User:SHB2000/Canberra/See

Canberra, as the national capital of Australia, contains a lot of government buildings, and many of them are often open for tours. By far the most significant one is Parliament House in Capital Hill, but other important buildings include the High Court of Australia, Old Parliament House, the Government House, the Royal Australian Mint and The Lodge, though not all of them are always open to the public. There are other buildings that are of national importance too, such as the National Library of Australia or the Australian War Memorial.

Most of the time, many of what to see in Canberra is located in South Canberra, or to be more specific, particularly more centred within Parliamentary Triangle which contains the High Court, National Archives, National Gallery, National Library, National Portrait Gallery, both the current Parliament House and the Old Parliament House and the science museum of Questacon.

The other parts of South Canberra don't have as many points of interests as much as what you would see in South Canberra, but they are nevertheless still great sights worth visiting. The most notable sight in South Canberra outside Parliamentary Triangle is the Royal Australian Mint.

North Canberra too has several important sights, the most important of them all being the Australian War Memorial though there are many military sites in the east of North Canberra, particularly on Anzac Avenue.

Museums
Being the capital of Canberra, the city has no shortage of museums for a city of its size. Many of its museums are located in two particular districts, South Canberra, and Acton. Many of South Canberra's museums are mostly spread out evenly, while most of Acton's museums are part of the Australian National University campus, and as such, many relate to educational content that's found at unis.

Not withstanding, there are plenty of museums in other districts too, just not as many – such as the National Dinosaur Museum in Gungahlin, which showcases a good range of dinosaur exhibitions in Australia, or the Canberra Space Centre, which is one of the premiere astrotourism sites in Australia.

Capital Hill
The seat of Australia's federal government and legislature and a remarkable piece of modern architecture. Outside, the forecourt faces Federation Mall and has iconic views. Much of the inside is open to the public during business hours, and there are free tours operated at certain times. On sitting days, you are allowed to view proceedings in the public gallery from 2PM onwards while viewing Question Time from the House of Representatives galleries can be done via a booking.

Parliament House is arguably less politically restricted than say the White House in the United States, but you do have to do a couple of security checks in certain locations.

Nature and scenery
With Canberra unofficially crowned a bush capital, it is no surprise there is plenty to see when it comes to exploring its natural scenery. There are many hiking paths to explore around Canberra along with plenty of great vantage points to view the city, with many being accessible by car or by foot. Wildlife are commonly found in the surrounding nature reverses, but on lucky occasions you may spot wildlife that venture into the suburbs. Kangaroos occasionally penetrate into Civic, and hop down Northbourne Avenue from time to time. If ever you encounter wildlife on your visit be sure to admire from a distance.

For the easiest spot to experience the bush capital, the Australian National Botanic Gardens is Australia's national botanic gardens specialising in Australian flora. The gardens represent most Australian climates from the rainforests of the north, to the deserts of the interior to the pines of Norfolk Island or pretty much any landscape in Australia.

From the botanic gardens, you can drive to the top where the Black Mountain Nature Reserve is, but it's much better to walk there. There is a good trail that starts at the Botanical Gardens, which too is a good place to experience the bush in the bush capital.

Another park that is important but doesn't have much greenery and bush in it is Commonwealth Park between the city and Lake Burley Griffin, this park was designed by famed landscape designer Dame Sylvia Crowe in 1964. Here you can find the sculptures, ponds and walkways, and an open-air theatre. On the hill there is an exhibition of Canberra's creation.

A bit to the west is Weston Park which is very popular with residents of Canberra, where there are good places to have a picnic, a small train and a maze. Somewhat hidden, there is an English garden, a cafc, a small art gallery and an abandoned arboretum near the nurseries.

Most of the other nature reserves are located in the country. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is one not far from Canberra, and was destroyed by a bushfire in 2003, but nature is stubborn and, despite everything, it is still a good reserve to experience the Australian bush and animals.

Namadgi National Park is the largest and the only national park in the ACT, taking up half the territory, there are plenty of opportunities to hike or camp in this beautiful national park.