The quietly confident capital of Australia celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Canberra, which either takes its name from the native Ngabri word for “meeting place”, or from an indigenous name meaning “hollow between a woman’s breasts” - a reference to the landscape - was built on an inland site in New South Wales, and the city was officially named in 1913.
The decision to create a capital was a diplomatic one, as Sydney, 280km to the north, and Melbourne, 660km to the south, were bitter rivals for the post. Many Australians still call Canberra ‘artificial’, and say that it lacks the creativity and class of Australia’s other cities. Yet, with the shaky world economy causing many people to rethink their priorities, Canberra increasingly holds its own. What’s more, its enviable standard of living, its high wages, low crime and ample green spaces, are supplemented by world-class cultural sites, and, in recent decades, an increasingly lively nightlife.
the ideal city
In 1911, American land architect partnership Walter and Marion Burley Griffin won an international competition for their proposed design of
Canberra. They based their design for the “ideal city of the future” on the ‘prairie school’ architectural style, which gave prime importance to natural landmarks. The central city area straddled the lake, spreading out in a wheel-pattern. Other areas of the city were centred on topographical landmarks, such as Mount Ainslie, Black Mountain and Red Hill, with green spaces separating the districts. Politics lay at the heart of the Griffins’ design: three avenues, known as the Parliamentary Triangle, pointed to Capital Hill, the location of Parliament House.
Unfortunately, political and bureaucratic obstacles, and the outbreak of the First World War, put paid to the Griffins’ progress. Funds were dramatically reduced. Today, only Canberra Central district is based on the original design.
building ambition
Canberra expanded rapidly after the war, with many Government departments moving there. The Australian National University, one of the most prestigious universities in the world, was founded in 1946, and new sculptures and monuments were built. A new National Library, the High Court and the National Gallery were constructed, and a new Parliament House was opened in 1988.
One unique museum in Canberra is the Australian War Memorial, which was built in stages since 1941. Anzac Parade walkway approaches it, and is lined with memorials dedicated to those who served in the wars. Another dramatic memorial is dedicated to Captain James Cook, who ‘claimed’ the east coast of Australia for the British in 1770: a water jet shoots water from Lake Burley Griffin up 183 metres in height, and a globe sculpture on the bank completes the memorial.
into the future
Canberra is, above all, a practical city with a highly-educated, well-paid population. Many residents love the sense of community and the short trips to work, leaving more time for leisure. Canberra is two hours from beautiful beaches, two hours from ski resorts, and just
45 minutes from Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, with its kangaroos and emus grazing in the wild. While once the city had problems with its public image, now many come to stay in Australia’s
ambitious capital.
Sydney
The most populous city in Australia and the capital of New South Wales, Sydney was founded in 1788 as a British penal colony, on land inhabited by indigenous Australians for over 30,000 years. Nowadays, it is best known for its spectacular harbour featuring Harbour Bridge, built in 1932, and the iconic Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, founded in 1973. Sydney is both an important financial centre and a dynamic cultural hub. World-class museums include the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Bondi Beach is a prime destination for sunbathers and surfers.
Melbourne
Melbourne,Sydney’s great rival, was founded in 1835, and became one of the wealthiest cities in the world thanks to the Victorian gold rush of the 1850s. The capital of the south-east state of Victoria is home to a thriving film industry, Australian Rules football, and Australian Ballet. It has been called the ‘cultural capital of Australia’, a title which Sydney contests, owing to its many cultural festivals, which include the Melbourne International Arts Festival and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Brisbane
Queensland state capital Brisbane, on Australia’s east coast, is named after its winding river. An important financial centre, the city is also home to an enviable live music scene, both popular and classical. There are a number of sports stadiums in town, the most impressive being Brisbane Cricket Ground, known as ‘The Gabba’ (see photo). Rugby, basketball and tennis are also big in the city. Brisbane is considered to be less showy than Sydney or Melbourne - but the city does not feel it needs to compete!