Canberra Facts


Canberra facts reveal essential objective and practical information required by the international travelers planning to visit this capital city. Fast facts about Canberra give an overview about the history, geography, population, climate, currency, language and many other relevant information. These enable the visitors to move about this country with ease.

Canberra is a relatively young, planned capital city located in the Australian Capital Territory. Population of Canberra is approximately 325,000. It is bounded by New South Wales. The altitude of Canberra is 571 meters above the Pacific Ocean and is 150 kilometers inland . Canberra is 281 kilometers from Sydney and 660 kilometers from Melbourne. The geography of Canberra is diverse with surrounding hilltops and savanna grasslands. Dry eucalyptus forests are common. The Molonglolo river cuts across the city and has been dammed to create the beautiful artificial lake 'Lake Burley Griffin' right in the heart of the city. Ancient history of Canberra reveals that the land was inhabited by Ngunnawal tribes. The enchanting capital city was designed by a well known Chicago architect named Walter Burley Griffin. The treeless paddock has been transformed into a buzzing commercial and entertainment hub.

The local government of Canberra operates within a democratic federal state system. The Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly acts as the government as well as the city council. Official language in Australia is English and the dominant religion in Christianity.

There are four distinctive seasons in Canberra.
Each of the seasons have their own colors and charm.The best time to visit Canberra is during Spring. This season is glorious and is heralded by the blooming of colorful flowers allowing a riot of colors. Spring is characterized by fresh and crisp mornings, bright and sunny days, and brisk nights. Australia falls in the time zone of +10 Greenwich Mean Time.

The Canberra International Airport is located about 7 km east from the main city. Except Australian passport holders all international tourists must possess a visa to enter Canberra. Australian visa can be obtained from selected travel agents and electronic travel authority in the United States and Singapore. The different embassies and consulates of Australia also provide consular services.

The currency of Canberra is the Australian dollar, which comprises 100 cents. Bank notes are available in denominations of A$5, A$10, A$20, A$50 and A$100. Smaller denominations are available in 5c,10c,20c,50c and $1 and $2. Major credit cards like the Visa, Masters, Amex and Diners are accepted throughout. Normal banking hours in Australia are from 9 30 am to 4pm from Monday to Thursday and from 9 30am to 5 pm on Friday. Shops are open from 9 am to 5pm on weekdays and 8 30 am to 4 pm on Saturdays.

Tap water is safe for drinking. The government is strict about maintaining health and hygiene. Food in the restaurants and hotels are absolutely safe. Tropical diseases like typhoid, cholera are virtually non existent.

Canberra facts are important and can be used as useful travel guide by the foreign traveler visiting this country.
Honeymoon Destinations  ||  World Cruises  ||  World Hotels
RELATED LINKS
Canberra Information
Canberra Hospitals
Canberra Shopping
Canberra Facts
Canberra Embassy
Canberra Emergency Numbers