The actual site of Canberra was discovered by Joseph Wild and two companions in December 1820. In 1824, the first settlement was established, when two convicts and an overseer employed by Joshua Moore built the first huts and established a stock station where the suburb of Acton now stands, near the present site of Canberra Hospital. Moore named his station "Canburry" which he believed was the Aboriginal name of the area. Over time, the name evolved with usage into Canberra.

Canberra is also one of the few cities in the world that was founded, planned and built deliberately to become a national capital. After Australia's federation in 1901, the choice for the site of a national capital was impeded by colonial rivalries, particularly between Sydney and Melbourne. In the Constitution of 1900, Parliament had been given the task of establishing a national capital, with the conditions that it had to be situated in New South Wales, but at least 100 miles from Sydney, thereby minimising the pressures from both Sydney and Melbourne.

Many sites were proposed and twenty-three of these were examined when, in 1908, a 340 square km area in the Canberra-Yass district was decided upon. Canberra was formally proclaimed at the laying of a foundation stone on Capital Hill on 12 March 1913.

In April 1911 an international competition was launched by the Australian Commonwealth for the design of its new capital. First prize went to 37 year old Chicago architect Walter Burley Griffin. He envisaged a harmonious integration of landscape, buildings and avenues. A central lake dominated his plan, and a 'Parliamentary Triangle', in which the most important national buildings were to be placed.

Not everyone was overjoyed with Griffin's plan for the future national capital. Indeed there was much criticism from all directions. Amongst those who disapproved were the members of the departmental board. They put together their own plan for the capital. Their inferior design was accepted by the government which meant that Griffin's plans were never going to materialise.

Griffin himself suggested that he work with the board on their plan, but this was rejected. However, a change of government brought Griffin back into the limelight. He was brought over to examine the site and meet with the departmental board. They did not agree on many issues and in the end the board were dismissed from the job. Griffin became the Federal Capital Director of Design and Construction. This did not necessarily mean that Griffin had a problem-free time progressing in the project. He still faced considerable difficulties which blocked his path, not least of which was the continued opposition of members of the public service.

It was a slow and painstaking process that resulted in the national capital beginning to take shape and form.Indeed, it was not until 1965 the city was completed, with Lake Burley Griffin on the north end of a ceremonial procession way - Anzac Parade - which leads to the Australian War Memorial. The National Library and Treasury were constructed within the 'Parliamentary Triangle'.

Attractions Overview

Canberra, Australia's capital, is located 300km southwest of Sydney. Although geographically a part of New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) was formed as a separate territory to suppress continuing arguments between Sydney and Melbourne for the honour of Capital. As a result Canberra and the surrounding ACT is administered separately.

The city has been planned as a series of circular roads and satellite suburbs, it is mostly occupied by public servants, government officials and students. The Prime Minister's official residence, The Lodge, is also located in Canberra.

Canberra provides an exciting place for exploration and enjoyment; it is a city of trees and gardens, and as the nation's capital it is a very special place offering a number of attractions within a remarkable tourist region.

The area known as The Parliamentary Triangle is a must-see for visitors, and includes Parliament House, the High Court, the National Library and the National Science and Technology Centre (Questacon).

There are also other wonderful venues such as the Australian War Memorial, the National Film and Sound Archive, The National Gallery of Australia, The Mint, Botanic Gardens, the Carillon, the Australian Institute of Sport, the Australian National University and Casino Canberra to explore.

The city is also home to over 70 diplomatic missions with many of the embassies reflecting the architectural style of their nation. These, as well as a variety of galleries, craft centres, markets clubs and eateries provide the basis for many exciting discoveries in the nation's capital.

The National Capital Exhibition is perhaps the ideal starting point for visitors. The Exhibition offers one of the best views of the Nation's Capital, and provides visitors with a number of exhibits detailing the fascinating history of Canberra. Visitors will gain a new insight into the unique elements which make Canberra the Nation's Capital, as well they will have the opportunity to use Cyclops, an exciting eye-in-the-sky which provides crisp close up views of Canberra's attractions.

A Canberra explorer pass is perhaps one of the best ways to view the city's attractions. Visitors purchase a one day bus pass, touring as many attractions as time permits, leaving one bus and catching another as it continues on the circuit.

Explore the following links to find out more about Canberra's key attractions.

Parliament House
Casino Canberra
High Court of Australia
Natural Attractions
Australian War Memorial
Historic Attractions
Lake Burley Griffin
Events
National Gallery of Australia
The Australian Institute of Sport
Australian National Botanic Gardens
National Museum of Australia
The Royal Australian Mint
Telecom Tower

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