Capital Territory, Australia Destination Guide

Overview of Capital Territory The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) was created as a compromise: both Sydney and Melbourne thought that they should be Australia's capital city and the authorities decided that the only answer was to create a new city, within its own territory, between the two rivals. ACT is landlocked in the mountainous state of southeastern New South Wales; Sydney is 190 miles (306km) to the northwest. The territory is tiny by Australian standards: it is 50 miles (80km) from north to south and about 20 miles (30km) wide. The capital city, , and its surrounding suburbs are in the northeast of the territory and surrounded by the artificial Lake Burley Griffin. The parliament and other government buildings are located to the south of the lake and to the north is Civic, the name for the city's central business district, where visitors will also find the university and the main shopping and nightlife streets. Civic is a lively district and fun to explore for travellers, but Canberra seldom features prominently on the itineraries of foreign tourists, despite being the capital. Two or three days in Canberra will be sufficient for most travellers, but luckily many wonders await just beyond. The Namadgi National Park occupies the whole southwestern area of the Territory, providing a great opportunity to explore some of Australia's natural abundance for visitors to Canberra. Many travellers visit ACT as a daytrip from Sydney, and Canberra is a popular weekend getaway for Australians.

Key Facts

Language: English is the official language of Australia. Passport/Visa: A valid passport and a visa or ETA is required for travel to Australia. An ETA is an electronically issued and verified visa, not visible in a passport. ETAs are issued to passengers travelling for touristic or business purposes. Tourist ETAs are usually valid for three months. ETAs are obtainable online at: www.eta.immi.gov.au or through most travel agents. It is highly recommended that passports are valid six months after departure from a holiday destination. Currency: The unit of currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD), which is divided into 100 cents. Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are freely available throughout the country. Banks and bureaux de change exchange most foreign currencies. Banking hours are generally 9.30am to 4pm Monday to Thursday, and 9.30am to 5pm on Friday, but some banks offer extended hours and some are open on Saturday mornings. Electricity: Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Three-pin flat blade plugs are used but are different to those in most other countries, so an adapter is normally required.

Travel guide by wordtravels.com © Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Travmarket cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Event details can change. Please check with the organizers that an event is happening before making travel arrangements. We cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.

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Travel to Capital Territory Climate for Capital Territory The Capital Territory experiences warm summers and cold winters, often with light snowfalls. It rains throughout the year, especially in the mountains, and strong winds are common. Canberra enjoys an oceanic climate, with fairly mild summers and frosty winters. In summer, peaking between December and February, temperatures average between 52°F (11°C) and 82°F (28°C); and in winter, between June and August, temperatures average between 33°F (1°C) and 55°F (13°C). Health Notes when travelling to Australia A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by travellers over one year of age arriving within six days of having stayed overnight or longer in an infected country. No other special immunisations or medications are required for most trips to Australia; however, insect repellents are strongly advised because of the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses. Another health risk is sunburn, and visitors are advised to take precautions. Medical services are excellent, but can be expensive so travellers should ensure that they have adequate insurance. Australia has a reciprocal health agreement with the United Kingdom providing for free hospital emergency medical treatment; proof of UK residence is required. Safety Notes when travelling to Australia The crime rate in Australia is low; however, travellers should be aware that tourists could be targeted by petty criminals. Visitors should be vigilant about personal possessions and travel documents, particularly in popular tourist destinations such as along the Gold Coast. Tropical cyclones normally occur between November and April in some parts of Australia, particularly in Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory. There is a serious risk of bush fires in summer (November to March), especially in Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales and ACT. Also during the summer months, the shallow coastal waters of northern Australia and Queensland become infested with marine stingers, commonly known as box jellyfish, whose sting is highly dangerous and can be deadly. Visitors should pay attention to signs on beaches and follow the instructions of local lifeguards to avoid injury. Customs in Australia Generally an informal attitude, in dress and behaviour, prevails in most social and business situations. Sport, particularly rugby and cricket, is almost a religion in Australia. Duty Free in Australia Travellers to Australia over 18 years do not have to pay customs duty on 2.25 litres of alcohol; and 50 cigarettes or 25g of cigars or tobacco products (note that all tobacco products in your baggage are included in this category, regardless of where they were purchased). Gifts are included in the A$900 duty-free allowance. Fresh produce and animal/plant products are prohibited. Doing Business in Australia Those doing business in Australia are sure to find that the friendly yet professional corporate atmosphere of the country will provide them with an exciting opportunity to develop their careers. The business culture of Australia is a bit of a hybrid breed, incorporating the trappings of British formality and conservatism, the egalitarian ethos of Scandinavian countries, and the dynamic, innovative approach to business that is generally thought of as American in origin - rounded out, of course, with typical Australian warmth and humour. The approach to management in Australia is consultative, pragmatic, and strictly non-hierarchical. Those in positions of relative power are accorded respect by virtue of their personal qualities, not simply because they happen to be the boss. Business etiquette in Australia further reflects this egalitarian ethos. Business people should use titles initially, though they will almost certainly be told to dispense with them - at which point, they should refer to their colleagues by their first names. They should maintain eye contact when speaking to their associates, as this is regarded as a sign of forthrightness and trustworthiness - qualities that Australian business people tend to favour over showiness, self-aggrandisement or empty promises. Business meetings in Australia should be scheduled about a week in advance, and then confirmed a few days before they are due to take place. Colleagues should be punctual, as lateness can be seen as a symptom of flakiness or indifference. Business meetings in Australia do not generally proceed from a set agenda. Rather, they are viewed as open forums, in which ideas are to be debated and discussed. In fact, over-preparing for a meeting can make participants seem pushy - as though they wish to bully others into adopting their opinions on the issue at hand. The dress code for business in Australia remains surprisingly traditional: dark suits and ties are the norm for men; for women, business suits, worn either with pants or a skirt. As a general rule, business people should avoid loud jewellery and accessories as to Australian eyes they might make them seem arrogant. The official language of business in Australia is English, and business hours are generally from 8.30am (or 9am) to 5pm (or 5.30pm), Monday to Friday.

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Communication in Australia The international dialling code for Australia is +61. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free wifi are widely available. As international roaming costs can be quite high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option. Tipping in Australia Most service providers in Sydney don't expect a tip, so travellers shouldn't feel pressured into giving one, though a tip of 10 percent is standard in restaurants. Passengers usually round up to the nearest dollar or more in taxis. Passport/Visa Note A valid passport and a visa or ETA is required for travel to Australia. An ETA is an electronically issued and verified visa, not visible in a passport. ETAs are issued to passengers travelling for touristic or business purposes. Tourist ETAs are usually valid for three months. ETAs are obtainable online at: www.eta.immi.gov.au or through most travel agents. It is highly recommended that passports are valid six months after departure from a holiday destination.

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Airports in Capital Territory Canberra International (CBR) Canberra International Airport www.canberraairport.com.au Location: Canberra The airport is situated five miles (8km) east of Canberra. Time: GMT +10 (GMT +11 from last Sunday in August to last Saturday in March). Contacts: Tel: +61 (0)2 6275 2222/2236. Getting to the city: Transport Canberra operates ACTION Bus route Rapid 3 and there are regular services between the Airport terminal through to , interchange, Cohen St interchange to Spence Terminus, seven days a week, including public holidays. The Rapid 3 route runs every 15 minutes through the day on weekdays, and every 30 minutes on weekends. Taxis are available at all times to the city centre. Limousines are also available. Car rental: Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar and Thrifty, among others, are represented at the airport. Airport Taxis: Facilities: A bar, a restaurant, post office and ATM are available in the terminal, and there is a foreign exchange bureau on the departures concourse. Those with special needs are well catered for. Parking: Short- and long-term parking is available at the airport close to the terminal. Departure Tax: None.

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Canberra Australia's capital city, Canberra, had a difficult birth, punctuated by political infighting, wars and the Great Depression, but it is now a thriving modern city which, together with its surrounds, makes up Australia's Capital Territory. Canberra lies 95 miles (150km) inland from the East Coast, by road 175 miles (280km) from Sydney, and 415 miles (660km) from Melbourne. Like most capitals of the world, Canberra boasts an architectural heritage in its civic and government buildings, but Canberra is also blessed with some of the loveliest surroundings of any national capital. There are more than 30 Australian artistic and cultural institutions located in Canberra, ranging from the to Parliament House, surmounted by a colossal stainless-steel flagpole and set in 23 hectares of gardens. In the centre of Lake Burley Griffin, the impressive Captain Cook Memorial Jet shoots a six-ton column of water 482 feet (147m) into the air, while on the shore the National Gallery of Australia houses the country's premier public art collection spanning about 5,000 years of international art. Anyone interested in the history and politics of Australia, and the country's artistic heritage, will enjoy spending a holiday in Canberra seeing the sights. The city also caters for the more active, offering plenty of recreational opportunities, most centred on lovely Lake Burley Griffin, like kayaking on the lake, or cycling around it. Canberra is also known for its spring festival, Floriade, when the parks and gardens surrounding Lake Burley Griffin explode with colourful displays of massed tulips and other blooms. The city, with its many parklands, is especially beautiful in spring and autumn.

Getting around in Canberra

Buses are the main public transport option in Canberra and the Action bus company's routes cover most tourist attractions from four town centre bus interchanges: Civic, Woden, Tuggeranong and Belconnen. Passengers can either pay cash for their fares or use the prepaid MyWay card. Cycling is also a popular means of transport in Canberra and there is an extensive network of bicycle paths around the city. Taxi ranks are available in most major areas of the city and, when taxis cannot be found on the street, they can be ordered by phone. The light rail system, Canberra Metro, provides a quick, direct way to move between Civic and Gungahlin.

Climate in Canberra

On average, Canberra has seven hours of sunshine a day all year round, which, together with a low rainfall average, makes this a fine holiday destination year-round. The city enjoys an oceanic climate, with the chance of rain in any month, but plenty of sun. Summer weather in Canberra is generally hot and fairly dry with mild easterly and northwesterly winds prevailing. Nights become cooler when autumn sets in, and winter is characterised by the arrival of numerous cold fronts. Temperatures are lower in winter, but the sun still shines most of the time. In summer, between December and February, temperatures average between 52°F (11°C) and 82°F (28°C); and in winter, between June and August, temperatures average between 33°F (1°C) and 55°F (13°C).

Sightseeing in Canberra

Canberra is a well-organised city with top-class amenities, lots of leisure opportunities and some brilliant cultural sightseeing options. Sites like the Australian War Museum, the National Gallery of Australia and the National Museum of Australia are proud Australian cultural landmarks and well deserving of the time of travellers. But these stately attractions aside, Canberra is also a fun city for families travelling with kids, offering attractions like the National Zoo and Aquarium, Cockington Green, Questacon and the Australian Railway Historical Society, where old-fashioned steam train rides can be enjoyed. Special tourist discount deals are available, including 3infun Canberra which provides one ticket to visit three of the city's most popular attractions: the Australian Institute of Sport, Cockington Green, and Questacon - The National Science and Technology Centre. If purchased online this ticket gives something like a 25 percent discount. Canberra's city centre is relatively compact and easy to get around for visitors, with many of the top attractions close together. Possibly the best way to see the city of Canberra is on a hot air balloon ride, and those who happen to be visiting in autumn shouldn't miss out on the grand extravaganza of Canberra's Fiesta, during which dozens of colourful hot air balloons rise gently into the early morning air from the lawns in front of Canberra's Old Parliament House. Canberra has a busy events calendar and tourist numbers peak during popular events like the Fiesta and the spring festival of Floriade. Canberra Attractions

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Cockington Green

Opened to the public in 1979, Cockington Green at Gold Creek Village is an award-winning display of miniature buildings and landscaped gardens and one of Canberra's best-loved attractions. The park was created by Doug and Brenda Cockington and has been a family-run business ever since. The family make sure to keep the park in perfect condition, adding new attractions whenever possible. As well as the wonderful miniature displays and breath-taking gardens, there is a Heritage Rose Walk, a maze, several cafés, a barbecue, picnic and playground areas, and a steam train ride that circles the grounds. A fairly recent addition, created with funding from the Sultanate of Oman, is a small-scale replica of Oman's Jabrin Fort. Other international small-scale replicas include one of Israel's Masada Northern Palace, and a large collection of great historical Australian homes. Address: Gold Creek Village, 11 Gold Creek Road, Nicholls Website: www.cockingtongreen.com.au

National Gallery of Australia

Located on the south shore of the lake, the National Gallery has the best collection of art in the country. The Australian collection ranges from traditional Aboriginal art through to 20th-century works by Tom Roberts, Arthur Boyd, Sidney Nolan and Albert Tucker. Aboriginal works include bark paintings from Arnhem Land, pukumaniburial poles from the Tiwi people and printed fabrics from central Australia. A permanent feature is The Aboriginal Memorial (1987-88), an installation of 200 painted hollow log coffins by the artists of Ramingining in Arnhem Land. The Memorial, a collaborative work involving 43 artists, is dedicated to all indigenous Australians who have lost their lives defending their country since European settlement. There's also plenty of foreign art from all eras, and many important international exhibitions are featured in Canberra on their way around the world. The collection is not confined to paintings: sculptures, prints, drawings, photographs, furniture, ceramics, fashion, textiles and silverware are all on display. Address: Parkes Place, Parkes Website: www.nga.gov.au

Australian War Memorial

Consistently voted Canberra's premier tourist attraction, the Australian War Memorial is not only a fitting tribute to the men and women who gave their lives in service of their country, but also a fascinating, highly-informative museum that seeks to educate modern Australians about the conflicts that have blighted their country's past. Housing an in-depth exhibition for every war Australia has ever been involved in, and boasting passionate, knowledgeable tour guides, visitors are strongly advised to set aside at least half a day to do the museum justice. The Australian War Memorial is a must-see for anyone seeking a sobering, humanising reminder of how dearly war can cost a nation, and it is a good introduction to the country's history for foreigners. Entrance to the Memorial is free, and there are free tours conducted daily by knowledgeable volunteers. Address: Treloar Crescent, Canberra Website: www.awm.gov.au Events in Canberra National Multicultural Festival Friday February 19, 2021 to Sunday February 21, 2021 (19 - 21 February 2021) Where: Various throughout Canberra The highlight of the cultural calendar of Australia's capital city is the National Multicultural Festival, an extravaganza of entertainment and art, usually in mid-February. The festival launches with a huge concert which is followed by a wide variety of exhibitions, open air markets, music performances, theatre, dance and numerous other events organised by all manner of businesses, organisations and diplomatic missions. The festival's focus, as the name indicates, is on multiculturalism, featuring a variety of artists from different cultures and highlighting exhibitions on various topics featuring different cultures represented in Australia. http://www.multiculturalfestival.com.au

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Royal Canberra Show Friday February 26, 2021 to Sunday February 28, 2021 (26 - 28 February 2021) Where: Exhibition Park, Flemington Road, Mitchell The countryside comes to town for the Royal Canberra Show, popular with all ages for its livestock shows, exhibits, fireworks and grand parades. More than 150 attractions pull the crowds to Exhibition Park, along with 5,000 or more animals, hundreds of trade displays and thousands of competitors vying for various awards. The main competition categories are Alpaca, Art, Cats, Cavy, Crafts, Demolition Derby, Dogs, Cattle, Donkeys, Goats, Horses, Produce, Sheep, Woodchopping, Wool and Yard Dogs. There are displays of farm animals with contests for the best example of each breed, exhibits of farm implements, as well as other less farm-related attractions to draw those less interested in livestock. Plenty of stalls are available selling delicious food to keep festival-goers fuelled, as well as stalls selling various trinkets and homemade goods. http://www.canberrashow.org.au National Folk Festival Thursday April 01, 2021 to Monday April 05, 2021 (1-5 April 2021) Where: Exhibition Park Thousands of entertainers, from story-tellers to circus clowns, and folk singers to crafters, gather together each Easter in Canberra for a mammoth festival of folk music. No stone on the vast field of Australia's multicultural population is left unturned in this exciting themed event in a cleverly created village atmosphere. Besides a full concert programme, dance performances, poetry readings, free music lessons, and children's entertainment, the festival offers thrilling shopping opportunities at hundreds of stalls and lots of delicious food, from paella to pizza and beyond. Festival goers gather here from all over Australia, sharing talents and stories. If you are looking for a festival with a great community feeling and the chance to get to know people from all over the world, this is the place to go. http://www.folkfestival.asn.au Floriade Tuesday September 14, 2021 to Wednesday October 13, 2021 (TBC 2021) Where: Commonwealth Park, Canberra Canberra's most important touristic event, Floriade is 'Australia's celebration of Spring'; a flower and entertainment festival held annually in Commonwealth Park, that draws thousands of visitors from all over the country. Against the backdrop of over a million blooming flowers, the event's programme also includes floral art displays, craft and fine art exhibitions, horticultural shows, practical demonstrations and advice on home gardening and outdoor living from celebrities and experts, a 35-metre Ferris wheel to let you gaze out on the resplendent gardens, and a sizzling entertainment line-up, featuring live music, street performers, comedy acts, and dance. There are always more people in Canberra over Floriade than at any other time of year, so join the throng and head down to Commonwealth Park for a memorable, sun-soaked day out. http://www.floriadeaustralia.com Airports in Canberra

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Canberra International (CBR) Canberra International Airport http://www.canberraairport.com.au

Location: Canberra The airport is situated five miles (8km) east of Canberra. Time: GMT +10 (GMT +11 from last Sunday in August to last Saturday in March). Contacts: Tel: +61 (0)2 6275 2222/2236. Getting to the city: Transport Canberra operates ACTION Bus route Rapid 3 and there are regular services between the Airport terminal through to City interchange, Belconnen interchange, Cohen St interchange to Spence Terminus, seven days a week, including public holidays. The Rapid 3 route runs every 15 minutes through the day on weekdays, and every 30 minutes on weekends. Taxis are available at all times to the city centre. Limousines are also available. Car rental: Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar and Thrifty, among others, are represented at the airport. Airport Taxis: Facilities: A bar, a restaurant, post office and ATM are available in the terminal, and there is a foreign exchange bureau on the departures concourse. Those with special needs are well catered for. Parking: Short- and long-term parking is available at the airport close to the terminal. Departure Tax: None.

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Currency The unit of currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD), which is divided into 100 cents. Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are freely available throughout the country. Banks and bureaux de change exchange most foreign currencies. Banking hours are generally 9.30am to 4pm Monday to Thursday, and 9.30am to 5pm on Friday, but some banks offer extended hours and some are open on Saturday mornings.

Exchange rate for 1 AUD - Australian Dollar 0.72 BMD 0.65 EUR 0.72 USD 0.50 GBP 78.82 JPY 0.95 CAD Bermudan Dollar Euro U.S. Dollar U.K. Pound Sterling Japanese Yen Canadian Dollar 0.72 CHF 18.17 UAH 244.43 KZT 1,089.92 LBP 0.52 LYD 4.97 BOB Swiss Franc Ukrainian Hryvnia Kazakhstani Tenge Lebanese Pound Libyan Dinar Bolivian Boliviano 78.08 NPR 0.28 OMR 2.63 QAR 1.00 SGD 6.00 SEK 4.80 TTD Nepalese Rupee Omani Rial Qatari Rial Singapore Dollar Swedish Krona Trinidad Tobago Dollar 7.22 VEF 33.17 DOP 4.86 HRK 13.49 MXN 424.36 XOF 2.29 PGK Venezuelan Bolivar Dominican Peso Croatian Kuna Mexican Peso West African CFA Franc Papua New Guinean kina 0.73 BSD 1.53 FJD 16.39 HNL 80.00 DZD 862.26 MMK 8.10 BWP Bahamian Dollar Fiji Dollar Honduran Lempira Algerian Dinar Myanma Kyat Botswana Pula 2.44 PEN 501.97 CLP 346.05 AMD 17.50 CZK 14.46 MDL 89.96 ISK Peruvian Nuevo Sol Chilean Peso Armenia Dram Czech Koruna Moldova Lei Icelandic Krona 2,127.05 UZS 2.79 ILS 0.51 JOD 0.22 KWD 22.69 UYU 25.71 MUR Uzbekistan Sum Israeli New Sheqel Jordanian Dinar Kuwaiti Dinar Uruguayan Peso Mauritian Rupee 20.64 NIO 6.04 NOK 2.84 PLN 2.71 SAR 105.69 LKR 25.78 THB Nicaraguan Córdoba Norwegian Krone Polish Zloty Saudi Riyal Sri Lanka Rupee Thai Baht 2.66 AED 2.60 BRL 2.93 RON 5.62 HKD 425.33 XAF 16,267.04 VND U.A.E Dirham Brazilian Real Romanian New Leu Hong Kong Dollar Central African CFA Franc Vietnamese Dong 10.10 ARS 1.95 XCD 5.67 GTQ 7.07 MAD 0.27 BHD 0.73 PAB Argentine Peso East Caribbean Dollar Guatemalan Quetzal Moroccan Dirham Bahrain Dinar Panamanian Balboa 1.08 AZN 2,256.65 COP 49.44 KGS 202.49 HUF 5.70 TJS 9,903.74 IDR Azerbaijan Manat Colombian Peso Kyrgyzstan Som Hungarian Forint Tajikistan Ruble Indonesian Rupiah 6.43 EGP 862.11 KRW 4,103.49 PYG 3.01 MYR 389.94 CRC 1.06 NZD Egyptian Pound South Korean Won Paraguayan Guaraní Malaysian Ringgit Costa Rican Colón New Zealand Dollar 75.81 PKR 48.35 RUB 11.29 ZAR 1.54 TND 1.45 BBD 1.27 BGN Pakistani Rupee Russian Rouble South African Rand Tunisian Dinar Barbadian Dollar Bulgarian Lev 2.14 TRY 33.74 PHP 23.61 TWD 142.23 NGN 77.55 XPF 2.83 GHS Turkish Lira Philippine Peso New Taiwan Dollar Nigerian Naira CFP Franc Ghanaian Cedi 90.42 JMD 1.31 ANG 1.00 BND 80.02 RSD 4.76 CNY 14,402.40 BYR Jamaican Dollar Neth. Antillean Guilder Brunei Dollar Serbian Dinar Chinese Yuan Belarussian Ruble 4.81 DKK 2.49 TMT 48.68 INR

Danish Krone New Turkmenistan Manat Indian Rupee

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