As a central point within the CBD, many community events including protests and festivals are held at the location.

Garema Place was Gazetted as a city street in October 1952,[1] when the disused Civic Centre railway station was removed from the site.

In 1963, then-Prime Minister Robert Menzies opened the nearby Monaro Mall (now Canberra Centre), which became the first in Australia to be fully-enclosed and air-conditioned with three floors.

Garema Place is known for its sculptures and artworks by local artists, predominantly "The Cushion and the Wedge",[7] a silver statue of a pillow located in the main area near the chess board.

One of the more common birds of Australia, including urban Canberra, it is celebrated for its mellifluous carolling and its remarkable memory.