Landmarks to Visit in Canberra

Located in the Australian Capital Territory, Canberra is the centre of politics in Australia and has many landmarks and places of historical significance to visit. Canberra is considered a 'planned city', a compromise part-way between the states of New South Wales and Victoria.

Interesting landmarks to visit when travelling to Canberra include:

• Parliament House
• Provisional Parliament House (Old Parliament House)
• Royal Australian Mint
• Australian War Memorial

These landmarks are open to the public and provide an interesting glimpse into the history of Australia and Canberra.

Parliament House

Open since 1988, Parliament House is where Australia's parliament meets. Built to resemble two boomerangs encased within a circle, the building was designed to create an open space for tourists and government officials to enjoy. Even though some of the areas are off limits to tourists for security purposes, a trip to the Parliament House should not be missed by visitors to Canberra. See the House of Representatives and the Senate, and take an elevator up to the roof for a great view of Canberra over the Old Parliament House and Lake Burley Griffith.

Old Parliament House

Located in Parliamentary Triangle, the Provisional Parliament House – considered Old Parliament House – includes a beautiful rose garden open to the public. Inside, visitors are able to admire the architecture and the artwork that remains in the building. Take a tour of the chambers where Parliament convened from 1927 to 1988 when the new Parliament House was opened. One of the most beautiful attributes of the Old Parliament House is its gardens where you can see many trees and flowers that are native to the area. Many embassies for foreign countries are located in Canberra – across the road from the is the Aboriginal Tent Embassy.

Royal Australian Mint

For travellers to Canberra who have an interest in how money gets printed in Australia, then a visit to the Royal Australian Mint should satisfy your curiosity. Open since 1965, the Royal Australian Mint has created 11 billion coins. The mint created the first double hologram coin in 2001. Currency notes in Australia are part made out of plastic, making it one of the most difficult currencies in the world to counterfeit. Currently, the Royal Australian Mint is undergoing renovations which should be completed in 2009.

Australian War Memorial

As the Australian War Memorial pays respect to all Australians who have served in the armed forces, there is much to see. There are three parts that all visitors to Canberra should take the time to visit: the Commemorative Area, the War Memorial museum and the Research Center. The museum contains many artifacts and scenes that to enable visitors to learn and reflect on what Australian’s serving in the Royal Australian Air Force, Navy and Army have done to protect Australia. Remembrance Park, located behind the memorial, is a beautiful place to sit and reflect. The Anzac Parade includes smaller memorials for different wars and conflicts. A sculpture garden includes more monuments for those who served in the Australian armed forces. Outdoor concerts, memorial events and other events are held in this area of Canberra throughout the year.

A lot can be learnt about history of Australia by visiting various landmarks located throughout the city of Canberra. Given the close proximity of these landmarks, walking tends to be the best way to see more of Canberra.

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