Canberra is a unique place where city style meets the beauty of the
Australian bush.
Our national capital is just over three
hours - drive from Sydney, or less than seven from Melbourne, and is the seat of
Australian Government. Canberra is a young and modern city with a population of
320,000. Today people of the world meet in Canberra - through the
national Parliament, universities and a vibrant diplomatic community.
Canberra is proudly the political and cultural hub of Australia.
History
Located on the ancient lands of the Ngunnawal Aboriginal people, the city's
name is thought to mean 'meeting place', derived from the Aboriginal name
Kamberra.
Canberra's special contrast of nature and urban living was planned to
perfection in 1911 by Canberra's master designer, Walter Burley Griffin.
He certainly had the tourist in mind when he designed Canberra, with most of the
city's attractions within easy walking distance of one another, and a few no
more than a 10 minute drive from the city centre.
Location
Canberra is located 150 kilometres inland, and 571 metres above the Pacific
Ocean. Situated in the 2349.4 square kilometre Australian Capital Territory (not
including Jervis Bay), the city is surrounded by national parks, bush and
mountain ranges.
Population
322,000
Weather
Canberra has distinct seasons - summers are warm to hot; in autumn
millions of trees turn gold to red; winters are crisp and cool with occasional
frosty mornings clearing to blue skies; and in spring, Canberra comes alive with
glorious floral blooms.
Season |
Average Min. |
Average Max. (degrees Celsius) |
| Spring |
5 |
19 |
| Summer |
12 |
27 |
| Autumn |
7 |
20 |
| Winter |
0 |
12 |
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