"Whether it's beautiful coastlines, historic townships or spectacular Snowy Mountains, Canberra and its surrounding areas contain a snapshot of everything that makes a capital city great."
A capital city it may be, but extensive urban planning means you'll find a calmer sense of sophistication than the lively hustle and bustle of Sydney's metropolitan streets.
Canberra is sleepy and suburban, although a thriving student community means there's plenty of partying if you know where to look. Lakeside parks and public spaces are alive with artistic endeavours throughout summer.
The city has a staggeringly young population with an average age of 34. With the highest average income in the country and the lowest rate of unemployment, there's plenty for the youngsters to smile about.
Without the typical coastal climate of most Australian cities, Canberra's summers are hot and dry so you can leave the brolly at home, but definitely don't forget the sunscreen.
Canberra doesn’t have a trademark dish; instead it focusses on having the best restaurants serving a global range of cuisines - whatever your fancy, you’ll find it here and it will be delicious.
Alongside a host of Aussie politicians, Canberra's suburbs were once home to actors Jackie Chan and George Lazenby, who replaced Sean Connery as James Bond in 1969.
The city's layout is the result of an international design contest, which was won by husband and wife Chicago architects the Griffins in the late 1900s.
"The nation's capital has come of age. A few years ago it was trying to convince itself that it wasn't a country town - now Canberra has embraced the small-town vibe and is evolving into a sexy hub of dimly lit cocktail bars and eclectic DJs." - The Sydney Morning Herald
Built to commemorate the sacrifice of Australian men and women who have served their country, the memorial combines a shrine, museum and an extensive military archive.
There are three free car parks situated close to the memorial and Anzac Hall.
Established in 1967 by the Australian government the gallery holds over 120,000 works of art from across the world, including a host of historic pieces by the country's indigenous population.
Try the underground car park at Parkes Place, which has a three-hour limit, or the street-level garage at Bowen Drive - from here you can enter the gallery via the Sculpture Garden.
The country's only combined zoo and aquarium is situated just five minutes from the centre of Canberra and is home to exotic animals, native marsupials and marine exhibits.
There is a free on-site car park for visitors.
With local, national and international exhibitions, Canberra's cultural heart celebrates Australasia's rich social history through a variety of visual arts.
Metered parking can be found at London Circuit - the gallery is on the corner of London Circuit and Civic Square.
Canberra's premier performing arts centre includes a theatre, playhouse and courtyard studio.
Parking is available close to all three venues, at London Circuit and Constitution Avenue.
Located on the border of Namadgi National Park, the sprawling reserve encompasses a number of habitats - including wetlands, forests and grasslands - and is a great place for a picnic.
Just over 20 miles from the city centre, take the Monaro Highway south towards Gilmore. From here, follow Johnson Drive to the reserve.
The Snowy Mountains have something for every outdoor enthusiast - whether it's horse-riding in summer or world-class skiing and snowboarding in winter.
A three-hour drive from Canberra, follow the Monaro Highway south and merge with the Snowy Mountains Highway, turning left at Alpine Way.
If you fancy trading in four wheels for four legs for a while, you’ll find horses to suit every riding ability at this 3500 acre property on the outskirts of Canberra.
Follow highway 25 north out of Canberra towards Murrumbateman and the Burnlee site is signposted from there.
Immerse yourself in the untouched natural beauty of the Sydney to Canberra coastline. Hit the seafront and enjoy a magnificent meandering drive, stopping off at villages for some top tucker along the way.
Batemans Bay on New South Wales' south coast is just over two hours away. Follow Kings Highway southeast through Monga National Park.
Built to commemorate the sacrifice of Australian men and women who have served their country, the memorial combines a shrine, museum and an extensive military archive.
There are three free car parks situated close to the memorial and Anzac Hall.
Established in 1967 by the Australian government the gallery holds over 120,000 works of art from across the world, including a host of historic pieces by the country's indigenous population.
Try the underground car park at Parkes Place, which has a three-hour limit, or the street-level garage at Bowen Drive - from here you can enter the gallery via the Sculpture Garden.
The country's only combined zoo and aquarium is situated just five minutes from the centre of Canberra and is home to exotic animals, native marsupials and marine exhibits.
There is a free on-site car park for visitors.
With local, national and international exhibitions, Canberra's cultural heart celebrates Australasia's rich social history through a variety of visual arts.
Metered parking can be found at London Circuit - the gallery is on the corner of London Circuit and Civic Square.
Canberra's premier performing arts centre includes a theatre, playhouse and courtyard studio.
Parking is available close to all three venues, at London Circuit and Constitution Avenue.