Canberra, the Australian capital, is located in the Australian Capital Territory halfway between Sydney and Melbourne. As both these cities could not reach a decision regarding who would hold the title, the Australian Capital Territory was created. An American architect, Mr Walter Burley Griffin was chosen to plan the city.
The first parliament sitting was in 1927.

Australian Capital Territory - Overview and Highlights

• Canberra - the capital of Australia
  
  
• Climate table - Canberra

The Old Parliament House was home of the Australian Parliament from 1927 until 1988. Visitors are welcome here and at the New Parliament House where you’ll find one of the four original Magna Cartas. Sittings of the House of Representatives and the Senate are open to the public. Although the majority of these seats are reserved beforehand and on the day of the sitting is only a small number of seats available.

The Australian War Memorial is home to an amazing collection of pictures as well as a fine collection of old aircraft. The National Gallery of Australia houses an excellent collection of traditional Aboriginal art, which is often completed by temporary exhibitions of various indigenous communities. Additionally, you can have a look at paintings, sculptures, photographs, ceramics and furniture from the early decades of the European settlement in the 19th century. The National Library has more than 4.5 million books and displays rare prints, paintings, early manuscripts, maps and special exhibitions.

The Questaton – National Science & Technology Centre is a museum where the visitor can try scientific experiments and obtain additional theoretical explanations from specialists.

For a pleasant change to the outdoors, take a walk through the National Botanical Gardens, rich in Australian flora or a stroll around Lake Burley Griffin, the centre of the city.

Please note, that the following chart shows average temperatures.