Canberra is a fascinating 20th-century creation that has struggled to establish itself as the focus of Australia's national history, pride and identity. Canberra has long been perceived as the 'fat cat' of Australian cities, a town of politicians and bureaucrats living off the hard work of their countryfolk. Many Australians knock Canberra for being a city without soul, but anyone who's bothered to spend a bit of time here is bound to have a soft spot for the place.