Canberra, seen from the top of Mount Ainslie,
is a special sight.
It is hard to imagine how widespread the city is,
with forests and mountains separating the different suburbs.
Compared to the towering skyscrapers of larger metropolitan cities,
Canberra boasts a serene atmosphere.
Although central Canberra is much the same as any other urban area,
with downtown shopping centers and cafes,
the suburbs offer a quiet respite
from the hustle and bustle of the workday.

Floriade

Die hard gardeners look forward each year
to the annual festival called Floriade.
Held each spring, Lake Burley Griffin
becomes the backdrop
for spectacular masses
of brilliantly colored flowers.
It offers an opportunity for a leisurely stroll
along the waterfront
and time to just "stop and smell the flowers".

Botanic Gardens

The Australian National Botanic Gardens represents the vegetation of Australia, from the steamy rainforests to Tasmania's timbered south-west; from the Simpson Desert to the Australian Alps.