Northbourne Avenue, Canberra

Northbourne Avenue is one of Canberra's most significant thoroughfares, running north–south from City Hill in the city center to the Federal Highway. This major road features three lanes of motorized traffic and a dedicated bicycle lane in each direction, making it a crucial artery for both commuters and cyclists. A prominent feature of Northbourne Avenue is its wide median strip, which houses a light railway line framed by rows of trees. Over the years, these trees have evolved, with the most recent planting being Eucalyptus mannifera (brittle gums), which replaced the earlier river peppermint gums.

City Hill marks the southern end of Northbourne Avenue and is an integral part of Walter Burley Griffin's iconic plan for Canberra, forming one of the points of the Parliamentary Triangle. The park surrounding City Hill, known as Vernon Circle, was planted in 1921 and is a green space rich in symbolic plantings. The centerpiece is a flagpole that has flown the ACT flag since the territory gained self-government in 1989. The design of the park emphasizes symmetry, with Roman cypresses and Monterey pines arranged in precise patterns, creating a visually striking landscape. In 2014, the Canberra Centenary Column was added to commemorate the city's 100th anniversary.

Northbourne Avenue is also historically significant, with some of Canberra’s earliest buildings, the Sydney and Melbourne buildings, flanking its southern end. These heritage-listed structures house a variety of shops, bars, and restaurants, making Northbourne Avenue not only a vital transport route but also a lively cultural and commercial hub in the heart of the city.