Canberra’s early history is preserved in stone at Lanyon Homestead with convict-built farm buildings and at other historic landmarks including Blundell’s Cottage, Duntroon Homestead which was constructed in 1832, and at the refurbished power station that is now the Canberra Glassworks in Kingston. For more information visit www.nationalcapital.gov.au
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Affectionately known as 'The Eagle', the Australian-American Memorial is located in the forecourt of the Defence Offices in Russell. The memorial symbolises the deep gratitude felt by Australians to American service personnel for their assistance during World War II, and the close ties which were
"Here is their spirit, in the heart of the land they loved; and here we guard the record which they themselves made" (Charles Bean, founder). The Australian War Memorial commemorates the sacrifice of Australian men and women who served in war. Visit one of the world's great museums; an...
This small stone cottage on the northern shore of Lake Burley Griffin was built about 1860 as a home for Duntroon Estate workers. The cottage is now a fascinating hands-on museum and a memorial to the pioneers of the limestone plains. Over time the national capital has grown around Blundells...
Visit Calthorpes’ House and step back to life in early Canberra. Not far from the city centre, this Spanish Mission Style house was built in 1927 and is a window into an almost forgotten world. This genuine survivor is a treasure house of domestic history. Original furnishings, household...
See professional glass artists at work. Make your own glass beads and tiles. Take introductory glass courses from the experts and see their striking exhibitions. Canberra Glassworks is housed in the historic Kingston Powerhouse. Take a free tour on weekends (11am) through the building and...
Changi chapel was originally constructed by prisoners of war in Changi Camp, Singapore Island, in 1944. After the war, it was returned to Australia, erected in the grounds of the Royal Military College and dedicated as a national memorial to all Australian prisoners of war. Visit the chapel and...
Built as a hostel in 1924, Gorman House Arts Centre is located in a graceful heritage precinct just five minutes from the City Centre. Gorman House Arts Centre is home to visual artists; theatre and dance companies; and arts organisations. It houses the award winning Sage Cafe and a lively arts...
Gorman House Markets operates within the grounds and buildings of Canberra's first arts centre; the heritage listed Gorman House Arts Centre. For a quarter of a century the markets have been Canberra's much loved meeting place providing opportunities for Canberra's community and visitors alike to
Government House is the official residence of Australia’s Governor General. Events and activities conducted at Government House include receptions; investiture and credential ceremonies; state dinners for visiting Royalty and heads of state; and functions for community and special needs groups....
The Lanyon historic precinct is set in a landscape of great natural beauty. Stroll in the rambling gardens, visit the restored 1850's homestead and the courtyard buildings. Changing exhibitions focus on aspects of Australian country life. A wide range of interactive educational and community...
Manning Clark House Inc. is a national scholarly and cultural organisation based in the former home of Australian historian Professor Manning Clark and his wife Dymphna, in Forrest. It hosts a vigorous program of conferences, book launches, concerts, dinners and discussions. The House has become...
This picturesque carousel delights children and adults alike with its air of olde-world charm. Most of the horses and elephants have names. See if you can find out who is who. The merry- go-round started life in Melbourne in 1914. The fifty two hand carved wooden horses and two elephants were...
Visit one of Canberra's earliest historic sites. Discover what life was like in an 1830's rural workers' cottage. Learn more at the environmental education centre. Take a guided tour. See how the exhibitions and see how the cottage has been ingeniously adopted and extended over time. Specialist...
Discover a treasure trove of fascinating records about Australia or your family's history at the National Archives of Australia. The National Archives, housed in Canberra's original general post office, looks after Australia's valuable Commonwealth records dating back to Federation. Must-sees...
Discover the world of Australian film, television and recorded sound at the National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA). Explore the free interactive exhibition containing hundreds of film and sound clips, photographs, costumes and more. See the best of world and Australian film in Arc cinema. Enjoy
Canberra's national award winning indoor Sunday market focuses on the talent and creativity of regional arts and craftspeople. Discover 200 stalls within a fabulous old industrial building. Stalls offer unique handcrafted items, gourmet take home food, regional wines, and freshly ground...
The Lodge is the official Canberra residence of the Prime Minister and their family. It was built between 1926 and 1927 as a ‘temporary’ residence, but Prime Ministers are still occupying it in the 21st century. The cost of running and maintaining The Lodge is met by the Department of the Prime...
Explore the historic Mount Stromlo site, a major observatory before the 2003 Canberra bushfires. Scope Mount Stromlo is now a world-class research and engineering facility. Take in sweeping views of the Brindabella Ranges, from the Cotter Dam to the Yass Valley. Cruise out by bike or foot. Try...
Visit St John's Schoolhouse, Canberra's first school and school master's residence. St John's opened in 1845 to provide an elementary education for workers' children from the Duntroon estate. See family names in the neighbouring graveyard. St John's is built in the style of an English parish...
Strathnairn Homestead Gallery is set in a converted 1920s homestead on the north-western outskirts of Canberra. Visit the gallery. Browse for gifts in the shop. Enjoy a light lunch, tea,coffee, cake, or wood fired pizza every Sunday. Take a stroll through the established grounds and view the...
Heritage listed Tuggeranong Homestead is an oasis midst the Tuggeranong Valley. Under the homestead's roofline and amongst the numerous out-buildings and extensive grounds you can discover the lifestyle of many Australian families from the 1830s through to the 1950s and to today. From 1919 through