🇦🇺 CANBERRA, THE HEART OF AUSTRALIA

Flag of the Australian Capital Territory

Canberra, is a city that crammed with cultural treasures that carefully crafted as the capital of Australia. It is not a coincidence that it lies between Sydney and Melbourne. Location of Canberra is chosen to compromise between the two rival cities in 1908. Canberra incorporates vast greenbelts and geometric shapes which design by American architects Walter Burley Griffin and his wife, Marion Mahony Griffin from their winning of an international competition for the city's design.

Lake Burley Griffin is known as Canberra's sparkling jewel located in the center of the city is one of the attractions. Most of Canberra's attractions and things to do lie along its shores, including National Gallery of Australia, Questacon, and the National Library. Canberra is also known for its fantastic festivals, including the famous Floriade, a celebration of the city's many spring blooms.

1. Australian War Memorial

Canberra's most poignant attraction is the massive Byzantine-style monument that commemorating Australia's war fatalities that Inaugurated in the middle of WWII. It's not just a ar memorial, the site also combines an excellent museum, archives, art gallery, and library. The Commemorative Courtyard at the entrance to the memorial is a haunting introduction. Walls of the colonnades that inscribed in bronze are the names of Australian that died in war since 1885. Length of the list is spine chilling.

Different galleries retrace the stories of Australia's armed conflicts from colonial days to the present beyond the entrance. It suggestable to set aside several hours to visit this memorial and if you're visiting near the end of the day, stay for the Last Post - a moving tribute to the fallen. 

2. Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House

The New Parliament House is a marvel of modern architecture with boomerang-shaped structure by architect Walter Burley Griffin. It nestles comfortably into Capital Hill. It was designed to replace the Provisional Parliament House, now known as Old Parliament House. 

From the expansive grassed walkway, which forms the roof, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Canberra and see how Parliament forms the central focus of the city's street layout. exhibits display important documents (the Magna Carta is a highlight) and retrace important events in Australian history Throughout the public spaces. you can gain admission to the public galleries of the green-hued House of Representatives, and the Senate, traditionally dressed in red From the gallery running around the first floor. A visit during sitting times is a great way to view first-hand how parliament functions, and the free guided tours offer fascinating details about the building.

After visiting, you can take the 3.5-kilometer Parliament House Walk to the city center and learn about the Parliamentary Triangle along the way through interpretive signs.

3. Lake Burley Griffin

Beautiful Lake Burley Griffin is the centerpiece of Canberra. Both tourists and locals come to the lake for cycling and strolling along the waterfront paths; picnic along its park-fringed shores; and fish, sail, or paddle the glistening waters. Six islands lie at its center. The largest is the home to the National Carillon, Aspen Island - a gift from the British government with 55 bronze bells.

The lake is surrounded by National Gallery, National Library, Questacon and National Museum, Canberra's top things to see and do. Captain Cook Memorial Jet, a 147-meter-high fountain located in the central basin of the shores inaugurated in 1970 for the 200th anniversary of Cook's discovery of Australia. A globe sculpture depicting the path of Cook's voyages lies on the shores of the lake at Regatta Point. Commonwealth Park contains play areas, paddling pools, waterfalls, an amphitheater, and a path round the park, on the north side of the lake.

4. Australian National Botanic Gardens

National Botanic Gardens are spread across the slopes of Black Mountain. It is 50-hectare and about a kilometer west of the city center. You can admire representatives of all the important species of Australian flora in the carefully tended collections. 

Rain Forest Gully is particularly impressive. The garden also includes Red Centre garden and Children's Discovery Walk. This National Botanic Garden are also heavens for birds and butterflies. You can access Black Mountain Nature Park and hike to the summit from the gardens.

5. National Zoo and Aquarium

This is Australia's only one combined zoo and aquarium. This privately owned venture is a hit with families and anyone who loves animals. Wide range of marine life, from the tiny denizens of the reefs to huge sharks displayed at the National Aquarium. 

Visitors can view Australian fauna and exotic species such as lions, tigers, cheetahs, bears and more in the neighbouring zoo. The animal encounters are extremely popular. It allow visitors to go behind the scenes and interact with cheetah, giraffes, sun bears and pandas. The National Zoo and Aquarium is just five minutes away from the city center.