Canberra is the capital city of Australia and is located at the northern end of the Australian Capital Territory, 300 kilometres (190 mi) southwest of Sydney, and 650 kilometres (400 mi) north-east of Melbourne. Canberra was selected as the location of the nation's capital in 1908 as a compromise between these two cities.

The Canberra region had a rich indigenous and farming heritage long before Australia’s early politicians thought of choosing the area for the new Federal capital in the early 1900s. Located on the ancient lands of the indigenous Ngunnawal people, Canberra’s name is thought to mean ‘meeting place’, derived from the Aboriginal name Kamberra. European settlers first came in the 1830s, and the area was chosen for the federal capital in 1908.

As we come up to date, it is possible to see a piece of Moon rock and learn all about NASA at the Visitors Centre at the Canberra Deep Space Communications Complex. For the past 40 years this Complex has played a key role in the exploration of space as part of NASA’s Deep Space Network (see below).

Canberra offers everything for the shopper from luxury boutiques, malls and department stores to street markets and local designers,  if you know where to look. Find interesting boutiques, street fashion, designer shoes and antique books hidden away in the arcades in City Walk and Garema Place, and in the Canberra Centre. Boutiques in Canberra House on Marcus Clarke Street offer imported designer wear and Italian shoes.

There are 140 vineyards with more than 30 cellar doors in peaceful rural countryside around Canberra, with the majority being only 30 minutes from the city. The district’s vineyards produce all the varieties you would expect from a premium wine region. The wineries are small and friendly and you may even get to meet the winemaker at the cellar door.

 

• Parliament House ~ A spectacularly modern building, incorporating Australian themes throughout its design.  Free guided tours available.
• Old Parliament House ~ Delve into Australia’s political past at Old Parliament House, home to Australia's Federal Parliament from 1927 to 1988. Nowadays this heritage building offers tourists a unique glimpse into Australia's fascinating past – a time when this magnificent building was the centre of political controversies and drama.
• Questacon ~ The National Science and Technology Centre, offering a unique attractions where you can explore over 2,300 'hands-on' exhibits.
• National Gallery of Australia ~ Eleven galleries housing more than 70,000 works, including Aboriginal, Australian and European art.
• Australian Institute of Sport ~ An opportunity to visit the training centre for Australia's top athletes.  All tours of this world class facility are conducted by athletes.
• Australian War Memorial ~ Commemmorating the sacrifice of Australian men and women who have served in war. Through its exhibitions, the Memorial presents stories of Australians at war, in armed conflict and during peacekeeping activities.
• Captain Cook Memorial Jet ~ Inaugurated in 1970 by H.M. Queen Elizabeth II to commemorate the bicentenary of Captain Cook's discovery of the east coast of Australia. When opeating at full capacity, the jet reaches a maximum height of 147 m.
• The Lanyon Historic Precinct ~ Set in a landscape of great natural beauty. Stroll in the rambling gardens, visit the restored 1850's homestead and the courtyard buildings. The exhibits show aspects of Australian country life, and there is also a cafe and gift shop on site.
• NASA Deep Space Network ~ (DSN) is an international network of antennas that supports interplanetary spacecraft missions and radio and radar astronomy observations for the exploration of the Solar System and the Universe. The three deep-space communications facilities are placed approximately 120 degrees apart around the world: near Canberra, Australia; Goldstone, in California's Mojave Desert; near Madrid, Spain. This strategic placement permits constant observation of spacecraft as the Earth rotates, and helps to make the DSN the largest and most sensitive scientific telecommunications system in the world.
• The Telstra Tower ~ Communications tower offering full panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside. Rising 195m above the Black Mountain summit, the tower is complete with viewing galleries, museum, cafe and revolving restaurant.