Car Hire Canberra - Mini guide to Canberra

A fascinating 20th-century city, Canberra has struggled to establish itself as the focus of Australia's national history and identity. However, most politicians go home at the weekend, and Canberra has grown from a Federation baby into an adult city, so any visitor who steps outside of the Parliamentary Triangle will soon find a whole new side to the nation’s capital. Anyone who's bothered to spend a bit of time here is bound to have a soft spot for the place.

Canberra's suburbs are separated by native bushland. Its major tourist attractions are set around an artificial lake surrounded by bicycle tracks. These include the National Gallery, Parliament House and the Parliamentary Triangle.

Most shops and restaurants are in the Civic and Manuka districts just south of the lake. There are also many cafes spread in and around the inner suburbs. Civic is also the centre of Canberra's nightlife, which is much more lively than the city’s reputation may suggest.

The Action bus - or Australian Capital Territory Internal Omnibus Network – is the main means of public transport in Canberra. If you're an energetic type there is an excellent network of bike paths, allowing you to avoid the traffic anywhere you go.

The major suburbs in Canberra are: Bonner, Banks, Calwell, Dunlop, Lyneham, Queanbeyan, Parliament Town, Scullin, Uriarra and Watson.