Lexi Webster
Canberra is Australia's capital and largest inland city, located in the Australian Capital Territory at the northern end of the Australian Alps. The city was founded in 1913 after a dispute between Sydney and Melbourne over which city should be the capital, and has since grown into a well-planned and forward-looking city with a population of over 450,000 people. Canberra is home to many of Australia's precious collections and memorials, including the Australian War Memorial, the Australian National University, the National Gallery, and the National Museum. The city is also known for its natural attractions, such as Lake Burley Griffin, which divides the city in two, and the Molonglo River.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | 450,000 as of 2025 |
| Population rank | 8th largest city in Australia |
| Location | Australian Capital Territory, northern tip of the Australian Alps |
| Climate | Warm summers, cool winters, less rainfall than surrounding highlands |
| Geography | Lies astride the Molonglo River, a tributary of the Murrumbidgee River |
| Founding | 1913 |
| Notable landmarks | Australian War Memorial, Parliament House, Tidbinbilla Range, Lake Burley Griffin |
| Suburbs | Named after former Prime Ministers, famous Australians, early settlers, or Aboriginal words |
| Architecture | Planned city, functional/institutional feeling |
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What You'll Learn
Canberra's location
Canberra is the capital city of Australia. It is located in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) in the southeastern Australian mainland. The city is about 150 miles (240 km) southwest of Sydney. Canberra was chosen as the setting for Australia's capital city in 1901. The region is bounded by the much larger state of New South Wales.
The city lies astride the Molonglo River, a tributary of the Murrumbidgee River. It is built around a large, central lake lined with cycleways. The lake is Lake Burley Griffin, which was formed in 1963 by a dam across the Molonglo River. The lake stretches from east to west and divides the city in two. The city's suburbs are unique 'satellites' with their own retail, restaurant, and service hubs. Many suburbs are named after former Prime Ministers, famous Australians, early settlers, or use Aboriginal words for their titles.
Canberra is home to many of the nation's most precious collections and memorials, including the Australian War Memorial, the National Gallery of Australia, the Australian Defence Force Academy, and the National Library of Australia. The city is also home to Australia's top university, the diplomatic core, and the headquarters of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation.
The city has a population of around 450,000 people, with the wider region being home to around 950,000. Canberra has a relatively dry, continental climate, with warm to hot summers and cool to cold winters.
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Population and demographics
Canberra, the capital of Australia, has experienced significant population growth over the years. As of June 2024, Canberra's estimated population was 473,855, with a population density of 173.3 people per square kilometre. This makes it the fifth most populated city in Australia's capital cities. The population growth rate in Canberra has been fairly consistent over the last 13 years, ranging from 0.50% to 4.06%, resulting in an annual increase of around 1,888 to 14,480 people. The city's population has grown by 5,419 in the last year, representing a 1.13% annual change. Canberra's population has increased by 1.07% and 1.08% in 2022 and 2023, respectively, with the 2023 metro area population estimated at 472,000 and 478,000 for 2024.
The 2021 census recorded a population of 453,558, a notable increase from the 2016 census figure of 395,790. This growth trend has earned Canberra the title of Australia's fastest-growing city in recent years, with a 23.3% population increase from 2011 to 2021. The population density in 2016 was calculated at 495.6 people per square kilometre. In 1971, the population surpassed 100,000, and between 1960 and 1971, it tripled from 50,000 to 146,000. By 1976, the population had climbed further to 203,000.
The population of Canberra is relatively young, with a median age of 35 years and only 12.7% of residents aged over 65. The population is predominantly female, with females accounting for approximately 50.5% and males making up about 49.5%. In terms of religious affiliation, 28.0% of the population identifies as having no religion. Catholics make up 26.6%, Anglicans 15.1%, and other religious affiliations include not stated (7.5%), Uniting Church (3.3%), Buddhism (2.5%), Presbyterian and Reformed (2.4%), Eastern Orthodox (2.2%), Christian (2.1%), and Islam (2.0%).
Canberra has a diverse population, with 32% of its inhabitants born overseas as of the 2016 census. The top countries of birth for people in Canberra include Australia, England, China, India, New Zealand, and the Philippines. By 2021, this proportion had increased to 32.5%, with the majority of overseas-born residents originating from Asia and Europe. The average income in Canberra is significantly higher than the national average, standing at $917 compared to the Australian average of $577.
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Climate and geography
Canberra is Australia's largest inland city and the eighth-largest Australian city by population. It is located at the northern end of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), at the northern tip of the Australian Alps, the country's highest mountain range. Canberra was founded following the federation of the colonies of Australia as a compromise between Sydney and Melbourne, which were both vying to be the national capital. It was formally named in 1913 and is now home to around 450,000 people.
The city lies astride the Molonglo River, a tributary of the Murrumbidgee River. It is situated on a plain at the foot of 6,200-foot (1,900-metre) spurs of the Australian Alps, enjoying warm summers and cool winters with less rainfall than the surrounding highlands. The city is known for its well-planned design, with many suburbs named after former prime ministers, famous Australians, early settlers, or using Aboriginal words.
Lake Burley Griffin, which divides the city into two, was deliberately designed with its components oriented towards various topographical landmarks in Canberra. The lake stretches from east to west, with a land axis perpendicular to the central basin stretching from Capital Hill, the location of the new Parliament House, to the Australian War Memorial at the foot of Mount Ainslie.
Canberra experiences all four seasons, with frost and snow in winter, unlike the more temperate Sydney and Melbourne. The region is known for its high-quality produce, pristine beaches, and breathtaking snowy mountains. The city is also a major centre for social and cultural institutions of national significance, including the Australian War Memorial, the Australian National University, the National Library, the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery, the National Archives, and the National Museum.
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History and development
Canberra, Australia's capital, is a relatively young city, with its history as a planned city beginning in the early 20th century. The city's name was officially given on 12 March 1913 by Lady Denman, the wife of the Governor-General, at a ceremony on Capital Hill, the site of Australia's current Parliament House. The construction of the city began in what is now North Canberra and South Canberra, with the responsible government minister, King O'Malley, driving the first survey peg in the area on 20 February 1913.
The population of the Australian Capital Territory, where Canberra is located, has grown steadily over the years. In 1911, the population was just 1,714, but by 2021, it had increased to 454,000. The city has expanded and developed into a thriving tourist destination, with many significant sites and attractions.
The 1920s and 1930s saw the establishment of Canberra's central business district, officially known as the City Centre but commonly referred to as "Civic". The opening of the provisional Parliament House, now known as the Old Parliament House, in 1927 was a significant event in the city's history. The Old Parliament House served as the national legislature until 1988 and is now the Museum of Australian Democracy. The Australian National University, located in Canberra, was also established in 1936.
The post-World War II era saw the establishment of the first embassies in Canberra, with Australia and the US upgrading their diplomatic representations to the rank of Ambassador in 1946. The Australian War Memorial, built in 1941, contains the names of over 102,000 fallen Australians. The city continued to develop, with the opening of the Royal Australian Mint in 1965 and the creation of the Walter Burley Griffin Lake in 1963 by damming the Molonglo River.
The 1990s saw urban development in the district of Gungahlin in the far north of the Australian Capital Territory. Unfortunately, in 2003, parts of Canberra were affected by bushfires that caused significant damage and loss of life. Despite this setback, Canberra has continued to grow and develop, with a focus on improving access to high-quality public education and protecting freedom of expression, religion, and movement through the introduction of a bill of rights in 2004.
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Attractions and landmarks
Canberra is Australia's largest inland city and the eighth-largest Australian city by population. It is located at the northern end of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), at the foot of the Australian Alps. The city is known for its unique design, with Lake Burley Griffin dividing it into two halves.
Canberra is home to several iconic attractions and landmarks, including:
- Parliament House: Completed in 1988, this is the seat of Australia's national legislature, which previously met in the Old Parliament House from 1927 until its relocation. The Old Parliament House now serves as the Museum of Australian Democracy, curating precious collections and memorials significant to the nation's history.
- Australian War Memorial: Established in 1941, the memorial is dedicated to commemorating the sacrifices of Australians who served in wars. It holds a prominent position in Canberra's design, being directly visible from Capital Hill across Lake Burley Griffin.
- Mount Ainslie: This mountain serves as the backdrop to the Australian War Memorial when viewed from Capital Hill.
- Tidbinbilla Range: These northern foothills of the Australian Alps provide a picturesque backdrop to the Parliament House.
- Lake Burley Griffin: This man-made lake is a central feature of Canberra's design, stretching from east to west and dividing the city into two halves. It was deliberately oriented to relate to various topographical landmarks in the city.
- Australian National University: Founded in 1936, the university is recognised as Australia's top university, contributing to the cultural and educational fabric of the city.
- National Institutions: Canberra is home to several national institutions, including the National Library, National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, National Archives, and the National Museum. These institutions showcase Australia's cultural and artistic heritage.
- Mount Stromlo: Mount Stromlo offers a network of bike trails for outdoor enthusiasts, providing a unique experience against the backdrop of the Australian landscape.
- Historical Buildings: Canberra also boasts historical buildings, such as the dairy built by the Campbell family in 1832, the oldest standing European structure in the city, and the Yarralumla estate, established in 1827 by Henry Donnison, now the official residence of the Governor-General of Australia.
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Frequently asked questions
Canberra is Australia's largest inland city and eighth-largest city by population. It is located at the northern end of the Australian Capital Territory, at the foot of the Australian Alps. The city has been expanding, and its population has grown steadily—as of June 2024, it was estimated to be 473,855. Canberra is home to many social and cultural institutions of national significance, including the Australian War Memorial, the Australian National University, the National Gallery, and the National Museum. The city is also known for its well-planned layout, with Lake Burley Griffin dividing it into two halves.
Canberra was chosen as the site of Australia's new capital city in 1901, following the federation of the colonies. After investigating several alternatives, the parliamentary committee selected the location in 1908, and it was officially named in 1913. Canberra remained a small "bush" town for many years, facing challenges to its growth due to economic and global events. However, from the 1950s onwards, the city expanded rapidly, with the transfer of public service departments from Melbourne and the establishment of a large diplomatic community.
Canberra is home to iconic national attractions such as Mount Stromlo's bike trails and the Museum of Australian Democracy, housed in the Old Parliament House. The city also boasts the Australian National University, Parliament House, and the Tidbinbilla Range in the background, which are part of the northern foothills of the Australian Alps.
Canberra enjoys warm summers and cool winters, with less rainfall than the surrounding highlands. The city experiences frosts and sometimes snow, setting it apart from cities like Melbourne and Sydney.
Canberra is known for its relaxed pace, offering locals more opportunities to thrive beyond the typical 9-to-5 routine. The city has a strong sense of community, with people looking out for each other. It is also a cultural hub, housing the nation's most precious collections and memorials.
