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THE city DO & see event highlights EATING CAFés
Bars & nightlife shopping Sleeping essential INFORMATION maps

Canberra
Population
320,000

Opening hours
Many shops are open
seven days a week (except
Christmas Day and Good
Friday) between 9.00-17.30
although hours vary. On
Friday night shops open until
21.00.

Internet
www.visitcanberra.com.au

Publications
Canberra Times
The Australian

Emergency numbers
000 Ambulance, Police or Fire
©

Tourist Office
Canberra and Region Visitor
Centre
Address: 330 Northbourne
Ave, Dickson
Opening hours 9.00-17.30
weekdays, 9.00-16.00
weekends
Tel: (02) 6205 0044; 1300 554 114
www.visitcanberra.com.au
WELCOME TO Canberra
A planned city built on a vast limestone plain edged by rugged
mountain ranges, Canberra is Australia’s national capital, seat of
Federal parliament and home to many institutions and national
monuments. Four distinct seasons add to its charm and visitors
quickly discover that it really is Australia’s ‘hidden gem’. The
surrounding countryside contains historic and picturesque rural
villages and a burgeoning cool-climate wine industry.
THE city | do & see
destination: Canberra
THE CITY
Home to some 320,000 people,
Canberra is one of the world’s few
planned cities, a city in a park with
golden autumn leaves and glorious
spring blooms. Surrounded by
native bushland, Canberra is perfect
for getting back to nature.
Following the Federation in 1901
Canberra was chosen as a site of
the national capital. The initial
design for Canberra was the work
of Chicago architect Walter Burley
Griffin with wide, tree-lined avenues
and spacious open parklands. Many
national institutions and monuments
are located close to the shores of
Lake Burley Griffin, the focal point of
the city.
The city enjoys four distinct seasons
and visitors quickly discover what a
‘hidden gem’ the capital is. It is close
to mountains and native bushland
and is often referred to as ‘the bush
capital’. Originally a public service
town, the national capital is now
also a major university and research
centre with an emphasis on high
technology industries.
Over half the area of the ACT is a
national park with a well-developed
and maintained network of walking
trails through mountain ranges and
sub-alpine forest.
A spectacular way to see the city is to
take a hot air balloon ride high over
Lake Burley Griffin. The surrounding
region offers more than 30 wineries,
historic townships, beautiful
coastlines and the famous Snowy
Mountains
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DO & SEE
National Library of Australia
Established in 1960, the library was
rebuilt in 1968, and inspired by the
Parthenon. Australian copyright law
requires that a copy of every book
published in Australia be deposited
with the National Library of Australia.
Although the library is “closed
access”, it also holds a national
bibliographic database and offers
access through the Libraries Australia
service, as well as cataloguing
in publication details as well has
enables searching across digital
images of Australia.
Address: National Library of Australia, Canberra
Price: Tours are every Thursday 12:30 p.m. and free.
Meet in the foyer.
Tel: (02) 6262 1111
www.nla.gov.au
New Parliament House
Completed in 1988 in time for the
bicentennial celebrations of the first
settlement by the British in 1788 the
futuristically designed building, the
seat of Federal parliament, features
the use of native timbers and
contemporary art work by Australian
artists.
Address: Capital Hill
Tel: (02) 6277 5399
www.aph.gov.au
Old Parliament House
Built in 1927 it served as the seat
of government until 1988 and
now is open for tours through the
chambers and corridors of power.
The lovely Rose Gardens on either
side of this national heritage site are
a visual delight.
Address: King George Terrace, Parkes
Tel: (02) 6270 8222
www.oph.gov.au
National Museum of Australia
Spectacularly sited on Acton
Peninsula thrusting out into Lake
Burley Griffin the museum explores
the events, issues and people that
shaped the nation.
Address: Lennox Crossing, Acton
Peninsula
Price: Free
Tel: (02) 6208 5000
www.nma.gov.au
Australian War Memorial
Serves both as a memorial to
Australians who served their
country and as a military museum.
The building, roughly shaped like
a Byzantine church, is a revered
national shrine.
Address: Anzac Parade, Campbell
Price: Free guided tours
Tel: (02) 6243 4211
www.awm.gov.au
National Gallery of Australia
A comprehensive collection of
Australian art including a superb
collection of Aboriginal Art. The
gallery also hosts special interest
exhibitions from around the world.
Address: Parkes Place, Parkes
Price: Free
Tel: (02) 6240 6502
www.nga.gov.au
Questacon - National Science and
Technology Centre
Interactive science facility that
delights visitors young and old with
its entertaining hands-on exhibits.
Address: Enid Lyons St off King Edward Terrace,
Parkes
Price: $15.50 (adults), $9 (child)
Tel: (02) 6270 2800
www.questacon.edu.au
Lake Burley Griffin
Explore the lake either by walking or
cycling the many pathways round
the lakeshore or take a cruise on the
lake.
eating
destination: Canberra
EATING
Canberra features a large number
of restaurants and cafés with a rich
variety reflecting the cosmopolitan
nature of the city. The main precincts
for restaurants are in the city centre
and the trendy suburbs of Manuka
and Kingston; although excellent
restaurants are located throughout
the city including many with an
Asian focus at Dickson, Canberra’s
Chinatown. The Canberra region
is the centre of a burgeoning wine
region featuring high-quality cool
climate varieties such as Chardonnay,
Shiraz and Pinot.
Anise
Award winning restaurant on
Canberra’s West Row dining strip
using the freshest local produce.
Address: 20 West Row, Canberra City
Tel: 2 6257 0700
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Charcoal Grill
Landmark Canberra restaurant has
been serving delicious steaks for
over 40 years.
Address: 61 London Circuit, Canberra City
Tel: (02) 6248 8015
Jusqtly
Innovative menu encompassing
breakfast, ‘snacks’ through the day
and dishes with Australian and Asian
influences at night. Excellent cheese
board.
Address: Flinders Way, Manuka.
Tel: (02) 6232 6200
Mezzalira
Pizzas from the wood-fired oven and
a delicious range of pastas make this
Waters Edge an ideal location for a casual meal at
Beautifully located restaurant on reasonable prices.
edge of Lake Burley Griffin, its menu Address: London Circuit, Canberra City.
Tel: (02) 6230 0025.
features dishes with French and
Australian influences. Bernadette’s
Address: Commonwealth Place, off Parkes Pl, Parkes. Gourmet vegetarian fare in a relaxed
Tel: (02) 6273 5066 atmosphere. Gluten-free and vegan
choices available.
Courgette
Address: Wakefield Gardens, Ainslie.
Creative combinations and a superb Tel: (02) 6248 5018.
cellar of vintage Australian wines
make this a popular choice.
Address: 54 Marcus Clarke St, Canberra City
Tel: (02) 6247 4042
www.courgette.com.au
Dijon
Modern Australian cuisine with
an Asian accent in intimate
surroundings in the city centre.
Address: 24 West Row, Canberra City.
Tel: (02) 6230 6009
www.dijon.com.au
Chairman and Yip
Innovative menu blending Asian and
western flavours. Leave room for the
delicious desserts.
Address: 108 Bunda St, Canberra City
Tel: (02) 6248 7109
Cafés | bars & nightlife
destination: Canberra

ICBM and Insomnia

Two-in-one venue has a party lounge
downstairs and rocks to the latest
dance beats upstairs.
Address: Northbourne Ave, Canberra City
Tel: (02) 6248 0102.

Minque
Plush surroundings at this party
venue that rocks till late. Try the
tapas menu until 22.00.
Address: 17 Franklin St, Manuka.
Tel: (02) 6295 8866.
www.minque.com.au

CAFÉS Silo Bakery
Tosolini A wonderful selection of breads and
Famous for its coffee and Italian pastries and a walk-in cheese room
specialties many using Mama with a terrific selection make this a
Tosolini’s traditional recipes. pleasant stop.
Address: Bailey’s Corner, London Circuit, Canberra Address: 36 Giles Street, Kingston.
City. Tel: (02) 6260 6060.
Tel: (02) 6247 4317
BARS & NIGHTLIFE
My Café Canberra has a reputation of being
Sit out on the pavement and watch a bit staid and conservative but
the passing parade at this café, busy underneath there is a strong party
at all times of the day. atmosphere especially among
Address: Furneaux Street, Manuka. the younger inhabitants. A large
Tel: (02) 6295 6632. university population helps to fuel a
busy night scene.
Bookplate
Located inside the National Library
Academy and Candy Bar
it is the perfect spot for coffee and
Stylish nightspot drawing a young
cake after touring the national
dance crowd; Candy Bar upstairs
institutions close by.
serves great cocktails in lounge-bar
Address: Parkes Place, Parkes
setting.
Tel: (02) 6262 1154
www.bookplate.com.au Address: Centre Cinema Building, Bunda St, Canberra
City., Tel: (02) 6257 3355.
Caffe Della Piazza
Italian dishes are a highlight at this Holy Grail
casual eatery right in the centre of Live bands and DJs help create a
the city. buzzing atmosphere at this popular
Address: 19 Garema Place, Canberra City
inner city pub/restaurant. .
Tel: (02) 6248 9711. Address: Bunda St, Canberra City.
Tel: (02) 6257 9717
www.holygrail.com.au
Cube
Canberra’s only gay nightclub, dance
all night long and indulge in some
hip cocktails.
Address: 33 Petrie Plaza, Canberra City.
Tel: (02) 6257 1110.
www.cubenightclub.com.au
Casino Canberra
40 gaming tables with roulette,
blackjack, poker and keno in a
relaxed atmosphere. Two excellent
bars.
Address: 21 Binara St, Canberra City.
Tel: (02) 6257 7074.
www.casinocanberra.com.au
King O’Malley’s Irish Pub
Wide selection of Australian and
international beers accompanied by
great pub food in a busy, noisy but
convivial pub atmosphere.
Address; 131 City Walk, Canberra City.
Tel: (02) 6257 0111
www.kingomalleys.com.au
Tilley’s Devine Café Gallery
Once a venue for women only it is
a great place for all ages to meet
and converse in a friendly, convivial
atmosphere.
Address: Wattle and Brigalow Sts, Lyneham.
Tel: (02) 6249 1543.
www.tilleys.com.au

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Shopping | sleeping
destination: Canberra

SHOPPING
Apart from the large Canberra
Centre in the city centre, shopping
is centred on large malls in the
major suburban areas of Woden,
Belconnen, Tuggeranong and
Gungahlin. These malls contain a mix
of department stores such as David
Jones, Myer and Target; and smaller
boutique chains such as Esprit, Table
Eight and Your Habitat catering to all
tastes.

For the art lover the city has

numerous galleries and all the major
institutions listed in the Do and See
section have excellent shops with a
range of classy souvenirs and other
items.
The Old Bus Depot Markets held
each Sunday in the old Kingston bus
depot are an institution in Canberra
offering a wide selection of arts
and crafts, and locally grown (often
organic) produce. Buskers entertain
the milling crowd.
The new Brand Depot located close
to the airport offers an extensive
range of quality brand merchandise
including clothing, footwear and
home ware goods at huge discounts.
A tour of the local wineries is a must
do as many offer wine tastings and
cellar door sales of their excellent
cool-climate wines.
Rydges Capital Hill Hotel Heritage
Elegant hotel with spacious, airy Located in quiet residential area
rooms located close to Parliament but only minutes from many of
House. It offers all the comfort you Canberra’s attractions the hotel is a
would expect including health club good budget option and especially
and spa. suited for families.
Address: Canberra Ave, Forrest. Address: 203 Goyder St, Narrabundah
Tel: (02) 6295 3144. Tel: (02) 6295 2944
Double room: from $180 Double room: from $135
www.rydges.com.au www.domahotels.com.au
Crowne Plaza Canberra BASIC
Well located on city centre this Canberra City YHA
atrium-style hotel has rooms and Ideally located in the heart of the city
facilities of a standard to suit the near the interstate bus terminal, it is
discerning traveller. popular with the younger traveller.
Address: 1 Binara St, Canberra City. Address: 7 Akuna St, Canberra City.
Tel: (02) 6247 8999. Double room: from $75.
Double room: from $170 Tel: (02) 6248 9155.
www.crowneplazacanberra.com.au www.yha.com.au

SLEEPING GOOD VALUE Olims Hotel

EXCLUSIVE
Hyatt Hotel Canberra
1924 National Heritage building
beautifully restored in its original
Art Deco style. Take the superb
afternoon tea in the elegant Tea
Lounge.
Address: Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla.
Tel: (02) 62731234. Double room: from $250
www.canberra.hyatt.com
Novotel Canberra
All the expected standards of this
international chain are realised in
this centrally located hotel. .
Address: 65 Northbourne Ave, Canberra City.
Tel: (02) 6245 5000.
Double room: from $160
www.accorhotels.com.au
An early Canberra landmark the
National Trust listed hotel, built
around a terraced courtyard, offers
comfortable rooms in a pleasant
location.
Address: cnr Ainslie and Limestone Aves, Braddon
Tel: (02) 6248 5511
Double room: from $110.
www.olimshotel.com

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essential information
destination: Canberra
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Airport
Canberra International Airport is 7km
east of the city centre.
Actually there no direct flights to
international destinations but there
are direct connections to Sydney,
Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide.
The Airliner shuttle bus operates
from the airport to the city centre on
weekdays. It costs $7 one way and
$12 return; and the trip takes about
½ hour.
Taxis are available at all times of the
day from the front of the Terminal.
An average fare to the city centre is
$15.
www.canberraairport.com.au
Bus
Regular bus services operate from
Canberra to Sydney about 3-3 ½
hours by dual carriage highway.
The bus terminal is located in the
Jolimont Centre, 61 Northbourne
Avenue, Canberra City. The two bus
companies that operate services
are Murray’s Australia (Tel: (02) 132
251, www.murrays.com.au) and
Greyhound (Tel: (02) 131 499, www.
greyhound.com.au).
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Local transport
The public transport system is
the ACTION bus network that
is adequate during the day but
irregular in the evening. Day passes
available for $6.
Tel: (02) 131 710.
www.action.act.gov.au
Bike
Take the opportunity to bike on
the many pathways throughout
Canberra. Try Mr Spokes, Acton Ferry
terminal, Acton Park on edge of Lake
Burley Griffin.
Tel: (02) 6257 1188.
Taxi
You can phone for a taxi, hire one
from a stand or flag one down in the
street.
Canberra Cabs. .
Tel: (02) 132 227
Post
Post offices located throughout the
city and suburban shopping centres.
Stamps also available from
newsagents.
Main Post Office, Address: 53-73
Alinga St, Canberra City, Tel: (02) 131
318.
Pharmacy
Located in shopping areas
throughout the city.
Canberra Day and Night Chemist
(Capital Chemist) 9.00-23.00.
O’Connor Shopping Centre, Sargood
St, O’Connor Tel: (02) 6248 7050.
Doctor
Doctors located throughout city but
office hours vary.
Canberra Hospital has 24-hour
emergency department.
Address: Yamba Drive, Garran.
Tel: (02) 6244 2222.
Telephone
Area code: 02
Map
destination: Canberra

Commonwealth
A Park
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Parkes W C D
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Cr Co oo
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Law ns re
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Bachelor ut

Commo onwealth Av
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Av
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Commonwealth en

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Regatta u
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Pa Par e

Barrine Drive
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Pl
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Commonwealth
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National
sin

Capital
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Exhibition

Av Bridealth
Gallipoli
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Captain Cook
Lake Memorial Reach
nw

Burley Water Jet Blundell’s

National Museum
Commo

of Australia Griffin Cottage

2
Lake Flynn Place
Burley PARKES
Griffin Central Basin
ve

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Hall Library Pa
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Avenue ue

of Australia rk
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National
Pa

Pl
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Lennox Portrait Galley

Questacon
Commomonwealth Av

Gardens (annexe)
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Information Sehenswürdigkeiten Museum Bahnhof Busbahnhof Fähre

Information Sights Museum Railway station Bus station Ferry

Information Sevärdhet Museum Järnvägsstation Bussterminal Färja

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street index
destination: Canberra

Adelaide Avenue A4 Constitution Avenue D1 Mall Road W C3

Administration Place C3 D3 Coronation Drive B3 Mariner Place A3

Alexandrina Drive A3 Darling Street C4 Moonah Place A4

Amaroo Street D1 Flynn Drive B2 B3 National Circuit C4

Anzac Parade D1 Flynn Place B2 Parkes Place B3 C2 C3 D3

Bachelors Lane A1 Forster Crescent A3 B3 Parkes Way A1 B1

Barrine Drive B1 C1 Kaye Place B3 Parkes Way B1 C1

Blackall Street C4 D3 D4 Kaye Street B2 B3 Parkes Way D1

Bowen Drive D3 D4 King Edward Terrace C3 Parkes Way D1

Bowen Place D3 King George Terrace C3 Parliament Drive A4 B4

Brisbane Avenue C4 D4 Kings Avenue Bridge D3 Perth Avenue A4

Broughton Street C4 D4 Kings Avenue C4 D3 Queen Victoria Terrace B3 C3 C4

Capital Circle A4 B4 Langton Cr B3 Regatta Place C1

Commonwealth Avenue Bridge B2 Lawson Cr A1 State Circle A4 B3 B4 C4

Commonwealth Avenue B1 B2 B3 Lennox Crossing A1 Windsor Walk C4

Commonwealth Place B1 C1 Macquarie Street C4

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