ak-extra/travel: Australia

Australia 1991

Canberra

Day 16, Monday 18th March 1991
Day 17, Tuesday 19th March 1991

To go from Sydney to Melbourne we rented a car. With that we set up this morning for Canberra. Though we had some time already to adjust us to left side driving as pedestrians actually driving turned out to be another challange. But somehow we managed it to end up without any tickets or accidents.

Canberra is the artificial capital of Australia. Its foundation was a compromise after a twenty years of fights between Sydney and Melbourne. It was laid down in constitution that the new capitol has to be situated in the centre between both cities. In 1908 an area in New South Wales has finally been choosen and declared to be the Australian Capital Territory (A.C.T.).

Canberra is an aboriginal word and means "meeting point". The city is properly situated on both sides of Lake Burley Griffin, which is also manmade.

Once more we stayed in a Flag-Motel. This time it is the Canberra Forest Motor Inn. A little bit hidden but very beautifully situated in the woods close to Capitol Hill.

After a short orientation we drove to the Telecom Tower. Just like everywhere else the radio tower is a perfect opportunity to get an overview of the city.

Canberra Forest Motor Inn

Canberra - Telecomunication tower

Telecomunication tower

Sight seeing in Canberra started with a lake-cruise, passing all distinctive sights. After watching the sights from the water the tour continues on solid ground. Just like in Sydney there is an Explorer bus in Canberra you just can hop on. Finally we visited the New Parliament, which was opened in 1988. A fascinating building with a very interesting architecture. Inside as well as outside.

More information about the parliament is available on the net.

Due to its artificial character Canberra is a very unique city. Some do like that city, some do not. To my opinion Canberra is an interesting city 'cause of its architecture. But it can't be overseen that there are no naturally grown structures. Nevertheless, those who will accept the city as it is will without any doubt discover its beauties.

More information about Canberra can be found on the Internet.

Flag over parliament

Canberra - New parliament building

New parliament

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