Parliament House
The Parliament House of Australia is the focal point of Canberra, the official capital of Australia and an easy day trip from Sydney. This unique boomerang shaped building was designed to replace the out-dated and less functional Old Parliament House.
As part of the bicentennial celebration of Australia, this distinctive building was opened in 1988 by Queen Elizabeth II. Its location lies in a perfectly straight line with two other Canberra landmarks, Old Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial. The 81 metre flag pole at its peak is a Canberra icon.
A tour through the Parliament House will take you on a visual journey through Australia’s dynamic history; with mosaic dot paintings recognising Australia’s long history of Aboriginal culture and tapestry and embroidery of the Great Hall referencing the European Settlement.
This imposing building is the meeting facility of the Australian Parliament and if the timing is right, you can witness the Houses of Parliament in session.
Nearby is the Lodge, the official residence of the Prime Minister of Australia. Built in the mid-1920s, the Lodge is a 40 room Georgian style mansion set on 18,000 square metres of majestic gardens. No doubt this house holds many stories of Australia’s political past.
For a bird’s eye view of Canberra a drive to the top of Mt. Ainslie is a must for panoramic views of the impressive man-made Lake Burley Griffin, Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial.
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