I believe it’s important for every citizen to visit and explore their capital city one time in their life – to discover it’s offerings, appeal and why it was made the focus city of a nation. It had only taken me well over 20 years to visit Canberra in Australia and I must admit it has always been low on my travel agenda. Only reason being is that when you think of Canberra and what you hear from residents is that it doesn’t really have ‘a lot happening’. So the risk of jumping on a plane from my hometown in Queensland, booking accommodation and hiring a car was a bit much for a weekend.
But as of moving to Sydney earlier in the year I decided a weekend getaway to Canberra wasn’t such a risk being only a 2.5 hour drive away, and this is how it went…
DAY ONE
12noon: Upon arrival I don’t know why I had the faint hope that it might be a little like Washington D.C, USA, a buzzing metropolis filled with government officials, citizens and tourists exploring the city. However, I was in for a rude awakening… Staying in the city centre at the BreakFree Hotel I soon discovered the place was eerily quiet. I even joked that it felt like something you would get in a horror film, a deserted town taken over by flesh-eating zombies – minus the zombies of course. But still it was very quiet with few people roaming about. It wasn’t until I decided to explore the city’s famed artificial lake, Lake Burley Griffin and its walking tracks that people began to materialise. The lake which spans 11km seemed to be a favourite for families and tourists, all lounging on the grass banks with their picnic blankets, enjoying lunch and the sun. Children and couples can be seen biking around, kayaking or lapping it up in those paddle boats circa 1990’s (which I love!).
Along the lake there is the a beautiful monument called the Captain James Cook Memorial dedicated to the British explorer who discovered the east coast of Australia in 1770. In the form of a giant bronze globe it maps out Cook’s expeditions. In addition, the memorial includes a stunning water jet located in the central basin of the lake which sends three tonnes of water into the air at 260 kph. With views of the National Library, Parliament House and National Gallery, it is a great spot to get some instagram pictures, relax and watch the world go by.
Located: King Edward Terrace, Parkes
Cost: FREE
*Water jet operates 2-4pm daily
www.nationalcapital.gov.au
2pm: As I continued walking along the lake I noticed hordes of people attracted to a nearby festival called Floriade. With admission being free I decided to check it out and see what all the fuss was about, and wasn’t I surprised. Regarded as Australia’s biggest celebration of spring, Floradie is an iconic event for Canberra showcasing around a million flowers in bloom including my favourite, tulips. The annual event running for 30 days over September and October since 1988, attracts more than 400,000 visitors each year. The moment I entered all I could see was a colourful rainbow of flower beds stretching hundreds of metres. People of all ages including myself enjoyed the dazzling display of flowers – taking photos like there was no tomorrow. For the children there was a carnival style park including a 38 metre Ferris wheel, teacup ride, baby farm animals, circus workshops and more. For adults there were market stalls, cultural performances and demonstrations such as the Gourmet Garden featuring renowned Aussie chefs such as Juli Goodwin and Poh Ling Yeow. If visiting Canberra in spring, it’s a lovely free attraction to see and enjoy.
Located: Commonwealth Park (off Barrine Drive)
Cost: FREE
Open: September/October from 9am to 5pm daily
www.floriadeaustralia.com
8pm: For a 360 degree view of Canberra, the best place to achieve this is at the Telstra Tower located 195 metres above the summit of Black Mountain. A night visit was on the cards to this landmark which produced an impressive panoramic city light view from the tower’s inside observation desk, outdoor viewing platforms and revolving restaurant. Only downfall during my visit was the freezing temperature and gusty winds from the outdoor viewing platforms – but I supposed it added to the ‘Canberra experience’. What I loved about the tower is at night it comes alive illuminating the skyline with its bright lights, for my visit it was a deep purple. Not only is the tower a lookout point it is a vital communication facility in Canberra featuring three floors of business, sales and communication equipment for radio, mobile and television transmitting services.
TIP: Make your visit early in the evening before 8pm if you want to enjoy a coffee or snacks from the enclosed viewing gallery/ panorama kiosk as it closes early!
Located: Black Mountain Drive
Open: from 9am daily
Cost: $7.50 (Adults), $3 (Children)
www.blackmountaintower.com.au
DAY TWO
10.30am: One of the attractions on my to do list was the Australian War Memorial. The moment I arrived the place was a buzz with tourists inside and outside admiring the artefacts on display. Outside you encounter a large military tank and a cannon used on a Australian HMAS vessel. In the distance you can see an impressive view of Parliament House, directly opposite the war memorial. As you enter there is reflective pool in the middle and above is a wrapping terrace with its walls displaying the names of those Australian soldiers who have died at war. It’s a moving area where you realise the magnitude of how many soldiers have fought and perished.
Inside this world-class museum it features impressive collections, exhibitions, stories and archives dedicated to various war periods. One of my favourite areas is the ANZAC Hall which displays some of the Memorial’s most significant large military objects including First World War aircrafts, bombers and the famous midget submarine that raided Sydney in 1942. Here a number of innovative sound-and-light shows screen compelling stories of Australia’s servicemen and women. It’s easy to spend a couple of hours at the Australian War Memorial roaming around and joining the various guided tours.
Located: Treloar Crescent
Open: 10am – 5pm daily
Cost: FREE
www.awm.gov.au
1pm: Of course you can’t visit Canberra without checking out one of Australia’s most important sights, Parliament House. Open to the public all year round (except on Christmas), Parliament House gives visitors the chance to experience the political life with ‘sitting days’ and ‘Question Time’ available on Mondays to Thursdays. Here you can can watch the ministers in action from the above Public Viewing Galleries as they debate topical issues and legislation that will impact the nation. Parliament House offers guided tours and access to some of the building’s amazing 4,700 rooms featured including the Chambers (Senate and House of Representatives), Grand Hall, The Members’ Hall, The Main Committee Room and The Forecourt. All are beautifully decorated with elegant tapestry and embroidery, expensive marble and Australian timber and impressive gold framed artworks. No wonder the building cost $1.1 billion instead of the estimated $220 million when proposed. Regardless, it’s a magnificent art and architectural site perfectly encompassing Australia’s heritage and history. What I love about Parliament House is how it looks from the outside. The design of the building is based on the shape of two boomerangs and as you drive up to the sight, you can’t help to see its unique structure, its perfectly manicured green lawn and the 81 metre flagpole soaring high above.
Located: Capital Hill
Open: 9am – 5pm daily
Cost: FREE
www.aph.gov.au
Have you visited Canberra? What were your favourite things to see and do?
