Why Is Sydney Not the Capital of Australia? (In Layman’s Terms)

Why is Canberra Australia’s capital city? You’re in the right place if you’re looking for a simple answer that won’t confuse you to death.

The question occurred to me recently, and while I am by no means a historian, I like to think I can do some good research.

So, I went down a rabbit hole into the history of why Sydney wasn’t chosen as the Australian capital city despite being the most obvious option. It is, after all, the most popular city, locally and globally. And why not Melbourne? After Sydney, one would think that’s the next best choice.

The short answer? Canberra’s central location between Sydney and Melbourne and to resolve any rivalries between the two big cities.

And here’s the long (but cliff notes) answer, which you’ll see is actually more interesting and straightforward than I expected…

1. Choosing Australia’s Capital City: The Dilemma

Australia was at a crossroads early in the 20th century; the time had come for the Australian Federal Government to choose its capital.

Sydney and Melbourne, the country’s two most illustrious cities, competed for the prestigious title. It wasn’t just a matter of pride; being the capital would place a city at the center of Australian identity and governance.

They each had a decent argument…

Sydney

Sydney was the celebrity of Australian cities, with famous attractions like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It had postcard-perfect views, a thriving harbor life, and unique suburbs. It was the oldest city in Australia and the most populated.

Its appeal was obvious, making it a strong contender for the capital.

Melbourne

Then there’s Melbourne, which transformed from a sleepy town to a booming metropolis during the Victorian gold rush. It was like the cultured, artistic cousin who knows all about coffee and street art and has a knack for hosting major sports events.

Melbourne had become a center of wealth, culture, and innovation, equally deserving of the title.

The Capital Conundrum

Faced with such formidable candidates, Australia found itself in a bind.

Choosing either Sydney or Melbourne could stoke regional rivalries and upset the balance between the states. It was a decision that could cause discord between cities and their people.

It was like choosing between two equally beloved family members for a single, critical prize.

2. Enter Canberra

To navigate this delicate situation, Australia took a path less traveled.

Instead of elevating one city over another, it opted for an innovative solution: creating a new city to serve as the capital.

This decision was a compromise but also bold, visionary planning.

A Strategic Spot

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT), where Canberra would be formed, was chosen for its neutral location between Sydney and Melbourne.

But it wasn’t just the geography; it was a symbolic gesture towards unity, as the capital would be placed in a spot that belonged to neither state but to all Australians.

Canberra’s Blueprint

After Canberra was chosen, Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin, American architects, won an international competition to design it.

Their plan was revolutionary. It envisioned a city that blended with its natural surroundings, centered around the winding Molonglo River.

Canberra was to be a “city in a landscape,” prioritizing beauty, accessibility, and the integration of nature within urban spaces.

3. The Making of Canberra

Canberra’s development from an idea to a living, breathing city was an enormous task.

It involved meticulous planning and a commitment to creating a capital that was not only functional but also represented the aspirations of a young and growing country.

Design

At the heart of Canberra’s design was the new Parliament House, perched on Capital Hill. It was a statement building, visible from multiple vantage points across the city.

Culture

Beyond government buildings, Canberra was conceived as a center for Australian culture and history.

Institutions like the National Gallery, the Australian War Memorial, and the National Museum were established to celebrate Australian identity, achievements, and sacrifices.

4. So… Why Not Sydney?

In this context, Sydney, despite its fame and appeal, wasn’t chosen as the nation’s capital.

The reasons were strategic, with a vision for the future. They were rooted in a desire to create national unity and a balanced representation for all Australians.

Neutral Territory

Opting for Canberra meant avoiding the potential for bias towards New South Wales or Victoria. It was about fairness, giving Australia a capital that stood apart from existing rivalries.

A Fresh Start

Building a new city from scratch allowed Australia to articulate its identity independently of the colonial past associated with older cities.

Canberra was a blank canvas, offering the chance to mold a place that had the democratic ideals and spirit of the nation.

5. Canberra Today

Over the years, Canberra has become the heart of Australian political life while also carving out a distinct identity as a vibrant, livable city.

Legacy

Canberra proves its founding vision was a success. It balances its role as the seat of government with a rich cultural and social life.

It’s Australia’s largest inland city, and its design encourages community and outdoor activities, as well as an appreciation of art and nature.

Unity

As the capital, Canberra symbolizes the unity of Australia’s states and territories.

It’s where national celebrations and commemorations take place, from ANZAC Day to Australia Day, drawing people from across the country.

6. Conclusion

The decision to establish Canberra was a forward-thinking move that set the stage for a unified Australian identity. It laid the foundations for the country’s future, creating a space where all Australians could see their values and aspirations reflected.

So, to wrap this up, while Sydney and Melbourne are still the jewels in Australia’s crown and would have made worthy capital cities, Canberra is a unique embodiment of the nation’s heart and soul. It represents the essence of Australian democracy, culture, and community life.

Creating Canberra was a representation of Australia’s coming of age, a bold step towards crafting a shared national identity that continues today.

Alas, while Sydney wasn’t chosen, it’s still the ultimate destination in Australia. As great as the city is, who needs the capital title anyway? After all, it can’t have everything.