Canberra

Consistently voted Canberra's premier tourist attraction, the Australian War Memorial is not only a fitting tribute to the men and women who gave their lives in service of their country, but also a fascinating, highly-informative museum that seeks to educate modern Australians about the conflicts that have blighted their country's past. Housing an in-depth exhibition for every war Australia has ever been involved in, and boasting passionate, knowledgeable tour guides, visitors are strongly advised to set aside at least half a day to do the museum justice. The Australian War Memorial is a must-see for anyone seeking a sobering, humanising reminder of how dearly war can cost a nation, and it is a good introduction to the country's history for foreigners. Entrance to the Memorial is free, and there are free tours conducted daily by knowledgeable volunteers.

Address : Treloar Crescent, Canberra

Website : www.awm.gov.au

Opened to the public in 1979, Cockington Green at Gold Creek Village is an award-winning display of miniature buildings and landscaped gardens and one of Canberra's best-loved attractions. The park was created by Doug and Brenda Cockington and has been a family-run business ever since. The family make sure to keep the park in perfect condition, adding new attractions whenever possible. As well as the wonderful miniature displays and breath-taking gardens, there is a Heritage Rose Walk, a maze, several cafés, a barbecue, picnic and playground areas, and a steam train ride that circles the grounds. A fairly recent addition, created with funding from the Sultanate of Oman, is a small-scale replica of Oman's Jabrin Fort. Other international small-scale replicas include one of Israel's Masada Northern Palace, and a large collection of great historical Australian homes.

Address : Gold Creek Village, 11 Gold Creek Road, Nicholls

Website : www.cockingtongreen.com.au

Located on the south shore of the lake, the National Gallery has the best collection of art in the country. The Australian collection ranges from traditional Aboriginal art through to 20th-century works by Tom Roberts, Arthur Boyd, Sidney Nolan and Albert Tucker. Aboriginal works include bark paintings from Arnhem Land, pukumaniburial poles from the Tiwi people and printed fabrics from central Australia. A permanent feature is The Aboriginal Memorial (1987-88), an installation of 200 painted hollow log coffins by the artists of Ramingining in Arnhem Land. The Memorial, a collaborative work involving 43 artists, is dedicated to all indigenous Australians who have lost their lives defending their country since European settlement.There's also plenty of foreign art from all eras, and many important international exhibitions are featured in Canberra on their way around the world. The collection is not confined to paintings: sculptures, prints, drawings, photographs, furniture, ceramics, fashion, textiles and silverware are all on display.

Address : Parkes Place, Parkes

Website : www.nga.gov.au