Explore Canberra, the capital of Australia. Learn about its history, where it’s located, how many people live there, and why it’s so important to the country. Find out how this carefully planned city became Australia’s political and cultural heart, known for its beautiful scenery, famous landmarks, and calm, modern way of life.
Australia is a beautiful and diverse country known for its beaches, wildlife, and vibrant cities. It has a rich culture and a strong political system that guides the nation. Every country has a central city that serves as its administrative and political hub, where key government offices and decisions are located — Australia is no different.
Key Points
- Canberra is the Capital of Australia.
- Canberra is Australia’s capital, located inside the country’s southeast coast.
- Surrounded by forest, farmland, and nature reserves, it earns its nickname, the “Bush Capital.”
- Sydney, Queensland, and Perth are the cities of Australia.
What is the Capital of Australia?
Australia’s capital city is Canberra, in the southeastern part of the country. It’s in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), about 240 kilometers from Sydney and 660 kilometers from Melbourne.
Canberra was chosen as the capital because it sits between Sydney and Melbourne, which ended the argument over which city should hold that title.
How Canberra Became the Capital?
In the early 1900s, Sydney and Melbourne competed to become Australia’s capital city. To settle the argument, the government decided to build a new city between them.
After years of debate, Canberra was chosen as the capital in 1913. It was designed by American architects Walter and Marion Griffin, who planned it to be a modern, organized city surrounded by nature.
Growth and Population of Canberra
Canberra has been growing steadily over the years. In December 2024, the city’s population was about 482,000, and it’s expected to rise to nearly 700,000 by 2050.
- This steady growth shows that Canberra is becoming an even more important political and cultural center for Australia.
- Canberra was chosen as Australia’s capital mainly because it’s neutral—it sits between Sydney and Melbourne, the two biggest cities, and isn’t part of any state. That made it a fair choice for everyone.
- The city was carefully planned, with wide streets, organized neighborhoods, and lots of green spaces to show peace, order, and unity.
- Since becoming the capital, Canberra has been the main place for government, parliament meetings, and national decisions.
Why Canberra is so Famous?
Canberra is often called the “Bush Capital” because it’s surrounded by forests, hills, and parks. The city is clean, green, and quiet but still has everything you’d expect from a modern city.
It’s home to many famous places, including:
| Landmark | Description |
|---|---|
| Parliament House | Where Australia’s government meets and makes decisions. |
| Australian War Memorial | A museum and monument that honors people who served the country. |
| National Gallery of Australia | Holds thousands of artworks from Australia and around the world. |
| Lake Burley Griffin | A large man-made lake in the center of the city, perfect for walks and picnics. |
| Questacon | A fun science and technology center with hands-on exhibits. |
Canberra is also known for its colorful flower festivals, cultural celebrations, and art shows, making it one of the most lively and interesting cities in Australia.
Additional Information
| Country | Capital | Currency |
| Sweden | Stockholm | Swedish krona |
| Denmark | Copenhagen | krone |
| Iceland | Reykjavik | Icelandic Krone |
| Norway | Oslo | Norwegian Kroner |
