Home > Our Publications > Australian Outlook> 2005 > Septemeber

More to Canberra than politics

CANBERRA, the national capital of Australia, is a unique place where city style meets the beauty of the Australian bush, and Canberra offers plenty to do and see for everyone!

Just over three hours' drive from Sydney, or less than an hour's flight, it is also the seat of Australian Government.

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.

The city's pride for sport and recreation, coupled with an international reputation for the arts, theatre and culture, provides the best of both worlds.

The Australian War Memorial, National Museum of Australia, Parliament House, National Gallery of Australia, National Portrait Gallery at Old Parliament House and Commonwealth Place, Questacon - The National Science and Technology Centre and the Australian Institute of Sport, are just some of the national treasures to be discovered in Canberra.

For families, Canberra is an affordable, fun destination with many childfriendly attractions including Goid Creek Village, Cockington Green Gardens, the Australian Reptile Centre, Bird Walk walk-in aviary and the National Dinosaur Museum.

Canberra boasts an array of festivals and events including FloriadeÑ Australia's Celebration of Spring, Subaru Rally of Canberra, the National Multicultural Festival, National Folk Festival, Taste and the Canberra Balloon Fiesta.

A wealth of attractions and hidden surprises will make a visit to Canberra an unforgettable experience.

Canberra is a great place to get your adrenalin pumping!

For thrill seekers, it is one of the best paragliding locations in Australia. No matter what your level of skill is, the Australian Paragliding Centre in Murrumbateman offers paragliding for all visitors to Canberra.

Soar high over the scenic foothills of the Brindabella Ranges. What a buzz! The centre offers tandem glides, or you can take part in a one day course and fly solo.

For a faster pace, skydive with Jump Australia! Canberra is the ideal Australian city for first-time skydivers, and after a short training session at Canberra International Airport, you're ready to tandem jump with an experienced instructor who will take you on the most adrenalin packed adventure of your life.

Canberra skydivers are rewarded with a variety of spectacular views all year round, it's like nothing on earth!

There are several adventure activities you can do with R.E.A.L Fun, all will gel your heart racing! Abseil at Ginninderra Falls or enjoy the exhilaration of speeding down a track on a mountain bike through the ACT bush. R.E.A.L Fun also offer the latest whitewater activity Bass River surfing and sports rafting.

All the excitement of paddling whitewater is brought to you in specially designed kayaks and sports rafts. You can also enjoy the thrill of whitewater rafting on the Shoalhaven River on a one day whitewater rafting adventure.

Capital Adventure Training (CAT) can help you test your skills with outdoor adventure activities that include abseiling, caving and canyoning. Abseil into a limestone cave and climb the endless maze underground. All adventures with CAT cater for beginner to advanced at all physical fitness levels. CAT provides professional instructors and all transport and equipment needed.

For a slower paced adventure, see the capital's attractions with one of severa adventure tours. Rise early, rug up and drift peacefully over the city in a hot air balloon. Fly with one of two local balloon flight operators, Balloon Aloff or Dawn Driffers - Canberra is the only place in the world you can drift directly over a Parliament House.

See a different kind of Canberra on the back of a chauffeur driven Harley Davidson, with Fun Motorcycle Tours. Feel the wind in your hair as you roar around the capital, taking in many of the major attractions at a distance. Different tours are available ranging from just 30 minutes to a full day tour to the coast or snowy mountains.

* To find out more about the nation's capital go to www.visitcanberra.com.au