Words by Pallavi Mehra
Renowned for its rich cultural heritage, spectacular landscapes, and arresting architecture, Canberra, Australia’s capital city, offers visitors a unique blend of history, art, and natural beauty. The city provides a distinctive perspective on Australian design, which combines indigenous influences and contemporary architecture with a focus on preserving natural landscapes.
From award-winning, environmentally sustainable buildings to repurposed historical landmarks, a visit to Canberra is an intriguing journey for design enthusiasts. Here is the ultimate design lover’s guide to Australia’s capital city.
Australian Parliament House
Begin your Australian getaway with a tour of the Australian Parliament House. This iconic building by architect Romaldo Giurgola, is a striking example of Brutalist architecture. The majestic parliament building is topped with an 81-metre flagpole, which flies the largest Australian flag in Australia. Moreover, the architecture of the Australian Parliament House includes a public walkway on the roof, symbolising the idea that the people are above the government.
Visitors can go on a guided tour or take a self-guided tour of the building’s interiors, which features a vast collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art showcasing Australia’s indigenous heritage. Guests can also witness Question Time, see bills being debated, and sit in on committee inquiries as current issues are explored in detail.
National Museum of Australia
Another architectural gem in Canberra is the National Museum of Australia. Conceptualised by Ashton Raggatt McDougall and Robert Trethowan, this postmodern building isn’t designed like traditional museums. It boasts an eye-catching sculptural loop at its entrance that represents the Uluru line, a powerful symbol in Australian Indigenous culture.
Additional unique architectural highlights include Braille signage on its outside walls and the Main Hall, which is shaped like a giant knot, exhibiting the interconnectedness of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
National Gallery of Australia
Located near the National Museum of Australia, the National Gallery of Australia is an award-winning institution, designed by Colin Madigan, that features a distinctive triangular façade and extensive use of glass and steel. This institution is home to important works of Aboriginal art, Australian colonial art, Asian art, European and American art, and modern art. The gallery also features an inviting sculpture garden, a café, and a bookstore.
Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre
This interactive science museum is an excellent place for people of all ages. Built by architect Lawrence Nield, Questacon stands out for its façade, which includes a curved roof and a range of geometric forms. The building’s modern design pays homage to the forward-thinking nature of science and technology.
National Arboretum Canberra
Built after the devastating bushfires of 2001 and 2003, the National Arboretum Canberra is a symbol of renewal and recovery. The arboretum’s design by Taylor Cullity Lethlean Landscape Architects and Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects aims to blur the lines between the indoors and the outdoors. Housing more than 44,000 rare and endangered trees from around the world, the arboretum is a sanctuary for plant diversity and scientific research. The centre of the National Arboretum Canberra is the light-filled Village Centre building, a one-of-a-kind timber structure providing panoramic vistas of the encompassing verdant forests.
At the National Arboretum Canberra, guests can take a guided tour with an Indigenous Tourism Officer of the themed forests such as the Himalayan Cedar Forest, the Central Australian Forest, and the South African Forest, each offering a glimpse into global flora. Visitors can also check out the Margaret Whitlam Pavilion, an elegant event venue with expansive windows, and explore the POD Playground, which features giant acorn cubbies, nest swings, banksia pods, music-making instruments, and more, all surrounded by spectacular views.
Canberra Glassworks
Housed in the historic Kingston Powerhouse that was built in 1915, Canberra Glassworks is a haven for local glass artists. Visitors can watch them transform molten glass into beautiful pieces from the mezzanine level or join them for an interactive session learning how to blow glass into tumblers or sculptures.
The building’s architecture seamlessly blends heritage preservation with a functional glass working space, exhibiting the city’s commitment to environmental sustainability. The adaptive reuse of the Kingston Powerhouse is a great example of thoughtful architectural conservation, breathing new life into an age-old building.
Ovolo Nishi
Located in the heart of Canberra’s Design Hub, Ovolo Nishi is an award-winning boutique hotel that boasts a striking pineapple-shaped façade. The quaint hotel’s lobby is evocative of a chic living room, creating a relaxed and inviting ambience. Furthermore, the hotel’s guest rooms and lobby house restored vintage furniture and original artwork. Ovolo Nishi’s design team has focused on using salvaged and repurposed materials, such as reclaimed oak beds and walls featuring concrete, cork, and natural fibres. Don’t miss the lobby’s imposing staircase, a sculptural masterpiece by March Studio, crafted from over 2,150 pieces of recycled timber.
Factbox
Flights: Qantas flies from London Heathrow to Canberra via Sydney with a total flight time of 27 hours 20 minutes.
When to go: Canberra is a year-round destination with the spring season (September to November) being the best time to visit.
Photography courtesy of VisitCanberra unless otherwise stated.
