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CANBERRA

Introduction
Canberra,
with a population of nearly 300 000 is Australia's capital and only major
inland city. It is unique in having every detail of it's construction
planned from the beginning, then being built halfway between Sydney and
Melbourne after a dispute over which would become the nations capital.
The nerve centre of Australian national government is just a three hour
drive or a 45-minute flight south-west of Sydney.
Set in a broad valley in
the southern tablelands of New South Wales, Canberra is a well-planned
lakeside city of parklands, impressive restaurants, beautiful bushland and
leafy suburbs.
Many of the public buildings display some of Australia's
most innovative architecture including those housing our major, and most
impressive, national attractions.
Attractions
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Australian Reptile Centre
Canberra:
Situated at Gold Creek on the
Barton Highway, the Australian Reptile Centre Canberra provides a dynamic,
professionally presented educational venue of all things reptilian.
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Parliament
House: Built into the peak of Capital Hill, is the focal point
for the whole of Canberra. The interior incorporates Australian artworks
and is designed to embody the spirit of democracy. Visitors can take a
guided tour, have lunch on the terrace, or view the story of Australian
democracy in the theatre. You are also welcome to observe Australia's
political process if your visit occurs when Parliament is in session.
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National
Gallery of Australia: The National Gallery has the finest modern
art collection in the southern hemisphere. It has more than 70,000 works
which range from European Old Masters to contemporary Aboriginal artists,
and is renowned for its inter- national blockbuster exhibitions and
permanent gems such as Jackson Pollock's Blue Poles. A wander through the
Sculpture Garden will introduce you to many exciting works by Australia's
foremost sculptors, and the wonderful "fog sculpture" shrouds
the garden and lily pond in a delicate white mist. Follow a path through
land- scaped greenery to Mirrabrook, an outdoor restaurant beside Lake
Burley Griffin.
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Canberra Railway Museum: The Museum is located at
Geijera Place, at the end of Cunningham St, in Kingston, not far from the
Canberra Railway Station. Relax at the Museum while you experience the
golden age of railways. Open Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays 1 to 4
pm, except Christmas and Boxing Days. BBQ facilities are available at no
charge.
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Australian War Memorial: Australian War Memorial
is a national shrine and museum with a vast collection of exhibits,
militaria, relics and paintings documenting Australia's military history.
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National
Botanic Gardens: On the slopes of Black Mountain, the National
Botanic Gardens covers 50 hectares that focus on over 6000 species of
native flora. The misted rainforest is a highlight; there's a walk among
medicinal plants used by the Aborigines; there are guided tours; and the
eucalypt forest numbers over 600 species.
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Lanyon Historic Homestead: A visit to Canberra should include Lanyon Historic
Homestead, a superb reminder of 19th century rural living, and historic
Cuppacumbalong with its art and craft centre, cottages, restaurants,
picnic areas and river swimming. Continue on to Namadgi National Park
which embraces a region of sublime landscapes including alpine wilderness.
It covers more than a third of the Australian Capital Territory.
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The
Deep Space Communication Complex in Tidbinbilla: Just south of
the city, is operated jointly by the Australian Department of Science and
NASA. The Visitor Centre features spacecraft models and audio-visuals;
there are maps and information on guided walks. Nearby is Tidbinbilla
Nature Reserve where emus, kangaroos, koalas and other native fauna can be
seen in this natural habitat tucked in amongst the mountains.
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National
Aquarium Australian Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in the heart of
Canberra see colourful living coral, sharks, moray eels, murray cod,
crocodiles, kangaroos, waterfowl and much more.
Activities
Canberra has a vast variety of "things to do" in all fields of
interest.
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There are great outdoor facilities for adventure sports,
camping, cruising etc.
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Or leisure activities such as fishing, bowls, horse
riding, or indoor activities such as ice-skating, indoor climbing and go-karting.
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The sport facilities are of high standards and cater for many different
types of sport, such as soccer, golf, basketball, sailing, rowing, horse
racing, hockey and countless others.
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