Canberra Overview

For a city that’s home to 330,000 people and the government of an entire continent, Canberra’s streets are remarkably quiet. There are few other places on the east coast with so many worthwhile free sights and tourist attractions, but the town still feels eerily deserted. This emptiness can be traced to Canberra’s decentralized city plan and reputation for dullness. It certainly caters to a specific type of traveler, with more museums and history than adventure trips and beach bums, but locals are still rightfully proud.

Observe the political antics that ensue when Parliament debates .
Learn about the history of the nation through the National Museum of Australia’s state-of-the-art exhibits that are at turns affecting and fanciful .
Peruse the massive National Gallery of Australia’s Australian and International art, contemporary and ancient, for free .
Walk by monuments on Anzac Pde. to reach the Australian War Memorial .
Hike through the National Botanic Gardens to the top of Black Mountain Tower for spectacular 360˚ views of the city .

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