Canberra from Sydney

Written by Viator, July 2010

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For a complete change of pace from Australia’s largest city, head out on a day trip which will take you south through small towns, farmland and rugged forests before arriving in the nation’s capital: Canberra.

Few cities live as harmoniously with their natural surrounds as Canberra. Lawmakers, public servants, diplomats and the rest of the city’s 350,000-odd residents enjoy an enviable standard of living, going about their business amid the scent of eucalyptus trees and the laugh of the kookaburra. This handsome, likeable city was conceived in the early 20th century, and you can see the result of careful planning in the wide roads, serene waterways and stretches of undisturbed bushland.

Head up to the lookout on Mount Ainslie and you’ll see the city laid before you like a map. Running through the city like a backbone is the “parliamentary axis”, where you’ll find Parliament House, the highlight of any visit to Canberra. This modern building resembles an enormous spaceship half-submerged in a hillside. It’s the focal point of one of the world’s most mature and stable democracies, but its House of Representatives is known for its vigorous debates.

Many of the country’s great institutions grace the shores of picturesque Lake Burley Griffin, including the National Library, High Court, and the world-class art collection of the National Gallery. The audacious, modern exterior of the National Museum houses exhibits which detail Australia’s history from the first indigenous peoples to today’s prosperous, multicultural society. And in the lake itself, the Captain James Cook Memorial shoots a huge plume of water into the southern sky to celebrate the man who discovered the continent.

Other attractions include The Lodge (official residence of the Prime Minister), numerous embassies as well as the Australian War Memorial, which commemorates the enormous sacrifice made by Australian armed forces in world conflicts.

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Reply by Dnice, Australia, March 2012

Doing what: Canberra Day Trip from Sydney

its a long bus ride to Canberra from Sydney but our driver made it very enjoyable and interesting, well done Jules. The tour of Memorial was great but need more time to appreciate it. Enjoyed Parliament house tour and guides were very informative. Gallery was same as other galleries wonderiul pieces of art and some that looked like a 3 yr old did it.

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Reply by Anais M G, January 2012

Doing what: Canberra Day Trip from Sydney

The tour guide was wonderful. Canberra had so much to offter than I was expecting. The capital was just beautiful. The tour guides did a great job of explaining Australia's coming to story. This was a really sobering tour and I just loved it!

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Reply by Tiffanie, December 2011

Doing what: Canberra Day Trip from Sydney

This was by far a fantastic trip. I highly recommend to anyone who wants to take in breathtaking views. This tour included the War Memorial which is the best I've ever seen, the Canberra Art Museum, and of course ACT Parliament House.