Canberra Travel Overview:
When King O'Malley declared in 1910, when he was appointed Minister for Home Affairs for the newly federated country, that the infant capital-to-be would beccome "the finest capital city in the world". It's taken Canberra more than 90 years to reinvente itself to get close to that image.
Technically a compromise product to ease the bickering between Sydney and Melbourne for the status of federal capital, which has been now and then maligned as a bureaucratic hiccup in the inland woop-woop tablelands between the two cities of equal preeminence, Canberra is also the brainchild of the talented architect Walter Burley Griffin, which enshrined itself as one of the world's greatest showcase of urban planning and landscape architecture.
Paradoxically unlike anywhere else in Australia, the neat-as-a-pin Canberra is reminicent of its US counterpart in the District of Columbia, with broard boulevards, shady trees, grassy parkland, orderly communities, leafy suburbs, and of course, more presence of politicians, public servants, students, visitors.
With Aussies?sincere affinity with nature espressed in the inner-city parkland and bushland, the surrounding wilderness of Brindabella Ranges and the Namadgi National Park, and the further-flung outdoors fun of skiing in the Snowy Mountains or surfing on the South Coast, its unique historic and political heritage displayed in the more than 30 artistic and cultural national institutions, and the carefree fun-loving natural spirit celebrated in a busy calendar of events and festivals, Canberra is also Austranlian through and through.
To live it up in a nutshell, visit Canberra.
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What To Do in Canberra
1.Must-see Attractions
National Museum of Australia:
Tel: +61 02 6208 5000
Lawson Crescent, Acton
Awarded Australia¡¯s Best Major Tourist Attraction for 2006/2007. Free admission ...
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1.Must-see Attractions
National Museum of Australia:
Tel: +61 02 6208 5000
Lawson Crescent, Acton
Awarded Australia¡¯s Best Major Tourist Attraction for 2006/2007. Free admission (fees for special exhibitions).
Parliament House:
Tel: +61 02 6277 5399
Capital Hill
Take an informative tour, view the prized art collection or see parliament in action during Question Time at 2pm each sitting day. Free admission.
Old Parliament House:
Tel: +61 02 6270 8222
King George Terrace, Parkes
Former home of Australia's Federal Parliament from 1927-1988, now home to guided heritage tours and the Australia's National Portrait Gallery.
National Gallery:
Tel: +61 02 6240 6411
Parkes Place, Parkes
Australia¡¯s premier art institution housing the country¡¯s finest art collection which is preserved and presented for their enjoyment and education.
Australian War Memorial:
Tel: +61 02 6243 4211
Treloar Crescent, Campbell
Commemorates the sacrifice of Australian troops during served in war with heaps of artifacts, exhibits and memorabilia.
Australian National Botanic Gardens:
Tel:+61 02 6250 9450
Black Mountain, Acton
The country¡¯s best collection of the rare and the beautiful species of Australian native plants.
Black Mountain Tower:
Tel: +61 02 6219 6111
Formerly known as Telstra Tower, an 195meter telecommunications facility with 360-degree views of Canberra, an interesting viewing gallery, and a revolving Alto Restaurat.
2.Family Fun
Australian Institute of Sport:
Tel: +61 02 6214 1010
Leverrier Crescent, Bruce
Tour the complex with an athlete, see your favorite sporting stars training, test your sporting skills at Sportex, and swim in the AIS pool.
Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex:
Tel: +61 02 6201 7880
Discovery Drive, Tidbinbilla
One of three active NASA tracking stations in the world, a worthy stop on the way back from the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.
Cockington Green Gardens:
Tel:+61 02 6230 2273
Gold Creek Road, Nicholls
Miniature buildings of an English village and Miniature Steam Trains set within beautifully landscaped gardens.
National Zoo & Aquarium:
Tel: +61 02 6287 8400
Scrivener Dam, Weston Creek
Australia¡¯s only zooquarium experience with the country¡¯s largest collection of Big Cats.
Questacon ¨C The National Science and Technology Centre:
Tel: +61 02 6270 2893
King Edward Terrace, Parkes
A hands-on fun and exciting experience for kids, teens and the young-at-heart.
Royal Australian Mint:
Tel: +61 02 6202 6800
Denison Street, Deakin
The first mint in Australia, where you can mint your own $1 coin on the public coining presses.
National Dinosaur Museum:
Tel: +61 02 6230 265
Gold Creek Road and Barton Highway, Nicholls
Privately owned museum housing the Australia¡¯s largest permanent display of dinosaur and other prehistoric fossil materials.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve:
Tel: +61 02 6205 1233
Paddys River Road, Tidbinbilla
A valley abounds in indigenous and natural heritage, perfect for birdwatching, bushwalking, picnicking and scenic drive.
3.Must-do Activities
Galleries and Museums hopping:
Treat yourself to the national treasure trove of culture and history.
Messing around on Lake Burley Griffin:
Paddle, canoe or kayak on the water, or cycle, rollerblade, or jog around;
Bushwalking:
Well-marked tracks on Black Mountain, Mount Ainslie and Mount Taylor which are collectively known as the Canberra Nature Park, trails of all grades through Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and Namadgi National Park.
Ballooning:
Canberra has the the Balloon Fiesta in March, and dawn drift balloon flights all year round.
Mountain Biking:
Canberra plays host to the world¡¯s the largest 24 hour Mountain Bike Race,
Shopping:
Canberra Centre
Tel.+61 02 6247 5611; Bunda Street, Canberra City;
Belconnen-Westfield Mall
Tel.+61 02 6251 4333; Benjamin Way, Belconnen;
Tuggeranong Hyperdome
Tel.+61 02 6293 1000; Anketell street, Tuggeranong Town Centre;
Woden Westfield Shopping Centre
Tel.+61 02 6283 6000; Keltie Street, Woden;
Belconnen Market
Tel: +61 02 6251 1680; Lathlain St, Belconnen; Wednesday to Sunday;
Canberra Antiques Centre
Tel: +61 02 6162 3737;Townsville Street, Fyshwick; Antique, retro furniture, and vintage fabrics;
Capital Region Farmer's Market
Tel: +61 02 0400 852 227; Exhibition Park in Canberra; Fresh produce;Saturday mornings;
Fyshwick Market
Tel: +61 02 6295 0606; Cornor of Dalby & Mildura St, Fyshwick; Fresh produce, Thursday to Sunday;
Gorman House Markets
Tel: +61 02 4842 7207; Ainslie Avenue; Arts & crafts, produce and products; Every Saturday.
Old Bus Depot Markets
Tel: +61 02 6239 5306; Wentworth Avenue, Kingston; High quality arts and crafts, Every Sunday;
Tuggeranong Homestead Community Markets
Tel: +61 02 6292 1540; Johnson Drive, Richardson; Handmade and homegrown items; First Sunday of every month.
What To Wear in Canberra
While sydneysiders say they have four seasons, they are probably not as distinct as those in Canberra, at least not come with such a wide variance in extremes.
Lying inland in a broad valley surr...
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While sydneysiders say they have four seasons, they are probably not as distinct as those in Canberra, at least not come with such a wide variance in extremes.
Lying inland in a broad valley surrounded by mountains of the southern tablelands of NSW, and an elevation of 571 metres above sea-level, Canberra has a clear brisk cold winter, with occasional light snow, frezzing mountain wind, and a zero or minus temperatures reading during the nights.
Warm overcoat, woolies, gloves and scarves are needed for winter months trips.
During Canberra's summer months, temperatures can hover around 35 degree Celsius, which is as high as anywhere else during a typical Australian summer, but drop considerably overnight. The heat wave is to some extent mitigated by shady bush setting, lower humidity, and the cooling mountain breezes.
Lighter clothing are recommended for the hot summer. The high level of UV radiation reminds you to be sun-smart. A hat and strong protection sunsreen lotion would come in very useful.
Autumn and Spring are very pleasant, with glorious foliage and blooms to behold and golden weather to enjoy. You may need to pack up the middleweight sweatshirt, jeans or outdoor gear for your visit.
No matter which season of year you're visiting, remember to add extra layer after the sunset.
And always bear in mind that this is the nerve center of Australian government, as well as a hive for business and diplomatic activity, so dress code in Canberra is not as relaxed as other cities in the country.
There are many occasions you will have to dress up for. more often occasions. Remember to bring your formal business attire or fancy evening wear if necessary.
What To Eat in Canberra
1.Modern Australian
Boat House by the Lake:
Tel: +61 2 6273 5500
Location: Grevillea Park, Menindee Drive, Barton
Price: Entree, $25.5; Main, $32-36.5; Dessert, $19.5
What t... More>>>
1.Modern Australian
Boat House by the Lake:
Tel: +61 2 6273 5500
Location: Grevillea Park, Menindee Drive, Barton
Price: Entree, $25.5; Main, $32-36.5; Dessert, $19.5
What to eat:
Braised goat and eschalot pithivier with nutmeg infused creamed spinach and cranberry, pink peppercorn sauce;
Cinnamon smoked duck breast, mushroom risotto, black cherry reduction;
Deboned spatchcock wrapped in prosciutto, sage roasted chat potatoes, orange and watercress salad;
Fig and semi dried tomato salad with warm mini goat’s cheese tarts and balsamic reduction;
Hot tea smoked ocean trout fillet on pot roasted golf ball carrots, eschalots and baby leeks;
Lemon thyme and honey baked sweet potato and pecan tart, sauteed asparagus and ruby chard salad;
Paprika marinated lamb backstrap on warm spicy eggplant and roma tomato salad;
Rare roasted kangaroo, cumin infused potato and chestnut spatzle, crispy parsnip and baby beetroot salad;
Seared Tweed Heads prawns on herb risotto, mussel and saffron sauce, baby herb and rock sugar dressed salad;
Sour apple and cinnamon souffl?in vanilla bean crepe, pineapple confit and glazed pistachios;
Warm bitter orange marmalade pudding, Valdespino sabayon and Champagne ice-cream.
First Floor:
Tel: +61 2 6260 6311
Location: Unit 21, Green Square,Jardine Street, Kingston
Price: Entree, $10.90-$18.90; Mains, $18.90-$29.90; Dessert, $10.90
What to eat:
Beef Stirfry with bamboo shoots, cashew nuts, choysum and hokkien noodles;
Caesar Salad cos lettuce, bacon, croutons and topped with creamy dressing and parmesan cheese;
Fish Of The Day, fresh fish selected from the Sydney fish markets;
Golden Calamari with salad greens and a chilli infused caramel sauce;
Linguine pasta with sun-dried tomato, olives and roasted vegetables;
Tender Chicken Breast, Oven-roasted, served on spinach and red pepper risotto with a rich mushroom sauce;
Rum Scented Chocolate Mousse with shortbread biscuit and orange caramel;
Soft Italienne meringue with sweetened cream and a mixed berry compote;
Vanilla Pannacotta with a light passionfruit sauce;
Wok seared field mushrooms with honey, soy, mirin rice wine, coriander and jasmine rice.
Tosolini's:
Tel: +61 2 6247 4317
Location: Baileys Corner, London Circuit and East Row, Canberra City
Price: Entree, $12-$18; Mains, $20-$30; Dessert, $7-$10
What to eat:
Chicken, mushroom and sundried tomatoes risotto with a creamy seeded mustard sauce;
Fresh salad of lettuce, tomato, cucumber and onion with house mayonnaise;
Eggs Benedict with ham, cheese, tomato;
Mama's soup of the day served with fresh crusty bread;
Mama's traditional house made lasagna;
Pan-fried fresh seafood in garlic, white wine, chilli and tomato;
Penne pasta tossed with garlic, chilli, basil olive in a tomato based sauce;
Roasted mediterranean vegetables, pesto, rocket and Bocconcini;
Spaghetti tossed with traditional bolognese sauce;
Spiced chicken breast with mesclun and a house made lemon chilli aioli.
2.Italian
La Scala:
Tel: +61 2 6248 8338
Location: Centre Cinema Building, Shop 7, Bunda St, Canberra City
Price: Entree, $6-$17; Mains, $17-$24; Dessert, $9-$12
What to eat:
An array of traditional Italian appetizers, including cured meats, marinated and grilled vegetables;
Diced Roma tomatoes, dressed with olive oil, garlic and fresh basil, served on grilled Italian bread;
Egg fettuccine with slow cooked Venison and pork ragu;
Grilled chicken breast, served on mesculin, sundried tomato and orange segments, topped with salsa verde;
Organic chicken breast, filled with brie and oven baked;
Pork strip loin grilled medium with a medley of mushrooms;
Saffron and Poppy seed Tortelloni cooked with sundried tomato, pesto, cream and brandy;
Seared scallops served on a bed of mesculin lettuce with olives, capers, anchovies and fresh Roma tomatoes;
Spaghetti with tiger prawns, scallops, garlic, chilli, shallots and fresh diced Roma tomatoes in olive oil;
Spinach and ricotta ravioli with a smoked salmon and cream sauce;
Veal scallops with bacon, garlic, chilli and cream.
Mezzalira Ristorante:
Tel: +61 2 6230 0025
Location: Melbourne Buidling, London Circuit & West Row, Canberra City
Price: Entree, $16-$20; Mains, $28-$35; Dessert, $14
What to eat:
Braised Duck with Green Olives on Celeriac Gratinata and Cavolo Nero;
Cream of Cauliflower Soup with Walnut and Gorgonzola Tortellini;
Dark Chocolate and Walnut Torte with Vin Santo Zabaglione;
Mixed Forest Mushroom with Aged Parmesan and White Truffle Oil;
Moreton Bay Bug Tail on Salt Cod Brandade, Fennel Salad and Saffron Vinagrette;
Poached Winter Fruits with Crostoli and Cinnamon Mascarpone;
Roast Fillet of Beef with Balsamic Portobello Mushrooms, Black Olive Tapenade and Tarragon Butter;
Selection of Australian and Italian Cheeses with Poached Quince
Slow Cooked Tasmanian Salmon with Casteluccio Lentils, Creamed Leek and Cabernet Vinegar.
3.Chinese
Sammy's Kitchen:
Tel: +61 2 6247 1464
Location: Garema Centre, Bunda Street, Canberra City
Price: Entree, $3.6 - $19; Main, $12 - $20; Dessert, $5 - $6.2
What to eat:
Char Kway Teow (chicken, cooked prawns, fish cake, chives, egg, and bean sprouts);
Chicken fillet with mecadamia nuts and button mushroom;
Chinese pickled vegetables with squid and bamboo shoots, cooked in Chinese wine, chilli and garlic;
Curry braised chicken with button mushrooms;
Deep-fried shredded chicken with cucumber, fresh chilli garlic and peanuts;
Fried Rice Noodles with meat seafood and vegetable topped with sauce;
Laksa Lemak (Noodles with spices, fragrant curry powder, coconut milk and bean sprouts);
Mee Goreng (spicy fried golden wheat noodles with chilli, bean sprouts, tomatoes and mince beef);
Sizzling beef with ginger and shallots in oyster sauce;
Spring rools, fried Dim Sim and Prawn Toast;
Slices of cooked pork with vegetables stir fried in hot sin and hot bean sauce;
Slices of fish fillet and snow peas cooked in Chinese wine, vinegat, fresh chilli and garlic;
Tak Kee Roast Inn:
Tel: +61 2 6257 4939
Location: 10 Woolley St, Dickson
What to eat:
Fried Rice: Beef, BBQ Pork, Chicken, Duck, Scrambled Egg, Curry, or Combination;
Congee: Beef, Chicken, Lettuce & Sliced Fish, Pork, Picked-egg & Pork, or Seafood;
Laksa: Beef, Chicken, Duck, Mixed vegetable, Prawn, Seafood, or Combination;
Soup: BBQ Pork, Beef brisket, Braised Prawns, Gow Gee, Roast Duck, Soya Sauce Chicken, Won Ton, or combinations;
4.Turkish
Turkish Halal Pide House:
Tel: +61 02 6281 1991
Location: Shop 1, 47 Novar St, Yarraluml
Price: Entree, $8-8.5; Main, $12-15; Dissert, $1.5
What to eat:
Chicken breast marinated with herbs;
Deep fried fetta cheese and parsley pastry rolls;
Fresh green beans cooked in Turkish style tomato sauce;
Fried zucchini puffs with yoghurt sauce;
Lamb mince meat mixed with herbs
Marinated chicken with herbs & garlic;
Marinated zucchini, eggplant, capsicum and other fresh vegetables;
Meatballs topped with garlic sauce;
Mixture of chicken and lamb skewer, kofte and pirzole;
Smoked beef, vegetable mix and cheese.
5.Indian
Ruchi South Indian Cuisine
Tel: +61 2 6253 2506
Location: Unit 4, 17-23 Oatley Ct, Belconnen
Price: Entree, $6.50-$18.90; Mains, $11.90-$16.50; Dessert, $4.50-$7.50
What to eat:
Chef’s Special Kebab Wrap with choice of either Sheekh Kebab/ Fish Tikka/ Paneer Tikka/ Chicken Tikka;
Deccan Beef Cooked in spicy, peanut sauce and coconut milk;
Diced lamb cooked with fresh herbs and coconut from the Blue Mountains of South India;
Eggplant cooked in rich gravy of peanuts, coconut and sesame seeds;
Fillets of fish cooked with creamy coconut with mild spices;
Fresh Okra cooked with tomatoes and various spices;
King prawns marinated in spices, Indian herbs, cooked in Tandoor;
Lamb cooked in freshly ground spices, freshly ground coconut and herbs;
Prawns cooked in spicy gravy and flavoured with fenugreek seeds and curry leaves;
Succulent boneless chicken marinated in yoghurt and spices;
Spicy chicken cooked in coconut milk;
Tender lamb cutlets cooked in the Tandoor.
6.Thai
Lemon Grass Thai:
Tel: +61 2 6247 2779
Location: Melbourne Building, 65 London Circuit, Canberra City
Price: Entree, $6.50-$8.90; Mains, $14.50-$16.90; Dessert, $5
What to eat:
Chargrilled boneless lean pork marinated in lemon grass sauce;
Gang keow wan (Thai green curry of chicken or beef, with coconut milk and vegetables);
Gang Massaman (Thai curry of beef or chicken with coconut milk, potatoes and roasted peanuts);
Garee puff (mince chicken and potato curry puffs);
Geow nam (Minced pork and vegetable wontons soup);
Grilled firm bean curd with bean sprouts, salad, crushed peanuts with plum chilli sauce;
Prawns in soured lime sauce, garlic and fresh chilli served mixed with fresh salad;
Roast duck in red curry with lychees and tomatoes;
Spicy king prawn salad with lemon grass, herbs and vegetables;
Spicy wok fried beef, with lemon grass, vegetables and chilli tamarind sauce;
Tom yum goong (hot and sour prawn soup with fresh herbs and fresh mushrooms);
Traditional Thai Green Curry Seafood with coconut milk, vegetables and Kaffir leaves
Wok fried bean curd with ginger, fresh mushrooms and shallots.
Where To Stay in Canberra
1. Best Western Motel Monaro
Tel: +61 02 6295 2111
Location: 27 Dawes Street Kingston
29 rooms in total; Rates from AUD 115
Strategically located within walking distance of more than 30 ...
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1. Best Western Motel Monaro
Tel: +61 02 6295 2111
Location: 27 Dawes Street Kingston
29 rooms in total; Rates from AUD 115
Strategically located within walking distance of more than 30 restaurants in Kingston and wihin minutes drive from Parliament House, Australian National Gallery, High Court as well as the Science and Technology Centre, this small friendly spot puts a premium on the comforts, conveniences and outstanding value of both business travelers and leisure tourists.
2. Crowne Plaza Canberra
Tel: Crowne Plaza Canberra
Location: 1 Binara Street, Canberra City
295 rooms in total; Rates from AUD 149
Contemporary and stylish in architectural design, with grand atrium foyer, back-lit lounge bar, the sumptuous Redsalt Restaurant, the premier Serani Health Spa, and deluxe accommodations, convenient and central in location, with the National Convention Centre and Casino Canberra right at the doorstep, the Glebe Park in the backyard, and the Australian War Memorial, National Museum of Australia, Parliament House, Questacon, Australian Institute of Sport, Screen Sound Australia, High Court of Australia and National Library of Australia located within 2 miles, Crowne Plaza Canberra does an excellent job of winning the hearts and minds of its guests.
3. Forest Inn and Apartments
Tel: +61 02 6295 3433
Location: 30 National Circuit, Forrest
114 rooms in total; Rates from AUD 92
Far from frill and fancy, yet close enough for you to walk next door to tour the new Parliament House and stroll in its parkland setting, to go on a shopping binge in Manuka Shopping Village, or hop on the bus outside the main entrance to visit more national attractions Canberra has to offer, this low-rise motel set amidst the leafy surrounds of Forrest still goes out of its way to make its guests feel at home and value-worthy.
4. Hotel Heritage
Tel: +61 02 6295 2944
Location: 203 Goyder Street, Narrabundah
207 rooms in total; Rates from AUD 97
Located next to the Capital Golf Cours, just 5 minutes from some of Canberra's finest restaurants and boutique shopping in Manuka and Kingston, and 12 minutes from the city centre and all the action, Hotel Heritage sells itself, with its plain jane standard rooms done in nuetrals and varying in different sizes and delightful configurations, as an ideal base from which to explore all that Canberra has to offer, particularly for school and sporting groups and those traveling on a budget.
5. Hyatt Hotel Canberra
Tel: +61 2 6270 1234
Location: Commonwealth Ave, Yarralumla
249 rooms in total; Rates from AUD 220
Finely cut in the low-slung prairie art deco design, smartly enhanced with the 1920s lavishness and modern luxuries, and privilegedly situated in the national capital's Parliamentary Triangle right beside the beautiful Lake Burley Griffin, this one of the few heritage listed boutique hotels and the only international five star hotel in Canberra is the second-to-none residence of choice for visiting heads of state and celebrities of stage and screen in Canberra.
6. Medina Executive James Court
Tel: + 61 02 6240 1234
Location: 74 Northbourne Ave, Canberra
150 rooms in total; Rates from AUD 186
All the space of its 150 luxury one and two bedroom apartments, the luxuries of the heated outdoor pool, spa, sauna and gym, the solace of its "No Entertaining - Party" policy , the convenience of its central city location that¡¯s 100 meters from Civic Center, a stone¡¯s throw away from Australian National Univeristy, Casino, National Convention Centre, National Art Gallery, Questacon and the Australia War Memorial, ¡with the service of your favorite or familiar brand of international hospitality!
7. Olims Hotel Canberra
Tel: 612 6243 0000
Location:Corner Ainslie & Limestone Avenues, Braddon
130 rooms in total; Rates from AUD 115
An exquisitely restroed and carefully and constantly refurbished National Trust building set around an English courtyard garden, plus multi-award-winning dining, conference, recreational and entertainment facilities offered at budget prices, complemented by the superb location that¡¯s only 8 minutes walk from the city center where you¡¯ll find national attractions galore, and 10 minutes drive from the Canberra International Airport, this boutique style All Seasons hotel combines the grandeur of yeasteryear with all the contemporary comfort and conveniences.
8. Saville Park Suites Canberra
Tel: +61 02 6243 2500
Location: 84 Northbourne Ave, Canberra
296 rooms in total; Rates from AUD 170
Take adventage of the 24-hour room service, dine in Zipp Restaurant and Bar, work off extra calories in the gymnasium, take a dip into the indoor heated pool, relax and unwind in the sauna, or walk over some 3 blocks to the city center to enjoy the CBD shopping and nightlife, Lake Burley Griffin scenery and activities, and a plethora of civic and national attractions for all ages. Why settle for anything less or further-afield than this all-suite property in the Central Business District of Canberra?
9. The Brassey of Canberra
Tel: +61 02 6273 3766
Location: Belmore Gardens & Macquarie Street, Barton
81 rooms in total; Rates from AUD 125
A 1927 heritage-listed building in a quiet gaden setting in the leafy suburb of Barton, with a wholt lot of packages to promote the special events, exhibitions, festivals and activities that Canberra holds and within walking distance of Parliament House, Old Parliament House, National Gallery, Questacon, Lake Burley Griffin, and Canberra's most elite residences, restaurants, and nightclubs in Manuka and Kingston precincts, The Brassey of Canberra sells Canberra as well as itself.
10. University House
Tel: +61 02 6125 5276
Location: Australian National University, Corner of Balmain Crescent and Liversidge Street, Acton
146 rooms in total; Rates from AUD 80
Situated less than 2km from the city center, yet seemingly set in serene isolation amid the tranquil grounds of the Australian National University, with walking access to Lake Burley Griffin, University House also surprises guests with its award-winning architectural style and its longstanding reputation for quality and welcoming ambience that¡¯s a notch above the run-of-the-mill Canberra hotels.
How To Go Canberra
1.By Air
Airport:
Canberra International Airport, 7 kilometers southeast of the city centre.
For more detailed information, call the airport on +61 2 6209 3336.
Airlies:
B...
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1.By Air
Airport:
Canberra International Airport, 7 kilometers southeast of the city centre.
For more detailed information, call the airport on +61 2 6209 3336.
Airlies:
Brindabella Airlines ( +61 2 6248 8711) serves Newcastle, Traralgon and Albury-Wodonga;
Qantas Airlines ( 13 13 13) serves Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Melbourne and Adelaide;
Virgin Blue ( +61 7 3295 2296) serves Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Melbourne and Adelaide;
Airport Transfer:
Buses:
The Airliner shuttle bus departs from outside the main doors of the central terminal to central business district destinations;
One-way fare is AUD 7 and round-trip fare is AUD12.
For more information call The Airliner on +61 2 6299 3722;
Taxis:
Taxis are available at all times in front of the Terminal;
Average fares to the city run around AUD $14 to $16;
Major taxi companies include: Canberra Cabs (+61 2 6213 2222); Queanbeyan Taxi Co-Op Ltd ( +61 2 6297 3000).
Rental car:
Car rental services are available at rental car desks right in the central terminal area;
Major car rental companiest include
Avis Rent A Car (+61 2 6249 1601);
Budget Car & Truck Rental (+61 2 6257 1305);
Delta Europcar Car Rental (13 10 45);
Hertz (+61 2 6249 6211 );
Thrifty (+61 2 6248 9081);
2.By Train
Train Station:
Canberra Railway Station, on Wentworth Avenue, Kingston, about 5km southeast of the city center.
For more detailed information, call the station on +61 2 6239 6707;
Operator:
NSW Countrylink (13 22 32): XPLORER train serves Sydney, a second rail/coach service connects Melbourne via Cootamundra;
V/Line (13 61 96): Canberra Link daily rail/coach service connects Melbourne via Albury, Capital Link weekly rail/coach service connects Melbourne via Gippsland, Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance and Cooma, a third service operates during Victorian school holidays.
Routes facts:
Sydney to Canberra:
Duration: 4.5-5 hours
Fare: AUD 50-70/adult, half price for children, double price for round-trip;
Melbourne to Canberra:
Duration: 8.5 hours, including 5 hours bus trip;
Fare: AUD 55-90
3.By Bus
Bus Terminal:
Jolimont Centre, at Northbourne Avenue & Alinga Street, in the city centre, right across from Canberra's Public Bus Service (ACTION) interchange.
For more detailed information, call the terminal on +61 2 6211 8544.
Oprators:
Murrays Australia (132251) serves Sydney, Wollongong via Moss Vale, the South Coast.
Greyhound Pioneer (131499, +61 07 4690 9950) serves Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide;
McCafferty's (+61 2 6249 6006) serves Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide;
NSW Countrylink (13 22 32) serves Cooma, Eden and Cootamundra;
4.By Car
Main road:
The Hume Highway (National Highway 31) which runs between Melbourne and Sydney, about 50km north of Canberra city centre
Routes facts:
From Sydney:
Distance: 306km
Duration: 3-3.5 hours
Direction: Leave via the M5 tollway, switch to Hume Highwa to Goulburn, take the left exit onto the Federal Highway after Goulburn.
From Melbourne:
Distance: 651km
Duration: 6.5-8 hours
Direction: Leave via the City Link tollway to the western ring road, switch to Hume Highway to Yass, and take the right exit onto the Barton Highway (National Highway 25) after Yass.
What to be noted in Canberra
1. Time To Visit
Summer (December to February): lots of sunshine, lots of events and festivals and lots of visitors;
Autumn (March to May): pleasant weather and lovely scenery.
Winter (J...
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1. Time To Visit
Summer (December to February): lots of sunshine, lots of events and festivals and lots of visitors;
Autumn (March to May): pleasant weather and lovely scenery.
Winter (June to August): inclement weather condition, but crisp air and blue skies;
Spring (September to November): much wetter and windier, with the world-famous Floriade festival to brighten things up;
2. Safety
Australia¡¯s crime rates are not high by world standards, and Canberra enjoys one of the lowest crime rates in all of Australia.
Canberra does have its share of poverty, drugs and crime. But provided you exercise no more than the normal common sense about your baggage, handbags and money, it is unlikely that your own personal safety would become something of an issue in Canberra.
Extra care should be taken in major tourist areas, pubs or clubs, ublic toilets and parks, public transport vehicles and interchanges, especially off-the-beaten-track late at night. And under no circumstances should you hitchhike.
Special note: Australians drive on the right hand side of the road. Get used to that when you¡¯re driving or finding ways to dodge the oncoming traffic. Also take heed of encounters with kangaroos on the main roads. Always drive under the speed limit within the well-marked "high accident zone" areas, and try to slow down in a straight line (do not swerve) when you see one on the edge of the road.
3.Health
Given the country¡¯s high standard of the well monitored hygiene, drinking the water or eating fresh produce can pose no problem in the national capital.
Sunburn or sunstroke is actually the primary health hazard you have to worry ahout.
Australia has the highest incident of Melonoma Skin Cancer in the world, and overdoses of sun just slightly would burn your skin and could possibly lead to numerous sun related skin conditions.
Taken together the fact that the higher the altitude, the easier you get burned, sun protection measure are quite essential for a Canberra trip.
Even if you're not normally bothered by strong sun, you must pay special attention to the infamous extreme Aussie sun beams.
Do as the sun-smart Australians do, and cover up with a long-sleeve shirt, long pants, a hat and sunglasses and apply lots of sunsreen before you go out for enen just half an hour.
4. Useful Phone Numbers
Emergencies:
Police, Fire and Ambulance: 000
Police: +61 02 6256 7777
Ambulance: +61 02 6207 9980
Fire: +61 02 6207 8444
Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000
Trourists information:
Time: 1194;
Weather: 1196;
Directory Assistance: 0175;
Canberra Visitors' Center: +61 02 6205 0044,1800 100 660.