Portrait of a Nation

Canberra's street and suburb naming is a unique feature of the national capital.

Portrait of a Nation invites you to explore the history of and contribute your knowledge about Canberra's streets and suburbs. Read more about Portrait of a Nation

Get involved

1. Do some research
Gather information about your street or suburb
2. Create an account
Keep track of your history edits & comments
3. Add your info
Add the info you find to Portrait of a Nation!

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Portrait of a Nation

Explore

Use your current location in the ACT

Did you know suburbs in Canberra have themes?

All the names of streets within a suburb are based on a unique category and each suburb is different.

Browse by theme or show all suburbs

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Recent updates

Griffith by Griffith Narrabundah Street Party
Strzelecki Place by Evansfamily
Berry Street by Berry Street
Rossell Place by Leinna

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News

Launch of the Portrait of a Nation: Australian Schools Portrait Project

Portrait of a Nation: Australian Schools Portrait Project is a National Portrait Gallery initiative (supported by Centenary of Canberra) and was launched by Minister Crean on Tuesday 19 March. The...
A new road has been named in Lyneham

‘Thurbon Road’ is named in honour of the late Archie Thurbon (who attended the ceremony to name the nation’s capital in 1913). Mr Thurbon was first nominated for commemoration in 1978 by his son...
Indigenous place naming in the national capital

A number of suburbs in Canberra are Indigenous names. How many do you know? Amaroo - Aboriginal word meaning `beautiful place'. Aranda - Name of an Indigenous tribe of Central Australia...