Destination guides > Australia > Australian Capital Territory > Canberra
Canberra
Canberra is a modern city – there is no old quarter and few restored buildings. The city was designed by Chicago architect Walter Burley Griffin, who submitted the design without visiting the site. Burley Griffin planned that his creation should blend with nature rather than imposing itself on the landscape.
Canberra is often overlooked by many backpackers, bypassing the capital in favour of more exciting destinations. Although the city doesn’t have much charm or atmosphere, there are a lot of things to see.
In 1988, Canberra’s main landmark – Parliament House – opened, replacing an earlier building dating from 1927. Other attractions include the Australian War Memorial, the High Court, National Gallery of Australia, Old Parliament House and the new National Museum of Australia.
Practical information
INFORMATION CENTRES & USEFUL ADDRESSES
Canberra Tourism
330 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra
Bus 30, 31, 32, 39, 50, 80
Tel (02) 6205 0044 or 1300 554 114
Website www.visitcanberra.com.au
Open Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm, Sat-Sun 9am-4pm
American Express
Shop 1, Centrepoint, 185 City Walk, Canberra
Bus All buses
Tel (02) 6247 2333
Website www.americanexpress.com
Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-noon
EMBASSIES, CONSULATES & HIGH COMMISSIONS
British High Commission
Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
Bus 29, 31, 32
Tel (02) 6270 6666
Website www.britaus.net
Open Mon-Fri 8.45am-5pm
Canadian High Commission
Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumba, ACT 2600
Bus 29, 31, 32
Tel (02) 6270 4000
Website http://geo.international.gc.ca/asia/australia/
Open Mon-Fri 8.30am-12.30pm & 1pm-4.30pm
Irish Embassy
20 Arkana Street, Yarralumba
Bus 29, 31, 32
Tel (02) 6273 3022
Open Mon-Fri 9.30am-12.45pm & 2pm-4pm
New Zealand High Commission
Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumba
Bus 29, 31, 32
Tel (02) 6270 4211
Website www.nzembassy.com
Open Mon-Fri 8.45am-5pm
South African Embassy
Corner Rhodes Place & State Circle, Yarralumba
Bus 29, 31, 32
Tel (02) 6273 2424
Website www.sahc.org.au
Open Mon-Fri 8.30am-1pm & 1.45pm-5pm
USA Embassy
1 Moonah Place, Yarralumba
Bus 29, 31, 32
Tel (02) 6214 5600
Website http://canberra.usembassy.gov/
Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
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