Goldenbackpacker.com

CANBERRA - STAY FOR LESS "A$"

CANBERRA (ACT) is the all-purpose built Capital of Australia in the special Territory set aside for it. Started in 1913 it took until1958 to finish, later in 1963 the Molongo River was dammed to form the 11km. Lake Burley Griffin, named after the City’s Architect, to form the City’s centrepiece. Then the impressive New Parliament Building was finally opened in 1988, taking over from the old, temporary, 1927 building. Canberra initially seems very official & business like but the longer you stay you find it has a vibrant & young culture that offers a lot if you look beyond the mainstream political & diplomatic areas. Museums & exhibitions, restaurants & music bars abound with wide open spaces providing an abundance of scenic bush walks & wildlife to absorb.

ACCOMMODATION

NO 1 – CITY BACKPACKERS (VIP) at 7 Akuna Street, ACT 2601 (close to bus station & main shops) freecall 1800 300 488, www.canberrabackpackers.net.au - $22 dorm rooms with TV& sep showers/wc’s. Fully – equipped kitchen, lounge areas, roof top garden/ bbq, gym, pool, spa, and sauna access. It’s the latest & most modern hostel that puts many a hotel to shame!

Reserve – City Walk Hotel at 2 Mort Street, ACT 2601 (closest to bus station & shops) tele 02 6257 0124, www.citywalkhotel.com.au - $22 in large dorm on 4th floor with common shower/wc’s. S/C kitchen & sep. dining/ lounge/ TV room on 3rd. This is a basic homely hostel (liked rocker chair in lounge when available) It’s in right area for all amenities including King O’Malley’s Irish Pub below.

FOOD – is available from a large Coles Supermarket in the Market Shopping Centre off Bunda St. Next to it is an excellent fresh fruit & vegetable stall. Lots of other food outlets are available in this busy shopping area trendy, exotic & fast, which is why the best hostels are so well placed.

TRAVELLING AROUND – the City is well spread out, so to get to all the interesting sights walking is possible if you are fit & energetic. The Action Busses can be used, to save long repeat walks to the Parliament building areas, for example, from the hostel location in the Commercial District - free route maps are available.

“FREE” SIGHTS TO SEE

1. Parliament House – Grassed over roof to preserve Capital Hill, 4 legged flag mast & free tours
2. Nat. Museum of Australia – Open 2001 it displays the social history of Australia from beginning
3. Lake Burley Griffin – 35km shoreline 1970 Cook water Jet ( 147mtr) operates 10 – Noon, 2-4
4. Australia War Memorial – Unknown Soldier flame & exhibition of ANZAC wars & honours
5. National Library – Rare books & manuscripts to newspapers & mags. with free Internet in foyer
6. National Capital Exhibition – Displays on the growth of Canberra with original comp. designs
7. Mount Ainslie Lookout – Fine views day or night, foot trails from behind War Memorial
8. Old Parliament House – Daily tours, also Nat. Portrait Gallery. O/side Aboriginal Tent Embassy
9. Questacon, National Science & Technology Centre - With hands -on displays in 5 Galleries
10. National Archives of Australia – Records of the Govt. since Federation with research facilities

CHARGE SIGHTS NOT TO MISS

1. Royal Australian Mint – See production from raw materials to coins & mint your own $1 for $2
2. Blundells’ Cottage – Simple stone & slab cottage (circa 1860) reminder of area’s farming history

* John & Simon – Ron – Raif & Pat