Yobbo is a common term for an boorish person, but yobbos and the term is not restricted to Australia!
Canberra, the Australian capital city, resides in the Australian Capital Territory, which was chosen in 1908, and is situated between Melbourne and Sydney so as to avoid political issues with the choice. The city was designed and planned by the American architect Walter Burley Griffith, who won a competition in 1911 to be the designer. This gives a sense of tidiness to Canberra and at the same time you can feel the lack of organic evolution of a city.
This very unusual deliberate feel to the city – and its being surrounded by natural environment – makes Canberra a must-see.
First, start with Canberra’s buildings. This may be an odd thing to advise a tourist, but Canberra’s is world famous: for example, there are two parliament buildings. The Old Parliament House was home to Australia’s Federal Parliament from 1927 to 1988. This was the temporary building (60 years) until 1978, the government decided on a new building on Capital Hill. The design competition was won by the US-based Italian architect Romaldo Giurgola, whose design involved burying most of the building under Capital Hill. The facades deliberately echo the designs of the Old Parliament House.
Although sombre, the Australian War Memorial provides crucial information about Australia’s history of war. After the sacrifices of Australians at Gallipoli in 1915, the idea took root to set aside a place in Australia where families and friends could grieve for those buried far away. The museum component would also contribute to the understanding of war itself. As a result of this vision, the Australian War Memorial has outstanding exhibits of Australia’s efforts in war, which include conflicts such as Vietnam, in which Australia participated while other Commonwealth countries (like Canada) did not.
The National Gallery of Australia houses a critical collection of Australian art as well as collections of traditional European work.
Australian Institute of Sport allows you to explore Australia’s obsession with sport and observer athletes use the facilities.
National Museum of Australia provides visitors a chance to explore what it means to be Australian. The Museum focuses on stories of Australia and its people, particularly those events that have shaped and influenced the nation. The building itself is an architectural landmark.
The Royal Australian Mint opened in 1965 and commissioned to produce Australia’s decimal coinage (prior to this Australia used pounds, pence, shillings, etc.) Watch from the elevated viewing gallery as money is being made.
Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre focuses on ‘please touch’ exhibits.