An Interesting Beginning
If Sydney and Melbourne had not come to an agreement, the Australian Capital Territory, ACT for short would not exist today. During the discussion about whether Sydney or Melbourne should be capital of Australia- nothing could be agreed. The motto is: “when two argue with each other, then the third rejoices” – so another city should be the capital. The problem was: which one? After long discussions it was decided that a new city be built. Then, there was a competition for planning permission to build in the city- Walter Burley Griffin won. The result of the building project was Canberra. Canberra is a really magnificent and precisely built city and you can easily get round it in your car hire. Today, Canberra is the capital of the region- Australian Capital Territory as well as the whole of Australia. During this time there have been 300,000 people that have set up residence in this city.
A Spectacular Mosaic
Some of the tourist attractions in Canberra should not be missed out on are: The Parliament House is definitely worth a visit that can be easily reached in your car hire in Canberra. A huge mosaic on the courtyard called “Possum Wallaby Dreaming” that was based on the leading aboriginal artist Michael Tjakamarra Nelson can be seen just by the entrance of the building. This mosaic was made with around 90,000 handmade granite pieces which were then laid by 3 crafts people.
Learn About the History of Australians
Travel a little further a field in your car hire and you can visit an extra-ordinary and exciting museum, the “National Museum of Australia”. You will be taken through the history and the life of the Australians with jokes, creativity and exceptional architecture.
A more serious theme is dealt with in the “War Memorial Museum”. The museum explains the role of the Australians in conflicts of war with films, photos and artefacts. You will find a sensational collection of airplanes in the “Anzac Hall” and the “Aircraft Hall”.
Explore Various Trails and Nature Parks
However, the Australian Capital Territory has much more to offer- something that is in fact located not that far away from Canberra is the Namadgi National Park where there are hiking trails for all levels of experience. In this park you can watch amazing birds and fish. In the “Namadgi Visitors Centre” you can get information about the hiking trails and the paintings of the Aborigines. 45km (28 miles) south west of the capital is the “Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve” – what is worth seeing there is the “Hanging Rock Trail”, the “Church Rock Heritage Loop” and a pool in the “Upper Gorge Pool”. Both of these National Parks can be reached in your car hire in Canberra.
In both of these parks you can get a good idea of the original natural environment and the vegetation in this area. Through intensive agriculture many of these plants have been cut back. The plant that is resistant against most influences is the eucalyptus. This plant is ideal for living in the natural conditions of Australia. The eucalyptus even defies the annual bush fires. When roaming about in the Australian countryside you can often find black, charred tree trunks- a sign of the last bush fire.
From Your Rental Car to a Rental Bike
If you want to be near the water- you should go for a pleasant bike ride around the “Lake Burley Griffin”. Around the lake is about 35km (22 miles) altogether with a beautiful view- ideal for a bike ride. You could make the ride even better by stopping off to visit some of the sights. You could take a trip to the “Canberra Bicycle Museum” or to the “National Aquarium” with its sea-life and Australian mammals. Cyclists can hire a bike to cycle round more of the different places in the city.
The 843m high Mount Ainslie offers a good view of the city. Part of the way to this Lookout Point can be reached in your car hire. For the rest of the way you will have to go on foot, but it’s worth it! Promise!
