Canberra's National Triangle (Part 1): The Story of Australia's Capital

Capital Hill, ACT, Australia; Canberra, ACT, Australia; Barton, ACT, Australia; Parkes, ACT, Australia
Est. 3.5km / 1 hr 24 mins

Welcome to the gripping story of Canberra's rise to Australia's capital! This is a story of rivalry, compromise and unwavering vision. When Australia was federated in 1901, the pressing question was where to locate the seat of government. Sydney and Melbourne vied for the honour, but their disagreement led to a unique solution: to find a neutral location at least 160 kilometres from Sydney, as required by the Constitution.

Canberra's National Triangle (Part 1): The Story of Australia's Capital - Cya On The Road

Finding the ideal site was no easy task. Years of surveys, debates and inspections followed, with numerous contenders in the running. They included Dalgety, Bathurst, Orange, Albury and Bombala. But none could match the attraction and potential of Canberra - the land of the Ngunnawal people. Canberra was officially chosen as the capital of Australia in 1909 and was awarded the title in 1913.

Canberra is a sprawling city with many attractions to explore. But if you want to see the heart of Australian politics and culture, visit the National Triangle, also known as the Parliamentary Triangle, which contains some of Australia's most important and impressive buildings and monuments. The National Triangle is at the heart of Canberra's design and symbolism, reflecting the nation's vision and values.

This self-guided walking tour is divided into two parts - the southern part of Lake Burley Griffin (Part 1) and the northern part (Part 2). Together they complete the discovery of Canberra's National Triangle.

As you explore, you'll come across Parliament House, Spy Headquarters and many more remarkable landmarks.

So grab this audio guide, embark on this adventure and unravel the secrets woven into the fabric of Canberra's National Triangle. It's not just informative, it's fun!

by Georgia Moretti
Hi there! I'm Georgia, and I've lived in Canberra for many years. I just love sharing the history of Australia's capital city! I explore the stories behind its architecture and use modern technology to bring these narratives to life. Through self-guided tours, I aim to highlight the fascinating aspects of Canberra, and you can also enjoy the walk at your leisure.

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