Top 10 Landmarks of Canberra

The iconic Australian Parliament House opened in 1988 and is one of the most recognizable buildings in Australia. Designed by Mitchell/Giurgola & Thorp Architects, the building is partly buried into Capital Hill and features a distinctive 81-meter flagpole. Visitors can explore the public areas, watch Parliament in session from the galleries, and enjoy the impressive art collection displayed throughout the building. The rooftop lawn offers panoramic views of Canberra, and guided tours provide insights into Australia's democratic processes and parliamentary history. The building's design represents Australia's balance between its landscape, democratic values, and cultural heritage.

The Australian War Memorial is a deeply moving tribute to the sacrifice of Australians who served in wars. Established in 1941, this landmark combines a shrine, a world-class museum, and an extensive archive. The Commemorative Area includes the Pool of Reflection and the Roll of Honour, which lists the names of over 102,000 Australians who have given their lives in service. The museum houses an extensive collection of relics, artifacts, and exhibits that tell the story of Australia's military history. The Memorial's Byzantine-style dome and beautiful stained glass windows in the Hall of Memory create a solemn atmosphere for reflection. The daily Last Post Ceremony at 4:55 PM honors a different Australian who died in service by sharing their story.

Lake Burley Griffin is an artificial lake created in 1963 and named after Walter Burley Griffin, the American architect who designed Canberra. The lake divides the city into northern and southern halves and serves as a central recreational area. The 40-kilometer shoreline features cycling paths, parks, and gardens where locals and visitors can enjoy picnics, water sports, and leisurely walks. Iconic landmarks around the lake include the Captain Cook Memorial Jet, which can shoot water up to 147 meters high, and the National Carillon, a gift from the British government with 55 bronze bells. The lake hosts various events throughout the year, including the spectacular Enlighten Festival and the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, where hot air balloons float above the water at dawn.

The National Gallery of Australia houses Australia's national art collection and is a cultural treasure trove. Established in 1967 and opened to the public in its current building in 1982, the gallery contains over 166,000 works of art across four main areas: Australian art, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander art, Asian art, and international art. The gallery is known for its extraordinary collection of Indigenous Australian art, including bark paintings and contemporary works. The Sculpture Garden features works by internationally renowned artists set among native Australian plants. A highlight of the collection is Jackson Pollock's "Blue Poles," acquired controversially in 1973 and now considered one of the gallery's most valuable works. The architecture of the building itself, designed by Colin Madigan, is considered an important example of the late 20th-century brutalist style.

Standing tall on Black Mountain at 195 meters high, Telstra Tower is one of Canberra's most visible landmarks. Completed in 1980, the tower serves as both a functional telecommunications facility and a popular tourist attraction. The observation deck offers spectacular 360-degree views of Canberra and the surrounding countryside, making it the perfect place to get your bearings in the city. On clear days, visitors can see as far as the Brindabella Ranges. The tower features two viewing platforms (indoor and outdoor), a revolving restaurant, and exhibits detailing the history of telecommunications in Australia. Black Mountain itself is part of Canberra Nature Park and offers several walking trails through native bushland, adding to the appeal of visiting the tower. The tower is especially striking at night when it's illuminated against the dark sky.

The National Arboretum Canberra is a relatively new addition to the city, established after devastating bushfires in 2003. This 250-hectare site features 94 forests of rare, endangered, and symbolic trees from Australia and around the world. The award-winning Village Centre, with its distinctive curved wooden roof resembling flying wings, houses exhibitions, a restaurant, and information about the collections. One of the most popular attractions is the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection, showcasing miniature trees created by some of Australia's leading artists. Children love the Pod Playground, an innovative play space with acorn-shaped pods and banksia seed cone-inspired climbing structures. The Arboretum also features several important sculptures, including the "Wide Brown Land" sculpture that spells out Dorothea Mackellar's famous words from her poem "My Country" in cursive script.

Old Parliament House, now home to the Museum of Australian Democracy, served as Australia's Parliament from 1927 to 1988. This heritage-listed building is a fine example of stripped classical architecture and was originally intended to be a provisional parliament house for 50 years while a permanent building was constructed. The building witnessed many significant events in Australian political history, including the dismissal of the Whitlam Government in 1975. Today, visitors can explore the heritage chambers, including the House of Representatives and the Senate, as well as the Prime Minister's Suite and the Press Gallery. Interactive exhibitions engage visitors with Australia's democratic journey and political history. The beautiful rose gardens surrounding the building are also worth exploring, with the Senate Rose Garden on the eastern side and the House of Representatives Garden on the western side.

The National Museum of Australia tells the story of Australia's land, nation, and people through interactive exhibitions and compelling narratives. Opened in 2001, the museum's distinctive architecture was designed by architect Howard Raggatt and is full of symbolism. The building includes references to Australian themes, with some suggesting that its shape resembles a jigsaw puzzle, representing the bringing together of different Australian stories. The museum's collection includes over 210,000 objects that represent Australia's historical, cultural, Indigenous and environmental heritage. A highlight is the Garden of Australian Dreams, a symbolic landscape in the center of the museum that represents various aspects of Australian culture and geography. The Kspace interactive adventure allows children to design their own time-traveling robot and explore different periods of Australian history.

Questacon is Australia's leading science and technology center, designed to make science accessible and engaging for people of all ages. Opened in 1988, the center features over 200 interactive exhibits across eight galleries, allowing visitors to experience science in fun and exciting ways. Popular attractions include the six-meter free-fall slide that demonstrates the effects of gravity, and the Earthquake House, which simulates the experience of an earthquake. The center also offers live demonstrations, science shows, and workshops conducted by enthusiastic science communicators. Questacon's Mini Q area is specially designed for children under six, introducing them to scientific concepts through play. The center was founded by Professor Mike Gore and was modeled on the Exploratorium in San Francisco. Questacon's mission extends beyond its walls through traveling exhibitions and outreach programs that bring science education to remote and regional areas of Australia.

Mount Ainslie Lookout offers the most spectacular panoramic views of Canberra and is a must-visit for understanding the city's layout. Rising to 843 meters above sea level, the lookout is easily accessible by car or for the more adventurous, via a walking trail that begins behind the Australian War Memorial. From the top, visitors can appreciate Walter Burley Griffin's design vision for Canberra, with key landmarks aligned along the central land axis: the Australian War Memorial, Anzac Parade, Old Parliament House, and Parliament House. Information panels help identify the various landmarks visible from the lookout. The walking trail, known as the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk, is particularly beautiful in autumn when the surrounding trees display vibrant colors. Wildlife enthusiasts might spot kangaroos, wallabies, and various bird species in the nature reserve. The lookout is equally impressive at night when the city lights create a magical tableau below.