Canberra family accommodation for that perfect summer holiday should be booked early to avoid disappointment. Canberra is Australia’s capital with a population of 345,000. It is also the continent’s largest inland city. The cities of Sydney and Melbourne are 280 km and 660 km away, respectively.

Canberra serves as the seat of government for Australia. As such, it is home to the country’s High Court and the House of Parliament. Canberra also has a number of social and cultural national institutions such as the National Museum of Australia, the National Gallery of Australia, the National Library of Australia, and the Australian War Memorial. The headquarters of most government departments are located in Canberra.

There is certainly no shortage of Canberra attractions. Canberra is home to the Royal Australian Mint. This came into being in 1965 after the country changed to the decimal system. From raised viewing areas, you can watch workers making coins and see the gigantic robots that are used in the process.

While you are at the mint, you can take a seat in a mini theater and watch a DVD on coin-making. The mint’s museum has displays that include rare sovereigns, examples of forged coins, and a 1930 rare penny. You can mint your own coin in the shop and pose for a photo in the old factory exhibit.

You can find out about Australia’s unique history, lifestyle and culture in Canberra’s numerous museums and galleries. Learn about its character and how democracy came about. Follow Australia’s interesting journey from the days when it was a distant indigenous community to the modern country is has become.

At the Australian Institute of Sport you can learn about Australia’s many sporting achievements. Delve into its political background at Parliament House and the Museum of Australian Democracy which is located in the old Parliament House. At the War Memorial, you can reflect upon this young nation’s involvement in international wars.

Just outside the city, see the natural beauty that Canberra offers. There are some superb gardens and parks where you can wander through indigenous plants. These include the Rock Garden, the Rainforest Gully, the Eucalypt Lawn and the Mallee Shrublands. At 11 o’clock every morning, and 2 o’clock every afternoon there are free guided walks.

With families in mind, there are a number of attractions in Canberra that offer free entrance, or very low entry fees. The best way to see the family favorites is to purchase the popular ’3 in Fun’ card. This entitles you to free entrance to Questacon, a science center that offers interactive exhibits, science experiments and shows. You also get free entrance to the Australian Institute of Sport and Cockington Green Gardens.

Canberra offers an abundance of night life. Take your pick from up-market cocktail lounges, casinos, restaurants, pubs and beer gardens. A lot of floodlit sports games take place at night. Show the family stunning views of the city lights from Black Mountain, Mount Ainslie or Red Hill.