Fact Sheets & Video - Canberra

A somewhat modern yet "sleepy hollow" capital city, that is often the butt of sarcastic comment, Canberraalso has an international reputation for its uniquely planned landscape.

In 1908 the Yass-Canberra area was chosen by Parliament as the site for the nation's capital, owing to its 'bracing' climate, good water supply and natural beauty, however, the establishment of Canberra owes much to three people: Charles Scrivener, who selected the site for the capital in 1909, Walter Burley Griffin, who provided the prize-winning design for the city in 1912, and Charles Weston, who pioneered the 'greening' of the area and its surrounding hills between 1911 and 1926.

To heighten the perspective of the "city in landscape" today, a scenic hot air balloon ride in the midst of autumn's striking, burnished tones of russet, crimson, ochre and gold, allows visitors to truly appreciate and reflect on how Australia's "well-planned capital" came to be.

To complete the hot air balloon package, indulge in a champagne breakfast amidst the grandeur of Canberra's only five-star hotel, the Hyatt Hotel Canberra, also known as the "Second Parliament" in the 20th century. To further appreciate the street plantings of Canberra, take a capital drive through some of the City's most significant tree-lined streetscapes.

Being a bush city, in Canberra, you don't have to go too far to appreciate a good drop of wine. To celebrate the boutique and burgeoning wine industry here, the annual Canberra District Wine Harvest Festival is held each autumn. The Harvest Festival has been running for over 20 years and currently has around 31 wineries, all family owned and operated. The festivities are spread across the various wineries.

Further Information:

Balloon Aloft & Hyatt Hotel Canberra package - From $780 weekdays, $890 weekends. Includes balloon flight for two, one night accommodation, breakfast & champagne. Call (02) 6285 1540. Prices correct at 12/5/07 Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.

Canberra District Wine Harvest Festival - Held every April.