Canberra
For a frequently updated listing of events and attractions is Canberra see:
Canberra Tourism
This Week In Canberra
Out in Canberra
This Week in Canberra Arts
Virtual Tour of Canberra
Also see here to search for accommodation on-line.
Introduction
Not only is Canberra the capital city of Australia, with many of this country's most important public buildings, art works and institutions, it's also a great place to start if you want to get an idea of the Aussie lifestyle.
Canberra is a unique place where city style meets the beauty of the Australian bush.
Canberra is a young and modern city with a population of 320,000. Today people of the world meet in Canberra - through the national Parliament, universities and a vibrant diplomatic community. Canberra is proudly the political and cultural hub of Australia.
The city offers so much more than politics - an eclectic mix of restaurants, wineries, shopping, entertainment, galleries, museums and world-class monuments and attractions - all within easy reach of accommodation.
History
Located on the ancient lands of the Ngunnawal Aboriginal people, the city's name is thought to mean 'meeting place', derived from the Aboriginal name Kamberra.
Canberra's special contrast of nature and urban living was planned to perfection in 1911 by Canberra's master designer, Walter Burley Griffin. He certainly had the tourist in mind when he designed Canberra, with most of the city's attractions within easy walking distance of one another, and a few no more than a 10 minute drive from the city centre.
It is sometimes called 'the bush capital' because pockets of bushland reserve extend almost to the city centre and over half our land is classified as national park or nature reserve.
Our national government sits here. The highest court of the land sits here. Many of the most important monuments in the country are here, and they're visited by millions of Australians (and quite a lot of people from other countries) every year.
Location
Canberra is located 150 kilometres inland, and 571 metres above the Pacific Ocean. Situated in the 2400 square kilometre Australian Capital Territory, the city is surrounded by national parks, bush and mountain ranges.
Population
322,000
Weather
Unlike most of Australia, Canberra has distinct seasons - summers are warm to hot; in autumn millions of trees turn gold to red; winters are crisp and cool with occasional frosty mornings clearing to blue skies; and in spring, Canberra comes alive with glorious floral blooms.
Season |
Average Min. |
Average Max. (degrees Celsius) |
|
Spring |
5 |
19 |
|
Summer |
12 |
27 |
|
Autumn |
7 |
20 |
|
Winter |
0 |
12 |
Privileges Card
Canberra's best loved card. Enjoy special savings of 20% - 50% at over 200 of Canberra's leading restaurants, leisure and entertainment venues. There is no limit to the amount you can save - use you card over and over again. For details go to:-
ACT Fact Sheet
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade publishes a fact sheet on Canberra www.dfat.gov.au/geo/fs/act.pdf
The ACT Government maintains a good website at www.act.gov.au and also at
www.canberraconnect.act.gov.au for access to government services.
 |
region
Location - Map
The ACT Government provides a no-charge location and mapping service at
http://www.gim.act.gov.au/website/actlocate
By entering a location, or a street address, a map is provided. You can zoom in or zoom out on the map.
Education
Click on the Education button at the top left of this page, or click here, for information on schools, universities and technical education in Canberra.
Parenting and child care
ACT Government website on parenting and care for your children. The website has sections on emergency fact sheets, parenting, schools as communities, community services and events, and further information. For information:
Caterers
There is a wide range of caterers in Canberra, for stylish catering, suitable for catering at your embassy or residence. Waiting staff are also available. These include:-
Blue Catering, Tessa Saltet, Tel 0412020413 tessasaltet@bigpond.com.au
Connoisseur Catering, Oliver Buecher Tel (02) 2651 7383 concat@bigpond.net.au www.connoisseur.com.au
Exclusive Catering, Larraine Shadforth Nicolls tel 6282 1437
mobile 0413 133 391 dandlnic@webone.com.au
Hyatt Catering - Hyatt Hotel Canberra, Noel Smith, tel 6269 8704, nsmith@hyatt.com.au, Website: www.canberra.park.hyatt.com
Sitting Ducks Catering, Vanessa Broadfoot Tel 0438 439 266 mail@sittingducks.com.au
Churches
See the Community Events Calendar http://www.gotoaco.com/act/
for a listing of churches and when they meet.
Sport
See the Community Events Calendar http://www.gotoaco.com/act/
for a listing of community sporting activities and when they meet.
Canberra is well knows for its outdoor sports. Many diplomats take advantage of the top quality facilities and inexpensive prices in Canberra to play golf and tennis. There are diplomatic groups organised for both sports. Click here for more details, or click on the Sports button on the top left of this page.
Water Restrictions
The ACT is currently under water restrictions due to drought. The use of sprinklers in the garden is restricted. For details see: www.actew.com.au/conservation/measures.aspx
ACT Government
ACT Government's Canberra Connect provides information about ACT Government, its agencies and activities in Canberra. Ph: 13 22 88 www.canberraconnect.act.gov.au
Justice of the Peace
Justice of the Peace are appointed by State/Territory Governments as being authorised to witness legal documents and certify copies of documents. A current list of JPs is available from: www.jcs.act.gov.au/eLibrary/jps/jplist.pdf
More information
Click on the appropriate button on the top left of this page for details on setting-up in Canberra, staff, medical, cars, attractions, strine, events, schools, etc.
Emergency Information
Click on the Emergency button at the top left of the page, or click here, for emergency information.
Click here to return to the Diplomats page.
We would appreciate your suggestions on other information you would like to see on this website. Please email us at mail@oakhill.com.au