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The Australian Capital Territory. History & Basic Facts. In 1901 there was great debate between Melbourne & Sydney as to which city would eventually become the capital of Australia.
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History & Basic Facts • In 1901 there was great debate between Melbourne & Sydney as to which city would eventually become the capital of Australia. • It was decided in 1908 to build a city in between the two, which was designed by Walter Burley Griffin & later named ‘Canberra’. • The population of Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is a little over 300,000. • The total area of the territory is a fraction over 2,400 square kilometres, which is tiny in comparison with other Australian states & territories. • 40% of ACT is made up of the Namadgi National Park. There are plenty of walking trails around Canberra, and some beautiful barbecue areas where you can stop along your journey. • The Murrumbridge River runs from south east to north west and offers some great swimming spots. These include the Black Mountain, Casuarina Sands, Cotter Dam, Gibraltar Falls, Kambah Pool Reserve, Point Hill Crossing, Pine Island and Uriarra Crossing.
Lake Burley Griffin • Lake Burley Griffin is named after Canberra’s designer Walter Burley Griffin. • It was built in 1963 after the Lake Molonglo River was dammed. • People are able to hire boats, bikes & skates from Acton Park Ferry Terminal to the north of the lake. • There is also a Skeleton Globe at Regatta Point which marks Captain Cook’s three great voyages. • The National Capital Exhibition at Regatta Point provides lots of extra information about the history & development of Canberra. • You’ll also find Blundell’s Cottage, which was built in 1860, before Canberra, or even Australia existed. It gives lots of information about early farming & life on the Limestone Plains in the 19th century. • You will also have the opportunity to visit the National Carillon at King’s Park, a large bell tower given to Australia by the British Government in 1970 to celebrate 50 years of Canberra. • Tours of the area are held throughout the year every Saturday at 11.30am. Tours are also held on Tuesday & Thursday in Spring, Summer & Autumn at 12.30pm.
Australian War Memorial • The Australian War Memorial was opened in 1941 and looks down over Canberra & Parliament House. • Standing at the top of Anzac Parade, the War Memorial is home to a large collection of pictures, media & information about the War, personal & public records and much, much more! • The War houses a number of documents & details stretching across several Wars/armed conflicts which Australia has participated in across the Globe., including WW1, WW2, Korean War, South African War, Gulf War & many more. • The Memorial hosts a range of activities, a vast collection of information & pays tribute to over 100 000 men & women who died serving there country both here & overseas. Its aim is to raise awareness in all Australians & remember the people who died for the lives we live today. • Every year the War Memorial hosts Anzac Day & Remembrance Day, commemorations that draw hundreds of people, young & old. These commemorations are key to honouring the sacrifices made by the Australians who died at War.
Australian Capital Territory Map of Canberra – Australian Capital Territory
Floriade This is the nation’s biggest flower festival set in Commonwealth Park, Canberra and depicts the beauty of Spring. Held every year from September 12 – October 11 you can enjoy more than 1 million blooms; express facials & luxurious hand treatments; daily live entertainment, including street performers, visual theatre & dance; the new giant Ferris wheel; the Patting Paddock and educational demonstrations. Also look out for interesting garden bed designs such as clouds, ocean waves, a giant chess board & an eye. The name ‘Floriade’ comes from the Latin word ‘floriat’, which means to design flowers.
