Canberra - The Host City

The City

Canberra, as the nation’s capital, offers a unique setting for an international sporting event that aims to:

• provide a valuable and exciting educational experience; and
• foster international friendship and understanding.

National Attractions/Institutions

Canberra is home to Australia’s national parliament and most of the international diplomatic community is based in the city. This, along with the presence of Australia’s national institutions (e.g. National Gallery, National Museum, Australian War Memorial and the National Science Centre), ensures that students, teachers and officials from around Australia and international students will find Canberra a fascinating destination.

History

Canberra, located on the traditional lands of the Ngunnawal people, was first settled by European settlers in the 1830s.  It was chosen as the site for the national capital in 1908.  The city was designed by Walter Burley Griffin, an American architect whose design won an international competition.  The first Parliament House opened in 1927 in the middle of what was then a treeless paddock.  The present Parliament House replaced it in 1988.

Location

• 282 kilometres from Sydney
• 150 kilometres from East cost of Australia
• 571 metres above the Pacific Ocean

Climate

In summer, the time of the 2008 PSG, the days are warm to hot (average maximum temperature 27°) with plenty of sunshine and little humidity.  The nights are mild and balmy (average minimum temperature 12°).

Interesting Facts

When was Canberra formed and named Capital City and why was Canberra chosen?

Canberra was selected for the location of the nation's capital in 1908 as a comporomise between rivals Sydney and Melbourne, Australia's two largest cities.

What does the name Canberra mean?

The word "Canberra" is derived from the name of one of the Ngunnawal family groups, from the word Kanbarra meaning "meeting place" in the old Ngunnawal language.

Who designed Canberra?

On 1 January 1910, an international design competition saw Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin win the design of the city.  On 12 March 1913, the city was officially given its name by Lady Denman, the wife of the then Governor-General Lord Denman during a ceremony at Kurrajong Hill, which has since become Capital Hill and the site of the current Parlaiment House.

Which cities are Canberra's sister cities?

Atlanta in the United States, Beijing in China, Dili in East Timor, Nara in Japan, and Versailles in France.

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