Things to See in Canberra

Spread over 90 invigorating hectares on Black Mountain's lower slopes are the beautiful Australian National Botanic Gardens. The gardens are devoted to the growth, study and promotion of Australian floral diversity. While enjoying the gardens' tranquillity, take the Aboriginal Plant Use Walk (1km, 45 minutes), which passes through the cool Rainforest Gully.

On the edge of Lake Burley Griffin sits the stone-and-slab Blundells' Cottage built in 1860 to house workers on the surrounding estate, and now a reminder of the area's early farming history.

In a stately position, overlooking Anzac Pde and Lake Burley Griffin, the magnificent Australian War Memorial is one of the finest museums in the country. It houses an enormous collection of pictures, dioramas, relics and exhibitions detailing the events, weapons and human toll of wartime. Most of the heavy machinery is arrayed in Anzac Hall which features an impressive sound-and-light show.