Parliamentary Triangle, Canberra
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Canberra's principal buildings lie within the Parliamentary Triangle formed by Kings Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue and Lake Burley Griffin, with Capital Hill, the government quarter, at its southern tip and City Hill, the business centre, at its north end.
Related Attractions
National Gallery of Australia
The National Gallery of Australia, an imposing concrete structure of cubic form with many corners and edges, was begun in 1974 and opened by Queen Elizabeth II in October 1982. It consists of 11 main galleries on three levels and a 2 ha sculpture garden (laid out according to the four seasons). The purchase of the collection, the largest in Australia, began in 1968 (Australian art; international art from 1971). Its particular strengths are 'white' art in Australia since 1788, South-East Asian art and the art of the Aborigines, together with African, Oceanian and pre- Columbian art, European art before 1850 and modern art since 1950. The exhibits range from oil paintings and water-colors, sculpture, votive objects, decorative art, printed works, drawings, book illustrations, sketchbooks, photographs and films to ceramics, costumes and textiles.
High Court of Australia
Adjoining the National Gallery and similar in style is the imposing High Court of Australia, opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1980. The main entrance, in front of which are fountains, leads into the 24 m high Great Hall, from which ramps lead up to the courts. The floor is paved with Carrara marble; the walls are of bullet-proof glass. The north and west walls have mural paintings by Jan Senberg (six panels on each wall).
National Library of Australia
The National Library of Australia was built to resemble a Greek temple. A model of Captain Cook's ship is found on the lower floor.
New Parliament House
The New Parliament House is a unique building, opened in 1988. It is built into the side of Capital Hill. A grass walkway runs over top, while inside are columns designed to resemble a eucalyptus forest.
Old Parliament House
Old Parliament House looks down from King George Terrace along the spacious gardens of Canberra's main axis towards the Australian War Memorial on the other side of Lake Burley Griffin. Opened by the Duke of York (later KIng George VI) in 1927, it was occupied by the Australian Parliament until 1988. A permanent home for Parliament was to be built only after agreement had been reached on its site and architectural style.In King's Hall, the entrance lobby, are busts and portraits of Australian prime ministers and an exhibition of important documents such as Queen Victoria's agreement on July 9th 1900 to the creation of the Commonwealth of Australia on January 1st 1901.The chambers of the House of Representatives and the Senate are modeled on the British House of Commons and House of Lords. The paneling and furnishings are of Australian woods and the wall hangings display Australian flora.
National Rose Gardens
The beautiful National Rose Gardens are on the left-hand side of the Old Parliament House, above King Edward Terrace (near the Lobby Restaurant).
Questacon, National Science and Technology Centre
At the side of Lake Burley Griffin between the High Court and the National Library is Questacon, the interactive National Science and Technology Centre opened in 1988, which has hands-on science displays and do-it-yourself experiments designed to promote understanding of the importance and the application of technology in everyday life.
Prime Minister's Lodge
Prime Minister's Lodge, the official residence of the prime minister, is hidden behind a whitewashed brick wall and gardens on the south west side of Capital Hill.
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