National Gallery of Australia
The National Gallery of Australia houses a world-class collection of paintings, sculptures and prints. This prominent Canberra and Australian landmark is situated on the banks of Lake Burley Griffin and is open to the public everyday from 10am-5pm (except Christmas Day). Entry is free to the permanent collections but some special exhibitions may incur an entry fee.
Website: http://www.nga.gov.au/
High Court of Australia
The High Court of Australia is the highest court in Australia. It is located opposite the National Gallery of Australia on the banks of Lake Burley Griffin. It houses three courtrooms, a library and various chambers. It is open weekdays from 9:45am-4:30pm and is closed for public holidays. If you wish to see a case in action, check out the Court Calender (http://www.hcourt.gov.au/registry_06.html). Cases are held every month, except January and July, and session times are from 10:15am-12:45pm and 2:15pm-4:15pm. Admission is free.
Website: http://www.hcourt.gov.au/
National Library of Australia
The National Library of Australia is Australia's largest library. It houses a vast array of books, maps, pictures and microfilm, to name a few. In all there are 5 million items within the library. The library is located on the banks of Lake Burley Griffin near the High Court and Questacon. The library is open all year round and has different opening times for different areas. These can be accessed at (http://www.nla.gov.au/hours.html). Access to the library is free.
Website: http://www.nla.gov.au/
Parliament House
The Australian National Parliament House is the centrepiece of Canberra. It houses the upper and lower houses of parliament as well as the offices of all the federal Members of Parliament. It is open daily (except Christmas day) from 9am-5pm and free tours leave every half hour from the foyer. Parking is free and so is access to Parliament House.
Website: http://www.aph.gov.au/
National Archives
The National Archives of Australia contain almost 200 years of archives to do with Australian history. Everything from play scripts to royal commission documents is contained within the building. The Archives are used mainly for research, but the building also contains various exhibitions throughout the year. The National Archives are located between Parliament House and Old Parliament House off Kings Avenue. The Archives are open between 9am-5pm but different days and sections have different opening hours. For full details see (http://www.naa.gov.au/publications/fact_sheets/fs01.html). Entry is free.
Wesbite: http://www.naa.gov.au/
Australian National Botanic Gardens
The Australian National Botanic Gardens cover 90 hectares, with 99 000 plants and 6800 species under the shadow of Black Mountain. The Gardens house all types of native plants from across Australia and specially grow threatened species and rare plants. The Gardens open 8:30am every day (except Christmas day) and closes at different times depending on the season. Entry to the Gardens is free with tours leaving the Visitor Centre at 11am and 2pm daily.
Website: http://www.anbg.gov.au/anbg/
The Carillon
The Carillon is one of the many icons of Canberra. The British Government, for the 50th anniversary of the National Capital, gave the Carillon to Australia. In 1970, the Queen accepted it on behalf of the Australian people. It is located on Aspen Island on Lake Burley Griffin. The tower is 50 meters tall and can be heard on a quiet day right around Lake Burley Griffin. Access to Aspen Island is free via a pedestrian bridge but access to the tower itself is only by booking ahead. Bookings for the tower tour can be made on 02 6257 1068.
Website: http://www.nationalcapital.gov.au/experience/attractions/national_carillon.asp
Royal Australian Mint
The Royal Australian Mint is the producer of Australia's coinage. Since it’s opening in 1965, it has produced around 11 billion circulating coins as well as producing coins for other countries. It also produces medallions, tokens, medals and seals both for the government and private enterprise. The Mint offers a range of activities such as make your own coin, guided tour, souvenirs and an onsite BBQ. The Mint is open Monday to Friday from 9am-4pm, on public holidays and weekends 10am-4pm. The Mint is closed on Christmas Day and Good Friday. Tours can be organised by ringing 02 6202 6819. Entry is free.
Website: http://www.ramint.gov.au/
National Museum of Australia
The National Museum of Australia contains pieces covering the last 200 years of Australia's history. Some items include 80 000 stone tools and Phar Lap's heart. The Museum has three main themes: nation, land and people. Upon entry, you can visit an interactive journey through each of the main themes. The Museum is open 9am-5pm daily and is closed Christmas Day. General Admission is free.
Website: http://www.nma.gov.au/
Telstra (Black Mountain) Tower
Black Mountain Tower is one of the main eye-catching features whenever you are near Canberra. The Tower stands high above Black Mountain and gives panoramic views of Canberra and its surroundings. The tower contains a revolving restaurant that is open all year round for Lunch and Dinner. Entry to the Tower is $4 for Adults with concessions $2. The tower is open all year around from 9am-10pm.
Website: http://www.productreview.com.au/showitem.php?item_id=1125
Australian War Memorial
The Australian War Memorial is a must see for anyone visiting Canberra. The Memorial houses a large collection of historic Australian and foreign military hardware, medals, stories, paintings and recollections of war. The Memorial also contains a large collection of aircraft including the famous 460 Squadron RAAF Avro Lancaster Bomber “G for George”. The Memorial is open 10am - 5pm daily, and is closed on Christmas Day. Admission is free but donations are greatly appreciated.
Website: http://www.awm.gov.au/
Cockington Green Miniature Village
Cockington Green Miniature Village and Gardens is another of Canberra ’s fine attractions. The lovely, well-landscaped Gardens house a large collection of miniature buildings and displays, as well as a miniature steam train ride for the kids. Cockington Green Gardens are open daily from 9:30am with last entry at 4:15pm for closing time at 5:00pm (except Christmas and Boxing Day). Admission prices are available at http://www.cockingtongreen.com.au/pages/page50.asp.
Website: http://www.cockingtongreen.com.au
Canberra Planetarium
The Canberra Planetarium is the most modern planetarium in Australia. Shows are run nightly at 7:00pm and 8:30pm. Admission costs $8.50 for Adults and $6.00 for a Concession.
Website: http://www.ctuc.asn.au/planetarium/information.html
Mt. Stromlo Observatory and Exploratory
At present, Mt Stromlo Observatory is closed for reconstruction after Canberra‘s devastating fires. A webcam called “Stromlocam” is currently feeding live images of the rebuilding progress onto the net. These can be accessed at http://www.mso.anu.edu.au/public/stromlocam.php.
Website: http://www.mso.anu.edu.au/
Nolan Gallery & Lanyon Homestead
The Nolan Gallery in Lanyon Homestead contains paintings and drawings donated by artist Sidney Nolan to the people of Australia. The Gallery opened in 1980 after Lanyon homestead’s restoration. Also contained within the grounds of Lanyon are many displays of earlier Australian country life, with outbuildings, courtyard buildings and beautiful gardens. The Nolan Gallery and Lanyon Homestead are open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10am-4pm. They are closed on Mondays and Christmas Day. Admission is $8 for Adults and $6 for a concession.
Website:
Screen and Sound Archives
The National Film and Sound Archive “is the treasure house of Australian audiovisual history”. The Archives contains a diverse collection of items, movies such as Strictly Ballroom, music such as John Farnham and Chips Rafferty and today’s top 40 hits. The Archives are located across from the Australian National University off McCoy Circuit. The Archives are open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday and 10am-5pm on Weekends and public holidays. The archives are closed on Christmas day and Good Friday and entry is free of charge.
Website: http://www.screensound.gov.au/
Old Parliament House & National Portrait Gallery
Old Parliament House was the seat of the Australian parliament from 1927 to 1988. Old Parliament House is now home to the National Portrait Gallery and is considered a “museum of itself”. The National Portrait Gallery contains paintings, busts, photographs and sketches of famous Australians through the ages. The National Portrait Gallery and Old Parliament House are open daily from 9am-5pm and is closed Christmas Day. Admission costs $2 for Adults and $1 for a Concession.
Website:
Australian National University
The Australian National University is considered “one of the world's foremost research universities.” The university is located on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin and is rated among the top 50 in the world.
Website: http://www.anu.edu.au/
Australian Institute of Sport
The Australian Institute of Sport is Australia's elite sports athlete training institution. The Institute contains world-class facilities and is open to the public for viewing. Visitors can view athletes training and look at the facilities as well as visit the AIS shop. Information on Australian Institute of Sport tours can be accessed via e-mail at aistours@ausport.gov.au or phone 02 6214 1010. For full details of activities and events at the AIS visit their website at http://www.ausport.gov.au/visit.asp
Website: http://www.ais.org.au/
Questacon (National Science and Technology Centre)
Questacon or the National Science and Technology Centre is located on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin, like many of Canberra’s attractions. Questacon has a large range of activities, displays and exhibitions on all aspects of science and technology. While there, you can take a ride on the earthquake simulator or watch lightning being formed in a cage. Questacon is open all year round (except Christmas Day) from 9am-5pm. Entry costs $14.00 for adults and $8.00 for children (4-16yrs). Concessions are $9.50 (including students) and families are $42.00 (2 adults and 3 children).
Website: http://www.questacon.edu.au/
National Dinosaur Museum
The National Dinosaur Museum is “the largest permanent display of dinosaur and other prehistoric fossil material in Australia”. The Museum contains many displays of fossils as well as 11 full-scale dinosaur skeletons. The Museum is open 10am-5pm daily (except Christmas day) and opens at 9am during school holidays.
National Zoo and Aquarium
The National Zoo and Aquarium is Australia's only combined Zoo and Aquarium. It contains, among other things, the largest collection of Big Cats in Australia and 34 different endangered species. The Zoo and Aquarium are open every day (except Christmas day) 9am-5pm. For full admission prices as well as facility hire details visit http://www.zooquarium.com.au/visitors.htm.
Captain Cook Memorial Jet
The Captain Cook Memorial Jet was opened in 1970 to commemorate the Bicentenary of Captain Cooks first sighting of the eastern coast of Australia. The jet shoots water 147m into the air above Lake Burley Griffin, near Regatta Point. The Jet is operational 11.00am-2.00pm daily.
Website: http://www.nationalcapital.gov.au/understanding/capital_facts/capt_cook_memorial.asp
Mt. Ainslie lookout
Mt Ainslie lookout is one of the must see attractions in Canberra. The lookout delivers a magnificent view over the city and you can clearly see many of the landmarks including New and Old Parliament Houses, The Australian War Memorial and Questacon. Access to the lookout is via Mount Ainslie Drive.
National Capital Exhibition – Regatta Point
The National Capital Exhibition is another must see if visiting Canberra. The exhibition details Canberra’s history and story. From the drawing desk of Walter Burley Griffin to what we see today. The exhibition is open 9am-5pm daily (except Christmas day). Admission and tours are free of charge.
Website: http://www.nationalcapital.gov.au/experience/attractions/NCE/
 |
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
