The National Capital belongs to all Australians
Canberra was planned and developed as the seat of the Australian Government. Nearly 100 years later, our National Capital is the location of Australia's most significant national cultural institutions. A beautiful city full of Australian character, it reflects our national life.
Canberra's national buildings and landscapes, dramatic vistas, magnificent gardens and backdrops of wooded hills provide the setting for the cultural institutions, symbols and ceremonies of Australia's parliamentary democracy. They also provide the setting and venues for a vast range of activities and events that bring meaning and vitality to Australia's capital city.
Located in the heart of the capital are national public places such as Federation Mall in front of Parliament House, Commonwealth Place, Reconciliation Place and Lake Burley Griffin, with its beautiful foreshore parks. These venues provide unique and magnificent venues for cultural and ceremonial occasions of local, national and international interest, commemoration of national anniversaries, community celebrations, displays and exhibitions, gatherings of people with common interests, parties and any number of other events. The National Capital Authority manages most of these popular public places.
The National Capital Authority:
- promotes the Capital as a place for significant national and international events;
- assists those planning smaller or community events that add vitality to the capital;
- provides outdoor public places that are suitable for use as venues for national, regional and international events; and
- facilitates events that require use of a public place, including permits to use a public place, and/or temporary structures associated with significant events.