Canberra Landmarks and Monuments

(Canberra, Australian Capital Territory - ACT, Australia)

The cityscape of Canberra comes with a number of important Australian landmarks, the oldest of which are of great historical significance, such as the Albert Hall, Duntroon House, the Government House and the High Court of Australia.

The Old Parliament House is of particular note and was home to the Australian Federal Parliament from 1927, until it was replaced by the New Parliament House on Capital Hill in 1988. Located just 3 km / 2 miles from the city centre and only ever intended as a temporary parliament house, this white-washed palatial building contains regular changing exhibitions and often plays host to local events, concerts and lectures.

Another famous landmark in Canberra is the much-photographed Captain Cook Memorial Water Jet, which towers over Lake Burley Griffin and regularly appears on promotional literature for the city. This iconic jet is powered by four giant pumps and was officially inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Australia in 1970.

Captain Cook Memorial Water Jet

Address: Lake Burley Griffin, Near Regatta Point, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2600, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6271 2888
Created by the Commonwealth Government, the Captain Cook Memorial Water Jet has become synonymous with the city and stands within Lake Burley Griffin. Celebrating the historic voyage of Captain James Cook in the late 18th century, when he discovered this part of Australia, the memorial is an enormous jet of water, reaching up to a staggering 150 metres / 490 feet high. One of the most popular ways to view the jet close up is by steam-paddle boat cruises, which depart at regular intervals nearby.
Open hours: daily - 14:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

New Parliament House

Address: Capital Hill, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2600, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6277 5399
Canberra's New Parliament House is the seat of local government and is also one of the city's most recognisable landmarks. Situated in the central Capital Hill district, this building features magnificent architecture, including just under 50 classical marble pillars representing a eucalyptus forest, grand arches, stone carvings and many detailed features.

Home to a vast interior, housing important collections of paintings, portraits, antique furniture and interesting local artefacts, other attractions include regular guided tours, a bookshop selling souvenirs and landscaped gardens. The New Parliament House was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1988, after seven years of construction work, as part of the elaborate 75th-year anniversary celebrations in the city.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Old Parliament House

Address: King George Terrace, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2600, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6270 8222
Visitors to the Old Parliament House will enjoy the regular guided tours, which last around one hour, while self-guided tours come with information sheets. Specific attractions include the Prime Minister's Office, the Corridors of Power, the House of Representatives Chamber and the National Portrait Gallery. The onsite Museum of Australian Democracy also provides further interest, as does the neighbouring National Archives of Australia.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and families

Government House

Address: Dunrossil Drive, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2600, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6205 0044
Government House, to the south of the city centre, can be found in the Yarralumla area and alongside the Royal Canberra Golf Club. This important landmark dates back to the early part of the 20th century and is the official residence of the Governor General of Australia. With grand architecture, an extravagant interior and grounds encompassing some 133 acres / 54 hectares, the house is only open to the general public on specific days of the year. Foreign heads of state always stay here when visiting the city, including the English monarchy.

Black Mountain Tower

Address: Black Mountain Drive, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2601, Australia
Tel: +1 800 806 718
Formerly named the Telstra Tower, the Black Mountain Tower was built in 1980 and measures in at some 195 metres / 640 feet in height. This tall structure offers superb panoramic views of the capital's cityscape, with its popular revolving restaurant being especially popular with tourists. Other highlights include observation platforms, a museum, a souvenir shop and a café. The tower really does stand out on the city's skyline and is visible from as far away as Queanbeyan.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 22:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors and children

Albert Hall

Address: Commonwealth Avenue, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2600, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6207 2668
Standing on Commonwealth Avenue, the Albert Hall is to be found just across from the Lennox Gardens and the Hyatt Hotel, where it was built in the 1920s. Hosting many of the city's concerts, events and festivals, the hall boasts Georgian-style architecture and stunning, intricate features. A recent renovation programme costing some AU$500,000 has just been successfully completed. The adjacent waterfront park has been the cause for much controversy in recent years, since the city's architect Walter Burley Griffin always envisaged a further grandiose building standing here, containing facilities for visitors. However, after much discussion during the early part of the 21st century, it has been decided that these plans will not be finally commissioned.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Australian-American Memorial

Address: Sir Thomas Blamey Square, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2600, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6243 4211
The American War Memorial is situated to the north of the city centre and dates back to the 1950s. This important monument was built to commemorate how America helped Australia in the Second World War and towers for some 79 metres / 258 feet, being topped by an eagle.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

High Court of Australia

Address: Parkes Place, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2600, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6270 6811
The waterfront High Court of Australia, in the Parkes area, is a striking landmark in its own right, with awe-inspiring architecture dating back to the turn of the 20th century. Home to Australia's judicial system and its seven justices, attractions include public viewing areas, three courtrooms and a lavishly decorated interior.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:45 to 16:30
Admission: free

Shine Dome

Address: Gordon Street, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2601, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6247 5777
Built in the 1950s, the Shine Dome is a large modern building standing in the city centre, with eye-catching, contemporary architecture and many impressive features. Formerly named Becker House, the dome is a much-loved local landmark and is of epic proportions. It is currently used for office space and for local functions, and has excellent conference facilities, including both the Jaeger Room and the Ian Wark Theatre. Also onsite is the Adolf Basser Library and an art gallery.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 16:30
Admission: free

Duntroon House

Address: Royal Military College, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2600, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6265 9241
Duntroon House is of great local historic significance, since it dates all the way back to the 1830s, being built at the request of affluent landowner and New South Wales politician, Robert Campbell. This historic house contains many well-preserved period features and is now part of the city's Royal Military College complex.
Open hours: hours vary
Admission: free

Ginninderra Waterfalls

Address: Southern Cross Drive, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2618, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6278 4222
The 40-metre / 131-foot Ginninderra Waterfalls are a breathtaking natural phenomenon, based within the northern Belconnen district. Featuring a number of magnificent waterfalls, cascading down from great heights, this is understandably a popular beauty spot, with picnic areas, nature trails and a large wildlife park. Various outdoor activities are available here, including rock climbing, abseiling, canoeing, kayaking, hiking and mountain biking.
Open hours: daily, summer - 10:00 to 20:00, winter - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors, children and families

Indonesian Embassy

Address: 8 Darwin Avenue, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2600, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6250 8600
Situated in the Yarralumla area, close to Stirling Park, the Indonesian Embassy is a breathtaking sight. With large statues, impressive architecture and detailed features, the embassy regularly hosts special events and concerts. Close by you will find the embassies of Brazil, France and Mexico, as well as the Malaysian High Commission.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:30 to 17:00
Admission: free

King George V Memorial

Address: Parkes Place, King George Terrace, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2600, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6205 0044
The King George V Memorial stands close to the Old Parliament House. Commemorating the reign of King George V, this impressive monument is made from bronze and stone, with detailed portraits, carvings and historic features.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Royal Australian Navy Memorial

Address: Anzac Parade, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2612, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6243 4211
Located on the famous Anzac Parade, the Royal Australian Navy Memorial is a large fountain, built in the mid-1980s as a monument to all Australians who have been part of the Royal Australian Navy. The fountain comprises a series of abstract bronze figures and has earned itself the nickname of 'Sailors and Ships'. Of note, it was inaugurated in 1986 by Queen Elizabeth II.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Royal Australian Air Force Memorial

Address: Anzac Parade, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2612, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6243 4211
The Royal Australian Air Force Memorial was built as a monument to the Australian Air Force and stands on the Anzac Parade. Consisting of large, steel wings, this poignant sculpture commemorates those members of the Air Force who lost their lives in battle, as well as the RAAF's 50th anniversary. The memorial was officially opened in 1973 by the Duke of Edinburgh.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Scrivener Dam

Address: Lady Denham Drive, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2600, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6205 0044
Standing in the Woden area and just a short distance from the National Zoo and Aquarium, Scrivener Dam is a spectacular man-made landmark, standing almost 40 metres / 130 feet high. Built between the years of 1960 and 1964 in order to dam the Molonglo River, the resultant enormous Lake Burley Griffin provides breathtaking scenery.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Foundation Stone

Address: Parliament House, Capital Circle, Capital Hill, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2600, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6205 0044
The Foundation Stone will always be one of the city's most important monuments and represents the six original colonies of Australia. Situated outside of the entrance to the New Parliament House, this stone was laid in 1913 by the future King Edward VIII, when Canberra was named in a grand ceremony attended by literally thousands.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

The Lodge

Address: National Circuit, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2600, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6205 0044
Located within the Deakin district and close to Collins Park, the Lodge was built in the early part of the 20th century and is the official home of the Australian Prime Minister. Standing next to the New Parliament House, this impressive building is surrounded by landscaped gardens and is occasionally opened to the general public.
Open hours: hours vary
Admission: charge