PARLIAMENT HOUSE AT NIGHT IMAGE BY PRAKASH KHANAL
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) was purposely created in the early 1900s as the home of the Australian Parliament and its capital Canberra is recognised as the political heart of Australia.
Not only is it the "Head Office" of many national government agencies and departments, some 112 countries have based their embassies or high commissions here (DECEMBER 2022).
Despite being only slightly bigger than the city of Tokyo and around 10% smaller than Luxumberg in Europe, the ACT is much more than government and politics.
As Canberra's weather is sometimes on the "fresh and crisp" side, the best way to holiday in the ACT is to take a balanced approach by combining outdoor adventures with cultural experiences, and allowing time to rest, recharge and explore the world class local restaurants, brewhouses and wineries.
Not only is it the "Head Office" of many national government agencies and departments, some 112 countries have based their embassies or high commissions here (DECEMBER 2022).
Despite being only slightly bigger than the city of Tokyo and around 10% smaller than Luxumberg in Europe, the ACT is much more than government and politics.
As Canberra's weather is sometimes on the "fresh and crisp" side, the best way to holiday in the ACT is to take a balanced approach by combining outdoor adventures with cultural experiences, and allowing time to rest, recharge and explore the world class local restaurants, brewhouses and wineries.
THE AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL, CANBERRA IS A MOVING TRIBUTE TO THOSE WHO SERVED - IMAGE FROM TOURISM AUSTRALIA
Here are some of the many great places to consider if you are looking to visit or holiday in Canberra and the ACT:
Museums and National Buildings
Parliament House: Just as many people wouldn't go to Los Angeles without visiting Disneyland, it's worthwhile taking one of the many free public tours of Parliament House, held daily every Monday to Friday (MARCH 2023). Check online for the various types of tours.
Australian War Memorial: Even those not directly impacted by a family member or friend who has fought for Australia's freedom and independence are impacted emotionally when taking a free visit to the Australian War Memorial, which is filled with stories and artifacts.
National Gallery of Australia: With diverse and spectacular collections worth more than $6 billion (2021) and a penchant for hosting some of the world's leading touring exhibitions, the National Gallery is well worth a visit.
This gallery is not just about seeing a few paintings on some walls - be ready for an amazing experience.
FLORIADE IS THE BIGGEST FESTIVAL IN THE ACT --
IMAGE BY TOURISM AUSTRALIA
Festivals and Events
There are many festivals and events held throughout the year, including:
Floriade: This is Canberra's biggest festival, running during September and October and drawing over 400,000 visitors.
Held in Commonwealth Park on the banks of Lake Burley Griffin, visitors are amazed by the huge variety of herbs and flowering plants, in particular the tulips.
It's a true festival, with international food stalls, live music, workshops, cooking demonstrations, activities for kids, markets and much more, including a Night Fest with live entertainment and lighting displays.
Canberra Balloon Spectacular: Early in March every year around 50 hot-air balloons put on a spectacular display for up to two weeks, taking off at sunrise.
Seen from all over the city, a prime viewing spot is around Lake Burley Griffin, where locals and visitors alike enjoy a picnic breakfast or one of the many food outlets while watching.
But you don't need to wait until March - hot air balloon rides over the capital and around the region are available most days, weather permitting.
National Multicultural Festival: Australia is one of the most multi-cultural countries in the world, with almost a third of the population born overseas and around 50% having at least one parent born overseas.
It's no wonder this the National Multicultural Festival in February each year attracts nearly 300,000 visitors. Canberra's city centre if filled with more than 400 food stalls representing almost every culture in the world - a taste and smell sensation!
The Truffle Festival: The ACT's winter weather is similar to some of the leading truffle-growing regions of France.
This is why from June to August you can see truffle-sniffing dogs discover the highly-prized Black Truffle on the region's truffle farms.
A great fun experience with a difference1
There are many festivals and events held throughout the year, including:
Floriade: This is Canberra's biggest festival, running during September and October and drawing over 400,000 visitors.
Held in Commonwealth Park on the banks of Lake Burley Griffin, visitors are amazed by the huge variety of herbs and flowering plants, in particular the tulips.
It's a true festival, with international food stalls, live music, workshops, cooking demonstrations, activities for kids, markets and much more, including a Night Fest with live entertainment and lighting displays.
Canberra Balloon Spectacular: Early in March every year around 50 hot-air balloons put on a spectacular display for up to two weeks, taking off at sunrise.
Seen from all over the city, a prime viewing spot is around Lake Burley Griffin, where locals and visitors alike enjoy a picnic breakfast or one of the many food outlets while watching.
But you don't need to wait until March - hot air balloon rides over the capital and around the region are available most days, weather permitting.
National Multicultural Festival: Australia is one of the most multi-cultural countries in the world, with almost a third of the population born overseas and around 50% having at least one parent born overseas.
It's no wonder this the National Multicultural Festival in February each year attracts nearly 300,000 visitors. Canberra's city centre if filled with more than 400 food stalls representing almost every culture in the world - a taste and smell sensation!
The Truffle Festival: The ACT's winter weather is similar to some of the leading truffle-growing regions of France.
This is why from June to August you can see truffle-sniffing dogs discover the highly-prized Black Truffle on the region's truffle farms.
A great fun experience with a difference1
SNIFFING OUT A BLACK TRUFFLE -- IMAGE BY TOURISM AUSTRALIA
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THE BALLOON FESTIVAL - IMAGE BY ROSIE STEGGLES
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Outdoor Activities
There are hundreds of great outdoor activities in the ACT.
Some of the most popular activities include enjoying the sights, sounds and activities on and around Canberra's beautiful water playground Lake Burley Griffin, as well as travelling through the territory to the townships and wilderness of the spectacular nearby mountains, forests and scenic gorges.
Here are some of the most popular outdoor activities:
Snow Skiing: There are plenty of places to ski in the ACT and some famous ski slopes in nearby New South Wales are not far away.
Whether it's gentle slopes suitable for kids and beginners, the popular cross country tracks or the downhill runs that challenge the very experienced, if snow's your thing then the ACT is one of the go-to places.
Escaping Outdoors: While there are some great mountain bike trails in Canberra's inner suburbs, escaping to the sensational mountains just 45 minutes away is the go for anyone who loves the great outdoors.
There are spectacular hiking trails; sparkling water environments such as Gibraltar Falls, where you can safely swim with a background of mountains and waterfalls; and amazing natural forests filled with native wildlife, settings that quickly grant the getaway dreams of many who love hiking, bushwalking, cycling or just simply exploring.
National Arboretum: Less than 15 minutes drive from the heart of Canberra is a unique tree-focused botanical gardens, the National Arboretum.
With more than 44,000 rare, endangered and often culturally significant trees spread across 250 hectares, it is a very different experience to walk, ride a horse, cycle or weave your way through this amazing sanctuary on a bus tour.
Complete with a popular cafe and a large bonsai collection, it is a working reserve used for recreation, scientific research, conservation, tourism and education.
Lake Burley Griffin: Known locally as "The Lake", this purpose-built freshwater playground covers almost 665 hectares, contains six islands and has a 40-kilometre shoreline.
It's no wonder it is one of the most popular attractions in the ACT, with boats, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, ferry services and lake cruises for hire.
With safe swimming spots, shaded picnic areas, well maintained cycling and walking tracks and multiple restaurants and cafes throughout the park, locals and visitors enjoy sailing, rowing, wind surfing, dragon boating, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and fishing, among other activities.
Surrounded by natural wetlands, anglers catch good hauls of Murray cod, golden perch, redfin, carp and the occasional trout.
The ACT and Canberra are popular holiday destinations, attracting more than six million visitors every year.
If you want the latest up-to-date information, contact the official government tourist information centre at www.visitcanberra.com.au.
There are hundreds of great outdoor activities in the ACT.
Some of the most popular activities include enjoying the sights, sounds and activities on and around Canberra's beautiful water playground Lake Burley Griffin, as well as travelling through the territory to the townships and wilderness of the spectacular nearby mountains, forests and scenic gorges.
Here are some of the most popular outdoor activities:
Snow Skiing: There are plenty of places to ski in the ACT and some famous ski slopes in nearby New South Wales are not far away.
Whether it's gentle slopes suitable for kids and beginners, the popular cross country tracks or the downhill runs that challenge the very experienced, if snow's your thing then the ACT is one of the go-to places.
Escaping Outdoors: While there are some great mountain bike trails in Canberra's inner suburbs, escaping to the sensational mountains just 45 minutes away is the go for anyone who loves the great outdoors.
There are spectacular hiking trails; sparkling water environments such as Gibraltar Falls, where you can safely swim with a background of mountains and waterfalls; and amazing natural forests filled with native wildlife, settings that quickly grant the getaway dreams of many who love hiking, bushwalking, cycling or just simply exploring.
National Arboretum: Less than 15 minutes drive from the heart of Canberra is a unique tree-focused botanical gardens, the National Arboretum.
With more than 44,000 rare, endangered and often culturally significant trees spread across 250 hectares, it is a very different experience to walk, ride a horse, cycle or weave your way through this amazing sanctuary on a bus tour.
Complete with a popular cafe and a large bonsai collection, it is a working reserve used for recreation, scientific research, conservation, tourism and education.
Lake Burley Griffin: Known locally as "The Lake", this purpose-built freshwater playground covers almost 665 hectares, contains six islands and has a 40-kilometre shoreline.
It's no wonder it is one of the most popular attractions in the ACT, with boats, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, ferry services and lake cruises for hire.
With safe swimming spots, shaded picnic areas, well maintained cycling and walking tracks and multiple restaurants and cafes throughout the park, locals and visitors enjoy sailing, rowing, wind surfing, dragon boating, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and fishing, among other activities.
Surrounded by natural wetlands, anglers catch good hauls of Murray cod, golden perch, redfin, carp and the occasional trout.
The ACT and Canberra are popular holiday destinations, attracting more than six million visitors every year.
If you want the latest up-to-date information, contact the official government tourist information centre at www.visitcanberra.com.au.
THE NATIONAL ARBORETUM IN CANBERRA -- IMAGE BY TOURISM AUSTRALIA
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