CANBERRA


Canberra at a Glance…

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Canberra in Two Days

Begin your Canberra jaunt at the National Gallery of Australia. In the afternoon, attend Question Time at Parliament House, if it’s a sitting week, continuing the debate over dinner in the Civic district.

Next day, head to the National Museum of Australia then explore the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Dine on the Kingston Foreshore among the city’s movers and shakers.

Canberra in Four Days

On day three, check out the faces at the National Portrait Gallery, then cycle around impressive Lake Burley Griffin. Drinks at the Capital Brewing Co await.

On day four, hit the Lonsdale St cafes in Braddon, then pay your respects at the haunting Australian War Memorial.

Arriving in Canberra

Canberra Airport is 10 minutes’ drive from the city centre. A taxi into the city costs around $50. Bus routes 11 and 11A run regularly into the city between 6am and 6pm (adult/child $5/2.50, 20 to 40 minutes).

Alternatively, the drive from Sydney is a little over three hours, four hours by train, or five hours by bus.

Where to Stay

Canberra is totally geared towards the car: nobody walks anywhere. Wherever you stay, you’ll be driving, bussing or cabbing it to your daily destinations. Stay in Civic, Kingston or Griffith for eating options; or New Acton, the Kingston Foreshore or Braddon if you’re feeling hip. Accommodation gets busy and pricey during parliamentary sitting days (mid-week); rates cool off on weekends.

TOP EXPERIENCE

National Museums & Galleries

You don’t have to go far in Canberra to find a world-class museum or gallery. The city features some of Australia’s best collections of art and artefacts.

Great For…

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dont-missyDon’t Miss

The National Museum’s introductory film, shown in the small rotating Circa Theatre.

need-to-know8Need to Know

Many museums and galleries here are free; expect admission fees for temporary exhibitions.

take-a-break5Take a Break

Picnic in Commonwealth Park, outside the National Museum on the sunny lake shore.

top-tipoTop Tip

Be at the War Memorial for closing time to hear the moving ‘Last Post’, in honour of the fallen.

National Gallery of AustraliaGallery

(map Google map; icon-phonegif%02-6240 6502; www.nga.gov.au; Parkes Pl, Parkes; temporary exhibition prices vary; icon-hoursgifh10am-5pm) icon-freegifF

The nation’s extraordinary art collection is showcased in a suitably huge purpose-built gallery within the parliamentary precinct. Almost every big name you could think of from the world of Australian and international art, past and present, is represented. Famous works include one of Monet’s Waterlilies, several of Sidney Nolan’s Ned Kelly paintings, Salvador Dali’s Lobster Telephone, an Andy Warhol Elvis print and a triptych by Francis Bacon.

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National Museum of Australia | ALEX CIMBAL/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

National Portrait GalleryGallery

(map Google map; icon-phonegif%02-6102 7000; www.portrait.gov.au; King Edward Tce, Parkes; icon-hoursgifh10am-5pm) icon-freegifF

Occupying a flash new purpose-built building designed by architect Richard Johnson, this wonderful gallery tells the story of Australia through its faces – from wax cameos of Indigenous Australians to colonial portraits of the nation’s founding families, to Howard Arkley’s Day-Glo portrait of musician Nick Cave. There is a good cafe for post-exhibition coffee and reflection.

Australian War MemorialMuseum

(map Google map; icon-phonegif%02-6243 4211; www.awm.gov.au; Treloar Cres, Campbell; icon-hoursgifh10am-5pm) icon-freegifF

Canberra’s glorious art-deco war memorial, designed by Emil Sodersten and John Crust, is a highlight in a city filled with interesting architecture. Built to commemorate ‘the war to end all wars’, it opened its doors in 1941 when the next world war was already in full swing. Attached to it is a large, exceptionally well-designed museum devoted to the nation’s military history.

QuestaconMuseum

(map Google map; National Science & Technology Centre; icon-phonegif%02-6270 2800; www.questacon.edu.au; King Edward Tce, Parkes; adult/child $23/17.50; icon-hoursgifh9am-5pm; icon-familygifc)

This kid-friendly science centre has educational and fun interactive exhibits. Explore the physics of sport, athletics and fun parks; cause tsunamis; and take shelter from cyclones and earthquakes. Exciting science shows, presentations and puppet shows are all included.

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1Sights

Australian Parliament HouseNotable Building

(map Google map; icon-phonegif%02-6277 5399; www.aph.gov.au; icon-hoursgifh9am-5pm) icon-freegifF

Designed by Romaldo Giurgola and built in 1988, Australia’s national parliament building is a graceful and deeply symbolic piece of architecture. Sitting atop Capital Hill, the building is crossed by two axis, north–south and east–west, representing the historical progression and legislative progression of Australian democracy. There’s plenty to see inside, whether the politicians are haranguing each other in the chambers or not.

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Australian Parliament House | ARCHITECT: ROMALDO GIURGOLA; IMAGE: PIKITIA/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Australian National Botanic GardensGardens

(icon-phonegif%02-6250 9588; www.nationalbotanicgardens.gov.au; Clunies Ross St; icon-hoursgifh8.30am-5pm) icon-freegifF

On the lower slopes of Black Mountain, these sprawling gardens showcase Australian floral diversity over 35 hectares of cultivated garden and 50 hectares of remnant bushland. Various themed routes are marked out, with the best introduction being the main path (45 minutes return), which takes in the eucalypt lawn, rock garden, rainforest gully and Sydney Region garden. A 3.2km bushland nature trail leads to the garden’s higher reaches.

Museum of Australian DemocracyMuseum

(map Google map; MoAD; icon-phonegif%02-6270 8222; www.moadoph.gov.au; Old Parliament House, 18 King George Tce, Parkes; adult/child/family $2/1/5; icon-hoursgifh9am-5pm)

The seat of government from 1927 to 1988, this elegantly proportioned building offers visitors a taste of the political past. Displays cover Australian prime ministers, the roots of democracy and the history of local protest movements. You can also visit the old Senate and House of Representative chambers, the parliamentary library and the prime minister’s office.

Lake Burley GriffinLake

(map Google map) This ornamental lake was created in 1963 when the 33m-high Scrivener Dam was built across the Molonglo River. It’s lined with important institutions and monuments, including the National Carillon (map Google map; www.nca.gov.au; Aspen Island) and Captain Cook Memorial Water Jet (map Google map; Captain Cook’s Fountain).

You can cycle the entire 28km perimeter in two hours or walk it in seven. Alternatively, you can make a smaller ‘loop’ by making use of the two bridges – the popular central loop is 5km and can be walked in one to 1½ hours.

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fountain, Lake Burley Griffin | DARCY PERKINS/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

National Film & Sound ArchiveLibrary

(map Google map; icon-phonegif%02-6248 2000; www.nfsa.gov.au; McCoy Circuit; icon-hoursgifh9am-5pm Mon-Thu, to 8pm Fri, noon-5pm Sat & Sun) icon-freegifF

Set in a delightful art-deco building (look for the stained-glass platypus in the foyer dome), this archive preserves Australian moving-picture and sound recordings. The gallery space stages free temporary exhibitions on Australian film history. There’s also a cute little theatre where documentaries are played and the larger Arc Cinema, used for special screenings and film festivals; check the website for show times.

National Library of AustraliaLibrary

(map Google map; icon-phonegif%02-6262 1111; www.nla.gov.au; Parkes Pl, Parkes; icon-hoursgifh10am-8pm Mon-Thu, to 5pm Fri & Sat, 1.30-5pm Sun, galleries 10am-5pm daily) icon-freegifF

This institution has accumulated more than 10 million items since being established in 1901 and has digitised more than nine billion files. You can pop by the Main Reading Room at any time to browse newspapers and magazines by the large windows. Don’t miss the Treasures Gallery, where artefacts such as Captain Cook’s Endeavour journal and Captain Bligh’s list of mutineers are among the regularly refreshed displays; free 30-minute tours of the gallery are held at 11.30am daily.

National ArboretumPark

(icon-phonegif%02-6207 8484; www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.au; Forest Dr, Weston Creek; icon-hoursgifh6am-8.30pm Oct-Mar, 7am-5.30pm Apr-Sep, village centre 9am-4pm; icon-parkgifp) icon-freegifF

Canberra’s National Arboretum is an ever-developing showcase of trees from around the world, with 94 forests of different species currently on-site. It is early days for many of the plantings, but it’s still worth visiting for the spectacular visitor centre and the excellent views over the city. Regular guided tours are informative, and there is a brilliant adventure playground for kids.

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National Arboretum | CHAMELEONSEYE/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Cycling Canberra

Canberra’s streets are perfect for cycling, and the city has an extensive network of dedicated cycle paths. The visitor centre is a good source of information, as is Pedal Power ACT (www.pedalpower.org.au).

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Cyclists at Lake Burley Griffin | MEGAPIXELES.ES/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

National Capital ExhibitionMuseum

(map Google map; icon-phonegif%02-6272 2902; www.nationalcapital.gov.au; Barrine Dr, Commonwealth Park; icon-hoursgifh9am-5pm) icon-freegifF

This small but fascinating museum tells the story of how Canberra came to be Australia’s capital. Displays include reproductions of the drawings entered in the international competition to design the city, including the exquisite watercolour renderings of the winning design created by Marion Mahony Griffin, the often overlooked wife and creative partner of Walter Burley Griffin.

The glass pavilion offers lovely views over the lake and Capital Hill, so you can see the real-life outcomes of the plans you’re perusing.

TTours

Balloon AloftBallooning

(map Google map; icon-phonegif%02-6249 8660; www.balloonaloftcanberra.com.au; 120 Commonwealth Ave, Yarralumla; adult/child from $330/240)

Meet in the foyer of the Hyatt for an early-morning flight over Canberra – the ideal way to understand the city’s unique design.

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Ballooning at Black Mountain | KATACARIX/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Lake Burley Griffin CruisesCruise

(map Google map; icon-phonegif%0419 418 846; www.lakecruises.com.au; Queen Elizabeth Tce, Parkes; adult/child $20/9; icon-hoursgifhmid-Sep–May)

Informative one-hour lake cruises depart from the wharf in front of the International Flag Display (map Google map; Queen Elizabeth Tce, Parkes).

Lake Burley Griffin

Though it might seem at first glance that Canberra was built around the sparkling waters of Lake Burley Griffin, the reality is actually the other way around. The concept of an artificial lake was part of the original design of the nation’s capital as early as 1909, however it wasn’t until 1961, with the excavation of the lake floor and the damming of the Molonglo River at Scrivener Dam, that Lake Burley Griffin finally came into existence. Even then, the final stages of construction were hampered by a prolonged period of drought, which meant that the lake did not reach its planned water level until 1964, when it was officially inaugurated by then Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies. A statue of Menzies, who championed the lake project throughout his prime ministership, can be seen strolling along the lake shore near Nerang Pool.

7Shopping

Bison HomeCeramics

(map Google map; icon-phonegif%02-6128 0788; www.bisonhome.com; 14/27 Lonsdale St, Braddon; icon-hoursgifh10am-5pm Mon-Fri, to 4pm Sat & Sun)

A Braddon outpost of Pialligo-based ceramics label Bison, this aesthetically pleasing store will have you rethinking every object in your kitchen, from mugs to mixing bowls. Smaller items – like tiny ceramic milk bottles in a rainbow of colours – make lovely souvenirs or gifts.

Old Bus Depot MarketsMarket

(map Google map; icon-phonegif%02-6295 3331; www.obdm.com.au; 21 Wentworth Ave, Kingston; icon-hoursgifh10am-4pm Sun)

A Sunday institution, this bustling market has one hall completely devoted to food and another to crafts. Self-caterers and picnickers will delight in the freshly baked goods, cheese, charcuterie and produce; come at lunch to take full advantage of the ‘international’ food court, with cuisine from Thailand, Ethiopia, Jordan and the USA, as well as the usual pancakes and coffee.

National Library BookshopBooks

(map Google map; icon-phonegif%02-6262 1424; http://bookshop.nla.gov.au; Parkes Pl, Parkes; icon-hoursgifh10am-5pm)

Specialises in Australian books, but also has a good selection of recent titles and giftware.

5Eating

Two Before TenCafe$

(map Google map; www.twobeforeten.com.au; 1 Hobart Pl, Acton; mains $11-18; icon-hoursgifh7am-4pm Mon-Fri, 8am-2pm Sat & Sun)

Breaking from the Australian tradition that says good cafes should be bohemian and battered looking, this airy place brings a touch of Cape Cod to the centre of a city block. The excellent coffee comes from its own roastery in Aranda, where there is also another outpost of the cafe.

Morning GloryCafe$$

(map Google map; icon-phonegif%02-6257 6464; www.morning-glory.com.au; 2/15 Edinburgh Ave, New Acton; dishes $12-27; icon-hoursgifh6am-3pm; icon-acongifaicon-wifigifW)

Nestled in the heart of the New Acton complex, this sprawling cafe has a sleek, contemporary vibe and is a popular coffee stop for local office workers. The menu offers modern cafe dishes with an Asian twist, like black sesame and milk-tea pancake waffles at breakfast, or soba salad with wakame seaweed and enoki mushrooms at lunch.

Cupping RoomCafe$$

(map Google map; icon-phonegif%02-6257 6412; www.thecuppingroom.com.au; 1 University Ave, Civic; mains $11-25; icon-hoursgifh7am-4pm Mon-Fri, 8am-3pm Sat & Sun; icon-veggifv)

Queues often form outside this airy corner cafe, drawn by the prospect of Canberra’s best coffee and an interesting menu, including great vegetarian and vegan options. The seasonal chia pudding is extraordinary, but if you prefer something a little more familiar, the burgers are equally as delicious. Choose your coffee blend from the tasting notes; we recommend the filter coffee.

RyeCafe$$

(map Google map; icon-phonegif%02-6156 9694; www.ryecafe.com.au; 9 Lonsdale St, Braddon; breakfast $14-17, lunch $7-22; icon-hoursgifh6.30am-4pm)

Charming, Scandi-inspired Rye is all blonde wood, bright lights and modish furniture, with a menu to match. Danish smørrebrød (open sandwiches on dark rye bread) are a popular choice at lunch, while breakfast options are variations on cafe faves like poached eggs and avocado with Danish feta and broad beans. Great coffee.

Lazy SuAsian$$

(map Google map; icon-phonegif%02-5105 3812; www.lazy-su.com.au; 9 Lonsdale St, Braddon; dishes $12-29; icon-hoursgifh5-11pm Mon, from noon Tue-Thu & Sun, to 1am Fri & Sat)

Lazy Su’s playful Asian vibe is obvious as you enter past the wall of lucky cats. You can’t go far wrong with the menu, but if you can’t decide between the pork-belly bao-ger and the yellowfin tuna tataki, opt for the seven-dish ‘People’s Banquet’ ($49 per person).

TerraAustralian$$

(map Google map; icon-phonegif%02-6230 4414; www.terracanberra.com.au; Shop G2, No Name Lane, 40 Marcus Clarke St; mains breakfast & lunch $10-16, dinner $18-30, set menu per person $58; icon-hoursgifh7.30am-4pm Mon-Wed, to late Thu & Fri, 10.30am-late Sat)

By day this atmospheric, contemporary space churns out delectable seasonal brunch dishes and fabulous coffee. At night the rotisserie takes centre stage, with six-hour roasted meats on offer, alongside innovative sides like fried cauliflower or baked potatoes with miso. The best option, though, is the ‘Feed Me’ set menu (minimum two people) – trust us, you won’t go home hungry.

AkibaAsian$$

(map Google map; icon-phonegif%02-6162 0602; www.akiba.com.au; 40 Bunda St; noodle & rice dishes $10-21, share plates $16-33; icon-hoursgifh11.30am-midnight Sun-Wed, to 2am Thu-Sat)

A high-octane vibe pervades this superslick pan-Asian place, fuelled by a lively young crew that effortlessly splashes together cocktails, dispenses food recommendations and juggles orders without breaking a sweat. A raw bar serves delectable sashimi, freshly shucked oysters and zingy ceviche. Salt-and-Sichuan-pepper squid and pork-belly buns are crowd pleasers, and we love the Japanese-style eggplant.

Canberra History

Canberra is built on Ngunnawal country. The Ngunnawal people are the Indigenous Australian nation that lived on the land around Canberra at the time of European settlement, along with the Gundungurra to the north, the Ngarigo to the south, the Yuin to the west, and the Wiradjuri to the east. Rock paintings found in nearby Tharwa indicate that Indigenous Australians have lived in this region for at least 20,000 years, though evidence from nearby regions suggests an even longer duration.

The Ngunnawal people called this place Kanberra, believed to mean ‘Meeting Place’. The name was probably derived from huge intertribal gatherings that happened annually when large numbers of bogong moths – a popular food source – appeared in the region. The Ngunnawal way of life was violently disrupted following the arrival of Europeans in 1820, when settlers began to move into the Canberra basin, bringing sheep and other introduced species.

In 1901 Australia’s separate colonies were federated and became states. The rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne meant neither could become the new nation’s capital, so a location between the two cities was carved out of southern New South Wales (NSW) as a compromise. This new city was officially named Canberra in 1913, and replaced Melbourne as the national capital in 1927.

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Lake Burley Griffin | KATACARIX/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Agostini’sItalian$$

(icon-phonegif%02-6178 0048; www.easthotel.com.au/agositinis; 69 Canberra Ave, Kingston; pizzas $21-25, mains from $25; icon-hoursgifhnoon-3pm & 5.30pm-late) Wood-fired pizza, rosé on tap and house-made gelato are just some of the charms of this cool, millennial-pink bistro, set in the ground floor of East Hotel (icon-phonegif%02-6295 6925; www.easthotel.com.au; apt from $180; icon-parkgifpicon-acongifaicon-internetgifiicon-wifigifW).

Holidaying families rub shoulders with Canberra’s glitterati along the plush, window seating; for a real show, however, request a seat at the bar with a view of the pizza oven. Reservations recommended.

PilotModern Australian$$$

(icon-phonegif%02-6257 4334; www.pilotrestaurant.com; 5/6 Wakefield Gardens, Ainslie; mains $25-45, set menu per person $90, with paired drinks non-alcoholic/alcoholic $120/150; icon-hoursgifh6pm-late Wed-Sat, noon-3.30pm Sun)

Elegant, seasonal dishes are the highlight at this classy fine-dining restaurant in suburban Ainslie. The menu changes daily but features local produce and interesting flavour combinations. À la carte options are available, but for the full experience try the ‘prix fixe’ tasting menu, available paired with either alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverages. There’s also a Sunday ‘long lunch’ ($60 per person).

CourgetteModern Australian$$$

(map Google map; icon-phonegif%02-6247 4042; www.courgette.com.au; 54 Marcus Clarke St; 3-course lunch $66, 4-course dinner $88; icon-hoursgifhnoon-3pm & 6-11pm Mon-Sat)

With its crisp white linen, impeccable service and discreet but expensive ambience, Courgette is the kind of place to bring someone you want to impress, like a date, or perhaps the Finnish ambassador. The exacting standards continue with the precisely prepared, exquisitely plated and flavour-laden food.

AubergineModern Australian$$$

(icon-phonegif%02-6260 8666; www.aubergine.com.au; 18 Barker St, Griffith; 4-course menu per person $98; icon-hoursgifh6-10pm Mon-Sat)

You’ll need to travel out to the southern suburbs to find Canberra’s top-rated restaurant. While the location may be unassuming, the same can’t be said for the menu, which is exciting, innovative and seasonally driven. Although only a four-course menu is offered, you can choose between a handful of options for most courses. Service and presentation are assured.

6Drinking & Nightlife

Kyō Coffee ProjectCoffee

(map Google map; www.kyocoffeeproject.com; 5/27 Lonsdale St, Braddon; icon-hoursgifh7am-4pm Tue-Sat, 7.30am-3.30pm Sun)

In a little courtyard just off Lonsdale St, achingly hip Kyō serves coffee just as good as its slick, minimalist fit-out promises. Options are limited to black, white or a batch brew. There’s a petite, mildly Japanese-inspired menu if you’re peckish.

Capital Brewing CoBrewery

(icon-phonegif%02-5104 0915; www.capitalbrewing.co; Bldg 3, 1 Dairy Rd, Fyshwick; icon-hoursgifh11.30am-late)

It’s worth seeking out this Fyshwick brewery offering straight-from-the-tap local craft beers in a stylishly fitted-out tap room. Get your bearings with a tasting paddle that includes the popular Coast Ale. Outside, the green is great for kids and dogs (who can sample the nonalcoholic dog brew). Hungry? The original Brodburger (map Google map; icon-phonegif%02-6162 0793; www.brodburger.com.au; Glassworks Bldg, 11 Wentworth Ave, Kingston; burgers $14-21; icon-hoursgifhnoon-3pm & 5.30pm-late Tue-Sat, noon-4pm Sun; icon-veggifv) van serves burgers, hot dogs and snacks.

Bar RochfordWine Bar

(map Google map; icon-phonegif%02-6230 6222; www.barrochford.com; 1st fl, 65 London Circuit; icon-hoursgifh5pm-late Tue-Thu, 3pm-1am Fri, from 5pm Sat)

Bearded barmen concentrate earnestly on their cocktail constructions and wine recommendations at this sophisticated but unstuffy bar in the Melbourne Building. Dress up and hope for a table by one of the big arched windows.

MollyBar

(map Google map; www.molly.bar; Odgers Lane; icon-hoursgifh4pm-midnight Mon-Wed, to 2am Thu-Sat, 5pm-late Sun)

The doorway to this little gem, hidden away down quiet Odgers Lane, is illuminated only by a light bulb. It may take some courage to push through the unmarked wooden door, but have faith; inside you’ll find an atmospheric 1920s-style speakeasy, with dim lighting, cosy booths and a very impressive whisky selection. Try the cocktails.

Knightsbridge PenthouseCocktail Bar

(map Google map; icon-phonegif%02-6262 6221; www.knightsbridgepenthouse.com.au; 34 Mort St, Braddon; icon-hoursgifh5pm-midnight Tue & Wed, to late Thu-Sat)

Just behind the main Braddon strip, this quirky place offers good DJs, excellent cocktails and a mellow ambience. Come on Fridays before 8pm for ‘Happy Friday’ cheap cocktails ($10) and house wine ($5).

8INFORMATION

Canberra & Region Visitors Centre (icon-phonegif%02-6205 0044; www.visitcanberra.com.au; Regatta Point, Barrine Dr, Commonwealth Park; icon-hoursgifh9am-5pm Mon-Fri, to 4pm Sat & Sun) Staff at this exceptionally helpful centre can dispense masses of information and brochures, including the free quarterly Canberra Events brochure.

Canberra Hospital (icon-phonegif%02-5124 0000; www.health.act.gov.au; Yamba Dr, Garran; icon-hoursgifh24hr) Has a 24-hour emergency department.

8GETTING THERE & AWAY

AIR

Canberra Airport (icon-phonegif%02-6275 2222; www.canberraairport.com.au; Terminal Ave, Pialligo) is only 7km southeast of Civic.

Daily domestic flights service most Australian capital cities and some regional destinations. Qantas (www.qantas.com) flies to/from Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Virgin Australia (www.virginaustralia.com.au) flies to/from Adelaide, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne and Sydney. Tigerair Australia (www.tigerair.com.au) also heads to Melbourne.

BUS

The interstate bus terminal is in the centre of Civic at the Jolimont Centre (67 Northbourne Ave,; icon-hoursgifh5am-10.30pm), where you’ll find booking desks for the major bus companies.

Greyhound Australia (icon-phonegif%02-6211 8545; www.greyhound.com.au; 65 Northbourne Ave) has daily coaches to Sydney (from $39, 3½ hours), Albury (from $62, 4½ hours) and Melbourne (from $69, eight hours), along with seasonal buses to the ski resorts.

Murrays (icon-phonegif%13 22 51; www.murrays.com.au; 65 Northbourne Ave; icon-hoursgifh3.30am-6pm) offers express services to Sydney (from $39, 3½ hours), Wollongong ($49, 3¼ hours), Batemans Bay ($38, 2½ hours), Moruya ($41, 3¼ hours) and Narooma ($49, 4½ hours), as well as the ski fields.

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Old Bus Depot Markets | TRAVELSCAPE IMAGES/ALAMY ©

CAR & MOTORCYCLE

The Hume Hwy connects Sydney and Melbourne, passing 50km north of Canberra. The Federal Hwy runs north to connect with the Hume near Goulburn, and the Barton Hwy (Rte 25) meets the Hume near Yass.

Driving possibilities include Sydney (290km, three hours) and Melbourne (670km, seven hours).

TRAIN

NSW TrainLink (icon-phonegif%13 22 32; www.nswtrainlink.info) has services from Sydney ($28, 4¼ hours) which pull into Kingston’s Canberra Railway Station (icon-phonegif%13 22 32; Burke Cres) three times daily.

V/Line (icon-phonegif%1800 800 007; www.vline.com.au) has a daily service combining a train from Melbourne to Wodonga with a bus to Canberra (from $67, nine hours), terminating at the Jolimont Centre.

8GETTING AROUND

TO/FROM THE AIRPORT

A taxi to the city centre costs from $30 to $40.

Bus routes 11 and 11A run between city platform 9 and the airport at least hourly between 6am and 6pm (adult/child $5/2.50, 20 to 40 minutes).

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

The bus network, operated by Transport Canberra (icon-phonegif%13 17 10; www.transport.act.gov.au; single adult/child $5/2.50, day pass $9.60/4.80), will get you to most places of interest in the city.

Travellers can use the MyWay smart-card system, but if you’re only here for a week or so you’re better off paying the driver in cash, as a card costs a nonrefundable fee of adult/child $5/2.50. A day pass costs less than two single tickets, so purchase one on your first journey of the day.

Canberra’s new light-rail line from Civic to Gungahlin via Dickson began taking passengers in April 2019.

TAXI

Cabxpress (icon-phonegif%02-6181 2700; www.cabxpress.com.au)

Canberra Elite Taxis (icon-phonegif%02-6126 1600; www.canberraelite.com.au)