National Capital Authority Canberra

Self guided walks and tours

The National Capital Authority (NCA) is responsible for shaping Australias capital city now and into the future, and caring for the special parts of Canberra for the nation. The NCA is also responsible for educating and informing Australians about their National Capital.

In order to fulfil this last part of their role, a range of self-guided walks around the National Capital and self-guided tours within the facilities the NCA manages have been developed.

It is hoped these will enhance your visit to the Capital and help you discover more of the unique story of Canberra.

A Planned Capital

Canberra was created to serve the nation.

The Federation of Australia came into being in 1901 when six independent British colonies were united to form one country. However, old rivalries between these colonies - now called States - had to be taken into account when naming a city to be the capital of this country. Therefore it was decided to create a new place, which would not owe allegiance to any one State but be a city for all Australians.

It took seven years to decide on a site for this city and then several more before a design for the Capital was agreed upon. The prize winning design for Canberra was created by Walter Burley Griffin and his wife Marion. Theirs stood out from the other 136 entries in the competition, not just because of the beauty of their presentation, but because their city was part of the natural landscape. Natural features of the site were used to shape the design and construction was not allowed on the crest of any hill except Capital Hill, now the site of Parliament House. They also recommended large green spaces be incorporated into the city and around national buildings.

Canberra is now a place where many thousands of people live and work but it is also a place that belongs to all Australians, where our memories are kept, where we remember significant events and the contributions of our countrymen and a place which is the seat of our federal government.