealth of interesting facts, famous things and information. Established in 1913 as the planned capital of the Federation of Australia, the city is home to the Australian Government and a range of historical attractions. From the Parliament’s Old and New Buildings to the many impressive museums and national monuments, the city plays host to some of the nation’s most important events and attractions. Read on to discover some of the top facts, famous places and other informational details about Canberra.
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Canberra is the capital city of Australia, located in the Australian Capital Territory in the south-east of the country. Founded in 1913, it is Australia’s largest inland city and the eighth-largest city overall. Canberra’s urban area population is currently 435,000 people.
The history of Canberra as a city dates back to 1820, when surveyor Charles Grimes made his first extensive survey of the area. The city’s layout was designed by Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin in 1912 and the development of Canberra began shortly afterwards. The first buildings in the city were the provisional Parliament House, now known as Old Parliament House, and an administration building, both of which were completed in 1927.
During World War II, Canberra became a key military base as it was located close to major Australian cities and the coast. In 1942, the Australian Government built the Parliamentary Triangle which is now the focus of the modern city. The High Court of Australia moved to the city in 1980, joining the Parliament of Australia which had been located there since 1988.
Canberra is now a thriving city, with a diverse cultural and recreational scene, a thriving tech industry, and a strong economy. It is also home to many government departments, research agencies, educational institutions, and cultural attractions, making it an ideal destination for tourists and business travellers alike.
1. The iconic Lake Burley Griffin was not a natural feature of the landscape but was a human-made lake designed by the famous American architect, Walter Burley Griffin.
2. The Canberra Floriade festival, held each spring, is the biggest floral festival in the Southern Hemisphere and is the largest event the city has to offer.
3. Canberra has an artificial ski slope, located at Corin Forest near the city’s outskirts.
4. The city is home to the National Film and Sound Archive, the second-largest such archive in the world.
5. Canberra is often referred to as Australia’s “Bush Capital” because of its close proximity to the outback and its location within the Australian Capital Territory.
6. Australia’s Parliament House is located in Canberra, which is the largest and most expensive building ever created by the government.
7. Canberra is home to a population of over 400,000, making it the largest inland city in Australia.
8. In 2011 a giant mechanical spider named “Sentinal” constructed from recycled materials, was on show as part of the National Gallery of Australia’s sculpture exhibition.
9. Canberra is the only capital city in Australia with no commercial casinos.
10. The city is renowned as a unique mix of both urban and rural lifestyles.
Canberra is the capital of Australia and is known for being home to national monuments, landmarks, museums, and galleries, such as the Australian War Memorial, the National Gallery of Australia, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Royal Australian Mint. It is also renowned for its lush green gardens, parks, and nature reserves. From a cultural perspective, the city features a thriving food, music, and art scene, and a variety of tourist attractions.
Visiting Canberra City is an experience like no other. From exploring the great outdoors to indulging in the vibrant culture, culinary and entertainment offerings, there is something to suit all tastes. You can make a day of it with a visit to one of the many exhibitions at the National Museum of Australia, spend some time learning about the fascinating history at the Australian War Memorial or get out and explore the beautiful parks and gardens of the nation’s capital. For the more active and adventurous type, the city is home to a range of sporting activities, including mountain biking and rock climbing. And for the ultimate wow-factor experience, a sky-high cable car ride overlooking the city and its surrounding landscape could be just the ticket. But regardless of your choice of activity, a trip to Canberra City will be one you’ll never forget.
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