Parliamentary Triangle, Canberra facts for kids
The National Triangle, also called the Parliamentary Triangle, is a very important area in Canberra, Australia's capital city. It's where many of Australia's most significant buildings are located. This special area gets its name because it's shaped like a triangle. It's formed by three main roads: Commonwealth Avenue, Kings Avenue, and Constitution Avenue.
The buildings here are placed and designed carefully to look impressive. Many of them are popular places for tourists to visit. The National Triangle was a key part of Walter Burley Griffin's original plan for Canberra.
The three points of the triangle are:
- Parliament House, where the Australian government makes laws.
- The Defence Headquarters at Russell, which is important for Australia's defence.
- City Hill, which represents the everyday life of Canberra's citizens.
Griffin designed the city around two main lines that meet in the middle of the National Triangle. One line, called the land axis, connects Mount Ainslie, Capital Hill, and Red Hill. It even stretches towards Mount Bimberi, the highest mountain in the Australian Capital Territory. The other line, called the water axis, runs across Lake Burley Griffin.
The southern shore of Lake Burley Griffin cuts through the National Triangle. This creates a smaller triangle called the Parliamentary Zone, which is bordered by Kings and Commonwealth Avenues.
The National Triangle has a very open feel. It features streets lined with large trees and buildings surrounded by grassy parks. This design was part of Walter Burley Griffin's Garden City idea. Because of this, buildings are often a few minutes' walk from each other.
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Exploring Important Buildings and Monuments
The National Triangle mostly covers the suburb of Parkes. The most famous buildings here are Parliament House and Old Parliament House.
Other important buildings that fit into the triangle's design include:
- The High Court, where important legal decisions are made.
- The National Gallery, which displays amazing Australian and international art.
- The National Library, home to millions of books and historical records.
- Questacon, a fun science and technology centre.
You'll also find Commonwealth Place right in the middle of the lake's shore. Commonwealth Park and Kings Park are beautiful parks along the opposite side of the lake.
Other notable places in this area include the National Rose Garden, which is next to Old Parliament House. The Aboriginal Tent Embassy is located in front of Old Parliament House. Reconciliation Place is a special monument that celebrates reconciliation between Australia's Indigenous people and other Australians. The National Archives keeps important government records and historical documents.
Canberra's Design: A Global Connection
Did you know that Canberra's design has similarities to other capital cities around the world?
Cities like Washington, D.C. in the United States and Brasília in Brazil also have triangular shapes. These triangles connect their main government buildings with other important landmarks. It's a popular way to design a capital city to make it look grand and organized.
Places to Eat and Have Fun
The National Triangle isn't just about serious government buildings. It also has many places to eat and relax. These spots are popular with people who work in the area, tourists, and local Canberra residents.
You can find cafes at the National Gallery and the National Library. 'The Lobby' restaurant near Old Parliament House and the 'Café in the House' inside Old Parliament House are popular places for public servants to grab a bite. The 'Waters Edge' is another restaurant located in Commonwealth Place, offering great views.
Images for kids
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A map of inner Canberra showing the Parliamentary Triangle in red.
