Canberra The territory occupied today by Canberra had a long history prior to 1913 as the homeland of the Ngunnawal people. Canberra is Aboriginal word for 'meeting place' – in original 'Kamberra' or 'Kambery'. Subsequent to Federation in 1901, the NSW Government commissioned a report suggesting possible place for the seat of Government for the new Commonwealth of Australia. The decision for the Canberra was made in 1908.The ACT was declared on 1 January 1911. It became a self-governing territory in 1989. The city design competition (1912) was won by an American architect  W. B. Griffin. Canberra has long since outgrown the original design, but it remains the only fully planned city in Australia. Old Parliament House opened in 1927 and served as the home of Federal Parliament until 1988.The Embassies of overseas countries are located in Canberra. Many are in architectural styles reflecting those of their land. Distances from Canberra to Sydney 306 km by road. 327 km by rail, 30 minutes by air. From Canberra to Melbourne 655 km by road, 842 km by rail, 50 minutes by air. Canberra does not have an international airport. Black Mountain rises to 812m and is topped by Telecom Telecommunications Tower. Other nearby mountains include Red Hill (722m), Mt Pleasant (665m) and Mt Ainslie (840m).   The origins and meanings  of Canberra’s suburb and street names - a snap shot of Australia’s history.  Goverment website - quite slow...   What to do in Canberra   Trips and Tours: Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve 40 minutes drive from Canberra, The Australian Alps, that surround Tidbinbilla had big importance to Aboriginal people. Birrigai Rock Shelter is the oldest Aboriginal site in the ACT region and dates back to at least 21,000 years ago. You can enjoy a scenic drive through Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve or ride a bike along the sealed road. Various bushwalks can be done which range from easy strolls to day trips. Electric and wood-fired barbecues are available free of charge.     Corin Forest Mountain Recreation Resort 45 minutes drive from Canberra, What is there - 1.2km long Bobsled Alpine Slide, 350 metre long recreational flying foxes, 110 metre long waterslide, snow play and tobogganing area, licensed café, picnic tables and BBQs.   Activities and Adventures:  Canberra off road cyclist CORC - mountain biking Launch the hot-air balloon - /also in Sydney and AU wide/. The flight lasts about 30-45 minutes on weekdays, 45-60 minutes on weekends and public holidays, Lake Burley Griffin Boat Hire Canberra Day Tours - list of attractions visited by the Explorer Bus: 1.The Australian War Memorial, 2.Questacon - The National Science and Technology Centre, 3. National Gallery of Australia., 4.High Court of Australia, 5. Old Parliament House, 6. Parliament House - Parliament of Australia, 7. National Museum of Australia, 8. National Capital Exhibition Centre, 9. National Film and Sound Archive - formerly Screensound Australia.   Canberra during the year: Canberra Sled Dog Classic /happening usually in august / is internationally recognised. Canberra Day is held on the third Monday in March each year, the culmination of a 10th day. Car races - The Rally of Canberra   Sightseeing and Attractions: 1. The Australian War Memorial 2. Questacon - The National Science and Technology Centre 3. National Gallery of Australia 4. High Court of Australia 5. Old Parliament House  6. Parliament House - Parliament of Australia  7. National Museum of Australia  8. National Capital Exhibition Centre  9. National Film and Sound Archive - formerly Screensound Australia.   What is for free in Canberra: There are free tours in Parliament House The Australian War Memorial - largest war museum in the world High Court of Australia - the Great Hall and the three courtrooms are accessible. Australian National Botanic Gardens Old Parliament House Rose Garden National Museum of Australia National Capital Exhibition and Lake Burley Griffin Floriade -  a 30-day floral festival in September.       Culture: Llewellyn Hall is Canberra's main concert hall   Exhibitions: ART around Canberra, information about daily arts and cultural activities   Galleries: Museums and Galleries AVT   Art Almanac NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA ANCA Gallery   ANU SCHOOL OF ART GALLERY and Foyer Gallery BEAVER GALLERIES CHAPMAN GALLERY CRAFT ACT Craft and Design Centre HELEN MAXWELL GALLERY IMPRESSIONS ON PAPER GALLERY SOLANDER GALLERY STEPHANIE BURNS FINE ART   Theatres : Canberra Theatre Centre     Canberra Repertory society The Street Theatre   What is going on now in Canberra: This week in Canberra   Spraci  Your Guide - Canberra  ART around Canberra, information about daily arts and cultural activities   Public transport in Canberra: Canberra’s bus service ACTION bus service The airport (domestic) is 7km southeast of the city centre.    Bus/Coach Operators Lever Coachlines, Queanbeyan Transborder Express Canberra to Yass, Goulburn & Thredbo Transport Innovations     Limo and luxury cars - Laughing Camel   Czech and Slovak community in Canberra More is coming shortly….   Are you moving to Canberra??? https://secure.liveinaustralia.com/home/default.asp ; http://www.wagenet.gov.au/WageNet/HomePage/HomePage.asp   Real Estates in Canberra Real Estate.com Mercor Corporation Pty Ltd - Email: ian@mercor.com.au BrocksView Estate  Email: brocksview@bigpond.com Independent Property Group - 222 City Walk, Canberra, ACT 2601; Email: sales@bhcons.com.au Hooker Corporate (Act) Pty Ltd, Hooker House, 16 Moore St, Canberra, ACT 2601 Raine & Horne Commercial (Act) Pty Ltd, 197 London Cct, Canberra, ACT 2601 Phone: (02) 6247 5511 Property Council of Australia, Level 1, 1 Hobart Pl, Canberra, ACT 2600; Phone: (02) 6248 6902   Services: Australian Convention and Travel Services Pty Ltd Management Consultants     Professional services: More is coming shortly….   Shopping: Belconnen Fresh Food Market , Lathlain Street, Belconnen   Gorman House Markets, open every Saturday from 10am - 4pm,   Schools and English Language Schools: University of Canberra The ANU School of Music -  part of  The Australian National University   Private schools: Bluegum School  Canberra Grammar School Canberra Girls Grammar School Marist College, St Edmund's College St. John Vianneys Primary School  Trinity Christian School    Clubs: The Greenroom is live music venue with great shows  - rock, pop, metal, blues, acoustic and  hip hop  Club Mombasa – night club Club CUBE - night club West Rugby Club     Bars: ICBM Bar Bar 32 Hippo Bar - this bar has incredible amount of awards… Pot Belly - live music venue All Bar Nun  - one of Canberra’s most popular bars   Restaurants and cafes: Courgette Restaurant - French-inspired Australian cuisine Auberginer Restaurant  - full A la' Carte menu and Chef Degustation, BYO, The Holy Grail City   - two venues - Civic and Kingston. Live music, Dj’s, karaoke Mezzalira On London - classy Italian cuisine, gourmet food   Pubs: The Wig & Pen - This traditional brewpub is winner of many Australian International Beer Awards   Sport Events: Australian 24hr Mountain Bike Race Canberra Marathon and Canberra 50km Ultra Marathon Rally of Canberra   Newspapers: Canberra Times   Canberra  weather: Weather report     Accommodation in Canberra All links are to original hotel website /only if it is quoted otherwise/ which will give you the best information. Please check them out. But you can get usually better deal by using specialized websites – /for booking see the discount websites at the bottom of the page...comming shortly/   5 Stars and 4.5 Stars Hotels Bentley Suites Rydges Capital Hill   Rydges Lakeside Hotel Chifley on Northbourne Medina Executive James Court Pacific International Apartments Capital Tower Kingston Hotel - "Kingston Court" and "Kingston Terrace" – serviced apartments - Ginninderry Homestead B&B's   Quality Inn Clifton Suites On Northbourne Canberra   4 Stars Hotels Saville Park Suites Griffin hotel Novotel Canberra Pinnacle Apartments Best Western Tall Trees Motel Best Western Golden Age Motor Inn / 10 min, drive from Canberra/ Best Western The Parklands Apartments Hotel Capital Executive Apartment Hotel Country Comfort Greenway Embassy Motel Garden City Motel Medina Classic Belconnen Premier Inn CanberraWide Apartments   3.5 and 3 Stars Hotels and Motels Best Western Motel Monaro Best Western Sundown Motel Resort Forrest Inn and Apartments Hotel Heritage Canberra Rex Hotel Brassey hotel Canberra   2 Stars Hotels and Motels Formule1 Resorts Rydges Eagle Hawk Resort Bed & breakfast Victor Lodge Miranda & Parkview Lodges        Backpackers  City Walk Hotel YHA   Caravan parks: Canberra Carotel Motel and Caravan Park - Eaglehawk Holiday Park - / not original home page / Crestview Tourist Park  Capital Country Holiday Village Canberra Motor Village Kunzea Street OConnor  ACT  2602 Phone: 02 6247 5466 Fax: 02 6249 6138   Camping in the ACT's Parks, Forests and Bushlands The Cotter Campground at Murrumbidgee River Corridor     Woods Reserve Recreation Area and Blue Range Recreation Area and Old Kowen Homestead Recreation Area etc – bookings at  http://www.bookings.act.gov.au/#ACT20Online20System   Useful links and information: ACT Government pages  - great information on everything Visit Canberra - great information NATIONAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL, FL 5 20 ALLARA ST, Canberra, ACT 2600, Phone: (02) 6289 9184   Add your information!!!!! 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