Canberra

The capital of Australia, Canberra skillfully combines modernism with history and culture. Born from the federation of Australian colonies, it became the seat of government for the just established country. These days, it’s not only Australia’s biggest inland city but also eighth-largest generally. Rising at the northernmost point of the Australian Alps, the highest mountain range in the nation, Canberra is proudly visible in June 2023 with an estimated 466,566 population.

Aboriginal Australians have lived on the ground Canberra stands on for up to 21,000 years. Deep roots in this area abound among indigenous people such as the Ngunnawal and Ngambri. Early in the 19th century, European immigrants started to leave behind enduring sites including Blundells Cottage and St John’s Anglican Church. Following a protracted argument on whether Sydney or Melbourne should be the national capital, the federation of the Australian colonies on January 1, 1901, After some compromise, it was decided to establish a new capital for New South Wales provided it was at least 100 miles from Sydney. Canberra was so born and formally named in 1913.

Among Australian cities, Canberra is unique as a totally planned city. Originally conceived by American architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin, the design was chosen via an international competition. Initiated in 1913, their scheme included geometric elements and axes in line with well-known topographical sites including Black Mountain, Mount Ainslie, Capital Hill, and City Hill. Though snow within the city itself is rare, the mountainous terrain provides views of snow-capped peaks in winter.

Canberra, the seat of the Australian Government, boasts many important museums, national monuments, and key institutions. Key sites along with the headquarters of many government departments are Parliament House, Government House, and the High Court building. Among the nationally important cultural sites the city hosts are the Australian War Memorial, Australian National University, Royal Australian Mint, and National Gallery. With the Royal Military College Duntroon and the Australian Defence Force Academy situated within Canberra’s boundaries, the Australian Defence Force finds its headquarters here. It also fits all foreign embassies in Australia, regional offices for many multinational corporations, not-for-profits, advocacy groups, and professional associations.

Canberra regularly ranks among the most visitable and livable cities on Earth. The Commonwealth Government is still the biggest single employer, but the city’s economy has become rather different. These days, major sectors include retail, accommodation and food services, construction, healthcare, professional services, education and training. Canberra’s average income and lower unemployment rate than national averages reflect this. The city also boasts younger population and better degrees of tertiary education. Reflecting its rich multicultural tapestry, the 2016 Census showed that 32% of people living in Canberra were born abroad.

Inspired by the movement in garden cities, Canberra incorporates large tracts of natural vegetation. From great vantage points like the Telstra Tower and Mount Ainslie’s summit, one can appreciate its design. Among the noteworthy sites are Lake Burley Griffin, named for the city architect, and the National Arboretum, a legacy of the 2003 Canberra bushfires. Highlights of Canberra’s vivid cultural calendar include the Enlighten Festival, Skyfire, the National Multicultural Festival, Floriade, the biggest flower festival in the Southern Hemisphere, and Summernats. Manuka Oval and Canberra Stadium are the principal sporting venues in the city.

From Canberra Airport, both domestic and international flights abound, making Canberra well-connected. From Canterbury railway station and the Jolimont Centre respectively, interstate train and coach services are accessible. The hub of Canberra’s bus and light rail system is Alinga Street and City Interchange.