If there are many ways to skin an onion, there are of course plenty of ways to enjoy Canberra, the capital of Australia. From well-kept kangaroo parks and aboriginal art to master-planned communities and educational trips, the attractions of Canberra make it a truly multipurpose destination.
Built in 1913 by American architect Walter Burley Griffin on the shores of an artificial lake named after him, Canberra was first a cushion of politicians and public servants until the 20th century building spree turned the city into a tourist hotspot.
Historical and political enclaves like the Australian War Memorial and the Old Parliament House are outfitted with memorabilia and dioramas that remind one of the Australia of the past. Visitors, too, can create their own coin memorabilia from the Royal Australian Mint, which demonstrates how Australian Dollars are made. For those more interested in history with a bit of good architecture, the Parliament House, National Library, Black Mountain Tower, and the historic cottages of Blundell's and Lanyon are the places to see.
Science fanatics may find comfort in the interactive geology and physics exhibits of Questacon. The Mount Stromlo Observatory offers plenty of opportunities to gaze at the stars, while the Honey Suckle Creek strikes us as the place where Apollo 11 landing signals were received.
Art fans might have a ball with the country's largest art colonnade, the National Gallery containing vast collections of modern and aboriginal paintings and sculptures from Australia and from the rest of the world. The National Portrait Gallery is a fine place to study portraits and different art forms.
Thrill-seekers may get what they're looking for at the Australian Institute of Sport, with athlete-run training areas, strategy lessons, and interactive sites for trying different sports. While mountain biking across Canberra is one of the top things to do, Lake Burley Griffin offers a lot of enthralling activities like boating, skating, cycling, and hobbie cat cruising. Bobsled ride in summer and snow play and tobogganing in winter are the best in Corin Forest.
Of course, what is a trip to Canberra without a wave at the kangaroos? The Government House and Campbell Park have mobs of these fuzzy hoppers with joeys in their pouches. The Australian National Botanical Gardens has Australia's largest native plant collection, while spring time the Floriade Festival floods the streets with thousands of tulips.
