Although many think of Sydney if we talk about the capital of Australia, they are very confused, and it is that its capital is actually the city of Caberra. We agree that tourism is not so massive in this young capital, but we are also facing an interesting city in which there is a lot to explore.
Canberra is where the main institutions of the country, but it is also a lively city where there are many cultural manifestations and places of leisure in which to spend the day. And like all cities in Australia, it has a lot to offer in terms of natural settings as well.
Visit the House of Parliament
If you are one of those who want to enjoy all the details of the culture and politics of a country, you cannot miss a visit to the house of the Australian Parliament in Canberra. This modern building in the capital offers open sessions in which we can learn a little more about the country's democratic process. In addition to these open sessions that usually begin at 14.00:10.00 p.m., there are some free guides to see the entire building, since there are also some exhibitions and public galleries. If we are going to see the capital, it is essential to enjoy a session in Parliament. The guides are at 13.00:15.00, XNUMX:XNUMX and XNUMX:XNUMX.
Enjoy the alternative markets
The known Old Bus Depot Markets It is a market like there is in all cities, in its most alternative and modern area. After the institutional visits, we can enter a much more relaxed area, with a market where we can find everything from food stalls to bargains and clothes of all kinds. A fun visit, which can be done on Sundays from 10.00:14.00 to XNUMX:XNUMX. Without a doubt it is a very fun visit in which we can go shopping and acquire very interesting things, beyond the usual typical souvenirs.
Stroll through the art galleries
Sydney may be more touristy, but Canberra is definitely the place to be for art and culture lovers. In this capital it is possible to find many galleries, from the largest to the smaller ones that we can find in different parts of the city. One of the essential visits is to the National Gallery of Australia, where the most important collections of the whole country are. We will find some manifestations of Australian and indigenous art. For the rest, we can enjoy the findings of those small galleries where we can soak up the most modern and current art of the city.
Relax in the natural areas of Canberra
Australia is a country that is very close to its nature, and therefore has great natural spaces in which to enjoy. The National Arboretum It is a very interesting place, where we can find an information center on the forests of Australia, for nature lovers. There are up to 48.000 trees in this area, and there is also a restaurant, making it an ideal place to see other aspects of Canberra and take a break on the trip.
Do activities in the most emblematic lake of the city
El Burley Griffin Lake It is a lake that surprises because of how beautiful it is and because of its 35 kilometers of perimeter. But above all it attracts attention because it is an artificial lake in Canberra, where all kinds of water activities are carried out. It is another place of great beauty where you can spend the day, strolling along its shore, or kayaking or windsurfing in the lake.
Hiking on Mount Ainslie
As we say, in Australia they are closely linked to nature, and that is why we find very beautiful natural places close to the city. For those who cannot stand being on the asphalt too long, a walk on Mount Ainslie can be useful. The viewpoint of this mount It offers spectacular views of the city and some of the most emblematic places in it, such as the Australian War Memorial or the Parliament House. A good way to enjoy fresh air very close to the urban environment, and of course a little sport. The trails are well marked, and there are many that can be explored on foot or by bike.
Learn about the history of Australia
For those who cannot go through a city or a country without trying to know something of its history, there are places like the Australian War Memorial. It is a monument in which the history of Australian troops from colonial times to the present has been recorded. So this is an ideal place to enjoy for those who like to know about the history of the country.