Canberra

Canberra is the capital of Australia and is located 150km inland from the southeast Australian coast. Small and modern, it is cocooned within its own small territory, the ACT. Canberra is a planned city and was constructed originally as the capital to solve the rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne for the title. As a result it’s easily accessible layout is perfect for those who want to see the inner city on foot.

There is plenty to see and do in Australia’s capital – from enlightening historical and political locations, to the beauty of the great outdoors – Canberra has something for everybody.

Before going anywhere, it's a good idea to call into the National Capital Exhibition. This gives a good introduction to the city. Look for the Captain Cook Memorial jets which blast tonnes of water from the lake skywards and nearby Regatta Point outlining Cook's voyages. The National Gallery of Australia houses the national art collection and hosts exhibitions from around the world. With over 100, 000 impressive pieces of priceless art it's one of Australia's most highly regarded tourist attractions. It's easy to spend a day wandering through this excellent gallery - definitely a must see.

No Canberra itinerary would be complete without the unique city symbol, Parliament House. Visitors to Parliament House are welcome on non-sitting days with regular free tours taking groups through The House of Representatives, the Senate gallery and various rotating exhibitions held throughout the year - short tours are still conducted on sitting days for those who wish to see the proceedings. Nearby the Australian War Memorial has an impressive collection of memorabilia and war records, as well as regular exhibitions that commemorate the sacrifice of Australians who have died in world conflict. Each year, hundreds of visitors come to pay their respects at the memorial on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, and smaller ceremonies are held each week at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The countryside surrounding Canberra has many outdoor delights. Black Mountain, Mount Ainslie, Mount Taylor, Mount Pleasant, Red Hill and Mount Majura are all within easy reach of the city, and are good places to spot different species of native Australian flora and fauna. In the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, the Nature Discovery Sanctuary allows visitors to see the wildlife in its most untainted state – with no cages or fences.

Canberra is known as Australia's bush capital due to the large amount of natural vegetation in and around the city, which flourishes in Canberra weather.

One of Canberra's main natural attractions is the Floriade festival, Australia's biggest flower festival, a colourful celebration of flowers held each spring.

Although Canberra is small it is culturally diverse. But still, the capital has a reputation for being boring and lacking soul. That may be a little unfair but it is undeniable that few go to Canberra for a holiday. Canberra is however unique, and makes a good stopover en route to Melbourne, Sydney or the Snowy Mountains.

1. What is the Australian capital territory's name?

2. What can you see in Canberra?

3. What is the main attraction of the city?

4. Why is Canberra known as Australia's bush capital?

5. Is Canberra a popular place for holidays?

SYDNEY

Sydney was founded by English colonists 200 years ago and was first populated by convicts. It is one of the most beautiful modern cities in the world and offers a unique experience to all its visitors. It is located on the east coast of Australia and is famous for its wide range of tourist attractions and fun things to do.

These include visiting The Rocks, the area of Sydney where the colony was first begun with a few sly grog shops for the sailors and soldiers. It was chosen because it had a natural spring of water for drinking. (This water still runs underneath the modern city and it's called the Tank Stream.)

The Rocks area stands right underneath the Sydney Harbor Bridge and is full of old buildings and pubs (bars / taverns) which date back 150 years or more. It is a natural highlight of any tour of Sydney.
SydneyOpera House is one of the most visited and pictured sights in Australia. Being one of the World wonders with canoes and small ships around it, the Opera House is the pride of the city.

Most of the Australians' national entertainment is cruising, water tours and diving and each occasion (either wedding or other outstanding agendas) is followed by visiting or sailing around awesomely built in the form of the huge ship sales Opera House surroundings. Of course there are other interesting buildings and monuments there.

Sydney is a very big city but the main attractions are located in a small area which is also one of the most luxurious areas in the city. The beaches in Sydney are simply amazing, that's why they are crowded of people in summer time, there are more than 20 waiting for you, the most famous between them is Bondi, located seven kilometers away from the city centre, is very visited in summer and through all the year, many tourists come here to spend Christmas time.
Manly Beach is also a very visited tourist destination, it's near the Sydney Harbour National Park, you can take the ferry to get there in thirty minutes or can take the fast Jet Cat catamaran to be there in fifteen minutes. And to come back from a fantastic day on the beach the best time to get into the city is at night, the lights of all the city gives to it a special view, you have to see the lights of the tallest buildings around Circular Quay looks like rainbows over the water of the harbor.
Sydney population is of about five million people, you'll discover this city still has a small-town charm.

In 2000 Sydney was the host city of the Olympic Games, all the city was full of visitors, journalists and sportsmen, there was a beautiful time in the city because of this.

Sydney is also the dynamic centre for Australian economic activity and one of the most important cities for finance in the Asia-Pacific region.

1. Who were the first residents of Sydney?
2. What is the Rocks?
3. What attraction is the pride of the city?
4. Are there any beaches in Sydney?
5. What is the population of the city?