The Low-Key Capital: Canberra_Canberra_Blogs_About

May 05,2025

The Low-Key Capital: Canberra

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Although "Canberra" means "meeting place" in Aboriginal language, apart from being a political center, it doesn't have much else to offer. I personally prefer natural and cultural attractions, so if it weren't for the "auspicious clouds," I probably wouldn't have made a special trip to Canberra in my lifetime.

From Melbourne, heading northeast, it's about a 700-kilometer drive.

At 7 AM on April 24, 2008, we arrived at Capital Hill. At an elevation of nearly 600 meters, the early morning air was incredibly crisp, and everyone was jumping around trying to keep warm as soon as they got off the bus.

That day was chaotic everywhere, with crowds of international students and Chinese people from all over Australia. Our group also had important responsibilities, so we were in a hurry and didn't take many scenic photos...

Lake Burley Griffin

Lake Burley Griffin

National Library of Australia (the small spire on the left is where Parliament House is located)

Captain Cook Memorial Jet

The water column reaches 140 meters high... Before sunrise, the mist from the fountain was falling on us like rain, making us shiver with cold.

Lake Burley Griffin

Canberra's most distinctive feature is its tranquility...

This 6-story building should be the Old Parliament House

New Parliament House, the political center of Australia. Back then, Sydney and Melbourne were deadlocked over which should be the federal capital, so they chose a compromise location to establish the capital territory, and Canberra ended up being the beneficiary...