Parliament House, in Canberra

Canberra is the capital city of Australia in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). 

Canberra is located on the east coast of Australia, 286 km south west of Sydney, and has a population of 325,000 people

Early in the twentieth century, there was a dispute over whether Sydney or Melbourne (the two largest cities in Australia) should become the nation’s capital. A compromise was reached: that the nation’s capital would be in NSW, no closer than 160km to Sydney, and that Melbourne would be the temporary capital while the city was being built. In 1908, Canberra was selected as Australia’s capital city.

Following an international competition for its design, construction began in Canberra in 1913. Canberra is home to many government departments and agencies, as well as many social and cultural centres. It is unique as it is an entirely purpose-built and planned city. 

Sites in Canberra

There are many places to visit in Canberra, including:

• Parliament House and Old Parliament House – the heart of Australia’s government and politics
• The Australian War Memorial – which has exhibits, equipment and memorabilia of Australia’s military history
• Questacon – an interactive science and technology centre
• Australian Institute of Sport – the education and training centre for many of Australia’s top athletes, including several Olympians

More information on Canberra can be found at www.visitcanberra.com.au

Days in the Diocese

Canberra is hosting the Days in the Diocese Festival from 9 to 14 July 2008. For all the details, head to www.wydincanberra.org

Image courtesy of Richard Gifford (Creative Commons License), Flickr.