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Surrounded on all sides by rural townships and a landscape of native bush, Canberra—"The Bush Capital"—is essentially a small city, but its districts can be worlds apart. The vision for a garden city continues to influence Canberra's development with over half its area still reserved for parkland. From historical to cosmopolitan, each of the districts is distinctly different, but all are neighboured by areas of great natural beauty.

City Centre

With some of the best-known landmarks and buildings in Australia - New Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, the National Gallery of Australia and Telstra Tower - you cannot forget that you are in the nation's capital. Beautiful, historic buildings surround the leafy, landscaped centre of the city, while the Canberra Centre forms a busy shopping hub. Much of the older architecture dates back to the establishment of the city and provides clear evidence of the early influences of Sydney and Melbourne. More recently, looming inner city apartment and office buildings have popped up in abundance, giving the city a "past to present" feel that makes it difficult to slot Canberra into any one category.

The city's historic Merry Go Round is picturesque landmark which entertains the children and offers an interesting perspective of Canberra's history for adults. Walkways connect most parts of the city centre, and a day can easily go by as you wander around enjoying the specialty shops and pavement cafes that give the city a real cosmopolitan feel.

South Canberra

Only 10 minutes drive from the city centre and with a vast population of pavement cafes, Manuka lends a real Mediterranean flavour to Canberra. Paved and beautifully landscaped, the shopping district has a relaxed feel and the interlinked arcades and shopping boulevards host a multitude of boutique stores.

In the adjoining suburb, Kingston is making its mark as another stylish centre. Cafes and restaurants serving every cuisine imaginable vie for space on the pavements and in the courtyard, Green Square. Boutique stores and antique centres are set in a landscape of picturesque apartment buildings.

Gold Creek Village

With the growth of the Gungahlin residential areas nearby, Gold Creek Village has expanded over the years to become a Mecca of specialty stores and souvenir shops. However, the real draw cards to the area are its major attractions, such as the National Dinosaur Museum, charming Cockington Green and wildlife centres, the Bird Walk and the Australian Reptile Centre.

Belconnen, Tuggeranong and Woden Town Centres

Originally large shopping malls for the residential regions, these districts have, in recent years, built a reputation for their nightlife. Cafes, bars and restaurants are settling in beside popular live music venues, so local residents no longer have to venture into the city for their entertainment. The centre of each district offers a different type of live entertainment and choice of restaurants. Belconnen plays host to Turkish and Indian restaurants, as well as taverns with Australian bands. Woden is becoming the jazz and blues hub, while Tuggeranong welcomes the Irish pub scene.

These areas are very close to many of the city's outdoor attractions: Ginninderra Falls is a short drive from Belconnen, while Mt Stromlo Observatory and the Cotter Reserve are only 15 minutes drive from Woden. Tuggeranong is the gateway to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.

Tharwa

This beautiful, historic rural village is on the way to Namadgi National Park and is home to Australia's oldest bridge. Enjoy a picnic at the Tharwa Bridge Reserve or take time to peruse the Cuppacumbalong Craft Centre during your rural outing.

Queanbeyan

Settled before Canberra, Queanbeyan is a typical inland Australian "city" with a township built around the main street, a welcome lack of high-rises and one shopping mall. Although only 15 minutes drive from Canberra's city centre, Queanbeyan can feel like a world apart. The city is close to Molonglo Gorge and the magnificent Googong Dam—which is both an amazing engineering feat and a pleasant spot for a picnic, fishing or bushwalking.

Bungendore

Rural Bungendore is Canberra's historical region. This small, colonial-style village established in 1880 is now a thriving tourist attraction. Art, craft, and antique stores are great for shopping or just browsing. And the Bungendore Wood Works is a must. The beautiful Carrington Hotel in the centre of the village serves as restaurant and function centre, and even has a resident ghost!

Captains Flat

Originally a booming mining town, Captains Flat is now a great place for an afternoon drive—being only 45 minutes from the city centre. Tipped to become one of the city's next big tourist venues, Captains Flat is still a sleepy township that seems miles from anywhere. Enjoy a peaceful picnic in the park, a bushwalk or a lazy lunch at the pub while you can.

Murrumbateman

Another rural village centre, Murrumbateman is an ideal stopping off point between Canberra and Yass. Home to many of the region's noted wineries, such as Clonkilla Wines and Doonkuna Estate, Murrumbateman makes a great destination for wine lovers. Antique stores are also plentiful here.

Surprises are abundant everywhere in Canberra's districts. Take time to get out and explore, and you are sure to take away fond memories of the bush capital.







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Belconnen


Canberra
Australia
Originally large shopping malls for the residential regions, these districts have, in recent years, built a reputation for their nightlife. Cafes, bars and restaurants are settling in beside popular live music venues, so local residents no longer have to venture into the city for their entertainment. The centre of each district offers a different type of live entertainment and choice of restaurants. Belconnen plays host to Turkish and Indian restaurants, as well as taverns with Australian bands.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Belconnen photo by vighi
Photo: vighi
Belconnen photo by nat mcmillan
Photo: nat mcmillan
Belconnen photo by Jonathon Evans
Photo: Jonathon Evans
 

 
City


Canberra
Australia
With some of the best-known landmarks and buildings in AustraliaNew Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, the National Gallery of Australia and Telstra Toweryou cannot forget that you are in the nation's capital. Beautiful, historic buildings surround the leafy, landscaped centre of the city, while the Canberra Centre forms a busy shopping hub. Much of the older architecture dates back to the establishment of the city and provides clear evidence of the early influences of Sydney and Melbourne. More recently, looming inner city apartment and office buildings have popped up in abundance, giving the city a "past to present" feel that makes it difficult to slot Canberra into any one category.

The city's historic Merry Go Round is picturesque landmark which entertains the children and offers an interesting perspective of Canberra's history for adults. Walkways connect most parts of the city centre, and a day can easily go by as you wander around enjoying the specialty shops and pavement cafes that give the city a real cosmopolitan feel.

Review © 2007, Wcities
City photo by scott campbell
Photo: scott campbell
City photo by gbatiz
Photo: gbatiz
City photo by bakhtiar bukari
Photo: bakhtiar bukari
City photo by scott campbell
Photo: scott campbell
 

 
Fyshwick


Canberra
Australia
Fyshwick is a largely industrial area to the east of Canberra. It has a number of wholesale and car stores and some fast food. It is also one of the only two districts in the area where prostitution is legal, so it has a large adult entertainment industry. The first buildings and streets of Fyshwick were constructed for a prisoner of war camp during World War I, but no prisoners were ever brought there, and the area began being used for light industrial work, its prime purpose to date.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Fyshwick photo by Dean
Photo: Dean
 

 
Inner South


Canberra
Australia
Inner South, or just South Canberra, is one of the oldest parts of the city. The entire town was originally constructed according to Walter Burley Griffin's city plan, based largely on an abundance of large open garden areas, and the Inner South area is no exception. Several parks and geologic sights are located throughout the town, as are a handful of historic Australian buildings. These include the original parliament building, and a much newer parliament building, which was constructed in 1981.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Inner South photo by kabeldag
Photo: kabeldag
 

 
North Canberra


Canberra
Australia
North Canberra, or Inner North, along with Inner South, makes up the oldest part of Canberra. It lies just to the north of Lake Burley Griffin, named for the Chicago designer responsible for the layout of the city. The Australian National University is located in North Canberra, as is the Australian War Memorial and the headquarters of the Australian Defence Force. A handful of historic churches, a bike museum and several scenic gardens are also located in the area, along with a swimming pool and several other sports and recreation facilities.

Review © 2007, Wcities
North Canberra photo by Matt Sheppard
Photo: Matt Sheppard
 

 
Weston Creek


Canberra
Australia
The original plan for the city of Canberra, created by Walter Burley Griffin, called for satellite cities to be built up off of the centre of Canberra. Weston Creek is one of these, located to the west of the centre of town. An aquarium and wildlife centre is located in the area, along with a number of sporting facilities. Other attractions include a Baha'i centre, which is worth looking at for members of any faith, and the Xeriscape Gardens, an area dedicated to developing and showcasing techniques in sustainable gardening and agriculture.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Weston Creek photo by Mick Hines
Photo: Mick Hines
 

 
Woden


Canberra
Australia
Woden is becoming the jazz and blues hub, while Tuggeranong welcomes the Irish pub scene. These areas are very close to many of the city's outdoor attractions: Ginninderra Falls is a short drive from Belconnen, while Mt Stromlo Observatory and the Cotter Reserve are only 15 minutes drive from Woden, which was the first of the satellite cities constructed according to Walter Burley Griffin's original plan for the town. There is a large shopping centre and the Lovett Tower, which is the tallest building in Canberra, is located in the area as well.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Woden photo by Pascal Vuylsteker
Photo: Pascal Vuylsteker
Woden photo by nearly lunchtime
Photo: nearly lunchtime
 

 
Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Canberra - Neighborhood Guide"
Canberra
Canberra - Historical Background
Canberra - Where to Stay
Canberra - Dining & Drinking
Canberra - Art & Entertainment

Other nearby cities:
Sydney (246 miles)
Melbourne (466 miles)
Hobart (860 miles)
Brisbane (931 miles)
Adelaide (958 miles)
Christchurch (2211 miles)
Auckland (2307 miles)
Wellington (2330 miles)
Perth (3090 miles)
Kauai (8370 miles)

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