In 1902 in Australia, it was decided that a national capital would be built and a stretch of land between the two arch rivals for the title, Melbourne and Sydney, was decided on. Canberra today is located about 200 miles from Sydney (about 3.5 hours drive) and 400 miles from Melbourne (about 7 hours drive). After an international competition to design the city, Walter Burley Griffin's design came out on top and Canberra started being built in 1913, making it less than 100 years old! The name of Canberra was decided upon as it is an aboriginal word meaning 'meeting place.' It has been referred to as the 'bush capital' and 'a bunch of suburbs in search for a city' because of its mass of bushland, parks and grassy areas and even masses of kangaroos hopping around!

When you arrive, take yourself to the Canberra Visitors Centre which is on Northbourne Avenue about 2 miles north of the city centre. If you are coming from Sydney you have to go past it anyway so have a look in. They will be able to give you all the information you need on where to stay, free maps and what activities are on while you are there.

Some of the main attractions for you to visit while you are there are:
"'Lake Burley Griffin"' - 35 km of bike paths and walkways around the shores of the lake, perfect for walking, swimming (although there are nicer places in Australia to swim!) and cycling. This is also a great place to see the Burley Griffin water jet (a jet that fires about 150 metres high) and the carillon (a large musical instrument (more like a building!) which was a gift from the UK presented by the queen) which plays every morning.
"'Parliament House and Old Parliament House"' - free guided tours run every day.
"'Australian War memorial"' - has a brilliant collection of military exhibitions and memorabilia. Free admission.
"'National Museum of Australia"' - also free admission, Showcases the land, nation and people through Australian eyes. Good for learning a bit about the place but not the best museum I have ever been.
"'National zoo and aquarium"' - pretty small by zoo standards. If you are going to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane while you are in Australia, go to their zoos instead - especially Steve Irwin's zoo near Brisbane!
"'Australian Institute of Sport"' - provides training facilities and services to Australia's elite athletes. Tours run every day, last for an hour and a half and are run by the athletes themselves so you will meet one as your tour guide. Ours cover the sporting history, culture, training routines and diets and you can try out your own sporting abilities at the interactive Sportex exhibition. If you want to glimpse some athletes, do a tour during the week because it is dead at the weekend!
"'Questacon"' - approx $18. A hands-on science museum based on fun. For kids of ALL ages!