A night at the Realm: For a very long time the Hyatt Hotel was the only five-star hotel in Canberra, but since the February opening of the brand-new Hotel Realm you now have a choice. Canberra’s newest luxury hotel is located a stone’s throw away from Parliament House and manages to combine contemporary elegance with avant-garde design. It's just part of the makeover of the once-industrial lakeside suburb of Kingston that is changing the face of the city. We check in and check it out. Story by Lee Atkinson

Capital Surprises: Hand-feeding a Bengal tiger – even through the fence – is a breath-taking experience. And it's not one you'd expect to have in Canberra . But at the National Zoo and Aquarium, feeding a chicken leg to tigers, lions and cougars is all part of the up-close encounters with Australia 's largest collection of big cats. Visit the national capital and you'll be surprised at Canberra 's many attractions.
Story by Lee Mylne

Relics of War: A visit to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra requires time; you are likely to be captivated by unexpected stories and discoveries, and to linger longer than you expected. The boat that put Australians ashore at Gallipoli on Anzac Day 1915, and a Japanese submarine that attacked Sydney Harbour in 1942 are just two of the relics of war on show at the memorial, which commemorates Australia 's more than 100,000 war dead, and has one of the world's best collections of war relics. Story by Lee Mylne

The long lunch: The time-honoured tradition of the long lunch is no longer the exclusive enclave of our Federal politicians, with some great new restaurants and eateries opening their doors in the small towns and villages around Canberra. Throw in some of the best cool climate wines of the Canberra district, a pampering spa treatment, a couple of master craftsmen and a luxury country guesthouse and you have all the makings for a gourmet getaway just minutes from the Nation's capital. Story by Lee Atkinson

Parliament & Portraits: Think politics is boring? You might change your mind after a guided tour of Old Parliament House. Be entertained by stories from behind the scenes in our corridors of power, and then head into the National Portrait Gallery (under the same roof) to see a changing array of famous faces.
Story by Lee Mylne

Music by the people, for the people: Autumn is festival time in Canberra, when the pinstriped pollies and bureaucrats slip off their suits, kick off their high heels, let their hair down and pull on their dancing shoes for the annual National Folk Festival in the Capital’s Exhibition Park. Story by Lee Atkinson

Floriade: Canberra's spectacular annual flower festival, Floriade, is set to bloom again this spring from mid-September to mid-October. More than 1.47 million bulbs and annuals will erupt on cue for Floriade, which is Canberra's gift to the people. Entry is free and several visits are recommended to fully enjoy all the festival has to offer. Story by Lee Atkinson