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History & Evolution
European exploration and settlement started in the Canberra area as early as the 1820s. There were four expeditions between 1820 and 1824. White settlement of the area probably dates from 1824, when a homestead or station was built on what is now the Acton peninsula by stockmen employed by Joshua John Moore. He formally purchased the site in 1826, and named the property Canberry. The district's change from a New South Wales (NSW) rural area to the national capital started during debates over Federation in the late 19th century. Following a long dispute over whether Sydney or Melbourne should be the national capital, a compromise was reached: the new capital would be built in New South Walesand Canberra was chosen as the site in 1908, as a result of survey work done by the government surveyor Charles Scrivener. The federal government moved to Canberra on 9 May 1927, with the opening of the Provisional Parliament House. The Prime Minister, Stanley Bruce, had officially taken up residence in The Lodge a few days earlier.

Site-Seeing
Lake Burley Griffin:
The centerpiece of the city is Lake Burley Griffin, with an area of 7 sq km, an average depth of 4.5 m and a shoreline of 36 km fringed by gardens with picnic areas. A central lake was included in Burley Griffin's original plan of 1912, but it was created in its present form only in 1958. It is spanned by two bridges, Commonwealth Bridge and Kings Bridge. There is an attractive path round the lake, used by walkers, cyclists and joggers. There are cruises on the lake, starting from Acton Ferry Terminal, at the north end of Barrine Drive (where bicycles, rowing boats, sailing dinghies and pedalos can be hired). In Commonwealth Park on Regatta Point (near the landing-stages below Commonwealth Bridge) is the National Capital Planning Exhibition illustrating the planning and development of Canberra.

Location: Center of Canberra City

Commonwealth Park:
Commonwealth Park extends between Commonwealth Avenue and Anzac Parade on the north side of the lake. Developed since the 1960s, it contains play areas, paddling pools, waterfalls, an amphitheatre and a path round the park. In summer there are weekly performances in the Sunday in the Park program, and annually in March the park is one of the venues of the Canberra Festival.

Location: Commonwealth Avenue

National Gallery of Australia:
The National Gallery of Australia, an imposing concrete structure of cubic form with many corners and edges, was begun in 1974 and opened by Queen Elizabeth II in October 1982. It consists of 11 main galleries on three levels and a 2 ha sculpture garden (laid out according to the four seasons). The purchase of the collection, the largest in Australia, began in 1968 (Australian art; international art from 1971). Its particular strengths are 'white' art in Australia since 1788, South-East Asian art and the art of the Aborigines, together with African, Oceanian and pre- Columbian art, European art before 1850 and modern art since 1950. The exhibits range from oil paintings and water-colors, sculpture, votive objects, decorative art, printed works, drawings, book illustrations, sketchbooks, photographs and films to ceramics, costumes and textiles.

Location: Parkes

Snowy Mountains:
About two hours south of Canberra by car are the Snowy Mountains, which rise to a height of 2228 m; they are popular all year round, offering hiking, water sports, fishing and skiing in winter. From mid June to October, the region affectionately known as the Snowies offers Australia's best snow sports, catering for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing and family fun.

Location: South Canberra