Parliamentary Triangle, Canberra facts for kids
The National Triangle, also known as the Parliamentary Triangle, is a special area in Canberra, Australia's capital city. It holds many of Australia's most important buildings and is a key part of the city's design.
This unique triangle is formed by three main roads: Commonwealth Avenue, Kings Avenue, and Constitution Avenue. The buildings inside the National Triangle were carefully placed and designed to look impressive and are popular places for tourists to visit.
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What is the National Triangle?
The National Triangle was a big part of the original plan for Canberra, created by an architect named Walter Burley Griffin. He designed the city around two main lines, or "axes," that meet in the middle of the National Triangle.
The Triangle's Points
The three corners of the triangle are:
- Parliament House: This is where Australia's government makes decisions.
- The Defence Headquarters at Russell: This is where important defense plans are made.
- City Hill: This represents the everyday, civilian part of Canberra.
The City's Axes
Griffin's plan also included two important lines:
- The Land Axis: This line connects Mount Ainslie, Capital Hill (where Parliament House is), and Red Hill. It even stretches towards Mount Bimberi, the highest mountain in the Australian Capital Territory.
- The Water Axis: This line runs across Lake Burley Griffin, crossing the land axis at a right angle.
The southern edge of Lake Burley Griffin cuts through the National Triangle, creating a smaller area called the Parliamentary Zone. This smaller triangle is bordered by Kings Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue.
How was the National Triangle designed?
Walter Burley Griffin designed Canberra using a "Garden City" style. This means the National Triangle has wide streets lined with large trees that change color in autumn. The important buildings are set far apart in grassy parks. This gives the area a very open and spacious feeling.
Griffin had hoped for even more grand government buildings to be built here, but many of those plans have not happened yet.
Who looks after the National Triangle?
The way buildings are developed and changed within the National Triangle is very carefully managed. The National Capital Authority is a special government agency responsible for this. They make sure that any new buildings or changes fit with Griffin's original vision and the importance of the area.
Important Buildings and Monuments to See
The National Triangle is home to many significant places. Most of this area is within the suburb of Parkes.
Government and History
- Parliament House: The current home of Australia's government.
- Old Parliament House: This building was the home of Parliament before the new one was built. Today, it's a museum where you can learn about Australia's political history.
- Department of the Treasury and the John Gorton Building: These buildings house important government departments.
- National Archives: This is where Australia's historical records and documents are kept safe.
Culture and Learning
- High Court: This is Australia's highest court, where important legal decisions are made.
- National Gallery: Here you can see amazing Australian and international art.
- National Library: This huge library holds millions of books, maps, and other materials.
- Questacon: This is the National Science and Technology Centre, a super fun place to explore science through hands-on exhibits.
Parks and Memorials
- Commonwealth Place: Located by the lake, it's a great spot for events and enjoying the view.
- Commonwealth Park and Kings Park: These beautiful parks line the opposite shore of Lake Burley Griffin.
- National Carillon: This tall bell tower on Queen Elizabeth II Island was a gift from the British government to celebrate 50 years of Canberra. You can hear its bells play music.
- National Rose Garden: A lovely garden filled with many different kinds of roses, located next to Old Parliament House.
- Aboriginal Tent Embassy: This is a permanent protest site in front of Old Parliament House, representing the rights of Indigenous Australians.
- Reconciliation Place: A special monument near the High Court that celebrates the journey towards understanding and respect between Australia's Indigenous people and the settler population.
Similar City Designs Around the World
Canberra's design, with its important triangle, has some similarities to other capital cities around the world. For example, Washington, D.C. in the United States and Brasília in Brazil also have triangular shapes that connect their government buildings with other important landmarks.
See also
