| Surrounded on all sides by rural townships and
bush landscape, Canberra - "The Bush Capital" - is essentially a
small city, but her districts can be worlds apart. The vision for a garden
city continues to influence Canberra's development with over half her area
still reserved for parkland. From historical to cosmopolitan, each of her
districts are distinctly different, but all are neighboured by areas of
great natural beauty.
City Centre
With some of the best known Australian landmarks and buildings -
Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, the National Gallery of
Australia and Telstra Tower - you cannot forget that you are in the
nation's capital. In the bush-landscaped centre of the city, the Canberra
Centre forms the busy shopping hub, surrounded by evidence of the Sydney
and Melbourne influence in the beautiful historic buildings that date back
to the establishment of the city. More recently, looming inner city
apartment and business buildings have popped up in abundance, giving the
city a 'past to present' feel that makes it difficult to slot Canberra
into any one category.
A picturesque landmark of the city is the historic Merry Go Round,
which offers entertainment to the children as well as an interesting
perspective of Canberra's history and beauty for adults. Most of the city
centre is connected by pavements, and a day can easily go by as you wander
around enjoying the specialty shops and sidewalk cafes that give the city
her cosmopolitan feel.
South Canberra
Only a ten minute drive from the city centre, Manuka has long been
regarded as the Mediterranean flavour of Canberra with a vast population
of sidewalk cafes. Paved and beautifully landscaped, the shopping district
has a relaxed feel and the interlinked arcades and shopping boulevards
host a multitude of boutique stores.
In the next suburb, Kingston is making its mark as another stylish
centre. Cafes and restaurants in every cuisine imaginable vie for space on
the sidewalks and in the courtyard, Green Square. Boutique stores and
antique centres are set in a landscape of picturesque apartment buildings.
Gold Creek Village
With the growth of the Gungahlin residential areas nearby, Gold Creek
Village has expanded over the years to become a mecca of specialty stores
and souvenir shops. But draw cards to the area are the major attractions
such as the National Dinosaur Museum, Cockington Green and wildlife
centres The Bird Walk and The Australian Reptile Centre.
Belconnen, Tuggeranong and Woden Town Centres
Originally large shopping malls for the residential regions, these
districts have in recent years slowly built a reputation for their
nightlife. Cafes, bars and restaurants are settling in beside popular live
music venues and it is now no longer necessary for residents of these
areas to venture into the city to get some entertainment. Each district's
centre offers a different type of live entertainment and eateries.
Belconnen is host to Turkish and Indian restaurants, as well as taverns
with Australian bands. Woden is now becoming the jazz and blues hub, and
Tuggeranong is welcoming the Irish pub scene.
These areas are also very close to many of the city's outdoor
attractions: Ginninderra Falls is a short drive from Belconnen, Mt Stromlo
Observatory and the Cotter Reserve are only a fifteen minute drive from
Woden, and Tuggeranong is the gateway to the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.
Tharwa
This beautiful historic rural village is on the way to the Namadgi
National Park, and is home to Australia's oldest bridge. Enjoy a picnic at
the Tharwa Bridge Reserve, or take time to peruse the Cuppacumbalong Craft
Centre during your rural outing.
Queanbeyan
Settled before Canberra, Queanbeyan, is a typical inland Australian 'city'
with a township built around the main street, a welcome lack of high-rises
and one shopping mall. While only 15 minutes drive from Canberra's city
centre, it can feel like a world apart. Queanbeyan is home to the Molonglo
Gorge and the magnificent Googong Dam, which is both an amazing
engineering feat and a pleasant spot for a picnic, fishing or bushwalking.
Bungendore
Bungendore is Canberra's historical region. This small rural
colonial-style village established in 1880 is now a thriving tourist
attraction. Art, craft, and antique stores are great for shopping or just
browsing. The Bungendore Wood Works is a must. The beautiful Carrington
Hotel in the centre of the village also serves as restaurant and function
centre, and even has its own resident ghost.
Captains Flat
Originally a booming mining town, Captains Flat is now a great place for
an afternoon drive, being only 45 minutes from the city centre. Tipped to
become one of the city's next big tourist venues - as Bungendore is today
- it is still a sleepy township that seems miles from anywhere. Enjoy a
peacful picnic in the park, a bushwalk or a lazy lunch at the pub while
you can.
Murrumbateman
Another rural village centre, Murrumbateman is an ideal stopping point
between Canberra and Yass, and is home to many of the region's noted
wineries, such as Clonkilla Wines and Doonkuna Estate, and makes a great
outing for wine lovers. Antique stores are also plentiful here.
Plentiful everywhere in Canberra's districts are surprises. Take time
to get out and explore, and you will be take away fond memories of the
bush capital. |