ATTRACTIONS

Canberra Attractions

Canberra Deep Space Centre

The Canberra Space Centre contains a collection of space memorabilia, models, theatres and interactive exhibits covering the last 40 years of space flight and exploration. Visitors can weigh themselves on the moon and see Mars in 3-D.

Address: 421 Discovery Drive, Tourist Drive 5, Tidbinbilla; E-mail: cdscc-prc@anbe.cdscc.nasa.gov; Website: www.cdscc.nasa.gov; Telephone: (0)2 6201 7880; Opening time: Daily 9am to 5pm. Closed Christmas Day; Admission: Free

Canberra Attractions

Michelago Tourist Railway

The Australian Railway Historical Society Inc operates regular Sunday steam train rides to Royalla on the first and third Sunday of each month, and on the second and fourth Sunday operates rail motor trains to Royalla. Ride the 'Spirit of Tuggeranong' or the 'Tin Hare Express' to Royalla, enjoy a picnic lunch and then hop back on for the return trip. Other trips available include evening railroad dinner and dancing trips. The trains operate from Queanbeyan Railway Station, Henderson Road.

Website: www.arhsact.org.au; Telephone: (0)2 6284 2790; Opening time: Office hours: 10am to 3pm (weekdays)

Canberra Attractions

Australian National Botanic Gardens

The Australian National Botanic Gardens, sited on the slopes of Black Mountain, is the world's finest living collection of Australian native plants. Set among natural eucalypts, they provide an ideal setting to display the nation's unique and beautiful floral heritage. The variety of eco-systems in the Gardens encourages a host of birds. Other features include the Aboriginal Track, a Rock Garden, Rainforest Gully, the Mallee and the Tasmanian Garden.

Address: Clunies Ross Street, Acton; E-mail: anbg-info@anbg.gov.au; Website: www.anbg.gov.au/anbg; Telephone: (0)2 6250 9540; Opening time: Daily 8.30am to 5pm (until 6pm weekdays and 8pm weekends in January)

Canberra Attractions

National Zoo and Aquarium

View exotic and native animals, ocean and freshwater fish, reptiles and amphibians. See leopards, lions, tigers, cougars, bears, monkeys, Tasmanian devils, sharks and Barrier Reef exhibits. Feed kangaroos and pat dingoes. The complex is beside Lake Burley Griffin, and large habitats provide ideal viewing for education and enjoyment.

Address: Scrivener Dam, Yarralumla; E-mail: info@nationalzoo.com.au; Website: www.zooquarium.com.au; Telephone: (0)2 6287 8400; Opening time: Daily 10am to 5pm. Closed Christmas day; Admission: A$28.50 (adults), A$16.50 (children 4-15 yrs); other concessions available

Canberra Attractions

Cockington Green

Opened to the public in 1979, Cockington Green at Gold Creek Village is an award-winning display of miniature buildings and landscaped gardens and one of Canberra's landmark attractions. As well as the stunning miniature displays and breathtaking gardens, there is a Heritage Rose Walk, a maze, several cafés, a barbecue, picnic and playground areas and a steam train ride that circles the grounds.

Address: Gold Creek Village, 11 Gold Creek Road, Nicholls; E-mail: info@cockingtongreen.com.au; Website: www.cockingtongreen.com.au; Telephone: (0)2 6230 2273; Transport: Action Bus Services 51 and 52 to Federation Square; Opening time: Daily 9.30am to 5pm (last admission 4.15pm); Admission: A$15 (adults), A$8 (children 4-16 years); concessions available

Canberra Attractions

National Gallery of Australia

Located on the south shore of the lake, the National Gallery has the best collection of art in the country. The Australian collection ranges from traditional Aboriginal art through to 20th-century works by Tom Roberts, Arthur Boyd, Sidney Nolan and Albert Tucker. Aboriginal works include bark paintings from Arnhem Land, pukumani burial poles from the Tiwi people and printed fabrics from central Australia. A permanent feature is The Aboriginal Memorial (1987-88), an installation of 200 painted hollow log coffins by the artists of Ramingining in Arnhem Land. The Memorial, a collaborative work involving 43 artists, is dedicated to all indigenous Australians who have lost their lives defending their country since European settlement. There's also plenty of foreign art from all eras, and many important international exhibitions are exhibited in Canberra on their way around the world. The collection is not confined to paintings; sculptures, prints, drawings, photographs, furniture, ceramics, fashion, textiles and silverware are all on display.

Address: Parkes Place, Parkes; E-mail: information@nga.gov.au; Website: www.nga.gov.au; Telephone: (0)2 6240 6411; Opening time: Daily 10am to 5pm; closed Christmas day; Admission: There is no charge to view the permanent collection, but admission may be charged for special temporary exhibitions