More information
About Canberra
Canberra is located in the Australian Capital Territory, on the ancient lands of the Ngunnawal people, who have lived here for over 20,000 years. Canberra’s name is thought to mean ‘meeting place’, derived from the Aboriginal word Kamberra. European settlers arrived in the 1830s, and the area won selection by ballot for the federal capital in 1908. Since then the ‘Bush Capital’ has grown to become the proud home of the Australian story, with a growing population of around 390,000.
Canberra hosts a wide range of tourist attractions, including various national museums, galleries and Parliament House, as well as beautiful parks and walking trails. Several attractions are within walking distance of the ANU campus, including the National Museum of Australia and the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Canberra is also a fantastic base from which to explore the many treasures of the surrounding region, including historic townships, beautiful coastlines and the famous Snowy Mountains. Learn more about what to do and see during your stay in Canberra here.
Accommodation
Below are some accommodation options for your visit to Canberra.
Canberra Accommodation Centre. They are a short tram ride from ANU.
Forrest Hotel and Apartments. They are about a 10 min drive from ANU.
Novotel Canberra - Google Maps
Peppers Gallery Hotel Canberra - Google Maps
Alternatively please also check: Canberra accommodation page
Visas
International visitors to Australia require a visa or an electronic travel authority (ETA) prior to arrival. It is your responsibility to ensure documentation is correct and complete before you commence your journey. Information on obtaining visas and ETAs can be found here.
Transportation
There are many ways to get around Canberra. Below is some useful information about Bus & Taxi transport around the ANU, the Airport and surrounding areas.
Taxi
If you are catching a taxi or Uber to the ANU Mathematical Sciences Institute, ask to be taken to Building #145, Science Road, ANU. We are located close to the Ian Ross Building and the ANU gym. A Taxi from the airport will usually cost around $40 and will take roughly 15 minutes. Pricing and time may vary depending on traffic.
Taxi bookings can be made through Canberra Elite Taxis - 13 22 27.
Airport Shuttle
Transport Canberra runs ACTION Bus route Rapid 3 with regular services between the Canberra Airport terminal through to the City interchange, Belconnen interchange, Cohen St interchange to Spence Terminus, seven days a week including public holidays. The Rapid 3 route operates every 15 minutes throughout the day (weekdays) and every 30 minutes on weekends. The trip from Canberra airport terminal to the City is less than 20 minutes.
An official Transport Canberra ticket vending machine is located on the ground floor within the arrivals hall at Canberra Airport. The ticket vending machine’s user-friendly touch screen allows a simple and fast transaction for passengers to purchase a single or daily adult/concession ticket for bus and light rail using these machines.
Please view the Rapid 3 timetable and route map on the Transport Canberra website.
Action Buses
Canberra buses are a cheap and easy way of getting around town once you're here.
Cash fare and MyWay card fares vary depending on applicable concessions and time of travel. Due to COVID-19, cash fares are currently not accepted. Tickets can be purchased with cash at a Ticket Vending Machine located on the ground floor within arrivals hall at Canberra Airport and at major bus and light rail stations.
More details, including fares and how to purchase a MyWay card are available on the Transport Canberra website. Live bus information is available on NXTBus.
Emergency Information
In case of an emergency, please evacuate to the lawns on the southern side of the building (colloquiually known as "University Avenue").
We have dedicated first aiders on staff, please seek them out if you require assistance. There is also a first aid room on the first floor, behind the women's bathroom, which contains basic supplies.