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www.Arrivalguides.com THE city

DO & see

event highlights

EATING

CAFés

Bars & nightlife

shopping

Sleeping

essential INFORMATION

maps

Population 320,000 Opening hours

Canberra

Many shops are open seven days a week (except Christmas Day and Good Friday) between 9.00-17.30 although hours vary. On Friday night shops open until 21.00. Internet www.visitcanberra.com.au Publications Canberra Times The Australian Emergency numbers 000 Ambulance, Police or Fire ©

Tourist Office Canberra and Region Visitor Centre Address: 330 Northbourne Ave, Dickson Opening hours 9.00-17.30 weekdays, 9.00-16.00 weekends Tel: (02) 6205 0044; 1300 554 114 www.visitcanberra.com.au

WELCOME TO Canberra A planned city built on a vast limestone plain edged by rugged mountain ranges, Canberra is Australia’s national capital, seat of Federal parliament and home to many institutions and national monuments. Four distinct seasons add to its charm and visitors quickly discover that it really is Australia’s ‘hidden gem’. The surrounding countryside contains historic and picturesque rural villages and a burgeoning cool-climate wine industry.

THE city | do & see destination: Canberra THE CITY Home to some 320,000 people, Canberra is one of the world’s few planned cities, a city in a park with golden autumn leaves and glorious spring blooms. Surrounded by native bushland, Canberra is perfect for getting back to nature.

Following the Federation in 1901 Canberra was chosen as a site of the national capital. The initial design for Canberra was the work of Chicago architect Walter Burley Griffin with wide, tree-lined avenues and spacious open parklands. Many national institutions and monuments are located close to the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, the focal point of the city. The city enjoys four distinct seasons and visitors quickly discover what a ‘hidden gem’ the capital is. It is close to mountains and native bushland and is often referred to as ‘the bush capital’. Originally a public service town, the national capital is now also a major university and research centre with an emphasis on high technology industries. Over half the area of the ACT is a national park with a well-developed and maintained network of walking trails through mountain ranges and sub-alpine forest. A spectacular way to see the city is to take a hot air balloon ride high over Lake Burley Griffin. The surrounding region offers more than 30 wineries, historic townships, beautiful coastlines and the famous Snowy Mountains

DO & SEE National Library of Australia Established in 1960, the library was rebuilt in 1968, and inspired by the Parthenon. Australian copyright law requires that a copy of every book published in Australia be deposited with the National Library of Australia. Although the library is “closed access”, it also holds a national bibliographic database and offers access through the Libraries Australia service, as well as cataloguing in publication details as well has enables searching across digital images of Australia. Address: National Library of Australia, Canberra Price: Tours are every Thursday 12:30 p.m. and free. Meet in the foyer. Tel: (02) 6262 1111 www.nla.gov.au

New Parliament House Completed in 1988 in time for the bicentennial celebrations of the first settlement by the British in 1788 the futuristically designed building, the seat of Federal parliament, features the use of native timbers and contemporary art work by Australian artists. Address: Capital Hill Tel: (02) 6277 5399 www.aph.gov.au

Old Parliament House Built in 1927 it served as the seat of government until 1988 and now is open for tours through the chambers and corridors of power. The lovely Rose Gardens on either side of this national heritage site are a visual delight. Address: King George Terrace, Parkes Tel: (02) 6270 8222 www.oph.gov.au

National Museum of Australia Spectacularly sited on Acton Peninsula thrusting out into Lake Burley Griffin the museum explores Make your trip start at home | www.arrivalguide s.com w w w.arrivalguides.com

the events, issues and people that shaped the nation. Address: Lennox Crossing, Acton Peninsula Price: Free Tel: (02) 6208 5000 www.nma.gov.au

Australian War Memorial Serves both as a memorial to Australians who served their country and as a military museum. The building, roughly shaped like a Byzantine church, is a revered national shrine. Address: Anzac Parade, Campbell Price: Free guided tours Tel: (02) 6243 4211 www.awm.gov.au

National Gallery of Australia A comprehensive collection of Australian art including a superb collection of Aboriginal Art. The gallery also hosts special interest exhibitions from around the world. Address: Parkes Place, Parkes Price: Free Tel: (02) 6240 6502 www.nga.gov.au

Questacon - National Science and Technology Centre Interactive science facility that delights visitors young and old with its entertaining hands-on exhibits. Address: Enid Lyons St off King Edward Terrace, Parkes Price: $15.50 (adults), $9 (child) Tel: (02) 6270 2800 www.questacon.edu.au

Lake Burley Griffin Explore the lake either by walking or cycling the many pathways round the lakeshore or take a cruise on the lake.

eating destination: Canberra

Charcoal Grill Landmark Canberra restaurant has been serving delicious steaks for over 40 years. Address: 61 London Circuit, Canberra City Tel: (02) 6248 8015

Jusqtly Innovative menu encompassing breakfast, ‘snacks’ through the day and dishes with Australian and Asian influences at night. Excellent cheese board. Address: Flinders Way, Manuka. Tel: (02) 6232 6200

EATING Canberra features a large number of restaurants and cafés with a rich variety reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of the city. The main precincts for restaurants are in the city centre and the trendy suburbs of Manuka and Kingston; although excellent restaurants are located throughout the city including many with an Asian focus at Dickson, Canberra’s Chinatown. The Canberra region is the centre of a burgeoning wine region featuring high-quality cool climate varieties such as Chardonnay, Shiraz and Pinot.

Anise Award winning restaurant on Canberra’s West Row dining strip using the freshest local produce. Address: 20 West Row, Canberra City Tel: 2 6257 0700

Waters Edge Beautifully located restaurant on edge of Lake Burley Griffin, its menu features dishes with French and Australian influences. Address: Commonwealth Place, off Parkes Pl, Parkes. Tel: (02) 6273 5066

Courgette Creative combinations and a superb cellar of vintage Australian wines make this a popular choice. Address: 54 Marcus Clarke St, Canberra City Tel: (02) 6247 4042 www.courgette.com.au

Dijon Modern Australian cuisine with an Asian accent in intimate surroundings in the city centre. Address: 24 West Row, Canberra City. Tel: (02) 6230 6009 www.dijon.com.au

Chairman and Yip Innovative menu blending Asian and western flavours. Leave room for the delicious desserts. Address: 108 Bunda St, Canberra City Tel: (02) 6248 7109

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Mezzalira Pizzas from the wood-fired oven and a delicious range of pastas make this an ideal location for a casual meal at reasonable prices. Address: London Circuit, Canberra City. Tel: (02) 6230 0025.

Bernadette’s Gourmet vegetarian fare in a relaxed atmosphere. Gluten-free and vegan choices available. Address: Wakefield Gardens, Ainslie. Tel: (02) 6248 5018.

Cafés | bars & nightlife destination: Canberra

ICBM and Insomnia Two-in-one venue has a party lounge downstairs and rocks to the latest dance beats upstairs. Address: Northbourne Ave, Canberra City Tel: (02) 6248 0102.

Minque Plush surroundings at this party venue that rocks till late. Try the tapas menu until 22.00. Address: 17 Franklin St, Manuka. Tel: (02) 6295 8866. www.minque.com.au

Cube Canberra’s only gay nightclub, dance all night long and indulge in some hip cocktails. CAFÉS Tosolini Famous for its coffee and Italian specialties many using Mama Tosolini’s traditional recipes.

Silo Bakery A wonderful selection of breads and pastries and a walk-in cheese room with a terrific selection make this a pleasant stop.

Address: Bailey’s Corner, London Circuit, Canberra City. Tel: (02) 6247 4317

Address: 36 Giles Street, Kingston. Tel: (02) 6260 6060.

My Café Sit out on the pavement and watch the passing parade at this café, busy at all times of the day. Address: Furneaux Street, Manuka. Tel: (02) 6295 6632.

Bookplate Located inside the National Library it is the perfect spot for coffee and cake after touring the national institutions close by. Address: Parkes Place, Parkes Tel: (02) 6262 1154 www.bookplate.com.au

Caffe Della Piazza Italian dishes are a highlight at this casual eatery right in the centre of the city. Address: 19 Garema Place, Canberra City Tel: (02) 6248 9711.

BARS & NIGHTLIFE Canberra has a reputation of being a bit staid and conservative but underneath there is a strong party atmosphere especially among the younger inhabitants. A large university population helps to fuel a busy night scene.

Academy and Candy Bar Stylish nightspot drawing a young dance crowd; Candy Bar upstairs serves great cocktails in lounge-bar setting. Address: Centre Cinema Building, Bunda St, Canberra City., Tel: (02) 6257 3355.

Holy Grail Live bands and DJs help create a buzzing atmosphere at this popular inner city pub/restaurant. . Address: Bunda St, Canberra City. Tel: (02) 6257 9717 www.holygrail.com.au

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Address: 33 Petrie Plaza, Canberra City. Tel: (02) 6257 1110. www.cubenightclub.com.au

Casino Canberra 40 gaming tables with roulette, blackjack, poker and keno in a relaxed atmosphere. Two excellent bars. Address: 21 Binara St, Canberra City. Tel: (02) 6257 7074. www.casinocanberra.com.au

King O’Malley’s Irish Pub Wide selection of Australian and international beers accompanied by great pub food in a busy, noisy but convivial pub atmosphere. Address; 131 City Walk, Canberra City. Tel: (02) 6257 0111 www.kingomalleys.com.au

Tilley’s Devine Café Gallery Once a venue for women only it is a great place for all ages to meet and converse in a friendly, convivial atmosphere. Address: Wattle and Brigalow Sts, Lyneham. Tel: (02) 6249 1543. www.tilleys.com.au

Shopping | sleeping destination: Canberra SHOPPING Apart from the large Canberra Centre in the city centre, shopping is centred on large malls in the major suburban areas of Woden, Belconnen, Tuggeranong and Gungahlin. These malls contain a mix of department stores such as David Jones, Myer and Target; and smaller boutique chains such as Esprit, Table Eight and Your Habitat catering to all tastes.

For the art lover the city has numerous galleries and all the major institutions listed in the Do and See section have excellent shops with a range of classy souvenirs and other items. The Old Bus Depot Markets held each Sunday in the old Kingston bus depot are an institution in Canberra offering a wide selection of arts and crafts, and locally grown (often organic) produce. Buskers entertain the milling crowd. The new Brand Depot located close to the airport offers an extensive range of quality brand merchandise including clothing, footwear and home ware goods at huge discounts. A tour of the local wineries is a must do as many offer wine tastings and cellar door sales of their excellent cool-climate wines. SLEEPING EXCLUSIVE Hyatt Hotel Canberra 1924 National Heritage building beautifully restored in its original Art Deco style. Take the superb afternoon tea in the elegant Tea Lounge.

Rydges Capital Hill Elegant hotel with spacious, airy rooms located close to Parliament House. It offers all the comfort you would expect including health club and spa.

Hotel Heritage Located in quiet residential area but only minutes from many of Canberra’s attractions the hotel is a good budget option and especially suited for families.

Address: Canberra Ave, Forrest. Tel: (02) 6295 3144. Double room: from $180 www.rydges.com.au

Address: 203 Goyder St, Narrabundah Tel: (02) 6295 2944 Double room: from $135 www.domahotels.com.au

Crowne Plaza Canberra Well located on city centre this atrium-style hotel has rooms and facilities of a standard to suit the discerning traveller.

BASIC Canberra City YHA Ideally located in the heart of the city near the interstate bus terminal, it is popular with the younger traveller.

Address: 1 Binara St, Canberra City. Tel: (02) 6247 8999. Double room: from $170 www.crowneplazacanberra.com.au

Address: 7 Akuna St, Canberra City. Double room: from $75. Tel: (02) 6248 9155. www.yha.com.au

GOOD VALUE Novotel Canberra All the expected standards of this international chain are realised in this centrally located hotel. .

Olims Hotel An early Canberra landmark the National Trust listed hotel, built around a terraced courtyard, offers comfortable rooms in a pleasant location.

Address: 65 Northbourne Ave, Canberra City. Tel: (02) 6245 5000. Double room: from $160 www.accorhotels.com.au

Address: Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla. Tel: (02) 62731234. Double room: from $250 www.canberra.hyatt.com

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Address: cnr Ainslie and Limestone Aves, Braddon Tel: (02) 6248 5511 Double room: from $110. www.olimshotel.com

essential information destination: Canberra

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Airport Canberra International Airport is 7km east of the city centre. Actually there no direct flights to international destinations but there are direct connections to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. The Airliner shuttle bus operates from the airport to the city centre on weekdays. It costs $7 one way and $12 return; and the trip takes about ½ hour. Taxis are available at all times of the day from the front of the Terminal. An average fare to the city centre is $15. www.canberraairport.com.au

Bus Regular bus services operate from Canberra to Sydney about 3-3 ½ hours by dual carriage highway. The bus terminal is located in the Jolimont Centre, 61 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City. The two bus companies that operate services are Murray’s Australia (Tel: (02) 132 251, www.murrays.com.au) and Greyhound (Tel: (02) 131 499, www. greyhound.com.au).

Local transport The public transport system is the ACTION bus network that is adequate during the day but irregular in the evening. Day passes available for $6. Tel: (02) 131 710. www.action.act.gov.au

Post Post offices located throughout the city and suburban shopping centres. Stamps also available from newsagents. Main Post Office, Address: 53-73 Alinga St, Canberra City, Tel: (02) 131 318.

Bike Take the opportunity to bike on the many pathways throughout Canberra. Try Mr Spokes, Acton Ferry terminal, Acton Park on edge of Lake Burley Griffin. Tel: (02) 6257 1188.

Pharmacy Located in shopping areas throughout the city. Canberra Day and Night Chemist (Capital Chemist) 9.00-23.00. O’Connor Shopping Centre, Sargood St, O’Connor Tel: (02) 6248 7050.

Taxi You can phone for a taxi, hire one from a stand or flag one down in the street. Canberra Cabs. . Tel: (02) 132 227

Doctor Doctors located throughout city but office hours vary. Canberra Hospital has 24-hour emergency department. Address: Yamba Drive, Garran. Tel: (02) 6244 2222.

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Telephone Area code: 02

Map destination: Canberra

Barrine Drive

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West Basin

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Captain Cook Memorial Water Jet

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National Capital Exhibition

Lake Burley Griffin

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Spanish Civil War Memorial

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street index destination: Canberra

Adelaide Avenue Administration Place

A4 C3 D3

Constitution Avenue

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Mall Road W

C3

Coronation Drive B3

Mariner Place

A3

Moonah Place

A4 C4

Alexandrina Drive

A3

Darling Street

C4

Amaroo Street

D1

Flynn Drive B2 B3

National Circuit

Anzac Parade

D1

Flynn Place B2

Parkes Place B3 C2 C3 D3

Bachelors Lane

A1

Forster Crescent

Parkes Way

A3 B3

A1 B1

Barrine Drive B1 C1

Kaye Place B3

Parkes Way B1 C1

Blackall Street

Kaye Street B2 B3

Parkes Way

D1 D1

C4 D3 D4

Bowen Drive

D3 D4

King Edward Terrace

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Parkes Way

Bowen Place

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King George Terrace

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Parliament Drive

Brisbane Avenue

C4 D4

Kings Avenue Bridge

D3

Perth Avenue

Broughton Street

C4 D4

Kings Avenue

Capital Circle

A4 B4

Langton Cr B3

C4 D3

A4

Queen Victoria Terrace B3 C3 C4 Regatta Place

Commonwealth Avenue Bridge B2 Lawson Cr

A1

State Circle

Commonwealth Avenue B1 B2 B3 Lennox Crossing

A1

Windsor Walk

Commonwealth Place B1 C1

C4

Macquarie Street

A4 B4

C1 A4 B3 B4 C4

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