Most of us have visited Canberra’s iconic institutions, like The Australian War Memorial and Parliament House, back when we were in school on organised trips. But not everyone returns to these fascinating and deeply historic sites as adults. No matter your age, or the time of year, these buildings are definitely worth re-visiting!
The Australian War Memorial pays homage to Australians who have contributed to our various war efforts — from WWI and WWII through to modern theatres of war, including Iraq and Afghanistan. Leave a poppy for a fallen soldier or family member on the Roll of Honor wall, visit the Tomb of the Unknown Solider, and peruse the incredible collection of military aircraft and collections.
Parliament House is another interesting building to visit, with free and paid tour experiences on offer (including The Welcome to Parliament House Tours as well as the Indigenous Experiences of PH). Highlights include the Marble Foyer — with marble dating back 435 million years, and ancient fossils in the ground. There’s also the Great Hall–where large formal receptions, dinners and significant national major events are held–and where one of the world’s largest tapestries hangs, by esteemed Australian artist Arthur Boyd. Make sure you swing into the Queen’s Terrace CafĂ© for a delicious lunch or High Tea.
For those looking for a fantastic place to stay in Canberra, it’s hard to go past The East Hotel — perfectly situated between Kingston and Manuka. Choose from five different room types, including one with an inter-connecting dedicated children’s wing. There’s also an in-house restaurant, and a cafĂ©, so all your dining needs are covered.
