Canberra is the purpose-built capital city of Australia. Canberra was established in 1913 as the capital city when there was a deadlock on choosing a capital between the two major cities of Sydney and Melbourne.
The city is often referred to as the “Bush Capital” because it is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes away from the coastline. The surrounding bushland is prone to bushfires, and the city has been affected by several major fire events over the years.
Canberra is known for its well-planned layout, featuring geometric designs with radial roads around the centrally located parliament building.
The city boasts several iconic landmarks, including the Australian War Memorial, Parliament House, and the National Gallery of Australia.
Here are ten fun facts about Canberra:
- Lake Burley Griffin, is a man-made lake, and lies at the heart of Canberra it is a popular spot for recreational activities like sailing and kayaking.
- Canberra consistently ranks as one of the world’s most livable cities, thanks to its low crime rates, excellent healthcare, and high-quality education.
- Canberra hosts Floriade, an annual flower festival every Sept/Oct, where thousands of flowers bloom in Commonwealth Park, attracting visitors from all over Australia.
- Canberra has numerous museums and galleries, including the National Museum of Australia, Questacon, and the Australian National Botanic Gardens.
- The city’s landscape architect, Walter Burley Griffin, was inspired by the designs of Pierre Charles L’Enfant, the designer of Washington, D.C.
- Canberra is home to many foreign embassies and high commissions, contributing to its cosmopolitan atmosphere.
- Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex is part of the NASA Deep Space Network and communicates with spacecraft exploring the solar system.
- Canberra hosts the Canberra Balloon Spectacular in March, one of the biggest hot air balloon festivals in the world, where colorful balloons fill the sky.
- National parks: Canberra is surrounded by the Brindabella Ranges and contains numerous national parks and reserves, providing excellent hiking and
bushwalking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. - Cockington Green Gardens is a unique tourist attraction in Canberra. This miniature village in Canberra features meticulously crafted replicas of famous buildings and landscapes from around the world.
