Canberra

Canberra is the purpose built capital city of Australia, located in the Australian Capital Territory in the south-east of New South Wales. A planned city with national monuments, museums, and galleries all built around large man-made lakes. The bush capital - Canberra is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors, with excellent cycling, gardens, parks, bushwalking and nature reserves.

The requirement for an Australian capital city to be built was specified in the Australian constitution at federation in 1901, and seven years later the site for what would become Canberra was established. A design competition was held for the city in 1911, and the name Canberra given to the place in 1913.

This Australian Capital Territory was created from land inside New South Wales. Originally governed by the Federal Government, it now is a self-governing territory of Australia - much on a par with any of the states.

Canberra is a highly planned city, its primary design conceived by the American architect Walter Burley Griffin, built on the shores of an man-made lake (Lake Burley Griffin). Populated at first largely by politicians and public servants, it has taken time to develop its own identity and culture. Extensive building of national facilities and museums has made it a unique destination.

The planned creation of this new city was not without critics - cynics having said it was a "waste of a good sheep pasture".

Lake Burley Griffin divides central Canberra. The central shopping and commercial area, known as "Civic", on the north side and the parliamentary triangle and embassy area is on the south side. National institutions are likewise divided, examples being the National Museum of Australia and the Australian War Memorial on the north side and the National Library and National Gallery of Australia on the south side.

There are suburbs surrounding central Canberra, and also suburbs surrounding several outlying town centres. These town centres are Belconnen and Gungahlin to the north, and Molonglo Valley, Tuggeranong and Woden to the south. The ACT also has surrounding towns, such as Murrumbateman, which boasts a strong cool climate wine selection. The historic villages of Hall and Tharwa are also on the outskirts of Canberra.

Many people who live in Canberra have moved there to study or take up employment with the Australian Government. A common pattern is that people from other parts of Australia move to Canberra, study or work for a few years and then return to their place of origin or move on to elsewhere. As this means a constant influx of new arrivals to Canberra, you should not be reluctant to ask for directions and the like from locals - they are more than used to it and usually only too happy to help. Today there is a population of 350,000 people within the city.

While Canberra has a reputation as a cold city, it can get just as hot as anywhere else in Australia during the summer months, with temperatures above 30°C a frequent occurrence from December through to March. Winter days can be bitterly cold (June–August) owing to the city's altitude and proximity to the Snowy Mountains. Overnight temperatures in winter frequently drop below zero and tend to hover slightly above 10°C during the day. However, it is usually a clear, brisk cold, and rarely a dull, damp cold. It almost never snows in Canberra, because the below freezing temperatures (at night) usually coincide with clear skies. Most Canberrans believe that late Autumn (mid-April to May) has the city's best weather. Spring weather can be highly changeable.

Canberra is less humid than Australian coastal cities. The hottest days are often mitigated by welcome, cooling, mountain breezes, particularly towards the end of the day, and the temperature drops overnight. Bring a light pullover or jacket when visiting in Summer as the nights can be surprisingly cool. Layered clothing, which can be adjusted to fit the changing temperature during the day, is particularly effective.

• Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, Regatta Point, Barrine Drive, Parkes ACT 2600, +61 2 6205-0044. 9am-5pm M-F; 9am-4pm Sa-Su. The ACT Government operates a comprehensive visitors centre co-located with the National Capital Exhibition at Regatta Point on Lake Burley Griffin. It provides information on attractions in Canberra, and staff can book accommodation as well as tickets to local events.

Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, Regatta Point, Barrine Drive, Parkes ACT 2600, +61 2 6205-0044. 9am-5pm M-F; 9am-4pm Sa-Su. The ACT Government operates a comprehensive visitors centre co-located with the National Capital Exhibition at Regatta Point on Lake Burley Griffin. It provides information on attractions in Canberra, and staff can book accommodation as well as tickets to local events.

• Australian War Memorial, Treloar Crescent, +61 2 6243 4211. Daily 10AM-5PM. Not just a memorial, this is one of Australia's premier museums, covering Australian military history from Federation to the present day and including fascinating exhibits of equipment, memorabilia and battle dioramas. You could easily spend a full day here (it has a café, or bring a picnic lunch if the weather is nice and sit on the lawns at the front). Anzac Parade, leading up to the War Memorial has a number of memorials to different wars and those involved in wars. Free entry, allow 4–7 hours. The AWM opens its large storage warehouse in the industrial suburb of Mitchell to the public once every few years (usually in September or October), and this is a must-see event for people interested in military history.
• Canberra Museum and Gallery, 176 London Circuit, +61 2 6207 3968. M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa-Su 12PM-5PM. A museum and art gallery featuring works and exhibits of the local region. Also features the Sydney Nolan Collection - the works of Sir Sydney Nolan, a famous Australian artist. Free.
• Classics Museum, Ground Floor, A.D. Hope Building, Acton (Located off the main walkway into the ANU from University Avenue. M-F 9AM–6PM (except public holidays). One of the few classics museums in Australia, this museum located within the Australian National University houses a small, but interesting, collection of ancient Greek and Roman artefacts. The A.D. Hope building also has a range of anthropological displays on Indigenous Australian and Pacific island cultures. Free.
• CSIRO Discovery Centre, North-Science Rd (Entry via Julius Rd, +61 2 6246 4646. M-F 9AM-5PM. The museum of the Australian Government's scientific research organisation includes exhibits on the history of Australian science and the CSIRO's current research Free.
• Drill Hall Gallery, Kingsley St, +61 2 6125 5832. W-Su 12PM-5PM. This gallery operated by the Australian National University hosts interesting and well-selected temporary exhibitions of Australian and international contemporary art. One of Sir Sydney Nolan's best works, Riverbend, is on permanent display at the front of the building. Free.
• National Capital Exhibition, Barrine Drive (Located in Commonwealth Park, +61 2 6272 2902. M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa-Su 10AM-4PM. See an exhibition about the original Burley Griffin Plan for Canberra and how the city was planned and built. Good views over Lake Burley Griffin out to the museums on the Lake's south shore. Free.
• National Film & Sound Archive, 1 McCoy Circuit, +61 2 6248 2000. S-S 10AM-4PM. Housed in a 1930s art deco building, the NFSA is the custodian of more than 3 million items related to Australia's audiovisual history. Special events and exhibitions available; film screening programs run at Arc cinema (check the website for details). Self-guided tours of the building also available.
• National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, +61 2 6208 5000. Daily 9AM-5PM. This museum presents a thematic rather than a chronological account of Australian history, and spent its early years embroiled in a controversy over whether its displays were politically biased. The NMA has been revamped and expanded and includes some excellent galleries on Indigenous Australia and many interesting items, but the museum as a whole is somewhat underwhelming and not likely to be of much interest to non-Australians. Free, except special exhibits.

Australian War Memorial, Treloar Crescent, +61 2 6243 4211. Daily 10AM-5PM. Not just a memorial, this is one of Australia's premier museums, covering Australian military history from Federation to the present day and including fascinating exhibits of equipment, memorabilia and battle dioramas. You could easily spend a full day here (it has a café, or bring a picnic lunch if the weather is nice and sit on the lawns at the front). Anzac Parade, leading up to the War Memorial has a number of memorials to different wars and those involved in wars. Free entry, allow 4–7 hours. The AWM opens its large storage warehouse in the industrial suburb of Mitchell to the public once every few years (usually in September or October), and this is a must-see event for people interested in military history.

Canberra Museum and Gallery, 176 London Circuit, +61 2 6207 3968. M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa-Su 12PM-5PM. A museum and art gallery featuring works and exhibits of the local region. Also features the Sydney Nolan Collection - the works of Sir Sydney Nolan, a famous Australian artist. Free.

Classics Museum, Ground Floor, A.D. Hope Building, Acton (Located off the main walkway into the ANU from University Avenue. M-F 9AM–6PM (except public holidays). One of the few classics museums in Australia, this museum located within the Australian National University houses a small, but interesting, collection of ancient Greek and Roman artefacts. The A.D. Hope building also has a range of anthropological displays on Indigenous Australian and Pacific island cultures. Free.

CSIRO Discovery Centre, North-Science Rd (Entry via Julius Rd, +61 2 6246 4646. M-F 9AM-5PM. The museum of the Australian Government's scientific research organisation includes exhibits on the history of Australian science and the CSIRO's current research Free.

Drill Hall Gallery, Kingsley St, +61 2 6125 5832. W-Su 12PM-5PM. This gallery operated by the Australian National University hosts interesting and well-selected temporary exhibitions of Australian and international contemporary art. One of Sir Sydney Nolan's best works, Riverbend, is on permanent display at the front of the building. Free.

National Capital Exhibition, Barrine Drive (Located in Commonwealth Park, +61 2 6272 2902. M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa-Su 10AM-4PM. See an exhibition about the original Burley Griffin Plan for Canberra and how the city was planned and built. Good views over Lake Burley Griffin out to the museums on the Lake's south shore. Free.

National Film & Sound Archive, 1 McCoy Circuit, +61 2 6248 2000. S-S 10AM-4PM. Housed in a 1930s art deco building, the NFSA is the custodian of more than 3 million items related to Australia's audiovisual history. Special events and exhibitions available; film screening programs run at Arc cinema (check the website for details). Self-guided tours of the building also available.

National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, +61 2 6208 5000. Daily 9AM-5PM. This museum presents a thematic rather than a chronological account of Australian history, and spent its early years embroiled in a controversy over whether its displays were politically biased. The NMA has been revamped and expanded and includes some excellent galleries on Indigenous Australia and many interesting items, but the museum as a whole is somewhat underwhelming and not likely to be of much interest to non-Australians. Free, except special exhibits.

• High Court of Australia, Parkes Place, Parkes. M-F 9:45-4:30 excluding public holidays. This vast building is the home of Australia's highest court and contains a vast lobby and three main courtrooms that are open to the public. Tours are available, though restricted when the court is sitting. There is a cafeteria in the building as well. As a matter of etiquette, when you enter or leave a courtroom in session, remember to bow.
• National Archives of Australia, +61 2 6212 3600. Closed for renovations until late 2018. Facsimiles of the Constitution and other founding documents from the Archives' collection are on display at Old Parliament House until the Archives reopens. The Archives Canberra reading room is also in Old Parliament House during this period.
• National Gallery of Australia, +61 2 6240-6502. Parkes Place, Parkes. 10AM–5PM. Located by Lake Burley Griffin, this modern structure is one of the country's largest, and best, art galleries. It has a vast collection of paintings and sculptures collected from Australia and the rest of the world and has excellent Aboriginal artwork. A nice gift store and a large bookstore on the upper level. Free except for special exhibits. The Gallery offers free public one-hour tours: Australian and International art at 11AM and 2PM daily, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art at 11AM on Thursdays and Sundays. Allow at least half a day and possibly more.
• National Library of Australia, +61 2 6262-1111. Open 9AM-9PM Monday-Thursday, 9AM-5PM Friday-Saturday and 1:30PM-5PM on Sundays. King. The library is primarily a research centre, but houses a permanent display of historically significant items as well as temporary exhibitions showing parts of the collection. It's an accessible space, entirely comfortable for anyone to visit. Also notable for its neo-classical architecture.
• National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes (adjacent to High Court and National Gallery of Australia, +61 2 6102-7000. 10AM-5PM, except Christmas Day. The Gallery opened to the public on the 4 December 2008, and displays some 400 portraits of people who have shaped and who continue to shape the nation. There are gallery spaces for the collection and temporary exhibitions, public areas including a café, shop, function room, theatrette, education and school group areas, and basement car parking. Portraits are in various media, depending on the era. Galleries are themed by era. The web site gives a good idea of the content. free except for major exhibitions.
• Old Parliament House, King George Terrace, +61 2 6270-8222. The headquarters of Australian government from the 1920s to 1988, this building is a must for political and/or historical junkies. The building gives a real feel of what it was like when it was in use and has in the past regularly featured rotating exhibitions on the controversies and scandals that rocked Australian politics. It is now a permanent museum. Most of the main rooms - the Prime Minister's office, the Cabinet Room, the various party rooms, the two houses - are open to visitors, as are many smaller rooms like the whips' offices and the broadcasting area. There are also historical photos of Canberra as it used to be, including the times prior to the creation of the artificial lake that show Canberra under snow during winter (the lake warmed up the city and snow falls rarely on the city now). The gift store has decent souvenirs. Parking is free, admission is A$2 for adults, A$1 concession. Allow 2–3 hours.
• Parliament House of Australia, Capital Hill, +61 2 6277-5399 or +61 2 6277-2727 (for recorded information). The seat of Australia's federal government and legislature and a remarkable piece of modern architecture. Outside, the forecourt faces Federation Mall and has iconic views. Much of the inside is open to the public during business hours (your bags are x-rayed and persons pass through a metal detector at the entrance). When inside the building, do not miss: Queens Terrace upstairs towards the forecourt, and the roof (via an elevator close to walkway to the House of Representatives). Various art, including portraits of past prime ministers are hung in the hallways. Enthusiastic guides perform free tours daily at 10AM, 1PM and 3PM (no booking required). Tours are shorter when Parliament is sitting as the chambers are occupied.
  • Parliament sittings. On sitting days, you are allowed to view proceedings in the public gallery from 2PM onwards. Your belongings, including electronic items will be cloaked, and a secondary security check is required. No further arrangement is needed to sit in the Senate chamber public gallery. To view Question Time from the House of Representatives galleries, preferably book your free seat by calling the Serjeant-at-arms on 62774889 before 12:30PM. Expect queues to collect tickets, during the secondary checks, and then while waiting for sessions to begin. Consider bringing a small book to read during the wait. Members of the public can also observe hearings conducted by the parliament's various committees. Allow 2–3 hours. On-site parking can be limited when parliament is sitting.
  • Gardens. Back outside, the Formal Gardens are east of the main building. This is a small, tranquil green space, with flowers in warmer seasons, artwork, and the Bali Memorial. Here, or Queens Terrace, or the Parliament House roof, the lower slopes up the sides of Parliament House, or Federation Mall are nice places to take a breather. To explore the grounds further, feel free to walk (or ride) along tracks (within Capital Circle) both east and west of Parliament House in cool shade. Find the entrances along the corners of Parliament Drive. Another shady track runs along the base of Capital Hill (between Capital Circle and State Circle). Find this track midway down the access road to Kings Avenue, on the right side, and proceed clockwise. You can exit the track at any point along the length, and the other end is close to Surveyors Park. If in Canberra when Floriade is held, there are additional tours of the Parliament House gardens.
• Questacon, King Edward Terrace, Parkes, +61 2 6270-2800. 9AM-5PM. Questacon is an interactive museum of science with exhibits illustrating scientific ideas from the principles of physics to the motion of an earthquake. Great for kids and excellent science books can be picked up here. Allow at least half a day. $15.50 adults, $10.50 concessions, $9 children, and $46 for a family of 2 adults and 3 children..

High Court of Australia, Parkes Place, Parkes. M-F 9:45-4:30 excluding public holidays. This vast building is the home of Australia's highest court and contains a vast lobby and three main courtrooms that are open to the public. Tours are available, though restricted when the court is sitting. There is a cafeteria in the building as well. As a matter of etiquette, when you enter or leave a courtroom in session, remember to bow.

National Archives of Australia, +61 2 6212 3600. Closed for renovations until late 2018. Facsimiles of the Constitution and other founding documents from the Archives' collection are on display at Old Parliament House until the Archives reopens. The Archives Canberra reading room is also in Old Parliament House during this period.

National Gallery of Australia, +61 2 6240-6502. Parkes Place, Parkes. 10AM–5PM. Located by Lake Burley Griffin, this modern structure is one of the country's largest, and best, art galleries. It has a vast collection of paintings and sculptures collected from Australia and the rest of the world and has excellent Aboriginal artwork. A nice gift store and a large bookstore on the upper level. Free except for special exhibits. The Gallery offers free public one-hour tours: Australian and International art at 11AM and 2PM daily, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art at 11AM on Thursdays and Sundays. Allow at least half a day and possibly more.

National Library of Australia, +61 2 6262-1111. Open 9AM-9PM Monday-Thursday, 9AM-5PM Friday-Saturday and 1:30PM-5PM on Sundays. King. The library is primarily a research centre, but houses a permanent display of historically significant items as well as temporary exhibitions showing parts of the collection. It's an accessible space, entirely comfortable for anyone to visit. Also notable for its neo-classical architecture.

National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes (adjacent to High Court and National Gallery of Australia, +61 2 6102-7000. 10AM-5PM, except Christmas Day. The Gallery opened to the public on the 4 December 2008, and displays some 400 portraits of people who have shaped and who continue to shape the nation. There are gallery spaces for the collection and temporary exhibitions, public areas including a café, shop, function room, theatrette, education and school group areas, and basement car parking. Portraits are in various media, depending on the era. Galleries are themed by era. The web site gives a good idea of the content. free except for major exhibitions.

Old Parliament House, King George Terrace, +61 2 6270-8222. The headquarters of Australian government from the 1920s to 1988, this building is a must for political and/or historical junkies. The building gives a real feel of what it was like when it was in use and has in the past regularly featured rotating exhibitions on the controversies and scandals that rocked Australian politics. It is now a permanent museum. Most of the main rooms - the Prime Minister's office, the Cabinet Room, the various party rooms, the two houses - are open to visitors, as are many smaller rooms like the whips' offices and the broadcasting area. There are also historical photos of Canberra as it used to be, including the times prior to the creation of the artificial lake that show Canberra under snow during winter (the lake warmed up the city and snow falls rarely on the city now). The gift store has decent souvenirs. Parking is free, admission is A$2 for adults, A$1 concession. Allow 2–3 hours.

Parliament House of Australia, Capital Hill, +61 2 6277-5399 or +61 2 6277-2727 (for recorded information). The seat of Australia's federal government and legislature and a remarkable piece of modern architecture. Outside, the forecourt faces Federation Mall and has iconic views. Much of the inside is open to the public during business hours (your bags are x-rayed and persons pass through a metal detector at the entrance). When inside the building, do not miss: Queens Terrace upstairs towards the forecourt, and the roof (via an elevator close to walkway to the House of Representatives). Various art, including portraits of past prime ministers are hung in the hallways. Enthusiastic guides perform free tours daily at 10AM, 1PM and 3PM (no booking required). Tours are shorter when Parliament is sitting as the chambers are occupied.

• Parliament sittings. On sitting days, you are allowed to view proceedings in the public gallery from 2PM onwards. Your belongings, including electronic items will be cloaked, and a secondary security check is required. No further arrangement is needed to sit in the Senate chamber public gallery. To view Question Time from the House of Representatives galleries, preferably book your free seat by calling the Serjeant-at-arms on 62774889 before 12:30PM. Expect queues to collect tickets, during the secondary checks, and then while waiting for sessions to begin. Consider bringing a small book to read during the wait. Members of the public can also observe hearings conducted by the parliament's various committees. Allow 2–3 hours. On-site parking can be limited when parliament is sitting.
• Gardens. Back outside, the Formal Gardens are east of the main building. This is a small, tranquil green space, with flowers in warmer seasons, artwork, and the Bali Memorial. Here, or Queens Terrace, or the Parliament House roof, the lower slopes up the sides of Parliament House, or Federation Mall are nice places to take a breather. To explore the grounds further, feel free to walk (or ride) along tracks (within Capital Circle) both east and west of Parliament House in cool shade. Find the entrances along the corners of Parliament Drive. Another shady track runs along the base of Capital Hill (between Capital Circle and State Circle). Find this track midway down the access road to Kings Avenue, on the right side, and proceed clockwise. You can exit the track at any point along the length, and the other end is close to Surveyors Park. If in Canberra when Floriade is held, there are additional tours of the Parliament House gardens.

Parliament House of Australia, Capital Hill, +61 2 6277-5399 or +61 2 6277-2727 (for recorded information). The seat of Australia's federal government and legislature and a remarkable piece of modern architecture. Outside, the forecourt faces Federation Mall and has iconic views. Much of the inside is open to the public during business hours (your bags are x-rayed and persons pass through a metal detector at the entrance). When inside the building, do not miss: Queens Terrace upstairs towards the forecourt, and the roof (via an elevator close to walkway to the House of Representatives). Various art, including portraits of past prime ministers are hung in the hallways. Enthusiastic guides perform free tours daily at 10AM, 1PM and 3PM (no booking required). Tours are shorter when Parliament is sitting as the chambers are occupied.

• Parliament sittings. On sitting days, you are allowed to view proceedings in the public gallery from 2PM onwards. Your belongings, including electronic items will be cloaked, and a secondary security check is required. No further arrangement is needed to sit in the Senate chamber public gallery. To view Question Time from the House of Representatives galleries, preferably book your free seat by calling the Serjeant-at-arms on 62774889 before 12:30PM. Expect queues to collect tickets, during the secondary checks, and then while waiting for sessions to begin. Consider bringing a small book to read during the wait. Members of the public can also observe hearings conducted by the parliament's various committees. Allow 2–3 hours. On-site parking can be limited when parliament is sitting.
• Gardens. Back outside, the Formal Gardens are east of the main building. This is a small, tranquil green space, with flowers in warmer seasons, artwork, and the Bali Memorial. Here, or Queens Terrace, or the Parliament House roof, the lower slopes up the sides of Parliament House, or Federation Mall are nice places to take a breather. To explore the grounds further, feel free to walk (or ride) along tracks (within Capital Circle) both east and west of Parliament House in cool shade. Find the entrances along the corners of Parliament Drive. Another shady track runs along the base of Capital Hill (between Capital Circle and State Circle). Find this track midway down the access road to Kings Avenue, on the right side, and proceed clockwise. You can exit the track at any point along the length, and the other end is close to Surveyors Park. If in Canberra when Floriade is held, there are additional tours of the Parliament House gardens.

Questacon, King Edward Terrace, Parkes, +61 2 6270-2800. 9AM-5PM. Questacon is an interactive museum of science with exhibits illustrating scientific ideas from the principles of physics to the motion of an earthquake. Great for kids and excellent science books can be picked up here. Allow at least half a day. $15.50 adults, $10.50 concessions, $9 children, and $46 for a family of 2 adults and 3 children..

• Australian Institute of Sport, Leverrier Crescent, Bruce, +61 2 6214-1111. The AIS runs tours a couple of times a day. The tours are usually run by in-residence athletes. See the training areas and find out about the development and strategy of the facility. At the end of the tour there are interactive exhibits to try various sports. The pool here is open for public access during certain hours. $15.
• Cockington Green, 11 Gold Creek Road, Gold Creek Village, Nicholls (Located about 13km north of the City via the Barton Hwy, +61 2 6230 2273. Daily 9:30AM-5PM. One of Canberra's most well-known attractions, a miniature display village featuring a traditional English village and international display. Train rides and tea room also available. Adults $17.50 Children $9.50 Family $49 Seniors $12.50.
• Embassies. As the national capital, Canberra hosts the embassies of most countries, listed below in Embassies. Many of the embassies are built in an architectural style typical of their country. In Yarralumla (the closest embassy district to the city), the Embassy of China, Embassy of Papua New Guinea, The Royal Thai Embassy and the building which hosts the Estonian and Finnish embassies are particularly worth a look. The Embassy of the United States of America is also worth a drive past, being the oldest embassy in Canberra. It is best to have a car or bicycle for touring so you can stop and have a look around. Most of the embassies in the suburb of O'Malley are converted houses, and none feature interesting architecture. Several of the embassies hold annual open days on weekends in Spring and Autumn which usually include stalls serving their native food.
• Government House, viewing platform off Lady Denman Drive, Yarralumla. The main official residence of the Governor-General of Australia, representative of Queen Elizabeth II in Australia. Closed to the public except for open days, which take place approximately twice a year. There is a viewing platform off the Lady Denman Drive, or glimpses can be seen from the main gate at Dunrossil Drive, Yarralumla, or Weston Park, Yarralumla. Often kangaroos are to be spotted munching grass on the lawns, so be careful driving along the ride that gets to the viewpoint, especially at dusk.
• The Lodge, Adelaide Avenue, Deakin. The Prime Minister's official residence. Generally closed to the public and one can only see part of the garden from behind the wall. There are open days about once a year and if you are lucky to be in Canberra then, it shouldn't be missed.
• National Dinosaur Museum, Cnr Gold Creek Road and Barton Highway, Gold Creek Village, Nicholls (Located about 13km north of the City via the Barton Hwy, +61 2 6230-2655. Mon-Thur, Sat-Sun 10AM-5PM. The largest collection of dinosaur and prehistoric fossil material in Australia. Adults $16, children $9.90, concession $11, family $45.00 (2 adults 2 children or 1 adult 3 children, extra children $4.00).
• Royal Australian Mint, +61 2 6202-6999. 9AM-4PM Mon-Fri, 10AM-4PM Sat, Sun, Public Holidays. Take a tour of the mint and see how coins are made. You will even get the chance to mint your own souvenir coin. Look for the pudding coins as a souvenir (not always available). Allow 1–2 hours. Free.
• Scrivener Dam, Lady Denman Drive (Adjacent to the National Zoo and Aquarium. This small dam across the Molonglo River was completed in 1963 in order to create Lake Burley Griffin. A viewing platform is located off Lady Denman Drive near the eastern edge of the dam.

Australian Institute of Sport, Leverrier Crescent, Bruce, +61 2 6214-1111. The AIS runs tours a couple of times a day. The tours are usually run by in-residence athletes. See the training areas and find out about the development and strategy of the facility. At the end of the tour there are interactive exhibits to try various sports. The pool here is open for public access during certain hours. $15.

Cockington Green, 11 Gold Creek Road, Gold Creek Village, Nicholls (Located about 13km north of the City via the Barton Hwy, +61 2 6230 2273. Daily 9:30AM-5PM. One of Canberra's most well-known attractions, a miniature display village featuring a traditional English village and international display. Train rides and tea room also available. Adults $17.50 Children $9.50 Family $49 Seniors $12.50.

Embassies. As the national capital, Canberra hosts the embassies of most countries, listed below in [[Canberra#Embassies|Embassies]]. Many of the embassies are built in an architectural style typical of their country. In Yarralumla (the closest embassy district to the city), the Embassy of China, Embassy of Papua New Guinea, The Royal Thai Embassy and the building which hosts the Estonian and Finnish embassies are particularly worth a look. The Embassy of the United States of America is also worth a drive past, being the oldest embassy in Canberra. It is best to have a car or bicycle for touring so you can stop and have a look around. Most of the embassies in the suburb of O'Malley are converted houses, and none feature interesting architecture. Several of the embassies hold annual open days on weekends in Spring and Autumn which usually include stalls serving their native food.

Government House, viewing platform off Lady Denman Drive, Yarralumla. The main official residence of the Governor-General of Australia, representative of Queen Elizabeth II in Australia. Closed to the public except for open days, which take place approximately twice a year. There is a viewing platform off the Lady Denman Drive, or glimpses can be seen from the main gate at Dunrossil Drive, Yarralumla, or Weston Park, Yarralumla. Often kangaroos are to be spotted munching grass on the lawns, so be careful driving along the ride that gets to the viewpoint, especially at dusk.

The Lodge, Adelaide Avenue, Deakin. The Prime Minister's official residence. Generally closed to the public and one can only see part of the garden from behind the wall. There are open days about once a year and if you are lucky to be in Canberra then, it shouldn't be missed.

National Dinosaur Museum, Cnr Gold Creek Road and Barton Highway, Gold Creek Village, Nicholls (Located about 13km north of the City via the Barton Hwy, +61 2 6230-2655. Mon-Thur, Sat-Sun 10AM-5PM. The largest collection of dinosaur and prehistoric fossil material in Australia. Adults $16, children $9.90, concession $11, family $45.00 (2 adults 2 children or 1 adult 3 children, extra children $4.00).

Royal Australian Mint, +61 2 6202-6999. 9AM-4PM Mon-Fri, 10AM-4PM Sat, Sun, Public Holidays. Take a tour of the mint and see how coins are made. You will even get the chance to mint your own souvenir coin. Look for the pudding coins as a souvenir (not always available). Allow 1–2 hours. Free.

Scrivener Dam, Lady Denman Drive (Adjacent to the National Zoo and Aquarium. This small dam across the Molonglo River was completed in 1963 in order to create Lake Burley Griffin. A viewing platform is located off Lady Denman Drive near the eastern edge of the dam.

With Canberra unofficially crowned a bush capital, it is no surprise there is plenty to see when it comes to exploring its natural scenery. There are many hiking paths to explore around Canberra along with plenty of great vantage points to view the city, with many being accessible by car or by foot. Wildlife are commonly found in the surrounding nature reverses, but on lucky occasions you may spot wildlife that venture into the suburbs. Kangaroos occasionally penetrate into Civic, and hop down Northbourne Avenue from time to time. If ever you encounter wildlife on your visit be sure to admire from a distance.

• Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross St. Daily 8:30AM-5PM. Located at the base of Black Mountain in Acton, the ANBG has the largest collection of Australian native flora in the country. It also has some interesting water dragons that live in the water features around the gardens. A delightful place for a picnic, try to grab some food from the city centre first to take with you for lunch. If you are there during summer, call and ask about the jazz evenings. These are held on the weekend and many families attend with evening picnic and champagne in tow, to chill out to the sounds of jazz in the balmy evening temperatures. Free entry, parking $1.40/hr or $7 all day.
• Canberra Reptile Zoo, O'Hanlon Place, Gold Creek Village, Nicholls (13km north of Civic via Barton Hwy, +61 2 6253-8533. Daily 10AM-5PM.. A whole range of Australian reptiles on display, with thematic exhibits related to various climatic conditions. Be sure to check out the 'Snake Tales' program to get up close and personal with some of the reptiles. Adults $7.50, children $6, concession $7, family tickets (2 adults & 3 or more children) $29, discounts available for group bookings.
• National Arboretum, Forest Drive (off Tuggeranong Parkway, +61 13 22 81. 6AM-8:30PM during daylight savings, 7AM-5:30PM during non-daylight savings. The National Arboretum opened in February 2013 as part of the celebrations of Canberra's centenary. While the plants still need time to grow, the site has good views over Lake Burley Griffin. While you are there you can also visit Dairy Farmers Hill.. Situated within the Arboretum, this viewpoint offers spectacular scenery looking east along the length of Lake Burley Griffin. Free.
• National Zoo and Aquarium, 999 Lady Denman Drive, +61 2 6287-8400. 10AM-5PM. This privately owned zoo and aquarium offers the standard service plus special tours that allow interaction with the animals. The range of tours offers opportunities to interact with animals (feed or touch) including tigers, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, bears, dingos, elands and snakes. The tours are quite special and certainly worth it if you love animals. Make sure that you turn up at the 'Check in time' for a tour instead of the start time as the two are different. Adult $45, senior/student $37, child $25.

• Black Mountain Tower, Black Mountain Drive, +61 2 6219-6111. 9AM-10PM daily. This functional communications tower rises 195 m above the summit of Black Mountain, providing 360 degree views of Canberra and the countryside around it from a viewing platform 60m up the tower. While the interior may seem a little outdated, the view from the tower is quite impressive, although the viewing platform is only another 60m above the mountain. Within the tower is also a revolving restaurant and a telecommunications history display. Adult $7.50, child/senior $3, under 4 years free, family pass (2 adults, 2 children) $17.
• Mount Ainslie, Mount Ainslie Drive. Many argue that the view from Mount Ainslie rivals those offered from the more popular Black Mountain. Vehicular access is available off Fairbairn Ave, or if you are up for a trek you can walk up the mountain, starting from the eastern side of the Australian War Memorial. Free.
• Mount Pleasant, General Bridges Drive (access via Royal Military College. Vehicle access 7AM-7PM. A good site to visit after Mount Ainslie. A short drive from either Mount Ainslie peak, or the War Memorial. Drive will take you through a military academy. And the view will include Russell Offices, the Australian-American Memorial, and also a wonderful view along the length of the lake.
• Mount Majura. Located to the north of Mount Ainslie, access to the peak is by walking tracks only despite there being a service road, it is not available for use by the public. One of the popular walking trails starts near Antill St, Watson.
• Mount Taylor, Waldock St. Partial vehicle access is available as you will need to walk to reach the peak of Mt Taylor.
• Red Hill, Red Hill Drive. Offers two lookouts of the greater Canberra area. Vehicular access is available and a casual cafe style restaurant is at the peak.

Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross St. Daily 8:30AM-5PM. Located at the base of Black Mountain in Acton, the ANBG has the largest collection of Australian native flora in the country. It also has some interesting water dragons that live in the water features around the gardens. A delightful place for a picnic, try to grab some food from the city centre first to take with you for lunch. If you are there during summer, call and ask about the jazz evenings. These are held on the weekend and many families attend with evening picnic and champagne in tow, to chill out to the sounds of jazz in the balmy evening temperatures. Free entry, parking $1.40/hr or $7 all day.

Canberra Reptile Zoo, O'Hanlon Place, Gold Creek Village, Nicholls (13km north of Civic via Barton Hwy, +61 2 6253-8533. Daily 10AM-5PM.. A whole range of Australian reptiles on display, with thematic exhibits related to various climatic conditions. Be sure to check out the 'Snake Tales' program to get up close and personal with some of the reptiles. Adults $7.50, children $6, concession $7, family tickets (2 adults & 3 or more children) $29, discounts available for group bookings.

National Arboretum, Forest Drive (off Tuggeranong Parkway, +61 13 22 81. 6AM-8:30PM during daylight savings, 7AM-5:30PM during non-daylight savings. The National Arboretum opened in February 2013 as part of the celebrations of Canberra's centenary. While the plants still need time to grow, the site has good views over Lake Burley Griffin. While you are there you can also visit Dairy Farmers Hill.. Situated within the Arboretum, this viewpoint offers spectacular scenery looking east along the length of Lake Burley Griffin. Free.

National Zoo and Aquarium, 999 Lady Denman Drive, +61 2 6287-8400. 10AM-5PM. This privately owned zoo and aquarium offers the standard service plus special tours that allow interaction with the animals. The range of tours offers opportunities to interact with animals (feed or touch) including tigers, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, bears, dingos, elands and snakes. The tours are quite special and certainly worth it if you love animals. Make sure that you turn up at the 'Check in time' for a tour instead of the start time as the two are different. Adult $45, senior/student $37, child $25.

Black Mountain Tower, Black Mountain Drive, +61 2 6219-6111. 9AM-10PM daily. This functional communications tower rises 195 m above the summit of Black Mountain, providing 360 degree views of Canberra and the countryside around it from a viewing platform 60m up the tower. While the interior may seem a little outdated, the view from the tower is quite impressive, although the viewing platform is only another 60m above the mountain. Within the tower is also a revolving restaurant and a telecommunications history display. Adult $7.50, child/senior $3, under 4 years free, family pass (2 adults, 2 children) $17.

Mount Ainslie, Mount Ainslie Drive. Many argue that the view from Mount Ainslie rivals those offered from the more popular Black Mountain. Vehicular access is available off Fairbairn Ave, or if you are up for a trek you can walk up the mountain, starting from the eastern side of the Australian War Memorial. Free.

Mount Pleasant, General Bridges Drive (access via Royal Military College. Vehicle access 7AM-7PM. A good site to visit after Mount Ainslie. A short drive from either Mount Ainslie peak, or the War Memorial. Drive will take you through a military academy. And the view will include Russell Offices, the Australian-American Memorial, and also a wonderful view along the length of the lake.

Mount Majura. Located to the north of Mount Ainslie, access to the peak is by walking tracks only despite there being a service road, it is not available for use by the public. One of the popular walking trails starts near Antill St, Watson.

Mount Taylor, Waldock St. Partial vehicle access is available as you will need to walk to reach the peak of Mt Taylor.

Red Hill, Red Hill Drive. Offers two lookouts of the greater Canberra area. Vehicular access is available and a casual cafe style restaurant is at the peak.

As the development of Canberra didn't take off until the 1950s, the city has few noteworthy historic buildings. In addition to those which host major national institutions described elsewhere, the following buildings are considered historically significant:

• Blundell's Cottage. A historic cottage of some of the earliest settlers of the area. Guided tours and school tours available. $7 adults $5 concession $15 family.
• Calthorpe's House, 24 Mugga Way, Red Hill, +61 2 6237 6500. Sa and Su 1PM-4PM. Historic house picturing life in Canberra in the early days of the territory. $7 adult, $5 concession, $15 family. A three-site pass covers here, Lanyon (near Tharwa), and Mugga Mugga in Symanston.
• Manuka Pool, New South Wales Crescent, Griffith, +61 2 6295 1910. Open from late October until mid-March. This swimming pool was built in art deco style and opened in 1930.
• Royal Military College - Duntroon, Staff Cadet Ave, Campbell (Enter from Morshead Drive or Fairbairn Avenue. The Australian Army's officer training college was established in 1911 and is one of the oldest institutions in Canberra. Duntroon is open to the public and includes a number of historic buildings (though it is generally not possible to enter them as they remain in use). A chapel built by Australian prisoners of war being held in harsh conditions at Changi in Singapore during the Second World War has also been relocated to Duntroon, and is located halfway along Miles Road. Free.
• Shine Dome, Gordon Street, Acton (Across the road from the National Film & Sound Archive, +61 2 6201 9400. This unusual dome-shaped building owned by the Australian Academy of Science has been a Canberra landmark since the late 1950s, and is nicknamed the 'martian embassy' by locals.
• St John the Baptist Church, 45 Constitution Avenue, Reid, +61 2 6248 8399. Consecrated in 1845, this Anglican church is the oldest church in Canberra and pre-dates the establishment of the city by almost 70 years. It has a small museum.
• Sydney and Melbourne buildings, Corner of London Circuit and Northbourne Avenue, Civic (The Sydney Building is on the east side of Northbourne Avenue, and the Melbourne Building is on the west side. These two large buildings in the centre of Civic were the first commercially-funded buildings in Canberra, and have been important local landmarks since the 1920s. Both buildings are surrounded by loggias modeled on those of buildings in Florence, Italy. They are occupied by a mix of restaurants (most of which are quite good), nightclubs, pubs and small businesses, but much of the Sydney Building is in a fairly poor state of repair. Plans to revivalise the buildings are regularly proposed, but never go far.

Blundell's Cottage. A historic cottage of some of the earliest settlers of the area. Guided tours and school tours available. $7 adults $5 concession $15 family.

Calthorpe's House, 24 Mugga Way, Red Hill, +61 2 6237 6500. Sa and Su 1PM-4PM. Historic house picturing life in Canberra in the early days of the territory. $7 adult, $5 concession, $15 family. A three-site pass covers here, Lanyon (near Tharwa), and Mugga Mugga in Symanston.

Manuka Pool, New South Wales Crescent, Griffith, +61 2 6295 1910. Open from late October until mid-March. This swimming pool was built in art deco style and opened in 1930.

Royal Military College - Duntroon, Staff Cadet Ave, Campbell (Enter from Morshead Drive or Fairbairn Avenue. The Australian Army's officer training college was established in 1911 and is one of the oldest institutions in Canberra. Duntroon is open to the public and includes a number of historic buildings (though it is generally not possible to enter them as they remain in use). A chapel built by Australian prisoners of war being held in harsh conditions at Changi in Singapore during the Second World War has also been relocated to Duntroon, and is located halfway along Miles Road. Free.

Shine Dome, Gordon Street, Acton (Across the road from the National Film & Sound Archive, +61 2 6201 9400. This unusual dome-shaped building owned by the Australian Academy of Science has been a Canberra landmark since the late 1950s, and is nicknamed the 'martian embassy' by locals.

St John the Baptist Church, 45 Constitution Avenue, Reid, +61 2 6248 8399. Consecrated in 1845, this Anglican church is the oldest church in Canberra and pre-dates the establishment of the city by almost 70 years. It has a small museum.

Sydney and Melbourne buildings, Corner of London Circuit and Northbourne Avenue, Civic (The Sydney Building is on the east side of Northbourne Avenue, and the Melbourne Building is on the west side. These two large buildings in the centre of Civic were the first commercially-funded buildings in Canberra, and have been important local landmarks since the 1920s. Both buildings are surrounded by loggias modeled on those of buildings in [[Florence]], Italy. They are occupied by a mix of restaurants (most of which are quite good), nightclubs, pubs and small businesses, but much of the Sydney Building is in a fairly poor state of repair. Plans to revivalise the buildings are regularly proposed, but never go far.

The majority of the Australian Capital Territory is actually not Canberra city and there is a large area of national park encompassing the northern part of the Australian Alps. While most people don't spend any time outside of the city there is plenty to do if you want to get away from the museums and attractions for a while.

• Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex, 421 Discovery Drive, Tidbinbilla, +61 2 6201 7880. Daily 9AM-5PM; closed Christmas day. The Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (often called the "Tidbinbilla Tracking Station") is part of a network of three NASA facilities worldwide used to maintain contacts with probes launched from Earth. The facility is visually impressive, and claims to have "the largest antenna complex in the southern hemisphere". It also has an interesting visitors centre. The complex is about a 45 minute drive from Civic. Free.
• Lanyon Homestead, Lanyon Drive. Tu - Su 10AM-4PM. Historic homestead of early Canberra settlers, guided tours, walks and a maintained garden. Cafe for lunch, coffee and cake. A three-house pass for $15/10/30 covers Lanyon, Calthorpe's House and Mugga Mugga house in Symanston. $7 adult, $5 concession, $15 family.
• Namadgi National Park. The National Park making up most of the ACT and the most northerly of the Australian Alps national parks. Lots of walking tracks, including scenic views over the Brindabella Ranges, mountain bike trails and scenic drives (on unsealed roads), rock climbing at Booroomba Rocks. Inside the park are Honeysuckle Creek and Orroral Valley, the former sites of tracking sites for the Apollo Moon Landings. Enquire at the visitors centre on Naas Road or see the website for further details. In winter roads in the park may be closed because of snowfall. Free (charges apply for camping).
• Tharwa Village. A small village, one of the original settlements in the ACT area. See the old bridge over the Murumbidgee River, visit Lanyon Homestead (see below) and Cuppacumbalong Pottery. Tharwa is also the gateway to Namadgi National Park and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.

Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex, 421 Discovery Drive, Tidbinbilla, +61 2 6201 7880. Daily 9AM-5PM; closed Christmas day. The Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (often called the "Tidbinbilla Tracking Station") is part of a network of three NASA facilities worldwide used to maintain contacts with probes launched from Earth. The facility is visually impressive, and claims to have "the largest antenna complex in the southern hemisphere". It also has an interesting visitors centre. The complex is about a 45 minute drive from Civic. Free.

Lanyon Homestead, Lanyon Drive. Tu - Su 10AM-4PM. Historic homestead of early Canberra settlers, guided tours, walks and a maintained garden. Cafe for lunch, coffee and cake. A three-house pass for $15/10/30 covers Lanyon, Calthorpe's House and Mugga Mugga house in Symanston. $7 adult, $5 concession, $15 family.

Namadgi National Park. The National Park making up most of the ACT and the most northerly of the Australian Alps national parks. Lots of walking tracks, including scenic views over the Brindabella Ranges, mountain bike trails and scenic drives (on unsealed roads), rock climbing at Booroomba Rocks. Inside the park are Honeysuckle Creek and Orroral Valley, the former sites of tracking sites for the Apollo Moon Landings. Enquire at the visitors centre on Naas Road or see the website for further details. In winter roads in the park may be closed because of snowfall. Free (charges apply for camping).

Tharwa Village. A small village, one of the original settlements in the ACT area. See the old bridge over the Murumbidgee River, visit Lanyon Homestead (see below) and Cuppacumbalong Pottery. Tharwa is also the gateway to Namadgi National Park and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.

• Explore Lake Burley Griffin - on or off the water. You can:
  • Take a scenic cruise on the lake with Lake Burley Griffin Cruises. Phone +61 419 418 846.
  • Rent a boat to sail the lake yourself through Goboat
  • If you're up for some exercise, you can walk, run, cycle or skate around Lake Burley Griffin. A shared path runs along the edge (the eastern edge at Kingston is interrupted), and the 2 bridges intersect it into 3 “loops”. The Western Loop is 16 km, the Central Loop (“bridge to bridge”) is 3.7 km, and the Eastern Loop is 9 km; visitors can travel along each, or combine them as fitness or time permits. Each segment has its own highlights. The entire circumference is approximately 25 km. Hire is available from:
  • * Share a Bike. Rent high quality mountain bikes and tour around Canberra's extensive bicycle path network and off-road trail system.
  • * Segways. Can be rented close to the lake at Parkes Place.
• Ride Canberra's Mountain Bike Trails: There are several locations around Canberra to ride mountain bicycles, many of which are considered some of the best in Australia. See Canberra Off Road Cyclists (CORC) for locations. Canberra is also home to the largest 24 hour Mountain Bike Race in the world (Scott 24hr), held in early October each year.
• Go bush walking: Befitting the term “Bush Capital”, the “bush” is frequently very close to housing areas. e.g. in non-winter months, it’s not uncommon to see families walk through the local nature parks after dinner time. Or for locals to climb up a hill after work before heading home. One of the most popular with visitors is the walk to the lookout atop Mount Ainslie. Others include Cooleman Ridge, Mount Taylor, Oakey Hill, The Pinnacle, Red Hill etc. CANwalk and ACT Walking for Pleasure have maps, and schedules each week.
• Helpfully between Civic and the War Memorial, walk through the Heritage-listed suburb of Reid. Observe the houses with leafy surrounds, the wide roads, little walking paths and recreation areas, in one of the oldest untouched Canberran suburbs. As (some) locals would say: “as Burley Griffin intended”.
• Geocaching. Canberra has an incredibly active Geocaching community.
• Explore Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, which is about a 40 minute drive south of Canberra via Tuggeranong Parkway and Tharwa Drive. There are a large number of walks which offer stunning views of the Brindabella Mountains. You can also take Ranger-guided walks or have fun with the hands on displays such as the interactive computer program on Tidbinbilla's bird species and look at the live animal displays. The gift shop sells an interesting range of clothes, toys, books, cards and souvenirs. Coffee and light refreshments are also available.
• Go tobogganing in Corin Forest, Tourist Drive 5, +61 2 6235-7333. Weekends, ACT school & public holidays, 10AM-4PM. This alpine recreation facility features a bobsled ride in summer, and snowplay and tobogganing in winter. It is high enough to receive natural snowfalls. Check the website or call before heading up that the road is open, and that there is snow. Free entry, rides from $7, all day pass $35.
• See the stars and planets at Mount Stromlo Observatory, Cotter road, Weston Creek. ph +61 2 6125-0230. Mount Stromlo is Australia's premier astronomical observatory. Badly damaged in 2003 bushfires, the partially rebuilt observatory reopened in October 2004. They run a Saturday night star gazing event for the public, call +61 2 6125-0232. The site's damaged buildings and equipment remain and may be fascinating for tourists.
• Go wine tasting in the Wineries around Canberra (most are outside of the ACT but all very close to Canberra). They are described as cool climate wines and some are very well known and regarded. Try Jeir Creek, Gallagher, Clonakilla or Lark Hill. There are '33 wineries within 35 minutes of Canberra'. Visit the Canberra Wineries website for more information.
• Take a scenic drive into the southern ACT - recommended by locals:
  • Head south to Tharwa, and then take the road to Adaminaby. Take the signed road to Honey Suckle Creek. Very important historical site, this is where the signals from the Apollo 11 space landing were received, and then beamed around the world. Also a nice drive, and a very good camp ground.
  • On the same road, not far off the Adaminaby Road is a walking (Fire ranger) trail to the top of Mount Tennant. About a 5-hour round hike, but worth every step. Go back onto the Adaminaby road, and head south. Another site of a space centre on the right down the road, worth a look, but not as interesting
  • Remaining on the road for another ten kilometers, entering the Namadgi National park, and two hundred meters after a single-lane bridge is a signed turn off to Yankee's Hat. This is a 4-km drive, any car can take it, and look for Kangaroos. Hundreds either side of the road. The walk to Yankee's hat will take you to see aboriginal art.
  • Road to Adaminaby. If you have a robust vehicle, take the road south. The country is magnificent. It takes about an hour from Yankee's hat.
• Molonglo Gorge Recreation Reserve, Sutton Road Queenbeyan East. Scenic walks, picnics, camping, swimming

• Floriade. Festival of flowers, a yearly event held in spring (September–October), not to be missed. Tulips are the main feature but many other colourful flowers and floral displays are featured. There are also sculptures, garden stalls, makeshift restaurants, activities, live music by local performers and sometimes there is even a gnome or scarecrow festival where children (and some adults) paint gnomes or make scarecrows and enter a competition to choose the best. Great for a photo opportunity!
• Summernats. A festival of modified cars, car cruising, burnouts, etc., which takes place first thing in the new year. If you are not into this culture, this is a good time not to be in Canberra, as even the most civilised hotels are overtaken by drunken 'nats'.
• The Multicultural Festival. A must to visit, has many events, such as concerts, performances and an International Food Fair with over 200 stalls selling food of different countries. Happens every year in February.
• Thai Food & Cultural Festival. Annual festival held in September at The Royal Thai Embassy in Yarralumla. The Festival is a bonus for floriade visitors and Canberrans alike and it's the Embassy's biggest free event of the year. Exotic event hall and beautiful court yard with 2 outdoor stages for live performances plus Thai food & beer, "made-in-Thailand" quality products, and fun & games for children. Do not miss this! The Philippines, Sri Lanka and some other embassies do similar events sometimes.
• The National Folk Festival - held every Easter over 5 days, featuring local, national and international folk musicians, dancers and craftspeople.
• The Canberra Show, Exhibition Park, +61 2 6241 2478. Held in February featuring shows, amusement park rides and agricultural competitions. Has most of the features of the Sydney Royal Easter Show, but on a smaller scale with less crowds.
• Canberra Balloon Spectacular. Claimed to be "one of the top three hot air ballooning events in the world", hot air balloons fly over Canberra on most mornings in March. The balloons typically take off from the Parliamentary Triangle, and fly over the lake and centre of the city. The numbers of balloons flying tends to be greatest during early March and on weekends.
• Check out the Canberra Times newspaper on Saturday for upcoming events.
• Canberra Truffle Festival. Held June - August, an eight week celebration of the local Black Perigord Truffle harvest

Floriade. Festival of flowers, a yearly event held in spring (September–October), not to be missed. Tulips are the main feature but many other colourful flowers and floral displays are featured. There are also sculptures, garden stalls, makeshift restaurants, activities, live music by local performers and sometimes there is even a gnome or scarecrow festival where children (and some adults) paint gnomes or make scarecrows and enter a competition to choose the best. Great for a photo opportunity!

Summernats. A festival of modified cars, car cruising, burnouts, etc., which takes place first thing in the new year. If you are not into this culture, this is a good time not to be in Canberra, as even the most civilised hotels are overtaken by drunken 'nats'.

The Multicultural Festival. A must to visit, has many events, such as concerts, performances and an International Food Fair with over 200 stalls selling food of different countries. Happens every year in February.

Thai Food & Cultural Festival. Annual festival held in September at The Royal Thai Embassy in Yarralumla. The Festival is a bonus for floriade visitors and Canberrans alike and it's the Embassy's biggest free event of the year. Exotic event hall and beautiful court yard with 2 outdoor stages for live performances plus Thai food & beer, "made-in-Thailand" quality products, and fun & games for children. Do not miss this! The Philippines, Sri Lanka and some other embassies do similar events sometimes.

The National Folk Festival - held every Easter over 5 days, featuring local, national and international folk musicians, dancers and craftspeople.

The Canberra Show, Exhibition Park, +61 2 6241 2478. Held in February featuring shows, amusement park rides and agricultural competitions. Has most of the features of the Sydney Royal Easter Show, but on a smaller scale with less crowds.

Canberra Balloon Spectacular. Claimed to be "one of the top three hot air ballooning events in the world", hot air balloons fly over Canberra on most mornings in March. The balloons typically take off from the Parliamentary Triangle, and fly over the lake and centre of the city. The numbers of balloons flying tends to be greatest during early March and on weekends.

Canberra Truffle Festival. Held June - August, an eight week celebration of the local Black Perigord Truffle harvest

Explore Lake Burley Griffin - on or off the water. You can:

• Take a scenic cruise on the lake with Lake Burley Griffin Cruises. Phone +61 419 418 846.
• Rent a boat to sail the lake yourself through Goboat
• If you're up for some exercise, you can walk, run, cycle or skate around Lake Burley Griffin. A shared path runs along the edge (the eastern edge at Kingston is interrupted), and the 2 bridges intersect it into 3 “loops”. The Western Loop is 16 km, the Central Loop (“bridge to bridge”) is 3.7 km, and the Eastern Loop is 9 km; visitors can travel along each, or combine them as fitness or time permits. Each segment has its own highlights. The entire circumference is approximately 25 km. Hire is available from:
• * Share a Bike. Rent high quality mountain bikes and tour around Canberra's extensive bicycle path network and off-road trail system.
• * Segways. Can be rented close to the lake at Parkes Place.

Explore Lake Burley Griffin - on or off the water. You can:

• Take a scenic cruise on the lake with Lake Burley Griffin Cruises. Phone +61 419 418 846.
• Rent a boat to sail the lake yourself through Goboat
• If you're up for some exercise, you can walk, run, cycle or skate around Lake Burley Griffin. A shared path runs along the edge (the eastern edge at Kingston is interrupted), and the 2 bridges intersect it into 3 “loops”. The Western Loop is 16 km, the Central Loop (“bridge to bridge”) is 3.7 km, and the Eastern Loop is 9 km; visitors can travel along each, or combine them as fitness or time permits. Each segment has its own highlights. The entire circumference is approximately 25 km. Hire is available from:
• * Share a Bike. Rent high quality mountain bikes and tour around Canberra's extensive bicycle path network and off-road trail system.
• * Segways. Can be rented close to the lake at Parkes Place.

Ride Canberra's Mountain Bike Trails: There are several locations around Canberra to ride mountain bicycles, many of which are considered some of the best in Australia. See Canberra Off Road Cyclists (CORC) for locations. Canberra is also home to the largest 24 hour Mountain Bike Race in the world (Scott 24hr), held in early October each year.

Go bush walking: Befitting the term “Bush Capital”, the “bush” is frequently very close to housing areas. e.g. in non-winter months, it’s not uncommon to see families walk through the local nature parks after dinner time. Or for locals to climb up a hill after work before heading home. One of the most popular with visitors is the walk to the lookout atop Mount Ainslie. Others include Cooleman Ridge, Mount Taylor, Oakey Hill, The Pinnacle, Red Hill etc. CANwalk and ACT Walking for Pleasure have maps, and schedules each week.

Helpfully between Civic and the War Memorial, walk through the Heritage-listed suburb of Reid. Observe the houses with leafy surrounds, the wide roads, little walking paths and recreation areas, in one of the oldest untouched Canberran suburbs. As (some) locals would say: “as Burley Griffin intended”.

Geocaching. Canberra has an incredibly active Geocaching community.

Explore Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, which is about a 40 minute drive south of Canberra via Tuggeranong Parkway and Tharwa Drive. There are a large number of walks which offer stunning views of the Brindabella Mountains. You can also take Ranger-guided walks or have fun with the hands on displays such as the interactive computer program on Tidbinbilla's bird species and look at the live animal displays. The gift shop sells an interesting range of clothes, toys, books, cards and souvenirs. Coffee and light refreshments are also available.

Go tobogganing in Corin Forest, Tourist Drive 5, +61 2 6235-7333. Weekends, ACT school & public holidays, 10AM-4PM. This alpine recreation facility features a bobsled ride in summer, and snowplay and tobogganing in winter. It is high enough to receive natural snowfalls. Check the website or call before heading up that the road is open, and that there is snow. Free entry, rides from $7, all day pass $35.

See the stars and planets at Mount Stromlo Observatory, Cotter road, Weston Creek. ph +61 2 6125-0230. Mount Stromlo is Australia's premier astronomical observatory. Badly damaged in 2003 bushfires, the partially rebuilt observatory reopened in October 2004. They run a Saturday night star gazing event for the public, call +61 2 6125-0232. The site's damaged buildings and equipment remain and may be fascinating for tourists.

Go wine tasting in the Wineries around Canberra (most are outside of the ACT but all very close to Canberra). They are described as cool climate wines and some are very well known and regarded. Try Jeir Creek, Gallagher, Clonakilla or Lark Hill. There are '33 wineries within 35 minutes of Canberra'. Visit the Canberra Wineries website for more information.

Take a scenic drive into the southern ACT - recommended by locals:

• Head south to Tharwa, and then take the road to Adaminaby. Take the signed road to Honey Suckle Creek. Very important historical site, this is where the signals from the Apollo 11 space landing were received, and then beamed around the world. Also a nice drive, and a very good camp ground.
• On the same road, not far off the Adaminaby Road is a walking (Fire ranger) trail to the top of Mount Tennant. About a 5-hour round hike, but worth every step. Go back onto the Adaminaby road, and head south. Another site of a space centre on the right down the road, worth a look, but not as interesting
• Remaining on the road for another ten kilometers, entering the Namadgi National park, and two hundred meters after a single-lane bridge is a signed turn off to Yankee's Hat. This is a 4-km drive, any car can take it, and look for Kangaroos. Hundreds either side of the road. The walk to Yankee's hat will take you to see aboriginal art.
• Road to Adaminaby. If you have a robust vehicle, take the road south. The country is magnificent. It takes about an hour from Yankee's hat.

Molonglo Gorge Recreation Reserve, Sutton Road Queenbeyan East. Scenic walks, picnics, camping, swimming

• Canberra Antiques Centre, 37 Townsville Street, Fyshwick, +61 2 61623737. Daily 10AM-5PM. Over a dozen professional dealers, both local and interstate, offer a top variety of antique and retro furniture, funky vintage clothing, vintage fabrics, militaria, numismatics, pottery, vintage needlework tools & accessories, electricals, silver, art glass, quality bric-à-brac and designer items. Well presented with great music playing and a nice vibe throughout.
• Jamison market - every Sunday near Jamison centre, in Belconnen. Fresh produce stalls and flea market. Come and get your bargain. Vinyl records, second hand clothing, furniture, bric-à-brac.
• Old Bus Depot Market, 21 Wentworth Ave, +61 2 6295-3331. Su 10AM-4PM. As the name would suggest, the markets are in an rundown bus depot that is no longer in use. Most of the stalls sell a wide variety quality arts and crafts, with a few food and produce stalls in the mix. There is often live music being played and occasionally they run theme days to keep the markets interesting.
• Gorman House market - every Saturday in Braddon, just north of the city (easy walk). Crafts, second-hand items, antiques, international food in a lovely, grassy setting.
• Tuggeranong Market - First Sunday of every month in the lovely Tuggeranong Homestead opposite the Calwell Shops. Lots of stalls, selling amazing stuff.
• Trash and Treasure Market in Woden is hosted by Rotary and held every Sunday morning. Expect a mixed bag of books, plants, and assorted household junk.
• Fyshwick Fresh Food Market, 12 Dalby St, +61 2 6295-0606. Th-Su 8AM-5:30PM. Fresh produce, including fruit, vegetables, meat and fish. Sunday afternoons are a good time to pick up some bargains.
• Belconnen Market, Lathlain St, Belconnen (off Benjamin Way), +61 2 6251-1680. The Markets are open from 8AM-6PM Wednesday to Sunday. Some stores now open 7 days a week. Thursday's is senior's day with 10% discounts.
• Capital Region Farmers Market, Old Wells Station Rd (Within Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC). Sa 7:30AM-11:30AM. An exceptional fresh food market with products being sold direct from the producer. Stalls sell fruit, vegetables, meat, seafood, honey, preserves, cakes, wine and plenty more. Be sure to come early for the freshest produce and grab a coffee or something to eat from one of the pop up stalls. It is a fair distance from Civic, but the trip is well worth it if you can make it.
• Southside Farmers Market, Launceston St (Woden CIT (formerly Woden High School) (Ainsworth Street near Hindmarsh Drive, Phillip), +61 427 807 801. Su 9AM-noon. Sellers are the producers. Stalls are all food related.
• Gold Creek Village, Barton Highway, Gungahlin (From the city, take Northbourne avenue to the Barton Highway (left) then follow about 5km to a major roundabout; go straight on about 2 km and follow signs to turn right.. shopping hours. This is a 'village' of specialty shops, attractions, hotels (for drinks), coffee shops, a native reptile 'museum', a butterfly enclosure, and garden supplies, in a group of separate buildings in a strip about 1 km long. Locals and visitors alike use the area, especially on weekends.
• Hartley Hall Markets, Hall Village Showground, Hall ACT 2618 (via Barton Highway, +61 2 6282-4411. first Sunday of every month (except January) between 10AM and 3PM. The historic village of Hall (which pre-dates Canberra's founding) hosts a monthly market that raises money for local charity Hartley Lifecare. There are hundreds of stalls selling gifts, art, craft, baked goods, plants, furniture, clothing, pottery and children’s toys.

Canberra Antiques Centre, 37 Townsville Street, Fyshwick, +61 2 61623737. Daily 10AM-5PM. Over a dozen professional dealers, both local and interstate, offer a top variety of antique and retro furniture, funky vintage clothing, vintage fabrics, militaria, numismatics, pottery, vintage needlework tools & accessories, electricals, silver, art glass, quality bric-à-brac and designer items. Well presented with great music playing and a nice vibe throughout.

Jamison market - every Sunday near Jamison centre, in Belconnen. Fresh produce stalls and flea market. Come and get your bargain. Vinyl records, second hand clothing, furniture, bric-à-brac.

Old Bus Depot Market, 21 Wentworth Ave, +61 2 6295-3331. Su 10AM-4PM. As the name would suggest, the markets are in an rundown bus depot that is no longer in use. Most of the stalls sell a wide variety quality arts and crafts, with a few food and produce stalls in the mix. There is often live music being played and occasionally they run theme days to keep the markets interesting.

Gorman House market - every Saturday in Braddon, just north of the city (easy walk). Crafts, second-hand items, antiques, international food in a lovely, grassy setting.

Tuggeranong Market - First Sunday of every month in the lovely Tuggeranong Homestead opposite the Calwell Shops. Lots of stalls, selling amazing stuff.

Trash and Treasure Market in Woden is hosted by Rotary and held every Sunday morning. Expect a mixed bag of books, plants, and assorted household junk.

Fyshwick Fresh Food Market, 12 Dalby St, +61 2 6295-0606. Th-Su 8AM-5:30PM. Fresh produce, including fruit, vegetables, meat and fish. Sunday afternoons are a good time to pick up some bargains.

Belconnen Market, Lathlain St, Belconnen (off Benjamin Way), +61 2 6251-1680. The Markets are open from 8AM-6PM Wednesday to Sunday. Some stores now open 7 days a week. Thursday's is senior's day with 10% discounts.

Capital Region Farmers Market, Old Wells Station Rd (Within Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC). Sa 7:30AM-11:30AM. An exceptional fresh food market with products being sold direct from the producer. Stalls sell fruit, vegetables, meat, seafood, honey, preserves, cakes, wine and plenty more. Be sure to come early for the freshest produce and grab a coffee or something to eat from one of the pop up stalls. It is a fair distance from Civic, but the trip is well worth it if you can make it.

Southside Farmers Market, Launceston St (Woden CIT (formerly Woden High School) (Ainsworth Street near Hindmarsh Drive, Phillip), +61 427 807 801. Su 9AM-noon. Sellers are the producers. Stalls are all food related.

Gold Creek Village, Barton Highway, Gungahlin (From the city, take Northbourne avenue to the Barton Highway (left) then follow about 5km to a major roundabout; go straight on about 2 km and follow signs to turn right.. shopping hours. This is a 'village' of specialty shops, attractions, hotels (for drinks), coffee shops, a native reptile 'museum', a butterfly enclosure, and garden supplies, in a group of separate buildings in a strip about 1 km long. Locals and visitors alike use the area, especially on weekends.

Hartley Hall Markets, Hall Village Showground, Hall ACT 2618 (via Barton Highway, +61 2 6282-4411. first Sunday of every month (except January) between 10AM and 3PM. The historic village of Hall (which pre-dates Canberra's founding) hosts a monthly market that raises money for local charity Hartley Lifecare. There are hundreds of stalls selling gifts, art, craft, baked goods, plants, furniture, clothing, pottery and children’s toys.

• Canberra Centre, Bunda St, +61 2 6247-5611. A large shopping mall in Civic, covering a large section of the central Canberra shopping district. It has department stores, food hall and eateries, specialty shops for adults and kids fashion both upmarket and basic. There are also electronics, books, CDs, souvenirs and Australian made products.
• City Walk. An outdoor pedestrian mall located in Civic that is home to a large range of shopping outlets, alfresco dining and a few bars. The mall is also home to the Canberra Merry-Go-Round and the Canberra Times fountain.
• Belconnen Mall is an enclosed shopping centre owned by Westfield in the Belconnen Town Centre to the north. Although it does not have as many clothes stores, it features a Myer department store and a K-mart, as well as two supermarkets and a food court. It has three levels.
• Woden Westfield and Tuggeranong Hyperdome are the two major enclosed shopping centres to the south, in the Woden and Tuggeranong town centres respectively. Woden Plaza features a David Jones department store, a BIG W, two supermarkets, as well as approximately 200 speciality stores and a food court. The Tuggeranong Hyperdome (further south) features a K-mart and a Target, as well as supermarkets and a food court plus speciality clothing stores.
• Fyshwick is the suburb to shop for appliances and technical stuff, along with furniture and homewares. It is also Canberra's 'red-light' district. Most of Canberra's antique shops and several second hand bookshops can also be found here. The large Canberra Outlet Centre is also located in Fyshwick.

Canberra Centre, Bunda St, +61 2 6247-5611. A large shopping mall in Civic, covering a large section of the central Canberra shopping district. It has department stores, food hall and eateries, specialty shops for adults and kids fashion both upmarket and basic. There are also electronics, books, CDs, souvenirs and Australian made products.

City Walk. An outdoor pedestrian mall located in Civic that is home to a large range of shopping outlets, alfresco dining and a few bars. The mall is also home to the Canberra Merry-Go-Round and the Canberra Times fountain.

Belconnen Mall is an enclosed shopping centre owned by Westfield in the Belconnen Town Centre to the north. Although it does not have as many clothes stores, it features a Myer department store and a K-mart, as well as two supermarkets and a food court. It has three levels.

Woden Westfield and Tuggeranong Hyperdome are the two major enclosed shopping centres to the south, in the Woden and Tuggeranong town centres respectively. Woden Plaza features a David Jones department store, a BIG W, two supermarkets, as well as approximately 200 speciality stores and a food court. The Tuggeranong Hyperdome (further south) features a K-mart and a Target, as well as supermarkets and a food court plus speciality clothing stores.

Fyshwick is the suburb to shop for appliances and technical stuff, along with furniture and homewares. It is also Canberra's 'red-light' district. Most of Canberra's antique shops and several second hand bookshops can also be found here. The large Canberra Outlet Centre is also located in Fyshwick.

• Lonsdale Sreet in Braddon (close to Civic) houses a growing number of boutiques which specialise in independent clothing labels and other designer objects as well as many, many, coffee shops and casual restaurants. The southern end of Lonsdale Street is also the home to many of Canberra's outdoor clothing and camping stores as well as several bicycle shops.
• Manuka is another area that has boutiques and restaurants. Millers of Manuka boutique sells leading women's fashion brands like Max Mara and others. For less expensive women's clothing try Witchery. Booklovers would do well to check out Paperchain bookstore.
• Kingston is yet another shopping and restaurant area not far from Manuka.

Lonsdale Sreet in Braddon (close to Civic) houses a growing number of boutiques which specialise in independent clothing labels and other designer objects as well as many, many, coffee shops and casual restaurants. The southern end of Lonsdale Street is also the home to many of Canberra's outdoor clothing and camping stores as well as several bicycle shops.

Manuka is another area that has boutiques and restaurants. Millers of Manuka boutique sells leading women's fashion brands like Max Mara and others. For less expensive women's clothing try Witchery. Booklovers would do well to check out Paperchain bookstore.

Kingston is yet another shopping and restaurant area not far from Manuka.

Many of the most interesting shopping experiences are at the national institutions, almost all of which have specialist shops inside. The National Gallery has a superb range of art books, both overseas and indigenous. Likewise the National Library, the Questacon Science Museum, the War Memorial, the National Museum at Acton, the Film and Sound Archive, and so on - if you're looking for unique Australian items, these are the places to go.

While Canberra is a bookish city, it lacks a stand-out bookshop. However, there are several good options:

• Alexander Fax Booksellers, Shop 10, Mawson House, Southlands Shopping Centre, Mawson (Near the post office, +61 2 6290 0140. Second hand bookshop which specialises in military history.
• Asia Bookroom, 1-3 Lawry Place, Macquarie,, +61 2 6251 5191. Tuesday-Friday: 10:00AM-5:PM Saturday 10AM-5PM. Specialises in new and second hand books on Asia, including rare books and academic works.
• Clouston & Hall Booksellers, Shop 1 Bailey's Corner East Row, +61 2 6280 4499. 9AM-5PM Monday to Saturday, 10AM-5PM Sundays and Public Holidays. This unusual bookshop stocks a wide range of discounted books on specialist topics, many of which are rather eccentric (The Complete Chicken Encyclopedia and a large supply of English-Albanian dictionaries, for instance). It also has a warehouse in the industrial suburb of Fyshwick which is open to the public.
• Dymocks Canberra, Shop CL17 Canberra Centre, Bunda Street, Civic (Located behind the escalators in the Canberra Centre's food court, +61 2 6257 5057. While part of a fairly unexciting national chain, this branch of Dymocks has a unusually well-chosen stock. Other, and less interesting, Dymocks branches are located in Belconnen Mall and the Tuggeranong Hyperdome.
• Harry Hartog, Ground floor, Westfield Woden, +61 2 6232 5832. An independent bookshop with a good range, though focused mainly on fiction
• Muse, East Hotel, Corner Canberra Avenue and Giles Street. Kingston, +61 2 6178 0024. 6:30AM-10PM Monday to Friday, 7AM-10PM Saturday, 7AM-3PM Sunday. This combined bookshop and cafe runs a busy program of literary events, often featuring high-profile authors.
• National Library of Australia Bookshop, Parkes Place, Parkes, +61 2 6262 1424. Not surprisingly given the venue, this store stocks an excellent range of Australian books.
• Paperchain Bookstore, 34 Franklin Street Manuka, +61 2 6295 6723. Open seven days from 9AM to late. A medium-sized independent bookstore with a good range. Popular with journalists and politicians.
• Portrait Gallery Store, King Edward Terrace, Parkes (Located just inside the entrance of the National Portrait Gallery, +61 2 6102 7170. The National Portrait Gallery's store stocks a large range of recently-released art and non-fiction books and is very popular with Canberrans.

Alexander Fax Booksellers, Shop 10, Mawson House, Southlands Shopping Centre, Mawson (Near the post office, +61 2 6290 0140. Second hand bookshop which specialises in military history.

Asia Bookroom, 1-3 Lawry Place, Macquarie,, +61 2 6251 5191. Tuesday-Friday: 10:00AM-5:PM Saturday 10AM-5PM. Specialises in new and second hand books on Asia, including rare books and academic works.

Clouston & Hall Booksellers, Shop 1 Bailey's Corner East Row, +61 2 6280 4499. 9AM-5PM Monday to Saturday, 10AM-5PM Sundays and Public Holidays. This unusual bookshop stocks a wide range of discounted books on specialist topics, many of which are rather eccentric (The Complete Chicken Encyclopedia and a large supply of English-Albanian dictionaries, for instance). It also has a warehouse in the industrial suburb of Fyshwick which is open to the public.

Dymocks Canberra, Shop CL17 Canberra Centre, Bunda Street, Civic (Located behind the escalators in the Canberra Centre's food court, +61 2 6257 5057. While part of a fairly unexciting national chain, this branch of Dymocks has a unusually well-chosen stock. Other, and less interesting, Dymocks branches are located in Belconnen Mall and the Tuggeranong Hyperdome.

Harry Hartog, Ground floor, Westfield Woden, +61 2 6232 5832. An independent bookshop with a good range, though focused mainly on fiction

Muse, East Hotel, Corner Canberra Avenue and Giles Street. Kingston, +61 2 6178 0024. 6:30AM-10PM Monday to Friday, 7AM-10PM Saturday, 7AM-3PM Sunday. This combined bookshop and cafe runs a busy program of literary events, often featuring high-profile authors.

National Library of Australia Bookshop, Parkes Place, Parkes, +61 2 6262 1424. Not surprisingly given the venue, this store stocks an excellent range of Australian books.

Paperchain Bookstore, 34 Franklin Street Manuka, +61 2 6295 6723. Open seven days from 9AM to late. A medium-sized independent bookstore with a good range. Popular with journalists and politicians.

Portrait Gallery Store, King Edward Terrace, Parkes (Located just inside the entrance of the National Portrait Gallery, +61 2 6102 7170. The National Portrait Gallery's store stocks a large range of recently-released art and non-fiction books and is very popular with Canberrans.

Canberra has many fine eateries, but beware - many will be closed on Sundays. There are large clusters of restaurants in Civic, Braddon, Dickson, Kingston and Manuka. An unusual feature of the Canberra dining scene is that some of the city's best restaurants are hidden away in small suburban shopping centres - locals often nominate these as their favourites.

All public buildings in Canberra are smoke free.

• Civic Asian Noodle House, Sydney Building, 34 Northbourne Avenue, +61 2 6247 5145. Good laksa at reasonable prices ($15). Relaxed atmosphere.
• CBD Dumpling House, Canberra Centre, Civic (Enter from Scotts Crossing, +61 2 6262 8855. Large and very popular Asian restaurant. Specialises in dumplings, but has a good mix of other Asian dishes.
• Dumpling Inn, 1/1 Lawry Place, Jamison Group Centre, Macquarie, +61 2 6253 2268. Excellent Chinese food with Yum Cha lunch on Saturday and Sunday. Very popular with locals and booking might be required.
• Griffith Vietnamese Restaurant, Griffith Shops. Cheap, no frills place with little/no décor and ordinary 'Australianised' Vietnamese food.
• Hansel & Gretel, 42 Townsend St., Philip. Great European style shop and cafe.
• Kenny's, 19 Woolley Street, Dickson, +61 2 6248 9899. Chinese Style Restaurant for fast dine in, BYO & Take away. 11:30AM-11PM (7 days).
• Kismet, Flinders Way Manuka. Another wonderful Turkish eatery at easy on the pocket prices, Kabak and Falafel are easily one of the best in Canberra if not Australia.
• Pide House, 2 Lawry Place, Jamison Group Centre, Macquarie (near Belconnen T/C) and Woden Plaza, Corinna Street, Woden, +61 2 6251-3325 (Jamison), +61 2 6260-3016 (Woden). Nice, inexpensive Turkish food in a proper restaurant (not a takeaway outlet). The Woden location is open all day (one of the very few in Canberra).
• Ploy Thai, 1/14 Lonsdale St, Braddon, +61 2 6248 8802. Great quality Thai food. Mains $15-19.
• The Front Gallery and Cafe, Lyneham Shops, Wattle Street, Lyneham.. 8AM–10PM Tues - Sat & 8AM–6PM Sun - Mon. Enjoy a coffee and explore an art exhibition. Comfy couches.
• Yarralumla Halal Pide House, 45 Novar St., Yarralumla, +61 2 6281 1991. High quality Turkish at a reasonable price, no alcohol allowed on premises. Absolutely delicious and very generous kebab rolls - local favourite. Take away available.

Civic Asian Noodle House, Sydney Building, 34 Northbourne Avenue, +61 2 6247 5145. Good laksa at reasonable prices ($15). Relaxed atmosphere.

CBD Dumpling House, Canberra Centre, Civic (Enter from Scotts Crossing, +61 2 6262 8855. Large and very popular Asian restaurant. Specialises in dumplings, but has a good mix of other Asian dishes.

Dumpling Inn, 1/1 Lawry Place, Jamison Group Centre, Macquarie, +61 2 6253 2268. Excellent Chinese food with Yum Cha lunch on Saturday and Sunday. Very popular with locals and booking might be required.

Griffith Vietnamese Restaurant, Griffith Shops. Cheap, no frills place with little/no décor and ordinary 'Australianised' Vietnamese food.

Hansel & Gretel, 42 Townsend St., Philip. Great European style shop and cafe.

Kenny's, 19 Woolley Street, Dickson, +61 2 6248 9899. Chinese Style Restaurant for fast dine in, BYO & Take away. 11:30AM-11PM (7 days).

Kismet, Flinders Way Manuka. Another wonderful Turkish eatery at easy on the pocket prices, Kabak and Falafel are easily one of the best in Canberra if not Australia.

Pide House, 2 Lawry Place, Jamison Group Centre, Macquarie (near Belconnen T/C) and Woden Plaza, Corinna Street, Woden, +61 2 6251-3325 (Jamison), +61 2 6260-3016 (Woden). Nice, inexpensive Turkish food in a proper restaurant (not a takeaway outlet). The Woden location is open all day (one of the very few in Canberra).

Ploy Thai, 1/14 Lonsdale St, Braddon, +61 2 6248 8802. Great quality Thai food. Mains $15-19.

The Front Gallery and Cafe, Lyneham Shops, Wattle Street, Lyneham.. 8AM–10PM Tues - Sat & 8AM–6PM Sun - Mon. Enjoy a coffee and explore an art exhibition. Comfy couches.

Yarralumla Halal Pide House, 45 Novar St., Yarralumla, +61 2 6281 1991. High quality Turkish at a reasonable price, no alcohol allowed on premises. Absolutely delicious and very generous kebab rolls - local favourite. Take away available.

• Belluci's Restaurant, Cape St (cnr Woolley St), Dickson, +61 2 6257-7788. Popular Italian restaurant.
• Blue Olive Cafe, 56 Alinga St, Canberra, +61 2 6230 4600. Famous for their delicious New York style sandwiches. Great coffee and breakfast menu, wonderful service.
• Bruno's Truffels, Unit 2, 106 Mawson Place, Mawson, +61 2 6286-6377. Nice cafe and shop for locally made chocolates and pastries.
• Cafe D'Lish, Shop 3, Duff Place, Deakin, +61 2 6281-3533. Swiss owner, nice pastries made on premises.
• Dickson shops. This is the Canberra equivalent of Chinatown. Lots of great Asian food and a few pubs/clubs to have a beer at. This shopping centre is located a 10 minute bus ride north of Civic, just off Northbourne Avenue, and has a fantastic eat street, with everything from Thai to Turkish to Vietnamese at reasonable prices. Turk Oz has a delicious spinach and feta pide. Dickson Noodle House makes a terrific Laksa and is quite cheap. Au Lac is an excellent vegetarian Vietnamese place with delicious soy-based versions of everything.
• Four Rivers Sichuan Chinese Restaurant, Unit 66, The Coventry Apartments, 12 Challis Street, Dickson, +61 2 6162-0666. Very tasty, authentic Sichuan cuisine. Yum-cha lunches.
• Thirst Winebar and Eatery, 20 West Row, +61 2 6257 0700. Civic. Tasty Thai food in modern styled restaurant. Two-for-one mains on Monday and Tuesday make this a top option! Otherwise expect to pay around $25.
• Ginseng, 15 Flinders Way, Manuka, +61 2 6260 8346 or +61 2 6260 8347. Try either the traditional or vegetarian Singapore noodle and the Laksa. Book in advance and ask for a table on the second floor, you will get the best view of the Manuka tree tops!!
• Italo-Australian Club, Franlin St, Forrest. You can obtain a temporary 28 day membership for $1 upon entry. You can get a hearty Italian pasta dish for around $15, with drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic reasonably priced.
• Koko Black, Bunda St Canberra Centre North Quarter. Warm and tasty Chocolate shop with a second to none chocolate selection as well as an innovative and interesting Hot Chocolate and Drink Menu. Nice, welcoming decor.
• Maestral Seafood Restaurant, 13 Trenerry Street, Weston Creek, +61 2 6287 3930. Mediterranean/Croatian, lots of fresh seafood and steak.
• New Asia Chinese Restaurant, Unit 75, The Coventry Apartments, 2 Cape Street, Dickson, +61 2 6262-8860. Offer authentic Shanghai, Sichuan, Cantonese, and some Malaysian cuisines. Some of the signature dishes include: Crispy Fragrant Duck, Yu Xiang Pork and Egg Plant Hot Pot, Shantung Lamb and Shantung Chicken. The food is fresh and the service is friendly. Very popular with Chinese oversea students and local communities. Open 7 days a week (except Saturday and Sunday lunches). Fully licenced. BYO for bottled wines only. Setting capacity: 34 people.
• Rama's, Shop 6, Pearce Shopping Centre, Hodgson Crescent, Pearce, +61 2 6286 1964 or +61 2 6286 9437. Fijian/Indian, best (and hottest - no joke) curries in town. Can be very noisy.
• Red Belly Black, located near the ACT law courts in Hobart Place. Excellent coffee, good breakfast menu, mid priced lunch menu, great cakes. Only open Mon - Fri from 7:30AM-4PM. A good way to start the weekday morning.
• Sammy's Kitchen Bunda St Canberra Centre North Quarter. This Canberra institution serves a menu inspired mainly by Malaysian but also Cantonese flavours. It is hugely popular with locals, and the staff sometimes hurry slow eaters along to free up their table - it's not a place to linger over a meal.
• Silo Bakery and Cafe, 36 Giles St., Kingston, +61 2 6260-6060. Good breakfast, however almost always very crowded - expect 'attitude' instead of service. They also have a dedicated cheese room.
• Sukothai, 27 Bentham Street, Yarralumla, +61 2 6281 1092. Inexpensive non-authentic Thai food. Eat in and takeaway.
• Tu Do, 7 Sargood St., O'Connor, +61 2 6248 6030. Cheap and tasty Vietnamese, very popular with the local Vietnamese community. Good bar nearby too.

Belluci's Restaurant, Cape St (cnr Woolley St), Dickson, +61 2 6257-7788. Popular Italian restaurant.

Blue Olive Cafe, 56 Alinga St, Canberra, +61 2 6230 4600. Famous for their delicious New York style sandwiches. Great coffee and breakfast menu, wonderful service.

Bruno's Truffels, Unit 2, 106 Mawson Place, Mawson, +61 2 6286-6377. Nice cafe and shop for locally made chocolates and pastries.

Cafe D'Lish, Shop 3, Duff Place, Deakin, +61 2 6281-3533. Swiss owner, nice pastries made on premises.

Dickson shops. This is the Canberra equivalent of Chinatown. Lots of great Asian food and a few pubs/clubs to have a beer at. This shopping centre is located a 10 minute bus ride north of Civic, just off Northbourne Avenue, and has a fantastic eat street, with everything from Thai to Turkish to Vietnamese at reasonable prices. Turk Oz has a delicious spinach and feta pide. Dickson Noodle House makes a terrific Laksa and is quite cheap. Au Lac is an excellent vegetarian Vietnamese place with delicious soy-based versions of everything.

Four Rivers Sichuan Chinese Restaurant, Unit 66, The Coventry Apartments, 12 Challis Street, Dickson, +61 2 6162-0666. Very tasty, authentic Sichuan cuisine. Yum-cha lunches.

Thirst Winebar and Eatery, 20 West Row, +61 2 6257 0700. Civic. Tasty Thai food in modern styled restaurant. Two-for-one mains on Monday and Tuesday make this a top option! Otherwise expect to pay around $25.

Ginseng, 15 Flinders Way, Manuka, +61 2 6260 8346 or +61 2 6260 8347. Try either the traditional or vegetarian Singapore noodle and the Laksa. Book in advance and ask for a table on the second floor, you will get the best view of the Manuka tree tops!!

Italo-Australian Club, Franlin St, Forrest. You can obtain a temporary 28 day membership for $1 upon entry. You can get a hearty Italian pasta dish for around $15, with drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic reasonably priced.

Koko Black, Bunda St Canberra Centre North Quarter. Warm and tasty Chocolate shop with a second to none chocolate selection as well as an innovative and interesting Hot Chocolate and Drink Menu. Nice, welcoming decor.

Maestral Seafood Restaurant, 13 Trenerry Street, Weston Creek, +61 2 6287 3930. Mediterranean/Croatian, lots of fresh seafood and steak.

New Asia Chinese Restaurant, Unit 75, The Coventry Apartments, 2 Cape Street, Dickson, +61 2 6262-8860. Offer authentic Shanghai, Sichuan, Cantonese, and some Malaysian cuisines. Some of the signature dishes include: Crispy Fragrant Duck, Yu Xiang Pork and Egg Plant Hot Pot, Shantung Lamb and Shantung Chicken. The food is fresh and the service is friendly. Very popular with Chinese oversea students and local communities. Open 7 days a week (except Saturday and Sunday lunches). Fully licenced. BYO for bottled wines only. Setting capacity: 34 people.

Rama's, Shop 6, Pearce Shopping Centre, Hodgson Crescent, Pearce, +61 2 6286 1964 or +61 2 6286 9437. Fijian/Indian, best (and hottest - no joke) curries in town. Can be very noisy.

Red Belly Black, located near the ACT law courts in Hobart Place. Excellent coffee, good breakfast menu, mid priced lunch menu, great cakes. Only open Mon - Fri from 7:30AM-4PM. A good way to start the weekday morning.

Sammy's Kitchen Bunda St Canberra Centre North Quarter. This Canberra institution serves a menu inspired mainly by Malaysian but also Cantonese flavours. It is hugely popular with locals, and the staff sometimes hurry slow eaters along to free up their table - it's not a place to linger over a meal.

Silo Bakery and Cafe, 36 Giles St., Kingston, +61 2 6260-6060. Good breakfast, however almost always very crowded - expect 'attitude' instead of service. They also have a dedicated cheese room.

Sukothai, 27 Bentham Street, Yarralumla, +61 2 6281 1092. Inexpensive non-authentic Thai food. Eat in and takeaway.

Tu Do, 7 Sargood St., O'Connor, +61 2 6248 6030. Cheap and tasty Vietnamese, very popular with the local Vietnamese community. Good bar nearby too.

• Aubergine Restaurant, 18 Barker St., Griffith, +61 2 6260-8666. Food is very good, but beware the cancellations policy when changing a booking - you could be charged for the meals your party did not eat.
• Courgette Restaurant, 54 Marcus Clarke St., Acton, +61 2 6247-4042. Sister restaurant to Aubergine Restaurant, fine dining.
• Ottoman Cuisine Restaurant, Cnr Broughton & Blackall St Barton, +61 2 6273-6111. Consistently awarded best Turkish in Australia, great atmosphere.
• Rubicon, 6A Barker St, Griffith, +61 6295 9919. Consistently excellent food, extensive winelist and BYO (bring your own) are accepted. Great atmosphere, romantic rear indoor courtyard.
• The Chairman & Yip, 1 Burbury Cl, Barton, +61 2 6162 1220. Lunch noon-2:30 Tue-Fri. Dinner 6-10:30 Mon-Sat. East/West fusion of great repute.
• The Promenade Cafe at the Hyatt Hotel, Commonwealth Ave, offers daily buffet dinners in its restaurant from 6PM and high teas from 3 to 5PM.

Aubergine Restaurant, 18 Barker St., Griffith, +61 2 6260-8666. Food is very good, but beware the cancellations policy when changing a booking - you could be charged for the meals your party did not eat.

Courgette Restaurant, 54 Marcus Clarke St., Acton, +61 2 6247-4042. Sister restaurant to Aubergine Restaurant, fine dining.

Ottoman Cuisine Restaurant, Cnr Broughton & Blackall St Barton, +61 2 6273-6111. Consistently awarded best Turkish in Australia, great atmosphere.

Rubicon, 6A Barker St, Griffith, +61 6295 9919. Consistently excellent food, extensive winelist and BYO (bring your own) are accepted. Great atmosphere, romantic rear indoor courtyard.

The Chairman & Yip, 1 Burbury Cl, Barton, +61 2 6162 1220. Lunch noon-2:30 Tue-Fri. Dinner 6-10:30 Mon-Sat. East/West fusion of great repute.

The Promenade Cafe at the Hyatt Hotel, Commonwealth Ave, offers daily buffet dinners in its restaurant from 6PM and high teas from 3 to 5PM.

Canberra's many bars and clubs will be closed on Sunday nights and early into the week. Civic can appear to be a ghost town but there are areas such as Bunda Street where you will always find some happening funky bars.

In the city:

• The Phoenix, 21 East Row, Canberra City, +61 2 6247 1606. About as rustic and dingy as a Canberra establishment is likely to get, this pub attracts a varied crowd, with more than its fair share of bohemian types.
• PJ O'Reilly's (West Row - City, and Tuggeranong Town Centre). Another Irish themed bar like King O'Malley's.
• Mooseheads. A bar with local history. It burnt down and was restored, Mooseheads is famous as an Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) hangout.
• White Rabbit Cocktail Room (Northbourne Ave - City). Cocktail and tapas venue with polished floors and patterned wallpaper, hosting DJ nights
• Shooters (East Row - City). Rough and tumble reputation.
• King O'Malleys in Civic (inside City Walk Hotel building, Ground floor). Large Irish pub with a relaxed atmosphere, does pub-style meals lunch and dinner and a home for all types.
• The Wig and Pen, Llewellyn Hall, William Herbert Pl, +61 2 6248 0171. Serves a wide range of award winning beers brewed on the premises, as well as a selection of other boutique and independent brews.
• Hippo Lounge (Upstairs, Garema Place, Civic). Cocktail bar with an intimate setting amidst Baroque-meets-student-digs decor. There's also live Jazz on Wednesday nights.
• Old Parliament House. Every Friday afternoon (5PM-7PM), the courtyards of Old Parliament House have DJs and reasonably priced cocktails. It is very popular with graduates after work, before heading off to other places.
• Cube, 33 Petrie Plaza, Civic (downstairs from Antigo's cafe, +61 2 6257-1110. Opens Thu 8PM, Fri 9PM, Sat 10PM, Sun 9PM. Closes 5AM. Canberra's only gay nightclub with a variety of theme nights. Fridays and Saturdays are busiest.
• Parlour Wine Room, (Civic) (Behind Rydges Lakeside. Very intimate comfortable lounge bar, great selection of wines.

In the other suburbs:

• Kingston Hotel (Off Canberra Avenue, near Manuka Oval). One of Canberra's longest running pubs, offering a 'cook your own' style open grill bistro, comprehensive restaurant, several pool halls, a drive-through bottle shop and bare bones backpackers accommodation (though usually occupied by long-term tenants). Once notorious for being rough, it is now a safe and friendly pub. Same ownership as Civic Pub and Uni Pub.
• Trinity Bar (Just behind the Turkish Pide House in Dickson). This is a great lounge bar with impressive cocktail menu and jazz/DJs playing each evening Thurs-Saturday. Sunday afternoons/evenings are also busy during Summer.
• Tilley's Devine Cafe Gallery (Lyneham Shops). Originally a "female only" establishment, it now opens its doors to everyone and is a fantastic venue for acoustic and jazz local and international acts. Food and coffee available, along with a large bar selection.
• Duxton (O'Connor Shops). Bar in a suburban shop setting. Great for pre-dinner drinks before moving on to one of the small restaurants in the area.
• Das Kapital (Narrabundah Shops). Intimate lounge bar, $5 Homemade Pizza and $10 jugs of Beer Wednesday-Thursday. DJ's and Bands most weekends.
• Durham Pub, (Kingston). Good selection of beers on tap, warm atmosphere, Trivia on Tuesdays and Karaoke on Wednesday
• Knightsbridge Penthouse, 1/34 Mort Street, Braddon, +61 2 62626221. Great DJ and lovely selection of cocktails. Good crowd, lots of dancing. Often a line after 10PM.

Canberra has a significant craft beer brewing scene, with Bent Spoke and Capital Brewing both having national prominence. They both have venues in Canberra where you can try their favourites and some seasonals. Bentspoke in Braddon near Civic, and Capital Brewing in a spacious outdoor setting in Fyshwick with plenty of room for the kids to play in an afternoon while the adults enjoy a brew.

• BentSpoke Brewing Co., 38 Mort St, Braddon ACT 2612. Bicycle-themed bar serving a range of beers brewed on site. Owner and master brewer occasionally runs free tours.
• Capital Brewing. Expansive grounds, with lots of outdoor seating and areas for kids to play on a summer afternoon or evening. In winter, they have a large central fireplace. World class micro-brews, and a taste burgers from a burger food truck that's always indoors.

The Phoenix, 21 East Row, Canberra City, +61 2 6247 1606. About as rustic and dingy as a Canberra establishment is likely to get, this pub attracts a varied crowd, with more than its fair share of bohemian types.

PJ O'Reilly's (West Row - City, and Tuggeranong Town Centre). Another Irish themed bar like King O'Malley's.

Mooseheads. A bar with local history. It burnt down and was restored, Mooseheads is famous as an Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) hangout.

White Rabbit Cocktail Room (Northbourne Ave - City). Cocktail and tapas venue with polished floors and patterned wallpaper, hosting DJ nights

Shooters (East Row - City). Rough and tumble reputation.

King O'Malleys in Civic (inside City Walk Hotel building, Ground floor). Large Irish pub with a relaxed atmosphere, does pub-style meals lunch and dinner and a home for all types.

The Wig and Pen, Llewellyn Hall, William Herbert Pl, +61 2 6248 0171. Serves a wide range of award winning beers brewed on the premises, as well as a selection of other boutique and independent brews.

Hippo Lounge (Upstairs, Garema Place, Civic). Cocktail bar with an intimate setting amidst Baroque-meets-student-digs decor. There's also live Jazz on Wednesday nights.

Old Parliament House. Every Friday afternoon (5PM-7PM), the courtyards of Old Parliament House have DJs and reasonably priced cocktails. It is very popular with graduates after work, before heading off to other places.

Cube, 33 Petrie Plaza, Civic (downstairs from Antigo's cafe, +61 2 6257-1110. Opens Thu 8PM, Fri 9PM, Sat 10PM, Sun 9PM. Closes 5AM. Canberra's only gay nightclub with a variety of theme nights. Fridays and Saturdays are busiest.

Parlour Wine Room, (Civic) (Behind Rydges Lakeside. Very intimate comfortable lounge bar, great selection of wines.

Kingston Hotel (Off Canberra Avenue, near Manuka Oval). One of Canberra's longest running pubs, offering a 'cook your own' style open grill bistro, comprehensive restaurant, several pool halls, a drive-through bottle shop and bare bones backpackers accommodation (though usually occupied by long-term tenants). Once notorious for being rough, it is now a safe and friendly pub. Same ownership as Civic Pub and Uni Pub.

Trinity Bar (Just behind the Turkish Pide House in Dickson). This is a great lounge bar with impressive cocktail menu and jazz/DJs playing each evening Thurs-Saturday. Sunday afternoons/evenings are also busy during Summer.

Tilley's Devine Cafe Gallery (Lyneham Shops). Originally a "female only" establishment, it now opens its doors to everyone and is a fantastic venue for acoustic and jazz local and international acts. Food and coffee available, along with a large bar selection.

Duxton (O'Connor Shops). Bar in a suburban shop setting. Great for pre-dinner drinks before moving on to one of the small restaurants in the area.

Das Kapital (Narrabundah Shops). Intimate lounge bar, $5 Homemade Pizza and $10 jugs of Beer Wednesday-Thursday. DJ's and Bands most weekends.

Durham Pub, (Kingston). Good selection of beers on tap, warm atmosphere, Trivia on Tuesdays and Karaoke on Wednesday

Knightsbridge Penthouse, 1/34 Mort Street, Braddon, +61 2 62626221. Great DJ and lovely selection of cocktails. Good crowd, lots of dancing. Often a line after 10PM.

BentSpoke Brewing Co., 38 Mort St, Braddon ACT 2612. Bicycle-themed bar serving a range of beers brewed on site. Owner and master brewer occasionally runs free tours.

Capital Brewing. Expansive grounds, with lots of outdoor seating and areas for kids to play on a summer afternoon or evening. In winter, they have a large central fireplace. World class micro-brews, and a taste burgers from a burger food truck that's always indoors.

Canberra is a very safe city and enjoys one of the lowest crime rates in all of Australia. Take the usual precautions against opportunistic crime, however. Valuables should not be left in sight within unattended cars, especially overnight.

Despite its apparent affluence, Canberra has people who live 'rough'. Particularly around Civic, it is not unusual to be asked for money. This is a well-organised activity targeting both visitors and locals: if you simply say that you don't have any money, the beggar (real or fake) will usually move on.

Once you leave Civic, Canberra is fairly spread out. For much of the year, evenings can become cold and windy fairly quickly. Don’t count on adequate lighting even in otherwise popular or marked footways/cycleways. Similarly, when traveling on such routes in between city centres, or when in the bush, it is possible not to see any one else for an entire journey. Have a map and appropriate clothing. On hot days, carry water. For bicycle riders, having the means to fix a puncture, and having proper lights is necessary in Canberra.

If you go bushwalking, don't count on mobile phone reception. This is especially the case for tracks in the parks located outside the Canberra urban area. If you're walking in those areas, carry an alternate form of communication such as a personal locator beacon in case you or a member of your party needs assistance. Do not swim in the lakes (including Lake Burley Griffin) until you check online, as low water quality can make doing so unsafe. Few Canberrans ever swim in the lakes due to algal blooms in summer, but water quality is now higher than it used to be.

Death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides) are common in many Canberra suburbs, and ingestion of a single one can cause death

Being the 'bush capital', you might encounter wildlife, even in the city areas. An Eastern Grey Kangaroo can grow over 2m tall, taller than a very tall man, and can seriously injure you. Do not get too close, especially to a mother with a joey, and appreciate them from a distance. Keep an eye out for kangaroos when driving, especially at night.

Free wifi is available in Civic, the town centres and some other areas of Canberra through the CBRfree service provided by the ACT Government.

The National Library of Australia provides free Wi-Fi and free internet access on 40 computer terminals (webmail is blocked on some computers, so ask the staff to show you which ones you can access webmail from).

All the ACT public library branches have free Wi-Fi and computers. Membership or proof that you are not a resident of the ACT is required to use the computers, and you may have to book a few hours in advance due to high demand.

McDonald's restaurants in Australia offer free Wi-Fi, no purchase required. The restaurants in Civic are at: corner East Row & Alinga St, and corner Cooyong Street & Northbourne Avenue.

The Pancake Parlour at Civic (in the Sydney Building, near bus bay 4) offers free Wi-Fi to customers, along with power points at several tables.

A large number of countries maintain missions in Canberra. Note however that some do not offer consular services, with these being provided through consulates located in other Australian cities. Several countries have their mission to Australia located elsewhere, typically Sydney or Melbourne. The Department of Foreign Affairs maintains a complete list of foreign missions in Australia and their contact details on its website.

Several of the embassies located in Yarralumla are tourist attractions in their own right due to their architecture.

NSW regions:

• Queanbeyan - located just across the NSW border
• Yass - Service town, near the road to Melbourne
• Goulburn - Country town, worth a visit if you are travelling onward to Sydney.
• Snowy Mountains - its possible to spend a day skiing from Canberra, leaving early, and returning late.
• Batemans Bay - the closest ocean beaches to Canberra - just under two hours away.
• Collector - a small historic town 30 minutes drive towards Sydney. Famous for a kidnap and murder by bushrangers. A quick stop on the way to Sydney, or part of a local loop day-trip.
• Gundaroo - a small historic town north of Canberra, you can follow the range from Gundaroo through to Collector as a scenic alternative to the federal highway. Some dirt roads are involved (between Gundaroo and Collector, the road between Canberra and Gundaroo is all sealed).
• Bungendore - a small town 20 minutes drive from central Canberra, via Queanbeyan.
• Braidwood - a heritage listed town on the highway to the South Coast of New South Wales about an hour from Canberra