Canberra - Australia's National Capital

Canberra, the national capital of Australia, is very distinctive in what it offers to visitors. Whether you are into history, government and politics, science, sport, or the military, Canberra has it all! You are only limited by the amount of time you have available for you to spend. You can fly in or enjoy a drive in your hire car. On the way you will pass well known Lake George which sometimes becomes completely dry. Canberra became the site for the newly federated nation of Australia in 1908 by a ballot in Parliament after extensive searching and Walter Burley and Marion Griffin won an international contest for its design. The Griffins' plan featured geometric motifs such as circles, hexagons and triangles, and centred around axes aligned with significant topographical landmarks like the stately Australian War Memorial. It is a very spread out city and although there is an efficient bus system you will probably be better off using your hire car to drive between destinations. One of the major and very obvious axis of the city runs between the War Memorial and New Parliament House, with its highly unusual design where its roof is partially covered in grass and topped by a flagpole with a flag the size of a double decker bus! Lake Burley Griffin, which lies between the two, is man made and centrally located. Many buildings that are of social and cultural significance to Australia, such as the National Gallery, the National Library, the High Court, and the National Museum, are located around its perimeter. Not too far away can be found Royal Military College, Duntroon, and the Australian Defence Force Academy. Use your rental car to drive out to Yarralumla to see where the Governor General resides and on the way you will probably go past the Lodge, which is the official residence of the Prime Minister. Further along the way you will also pass the Royal Australian Mint. Canberra is the home to the Australian Institute of Sport which helps Australians to achieve their often elite reputation. Questacon is the hands on National Science and Technology Centre and is extraordinarily excitingly presented and especially attractive to children. A longer drive in the rental car will take you to the Mt Stromlo Observatory and even further to the Canberra Space Centre featuring the Deep Space Station. All of this is just a fraction of all that you can enjoy in Canberra. There are lookouts, walks, Cockington Green Gardens, gardens, a zoo, museums, balloon rides and bike tours. Use a car rental to explore the Brindabella Ranges and Tidbinbilla nature Reserve as well as many other beautiful nearby places.

This is a city that takes you in and shows you what it means to truly be an Australian. Through history, culture, sports, arts, and heritage, this is a welcome place, no matter what your taste. When you plan your trip check out lowfare.com, I have seen some pretty great deals there, also be sure to (rent) hire a car to make this vacation your own. Come on in, the wine is fine. Meet and greet with local winemakers for a toast and a tour.



Canberra has over 30 wineries within 35 minutes travel time. Enjoy five star dining experiences with picturesque views, or the café style relaxed scene. Canberra is also well known for its fabulous fresh produce, all the locals rave about it. There are over 300 restaurants and pubs to choose from, so bon appétit. Many tours are readily available; the question is how do you want to get there? Aquila Helicopters offer a sky high tour over the ACT, or take a relaxing balloon ride over this majestic land. Just 30 minutes from Canberra is the town of Bernelee. You will tour this countryside on horseback, with amazing wildlife and postcard scenic views; you can't help but fall in love. Go back in time with the Bywong Town Tours, this gold mining town was booming from 1896 to 1906. If you can get at least 10 people together you can go on a full guided tour of the old mining town. You will get to pan for gold and run some of the old machinery. It's a once in a lifetime experience. You will feel at home, no matter what you choose to do during your stay in this native Australian city. Come home to Canberra, our door is always open.