National Library of Australia, Canberra

The National Library of Australia, illuminated during Enlighten. Photo: Visit Canberra.

Home to some fascinating and surprising exhibits

Located on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, the National Library of Australia contains almost everything ever written or published in Australia, including books, newspapers, magazines, music and digital media. No matter what time of year you visit there is always a showcase exhibition. There is also a permanent exhibition in the Treasures Gallery with some important and surprising exhibits such as Cook’s Endeavour Journal, Australia’s first pound note and Dorothea Mackellar’s bookcase.

The library has an intriguing program of films and talks and you can take a library tour to discover some fascinating stories and facts. Canberra people love talks. All the major public institutions hold them, but to give you an idea, the National Library recently held a talk titled Sex and Murder in Small Wasps. Say no more, a real stinging tale. For Australian culture and history and particularly family history, the National Library is Mecca. There is a great café with an outdoor area overlooking the lake and a bookshop with an enticing array of Australian literature and gifts.