SHB2000/Canberra Central1

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The District of Canberra is Canberra's most important district, home to several points of interest that are of national significance along with many museums, parks, gardens and historical buildings. It includes several important areas, including Canberra's Central Business District and Capital Hill.

Get in

There are several roads leading into the district.

See

Museums and other institutions

City area - North of Lake Burley Griffin

The National Museum of Australia

• 1 Australian War Memorial, Treloar Crescent, ☏ +61 2 6243 4211. Daily 10AM-5PM. Not just a memorial, this is one of Australia's premier museums, covering Australian military history from Federation to the present day and including fascinating exhibits of equipment, memorabilia and battle dioramas. You could easily spend a full day here (it has a café, or bring a picnic lunch if the weather is nice and sit on the lawns at the front). Anzac Parade, leading up to the War Memorial has a number of memorials to different wars and those involved in wars. Free entry, allow 4–7 hours. The AWM opens its large storage warehouse in the industrial suburb of Mitchell to the public once every few years (usually in September or October), and this is a must-see event for people interested in military history.  
• 2 Canberra Museum and Gallery, 176 London Circuit, ☏ +61 2 6207 3968, cmag@act.gov.au. M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa Su noon-5PM. A museum and art gallery featuring works and exhibits of the local region. Also features the Sydney Nolan Collection - the works of Sir Sydney Nolan, a famous Australian artist. Free. 
• 3 Classics Museum, Ground Floor, A.D. Hope Building, Acton (Located off the main walkway into the ANU from University Avenue). M-F 9AM–6PM (except public holidays). One of the few classics museums in Australia, this museum located within the Australian National University houses a small, but interesting, collection of ancient Greek and Roman artefacts. The A.D. Hope building also has a range of anthropological displays on Indigenous Australian and Pacific island cultures. Free. (updated Apr 2015)
• 4 CSIRO Discovery Centre, North-Science Rd (Entry via Julius Rd), ☏ +61 2 6246 4646. M-F 9AM-5PM. The museum of the Australian Government's scientific research organisation includes exhibits on the history of Australian science and the CSIRO's current research Free. 
• 5 Drill Hall Gallery, Kingsley St, ☏ +61 2 6125 5832. W-Su noon-5PM. This gallery operated by the Australian National University hosts interesting and well-selected temporary exhibitions of Australian and international contemporary art. One of Sir Sydney Nolan's best works, Riverbend, is on permanent display at the front of the building. Free. 
• 6 National Capital Exhibition, Barrine Drive (Located in Commonwealth Park), ☏ +61 2 6272 2902. M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa Su 10AM-4PM. See an exhibition about the original Burley Griffin Plan for Canberra and how the city was planned and built. Good views over Lake Burley Griffin out to the museums on the Lake's south shore. Free. 
• 7 National Film & Sound Archive, 1 McCoy Circuit, ☏ +61 2 6248 2000, toll-free: 1800 067 274, enquiries@nfsa.gov.au. Sa Su 10AM-4PM. Housed in a 1930s art deco building, the NFSA is the custodian of more than 3 million items related to Australia's audiovisual history. Special events and exhibitions available; film screening programs run at Arc cinema (check the website for details). Self-guided tours of the building also available. (updated Aug 2019)
• 8 National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, ☏ +61 2 6208 5000, information@nma.gov.au. Daily 9AM-5PM. This museum presents a thematic rather than a chronological account of Australian history, and spent its early years embroiled in a controversy over whether its displays were politically biased. The NMA has been revamped and expanded and includes some excellent galleries on Indigenous Australia and many interesting items, but the museum as a whole is somewhat underwhelming and not likely to be of much interest to non-Australians. Free, except special exhibits.  

Parliamentary triangle - South of Lake Burley Griffin

The National Portrait Gallery

Old Parliament House

• 9 High Court of Australia, Parkes Place, Parkes. M-F 9:45AM-4:30PM excluding public holidays. This vast building is the home of Australia's highest court and contains a vast lobby and three main courtrooms that are open to the public. Tours are available, though restricted when the court is sitting. There is a cafeteria in the building as well. As a matter of etiquette, when you enter or leave a courtroom in session, remember to bow. (updated Feb 2017)
• 10 National Archives of Australia, ☏ +61 2 6212 3600. Facsimiles of the Constitution and other founding documents from the Archives' collection are on display at Old Parliament House until the Archives reopens. The Archives Canberra reading room is also in Old Parliament House during this period. 
• 11 National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place, Parkes (by Lake Burley Griffin), ☏ +61 2 6240-6502. 10AM–5PM. This modern structure is one of the country's largest, and best, art galleries. It has a vast collection of paintings and sculptures collected from Australia and the rest of the world and has excellent Aboriginal artwork. A nice gift store and a large bookstore on the upper level. Free except for special exhibits. The Gallery offers free public one-hour tours: Australian and International art at 11AM and 2PM daily, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art at 11AM on Thursdays and Sundays. Allow at least half a day and possibly more.  
• 12 National Library of Australia (adjacent to Commonwealth Avenue Bridge on the southern side of Lake Burley Griffin near the National Gallery of Australia and Questacon, and is a short walk from a bus stop on the Inter-Town route), ☏ +61 2 6262-1111, fax: +61 2 6257-1703. M-Th 9AM-9PM, F Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 1:30PM-5PM. King. The library is primarily a research centre, but houses a permanent display of historically significant items as well as temporary exhibitions showing parts of the collection. It's an accessible space, entirely comfortable for anyone to visit. Also notable for its neo-classical architecture.  
• 13 National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes (adjacent to High Court and National Gallery of Australia), ☏ +61 2 6102-7000. 10AM-5PM, except Christmas Day. The Gallery opened to the public on the 4 December 2008, and displays some 400 portraits of people who have shaped and who continue to shape the nation. There are gallery spaces for the collection and temporary exhibitions, public areas including a café, shop, function room, theatrette, education and school group areas, and basement car parking. Portraits are in various media, depending on the era. Galleries are themed by era. The web site gives a good idea of the content. free except for major exhibitions.  
• 14 Old Parliament House (featuring the Museum of Australian Democracy), King George Terrace, ☏ +61 2 6270-8222. The headquarters of Australian government from the 1920s to 1988, this building is a must for political and/or historical junkies. The building gives a real feel of what it was like when it was in use and has in the past regularly featured rotating exhibitions on the controversies and scandals that rocked Australian politics. It is now a permanent museum. Most of the main rooms - the Prime Minister's office, the Cabinet Room, the various party rooms, the two houses - are open to visitors, as are many smaller rooms like the whips' offices and the broadcasting area. There are also historical photos of Canberra as it used to be, including the times prior to the creation of the artificial lake that show Canberra under snow during winter (the lake warmed up the city and snow falls rarely on the city now). The gift store has decent souvenirs. Parking is free, admission is $2 for adults, $1 concession. Allow 2–3 hours. 
• 15 Parliament House of Australia, Capital Hill, ☏ +61 2 6277-5399, +61 2 6277-2727 (for recorded information). The seat of Australia's federal government and legislature and a remarkable piece of modern architecture. Outside, the forecourt faces Federation Mall and has iconic views. Much of the inside is open to the public during business hours (your bags are x-rayed and persons pass through a metal detector at the entrance). When inside the building, do not miss: Queens Terrace upstairs towards the forecourt, and the roof (via an elevator close to walkway to the House of Representatives). Various art, including portraits of past prime ministers are hung in the hallways. Enthusiastic guides perform free tours daily at 10AM, 1PM and 3PM (no booking required). Tours are shorter when Parliament is sitting as the chambers are occupied.  
  • Parliament sittings. On sitting days, you are allowed to view proceedings in the public gallery from 2PM onwards. Your belongings, including electronic items will be cloaked, and a secondary security check is required. No further arrangement is needed to sit in the Senate chamber public gallery. To view Question Time from the House of Representatives galleries, preferably book your free seat by calling the Serjeant-at-arms ☏ +61 62774889 before 12:30PM. Expect queues to collect tickets, during the secondary checks, and then while waiting for sessions to begin. Consider bringing a small book to read during the wait. Members of the public can also observe hearings conducted by the parliament's various committees. Allow 2–3 hours. On-site parking can be limited when parliament is sitting. 
  • Gardens. Back outside, the Formal Gardens are east of the main building. This is a small, tranquil green space, with flowers in warmer seasons, artwork, and the Bali Memorial. Here, or Queens Terrace, or the Parliament House roof, the lower slopes up the sides of Parliament House, or Federation Mall are nice places to take a breather. To explore the grounds further, feel free to walk (or ride) along tracks (within Capital Circle) both east and west of Parliament House in cool shade. Find the entrances along the corners of Parliament Drive. Another shady track runs along the base of Capital Hill (between Capital Circle and State Circle). Find this track midway down the access road to Kings Avenue, on the right side, and proceed clockwise. You can exit the track at any point along the length, and the other end is close to Surveyors Park. If in Canberra when Floriade is held, there are additional tours of the Parliament House gardens. 
• 16 Questacon (The National Science and Technology Centre), King Edward Terrace, Parkes, ☏ +61 2 6270-2800, toll-free: 1800 020 603. 9AM-5PM. Questacon is an interactive museum of science with exhibits illustrating scientific ideas from the principles of physics to the motion of an earthquake. Great for kids and excellent science books can be picked up here. Allow at least half a day. $15.50 adults, $10.50 concessions, $9 children, and $46 for a family of 2 adults and 3 children. (updated Feb 2015)

In the suburbs

• 17 Government House (Yarralumla), viewing platform off Lady Denman Drive, Yarralumla. The main official residence of the Governor-General of Australia, representative of Queen Elizabeth II in Australia. Closed to the public except for open days, which take place approximately twice a year. There is a viewing platform off the Lady Denman Drive, or glimpses can be seen from the main gate at Dunrossil Drive, Yarralumla, or Weston Park, Yarralumla. Often kangaroos are to be spotted munching grass on the lawns, so be careful driving along the ride that gets to the viewpoint, especially at dusk.  
• 18 The Lodge, Adelaide Avenue, Deakin. The Prime Minister's official residence. Generally closed to the public and you can only see part of the garden from behind the wall. There are open days about once a year and if you are lucky to be in Canberra then, it shouldn't be missed.  
• 19 Royal Australian Mint, ☏ +61 2 6202-6999, fax: +61 2 6202 6953. M-F 9AM-4PM, Sa Su holidays 10AM-4PM. Take a tour of the mint and see how coins are made. You will even get the chance to mint your own souvenir coin. Look for the pudding coins as a souvenir (not always available). Allow 1–2 hours. Free.  
• 20 Scrivener Dam, Lady Denman Drive (next to the National Zoo and Aquarium). This small dam across the Molonglo River was completed in 1963 in order to create Lake Burley Griffin. A viewing platform is located off Lady Denman Drive near the eastern edge of the dam. 

Nature and scenery

Curious kangaroos exploring the Australian War Memorial.

With Canberra unofficially crowned a bush capital, it is no surprise there is plenty to see when it comes to exploring its natural scenery. There are many hiking paths to explore around Canberra along with plenty of great vantage points to view the city, with many being accessible by car or by foot. Wildlife are commonly found in the surrounding nature reverses, but on lucky occasions you may spot wildlife that venture into the suburbs. Kangaroos occasionally penetrate into Civic, and hop down Northbourne Avenue from time to time. If ever you encounter wildlife on your visit be sure to admire from a distance.

• 21 Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross St. Daily 8:30AM-5PM. Located at the base of Black Mountain in Acton, the ANBG has the largest collection of Australian native flora in the country. It also has some interesting water dragons that live in the water features around the gardens. A delightful place for a picnic, try to grab some food from the city centre first to take with you for lunch. If you are there during summer, call and ask about the jazz evenings. These are held on the weekend and many families attend with evening picnic and champagne in tow, to chill out to the sounds of jazz in the balmy evening temperatures. Free entry, parking $1.40/hr or $7 all day.  

A hot air balloon passes by the Black Mountain Tower

• 22 Black Mountain Tower (Telstra Tower), Black Mountain Drive, ☏ +61 2 6219-6111, fax: +61 2 6257-6600. Daily 9AM-10PM. This functional communications tower rises 195 m above the summit of Black Mountain, providing 360 degree views of Canberra and the countryside around it from a viewing platform 60m up the tower. While the interior may seem a little outdated, the view from the tower is quite impressive, although the viewing platform is only another 60m above the mountain. Within the tower is also a revolving restaurant and a telecommunications history display. Adult $7.50, child/senior $3, under 4 years free, family pass (2 adults, 2 children) $17. 
• 23 Mount Pleasant, General Bridges Drive (access via Royal Military College). Vehicle access 7AM-7PM. A good site to visit after Mount Ainslie. A short drive from either Mount Ainslie peak, or the War Memorial. Drive will take you through a military academy. And the view will include Russell Offices, the Australian-American Memorial, and also a wonderful view along the length of the lake. 
• 24 Red Hill, Red Hill Drive. Offers two lookouts of the greater Canberra area. Vehicular access is available and a casual cafe style restaurant is at the peak. 

Historic buildings

The Shine Dome

As the development of Canberra didn't take off until the 1950s, the city has few noteworthy historic buildings. In addition to those which host major national institutions described elsewhere, the following buildings are considered historically significant:

• 25 Blundell's Cottage. A historic cottage of some of the earliest settlers of the area. Guided tours and school tours available. $7 adults $5 concession $15 family.  
• 26 Calthorpe's House, 24 Mugga Way, Red Hill, ☏ +61 2 6237 6500, historicplacesbookings@act.gov.au. Sa Su 1-4PM. Historic house picturing life in Canberra in the early days of the territory. $7 adult, $5 concession, $15 family. A three-site pass covers here, Lanyon (near Tharwa), and Mugga Mugga in Symanston. 
• 27 Manuka Pool, New South Wales Crescent, Griffith, ☏ +61 2 6295 1910. Open from late October until mid-March. This swimming pool was built in art deco style and opened in 1930. 
• 28 Royal Military College - Duntroon, Staff Cadet Ave, Campbell (Enter from Morshead Drive or Fairbairn Avenue). The Australian Army's officer training college was established in 1911 and is one of the oldest institutions in Canberra. Duntroon is open to the public and includes a number of historic buildings (though it is generally not possible to enter them as they remain in use). A chapel built by Australian prisoners of war being held in harsh conditions at Changi in Singapore during the Second World War has also been relocated to Duntroon, and is located halfway along Miles Road. Free.  
• 29 Shine Dome, Gordon Street, Acton (across the road from the National Film & Sound Archive), ☏ +61 2 6201 9400. This unusual dome-shaped building owned by the Australian Academy of Science has been a Canberra landmark since the late 1950s, and is nicknamed the 'martian embassy' by locals.  
• 30 St John the Baptist Church, 45 Constitution Avenue, Reid, ☏ +61 2 6248 8399. Consecrated in 1845, this Anglican church is the oldest church in Canberra and pre-dates the establishment of the city by almost 70 years. It has a small museum. 
• 31 Sydney and Melbourne buildings, Corner of London Circuit and Northbourne Avenue, Civic (the Sydney Building is on the east side of Northbourne Avenue, and the Melbourne Building is on the west side). These two large buildings in the centre of Civic were the first commercially-funded buildings in Canberra, and have been important local landmarks since the 1920s. Both buildings are surrounded by loggias modeled on those of buildings in Florence, Italy. They are occupied by a mix of restaurants (most of which are quite good), nightclubs, pubs and small businesses, but much of the Sydney Building is in a fairly poor state of repair. Plans to revivalise the buildings are regularly proposed, but never go far.