The National Capital Exhibition overlooking Lake Burley Griffin is losing its attraction for visitors to Canberra, particularly for those from overseas.
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The decline in popularity of the site at Regatta Point is detailed in the NCA annual report, tabled in federal Parliament on Wednesday.
The number of people going to the exhibition has fallen from 218,416 in 2008-09 to 137,274 in the past financial year.
However, the NCA's information and education program had great success, the report says.
A touring exhibition, Grand Visions: Centenary of the Capital Plan, was seen by 35,000 people in Melbourne and Adelaide.
The Canberra Guide, launched in December last year to allow tourists to plan their visit to the national capital using a smartphone, tablet or other mobile device, is gaining attention.
The report says by the end of June, the site had received 16,000 visits and more than 120,000 page views, with 66 per cent of people viewing the site from interstate.
The NCA's mission is to build the capital in the hearts of all Australians, the report says.
The number of international visitors to the National Capital Exhibition has fallen by more than half while the number of domestic visitors has almost trebled over four years, but the overall numbers continue to fall each year.
''A key ambition of the exhibition is to increase awareness of the special role of Canberra as the national capital,'' the report says.
An exit survey of visitors to the exhibition found 98.14 agreed their visit had increased their awareness of the special importance of Canberra as Australia's national capital.
The exhibition was originally built as a viewing platform for visitors to observe the construction of the lake in 1962.
The first enclosed display was mounted for a visit by the Queen in February 1963.
''Public enthusiasm at the time saw the temporary display become permanent,'' the report says.
''The National Capital Exhibition is a place where Australians can experience the history and development of our nation's capital. Through interactive displays, the exhibition illustrates Canberra's role as a symbol of federation.
''It features the people, events, history and design which contributed to the development of this unique, modern, fully planned capital city.''
The NCA reports 28 people attended its annual public forum, held at the ANU in June this year, while six people watched the live webstream.
''There are a declining number of people taking part in these public forums which may be attributed to the success of the NCA's ongoing community engagement throughout the year,'' the report says.
Acting chief executive Andrew Smith says the centenary of Canberra has a special resonance for the NCA.
''The NCA has taken the centenary as an opportunity not only to reflect upon and celebrate what has been achieved but to build the scaffolding for our future work and strategic direction,'' he says in the report.
A key priority for the current financial year is implementing pay parking in the central area of Canberra.