Discovering
Canberra by Jenny Brewer
Australia's
capital city is one of beauty, culture and order, which is obvious as you
drive through the ordered rows upon rows of suburban streets with sweeping
leafy vistas and beautiful surrounding parklands. It is ideal for a driving
holiday with plenty of accommodation, nearby attractions to visit and day
trips to enjoy.
Canberra
is located almost 300 kilometres or three hours drive south from Sydney,
it is easily accessible from all directions as long as you stick to the
highway. With great historical museums and galleries to explore at your
leisure, you can be sure that you will learn more about the Australian
heritage here than probably anywhere else in the world.
If
you are looking for a welcoming place to stay, the Canberra Retreat Bed
and Breakfast is close to eight kilometres from the city centre and is
a great base to see the rest of the city. Cotter Campground is for those
looking for some bush camping, but with the trimmings. There is plenty
of space here and the facilities are excellent.
One
of the best times to visit is September to October, when Canberra's hosts
what is now Australia's largest floral festival - called Floriade. Held
in Commonwealth Park, there are millions of tulips, annuals and every type
of flower proudly on display for tourists from all over the world to enjoy.
There are also interactive events and entertainment for the whole family.
There
is every type of food outlet, restaurant, café and club available
here and you will find some of the best restaurants in West Row, found
in the Melbourne Building. Two of the main shopping centres are also Kingston
and Manuka which offer every type of cuisine imaginable, so make sure you
visit.
One
of the obvious tourist attractions is Parliament house, which is one of
the most well known buildings in Australia, being the centre of government
and the countries economic power. The flagpole is over eighty metres high
and perfect for that inevitable Kodak moment.
A popular
activity for seeing the city from a different angle is to hire a bicycle
for the day. Lake Burley Griffin is one of the most enjoyable spots for
a picnic and rest while you choose between the thousands of cycling tracks
around the city.
It
really is one of the loveliest cities to visit, with the streets planned
so perfectly around the central city, and smooth bike tracks taking you
through parks, across bridges and to beautiful look outs.
Known
for its great athletes and sporting facilities, Canberra also boasts the
Australian Institute of Sport which offers interactive tours at the Sportex
exhibition. The Canberra Museum and Gallery is a must, with plenty of exhibitions
running throughout the year, and a great collection of history ranging
from centuries ago to the recent bushfires, and a diversity of local photography
and art. It would be worth at least a few hours to take in its treasures
on display.
One
of the most enjoyable attractions, especially for the family, is to the
National Zoo and Aquarium, which are really two attractions in one. It
is centrally located and boasts the largest number of big cats in Australia.
There seems to be every type of animal from all over the world here, with
monkeys, African animals, Australian natives, birds, reptiles and plenty
of unique animals which will keep you enthralled. The Aquarium also gives
Take
a day trip to tour some of the hundred or so wineries located on the outskirts
of the city. The countryside surrounding Canberra is beautiful, and is
worth taking some time out to explore the national parks and rolling hills
stretched with vineyards and rural vistas. Take some time out to enjoy
a lunch in one of the wineries and sample the local produce.
It
is easy to catch the spirit of Canberra. You can base yourselves here,
hire a vehicle with www.discovery-carhire.com.au and drive in any direction
for an enjoyable day trip, or spend weeks visiting the national treasures
just waiting to be discovered. This city has been planned so carefully
that it is a pleasure to drive its streets, perfect at any time of the
year, and beckoning you to keep visiting.
Australian
Capital Territory - New South Wales - Northern
Territory - Queensland - South
Australia - Tasmania - Victoria
- Western Australia
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