There's no better place to discover the Australian story than in Australia's capital, Canberra.

The inland city just 3 hours drive from Sydney - with a population of 367,000 - is home to a number of national attractions that share and hold the essence of Australia.

The city this year celebrates its Centenary of being named the capital of Australia with a year-long program of events and activities encompassing sport, science, arts, community, architecture, the environment, diverse cultures and big ideas.

Visit the National Gallery of Australia to view Australia's national art collection which has more than 165,000 works and includes Australia's largest collection of Indigenous Australian artwork. The Gallery also hosts major exhibitions, with Turner from the Tate: The making of a master opening on 1 June.

Discover where Australia's stories live at the National Museum of Australia where popular and important objects are housed in the First Australians gallery including a large collection of bark paintings and ochre used by Aboriginal artists more than 50,000 years ago. The Museum is currently hosting Glorious Days: Australia 1913, an exhibition looking back at life in Australia 100 years ago.

The Australian War Memorial is one of the world's great museums and the focus of the annual national Anzac Day commemoration service held tomorrow (Thursday 25 April). The Memorial tells the stories of the people and events that have shaped the nation. See some of the world's most significant war relics and experience the film Over the front: The great war in the air, produced by renowned director Peter Jackson.

See where Australia's political decisions are debated and decided at Parliament House where you can watch Australia's politicians in action at Question Time from 2pm on sitting days. Otherwise admire the architecturally stunning building or panoramic view of Canberra from the roof of the building which turns 25 in May.

Watch some of Australia's elite athletes in training at the Australian Institute of Sport on a tour guided by an elite athlete. Afterwards, test your own sporting skills in the interactive Sportex exhibition.

Want to see a building that is the repository of 10 million items? The National Library of Australia has a dedicated Treasures Gallery displaying gems from its collection of books, serials, manuscripts, photographs, music, oral histories, digital items and more. Among them include James Cook's Endeavour journal. Download the Treasures Gallery App or hire an iPod while you are there for an audio tour.

You can find out more about the many other national attractions in the Canberra Capital Region 2013 Visitor Guide, available online at www.visitcanberra.com.au/Visitor-Info/Brochures-and-maps.aspx