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Canberra, the capital of Australia, is in the southeast region of New South Wales. The planned community has museums and commemorative monuments centered on artificial lakes. Canberra has outdoor attractions with gardens and parks.

The Australian War Memorial is one of Australia’s most prestigious museums. It involves the military history of Australia from the Federation through contemporary times. Its displays include equipment, personal artifacts and souvenirs and skirmish dioramas. The museum has a café and places to picnic on the grounds. The Anzac Parade that joins the War Memorial contains commemorations to various wars and the veterans. The museum is in the area of the city north of Lake Burley Griffin. The hours are every day from 10 AM until 5 PM. The admission is free, and the visit could take from four to seven hours.

The Old Parliament House, which also includes the Museum of Australian Democracy, is on King George Terrace. This building was the center of Australian government from the 1920s until 1988. The Old Parliament gives history buffs a feel for the government of Australia during this time. It exhibits various rooms such as the office of the Prime Minister, the Cabinet room and others open to the public. The museum displays photos of Canberra’s history. The parking has no fee, but there is an entry cost. The museum is at King George Terrace.

The Australian National Botanic Gardens, at the foot of Black Mountain in Acton, is Australia’s largest compilation of Australia’s native plants. It has water dragons in the ponds. The gardens hold jazz concerts on summer evenings on the weekends. Many families attend, bringing picnics. The concerts are free, but parking fee helps to maintain the garden.

Namadgi National Park comprises a considerable part of the Australian Capital Territory as well as the north Australian Alps National Park. Activities at the park include hiking on the tracks of vistas of the Brindabella Ranges, riding mountain bikes, climbing rocks at Booroomba Rocks and driving through striking scenes on back roads. Orroral Valley and Honeysuckle Creek are past locations of tracking stations for the Apollo Moon Landings. The park is accessible through Tharwa and Naas Road.

Black Mountain Tower is on the top of Black Mountain. Visitors have a 360-degree vista of Canberra and the area around from a stand 60 meters high on the tower. The tower is worthy of a visit both during the day or night for views of the Parliament House and the cork tree plantation. In addition, the guests can dine in the restaurant that revolves around the tower and view the exhibit about the history of communication. The tower also has a viewing platform on two levels above the restaurant. The enclosed lower level includes a store with souvenirs and snacks while the upper level is open air.

Visitors have many possibilities for Canberra accommodation. Budget lodgings include Canberra City YHA or Victor Lodge. Among moderate Canberra accommodation are the Novotel Canberra Hotel and Rydges Eagle Hawk Resort. More upscale Canberra accommodation could be the Hotel Kurrajong and the Hyatt Hotel Canberra. Canberra also offers serviced apartments and bed and breakfasts.

Canberra has evolved from a political city to one that has culture and distinctiveness. It has become a tourist destination because of its history, museums and natural surroundings.