History of Canberra

Purpose built in 1913 as the capital of the newly federated Australian nation, Canberra took over the future role that either Sydney or Melbourne was slated for. The city was designed by renowned American architect Walter Burley Griffin, and the artificial lake that the city is located on (Lake Burley Griffin) is named after him. Like most new towns Canberra, for a long time, had no real identity and it has taken generations of building and extra planning to achieve one and to attract tourists.

Early days

The area where Canberra is located was inhabited by the Ngunnawal people for thousands of years and it wasnt until 1824 that the first Europeans set foot here when Joshua Moore set up a stock station near Black Mountain. Twenty years later, a small town had been established as a result of the station, complete with a school and church.

National capital

It was decided just after the turn of the 20th century that a new capital was to be established where Canberra lies today. Melbourne remained the nations capital after the colonies were federated, up until Canberra was instated. The location was selected owing to its positioning roughly between Sydney and Melbourne, and the design of the city was put out to tender. Renamed Canberra in 1913, it was several years before the city was finished, although it wasnt until after WWII that the idea of a national capital really took off among ordinary Australians.

Further development

The National Capital Development Commission, created by Menzies government in 1957, was initiated to turn Canberra into a real capital city through the building of bridges, lakes, monuments and parks. Most of the landmarks seen today are a result of this commission and include the likes of Lake Burley Griffin, the Royal Australian Mint, National Library, Botanical Gardens and the filling up of the civic centre.

In the 1960s large numbers of families started to migrate to the city from elsewhere in Australia and at about the same time, several satellite towns sprang up. These included Woden and Belconnen in the 1960s, Tuggeranong in the 70s and Gunghalin in the 80s.

Modern history

The Australian Capital Territory and Canberra are today self-governed, although the idea was not favoured early on. Canberra now has an identity and culture of its own, although it is sometimes difficult to recognise outside the realms of its political aspirations, and it is still largely a city of bureaucrats and public servants. However, much time and effort has been invested in numerous quality attractions so that Canberra can be enjoyed by the masses.