About City Hill
City Hill is a landscaped public park occupying a low hill in Vernon Circle at the centre of Civic, Canberra's city centre in the Australian Capital Territory. Designed as part of Walter Burley Griffin's 1912 plan for Canberra, it forms a key element of the city's geometric layout. The hill is topped by a large flagpole flying the ACT flag and offers open lawns, trees and paths in central Canberra.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect an open, grassy hilltop park in the middle of Vernon Circle, surrounded by major roads including Northbourne Avenue and London Circuit. The site features manicured lawns, mature trees, paved paths, a central flagpole, and seating. It is an urban parkland setting with views over Civic and towards surrounding landmarks, suitable for a short stroll, photography and rest in the city centre.
Key highlights
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Central hilltop park within Vernon Circle in Civic, Canberra
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Large flagpole flying the Australian Capital Territory flag
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Key element of Walter Burley Griffin's planned city layout
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Landscaped lawns and mature trees in the city centre
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Views over Civic and surrounding central Canberra
History of City Hill
City Hill is an integral part of Walter Burley Griffin's 1912 winning design for Canberra. It was planned as the civic centre focus within the city's geometric street layout, with Vernon Circle encircling the hill and avenues radiating outward. The hill has remained a central open space reserve since the early development of Canberra as Australia's capital.