Canberra, Australia's almost capital city, translates from the Aboriginal language as "meeting place." Its creation was a compromise between the two largest cities, Melbourne and Sydney, which were vying for the title of the country's capital. An international competition for the design of Canberra was won by the American architect Walter Burley Griffin, and construction began in 1913.
Canberra is a green, beautiful city that houses the Parliament, government, Supreme Court, foreign embassies, as well as significant public and cultural institutions such as the National Gallery of Australia and the National Museum of Australia. Among Canberra's attractions are Lake Burley Griffin, an artificial lake in the city center and a favorite spot for its residents; the Captain Cook Memorial, a powerful 140-meter water column; and the village of Cockington Green, a miniature park featuring gardens and houses from England and Western Europe. Canberra is renowned for its festivals.
In January, the city is filled with the smell of gasoline and burnt rubber thanks to the Summernats car show. In spring, Canberra's parks are filled with the colors and scents of Floriade, Australia's largest flower festival, while the sky above Canberra is ablaze with color thanks to the Canberra Balloon Fiesta.
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