Things to do in Canberra 

The nation’s capital came into being to settle an argument between Melbourne and Sydney. Like two stubborn children not willing to share, if one couldn’t be the capital then neither could the other. So Canberra was created in between, a completely planned urban landscape resulting from an international design competition where an old sheep station used to be.

Many visitors are surprised at how small Canberra is, but the lack of hustle and bustle, and being nestled in the beautiful foothills of the Great Dividing Range is part of its charm. The usual suspects to visit here include Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial and any number of other nuseums, galleries and civic institutions. However there are other things to do in Canberra. To understand one of the country’s obsessions try a tour of the Australian Institute of Sport. Or check out the burgeoning cool climate winery scene here. You could take in the stunning countryside on horseback, or on mountain bike (where the World Championships were held in 2009). If that’s too energetic for you let a hot air balloon do the work and treat you to the sights of Canberra from high above Lake Burley Griffin on a crisp clear morning.