Well, it’s that time of year again where Australians give thanks for those who served and or died for us in various conflicts around the world.

If you’re looking for something to do the Australian War Memorial will be holding their usual dawn service, as will many churches hold a later service in the morning. Be aware there will be road closures in the morning and of course double demerit points (Which have been in place already) so be nice on the roads! For more info on the road closures visit the Australian War Memorial website HERE.

It also looks like most pubs / clubs should be open on the day … some rather early, so could be a great chance to squeeze in a few coldies and maybe a game of two up if your venue of choice is doing that!

Stay safe everyone and have a great Anzac Day! If any other great events come to light I’ll post them up here too!

For those new / visiting this city we thought we’d outline a few of the more popular tourist attractions. This is by no means a comprehensive list but more a “newbies guide” to Canberra. If you’re lucky enough to know someone here, fully recommend hitting them up for the best parks, bars restraunts etc… so here are the top tourist attractions in Canberra.

Australian War Memorial The Australian War Memorial is one of Canberra’s most culturally significant and highly regarded attractions. It is a national memorial to the members of the Australian armed forces who have died or served in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations around the world. The memorial’s displays include an extensive collection of military equipment, photographs, and personal memorabilia, as well as a tomb of the unknown soldier.
For more information, Visit the official site here or Or our article Here.

National Gallery of Australia The National Gallery of Australia houses an extensive collection of Australian and international art, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs. It is home to some of the country’s most iconic artworks, such as Jackson Pollock’s “Blue Poles” and Sidney Nolan’s “Ned Kelly” series.

Questacon Questacon is Australia’s national science and technology center, and it is a great attraction for both kids and adults. Visitors can explore over 200 interactive exhibits, participate in live science shows, and learn about everything from astronomy and physics to biology and robotics.

Parliament House Parliament House is the home of the Australian government, and visitors can tour the building and learn about the country’s political system. The building’s architecture is stunning, with a large flagpole standing at its centre, and it is situated on a hill with beautiful views of the city.

Old Parliament House / Museum of Australian Democracy Another great stop for those interested in the history of Australian politics and our parliament. Lots of great portraits, and the architecture of the building itself is phenomenal. For a more detailed article click HERE or visit the Old Parliament House website for more information.

Australian National Botanic Gardens The Australian National Botanic Gardens are a plant lovers paradise in the heart of the city. Featuring over 6,000 species of native Australian plants, lush gardens and a great place for functions, meetups and to learn about Australias Flora. Be sure to check out the official website HERE

Lake Burley Griffin Lake Burley Griffin is a man-made lake located in the heart of Canberra, and it is a popular destination for water sports, cycling, and picnicking. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll around the lake or hire a paddleboat to explore its waters.

Australian Institute of Sport The Australian Institute of Sport is an elite sports training facility, and visitors can take a tour of the center and learn about the country’s top athletes and their training routines. The center also features a museum dedicated to Australian sporting history.

National Museum of Australia The National Museum of Australia tells the story of the country’s history and culture, from its Aboriginal heritage to its modern-day society. Visitors can explore a range of exhibits, including interactive displays and multimedia presentations.

Mount Ainslie Lookout Mount Ainslie Lookout offers spectacular views of Canberra and the surrounding countryside. Visitors can take a leisurely hike up the mountain or drive to the top to enjoy the views.

For more great articles on Canberra and the surrounding regions be sure to keep checking back on click Canberra on a regular basis!

The Ngunnawal people are the Traditional Owners of the land on which the Australian capital, Canberra, is situated. They have a rich cultural heritage that has been passed down through generations, encompassing their spirituality, language, customs, and traditions.

The Ngunnawal people were traditionally hunters and gatherers, living off the land and following the seasonal movements of native animals and plants. They had a deep understanding of the environment and a close relationship with the natural world, which was integral to their way of life.

Their spiritual beliefs were also closely tied to the land and the environment. They believed that everything in nature had a spirit, and that humans had a responsibility to care for the land and all its inhabitants. They had a strong sense of community and family, with elders playing a key role in passing on knowledge and traditions to younger generations.

The arrival of European settlers in the 19th century had a significant impact on the Ngunnawal people and their way of life. Many were forced to move from their traditional lands and their culture was threatened by the introduction of foreign practices and beliefs. However, the Ngunnawal people have worked hard to maintain their cultural identity and reconnect with their ancestral lands.

Today, the Ngunnawal people continue to play an important role in the Canberra community. They work with government and non-government organizations to promote reconciliation and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. They also run cultural programs and events to educate the wider community about their culture and history.

The Ngunnawal people have a proud and resilient culture that has stood the test of time. They continue to honour their ancestors and their connection to the land, and work towards a future that is respectful and inclusive of all cultures and traditions.

What is the story behind the famed Canberra Penis Owl?

Everyone I entertain from out of Canberra that see’s our famous Owl statue always asks me “what is with that owl?”. So here’s my answer as best as I can give it

Basically it was erected in 2011 under a public arts funding campaign. The then Melbourne based artist responsible Bruce Armstrong has been quoted as saying it wasn’t meant to look like anything other than an owl. It was only a few days after the statue was inserted into the grassy patch on Belconnen way / Benjamin way that it snickering child like Canberran’s started referring to it as the ‘Penis owl’ due to its phallic shape.

The “Canberra Penis owl” as it has come to be known, has inseminated potent discussions since then about the bang it provided for its buck coming in at $400,000 initially. But repeated vandalism and has more than doubled that cost according to word on the street.

I guess like it or hate it, you have to admit our phallic friend got Canberra and many parts of the rest of the country talking. One can question the validity of the artwork itself, but If you believe any publicity is good publicity…. It’s certainly gained our fair city some fully engorged notoriety!

Be sure to keep checking back on http://www.clickcanberra.com for more great articles and reading material

Our town, Canberra is the capital city of Australia. Located in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) about 300 km south of Sydney and 600km north of Melbourne. The area was originally inhabited by the indigenous Ngunnawal people, who had lived in the region for tens of thousands of years. However, it wasn’t until the late 19th century that Europeans began to settle in the area.

In 1820, the explorer Charles Throsby came across the Limestone Plains, which were situated between the Murrumbidgee and Molonglo rivers. At that time, there were no permanent European settlements in the area, although it was used as grazing land for cattle and sheep.

In 1824, the Surveyor-General of New South Wales, Major Thomas Mitchell, explored the area and named the Molonglo River. He also recommended that the area would be suitable for future settlement. However, it wasn’t until the 1850s that the first European settlers arrived in the region.

In 1859, the New South Wales government set aside 2,000 acres of land for a future capital city, which they named Canberra. The name ‘Canberra’ is derived from the Ngunnawal word for ‘meeting place’.

In 1901, the Commonwealth of Australia was formed, and it was decided that a new capital city would be built to house the federal government. The Constitution of Australia specified that the capital city had to be located in New South Wales, but not within 100 miles of Sydney. After much debate and consideration of different sites, the Limestone Plains were chosen as the location for the new capital city.

In 1911, an international competition was held to select a design for the new city. The competition was won by an American architect, Walter Burley Griffin, and his wife, Marion Mahony Griffin. Their design included a central lake, with government buildings and residential areas arranged around it in a circular pattern. Construction of the city began in 1913, and the first government building, Provisional Parliament House, was completed in 1927.

Canberra officially became the capital of Australia in 1927, and the city continued to grow and develop over the following decades. In the 1950s and 1960s, a number of significant buildings were constructed in Canberra, including the Australian National University, the National Library of Australia, and the National Gallery of Australia.

Today, Canberra is a thriving city with a population of over 400,000 people. It is home to a number of important national institutions, including Parliament House, the High Court of Australia, and the Australian War Memorial. The city is also known for its beautiful parks and gardens, including the Australian National Botanic Gardens and Lake Burley Griffin, which is a popular spot for outdoor recreation.

Overall, the history of Canberra is a fascinating one, and the city continues to play an important role in the political and cultural life of Australia.

For more great articles on Canberra, be sure to keep coming back to Click Canberra on a regular basis!