Treloar Cres, Campbell ACT 2612, Australia +61 2 6243 4211 Website 10am – 5pm Canberra Campervan Hire

flummoxionic (contributor)

The Australian War Memorial is the national capital icon and is considered one of the nation’s best. The Australian War Memorial was opened in 1941. It is a collection of historical information, memorabilia, paintings reflecting to Australian men and women involvement in world war conflict. The collections range from Boer War (South African War), WWI to recent Gulf War, which covers large information. Also is a place for conserving Australian cultural heritage.

Inside the War Memorial visitors are able to see many exhibitions on display. The exhibitions are well assembled. You will see uniforms that Australian soldiers and nurses wear, they are also American, German, Russian, British and others. There’s scenery of important battles. Tanks from WWI, the Japanese mini sub, the Korean War and many more are display. Inside the War Memorial you could spent all day just observing and reading the display.

On the side of the building there are two large wall of which names of fallen loved one is scribed. For remembrance red poppies are placed by relatives. Not far from the Pool of Reflection is the Domed, inside the Domed is the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier (1914-1918).

Outside the building there is a statue of Simpson and his Donkey. John Simpson is Australian hero. At Gallipoli with heavy bombardment, Simpson and a donkey carried water up Shrapnel Gulley and bring the wounded soldiers into safer area.

Along the Anzac Parade there are several memorials representing Australian involvement in War, the Vietnam War memorial is one of them.

Open daily between 10.00am-5.00pm.

Free admission. Donation box at the entrance.

bruneauapus (contributor)

Dear reader – sit down and let me tell you a story – a story of Canberra’s first statue and war memorial.

But before I start – while driving by the War Memorial last week (Dec 2014) I noticed that Bellona was missing from her pedestal. I will investigate and update, but once you have read this review you may not be surprised by this latest twist. The Memorial’s website provides no clues. Update July 2015 – The good lady has been returned to her pedestal. Where she has been I don’t know.

In 1916 sculptor Bertram Mackennal, unable to sell this sculpture – entitled War or Bellona – Goddess of War – decided to offer it as a gift to Australia as a tribute to Australian solders in WWI (especially the Anzac’s). It was accepted but it took five years before Prime Minister Hughes sent a thank-you letter – five years during which Bellona lay hidden in a Melbourne celler.

The sculpture was installed on the steps of the then Parliament House in Melbourne on Anzac Day 1921. When Parliament moved to Canberra it was decided that Bellona’s busty company was not required and the Australian War Memorial, then under construction and perhaps an obvious home for the statue, wanted nothing to do with it. Such a display of cleavage was not appropriate for the new Capital. Anyway in 1926 she arrived in Canberra minus her tasteful black marble plinth which was replaced with a crude concrete substitute.

Bellona, Canberra’s first statue, was placed on the southern side of the Molonglo River (pre lake days of course) on Commonwealth Avenue between the two traffic lanes and close to the Albert Hall. Bellona was soon christened Boadicea or Bodie by the locals who loved. The politicians, perhaps of higher morals in those days, still found her hard to take.

People soon decided it was time for fun.

New Years’ Eve revelers on 1 January 1932 adorned Bodie with a wire street waste paper receptacle (placed atop her helmet) and a beer bottle. In 1933 her exposed bust was covered, with an article of women’s wearing apparel’. In March 1939 a pair of conical breast shields made from softened gramophone records adorned her nakedness. Later she had her breasts ‘brasso’ polished by pranksters to a high gleam.

Panic struck the hierarchy in 1954 when Queen Elizabeth II was to visit Canberra for the first time. Bellona was smack bang in the middle of the processional route – what would her Majesty think ? And worse still, what would Her Majesty think if pranksters stuck? The police assured everyone pranksters would not strike. Thirty-six hours before the arrival of the Queen, Bellona was found sporting an oversized pink bra. The next night green paint was applied. Bellona was removed. It was announced that the move and royal visit were unrelated and Bellona was just moving to her rightful home at the Australian War Memorial.

A few days later pranksters placed a tombstone on the empty site – engraved “RIP Goddess Bellona”.

As it happened, Bellona took a circuitous route to the War Memorial via a Government building in Parkes and the grounds of Government House in Yarralumla. The 3km trip took 36 years. After 12 years at the Memorial, in 1993 “the grounds for a sculpture garden required preparation” and Bellona would have to be moved temporarily again and so she was – to within 100metres of her 1926 position by the Albert Hall.

In August 1999 Bellona made her final move to her current position in the new Australian War Memorial Sculpture Garden, backing on to the Lone Pine tree and at a suitably modest distance away from the memorial lest she offend 21st century visitors to the War Memorial in the way she did our early 20th century politicians. Do walk through the grass for a closer look – evidently funds were insufficient to provide a path – or were they?

SailingDrifter (contributor)

This should top the list as a ‘must see’. Situated across the lake from Parliament House, along the Anzac Avenue axis (see heading photo) and directly below Mt Ainslie, the Australian War Memorial is the seemingly contrasting combination of a world-class war museum and a very solemn war memorial. You will be alternately fascinated and depressed by what you find there. The overall effect is tremendously moving.

I would suggest that you allow a day for a visit if possible. If only half a day is available, ensure you visit the Shrine to the Unknown Soldier and the Hall of Memories (where there are plaques listing over 100,000 Australians who have died in wars involving our country – well over half in WW1).

There are free guided tours of the Memorial. For those interested in family genealogy, there is also a comprehensive database of military records, available to family members.

zoeconsist (contributor)

The exploits of a man and his donkey during the ill-conceived and executed battle on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey are the stuff of legend. How this man carried wounded troops back from the front line, time after time, is one of the great Australian epics of heroism under fire. It is held in such high esteem that this statue holds a pride of place as you walk from the carpark to the museum.
During the current, at times hysterical, debate over immigration, this man’s exploits were held as a prime example of what it means to be an Australian and what our values are. The high ranking politician who espoused this was perhaps unaware that Simpson was, in point of fact, an illegal immigrant and lied his way to get into the army. Never let the truth get in the way of a good story!

riding_tack (contributor)

Each year on ANZAC Day (25 April) thousand of veterans, serving personnel and members of the general public attend the dawn service at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra to remember those who have served and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for Australia in various wars and conflicts down the ages.

When the dawn service is over a small group of veterans and others make there way into the bush to a small clearing on the slopes of Mt Ainslie some 300 metres behind the War Memorial. A second service of remembrance is held here (and has been for around 15 years), at the Aboriginal War Memorial plaque, to remember Aboriginal people who have served in the Australian forces.

By law, Aboriginals were not permitted to serve in Australia’s armed forces until after WWII. This did not stop thousands enlisting and many dying for their country. In particular 1000s served in the Boer War – pre Australian Federation and again around 3000 are thought to have served in World War II.

Australia’s main national war memorials are on Anzac Parade and are in the main rather grand affairs. I have written separate reviews on each of them with a summary review ANZAC Parade – Memorials. Arguably these memorials which are focused on particular wars, campaigns or parts of the Australian armed services represent and commemorate all Australians – indigenous and non-indigenous.

There have, nonetheless, been and are ongoing calls for a specific Aboriginal war memorial to be erected on ANZAC Parade. Regrettably this is as much a political hot potato as it is anything else – and as such I leave it to my readers to draw their own conclusions.

The current privately erected non-official (though accepted) memorial plaque was erected in 1994 and is a very simple, though moving tribute and certainly worthy the short detour from the Australian War Memorial to see it. In many senses the simplicity and the bush setting of this plaque makes it even more poignant than the much larger and more formal memorials on ANZAC Parade.

To get to the memorial plaque, take the path to the summit Mt Ainslie from the back of the War Memorial for about a hundred and fifty metres and you will come across a sign directing you to the Aboriginal Plaque, 70 metres to the left of the summit track.

If you have come by way my Australian War Memorial summary tip please click here to return to that tip if you so wish.

styleruntime (contributor)

I never knew the man, only his wife and his son. At the age of 35 he found himself in the god forsaken mud that was the battlefield at Ypres. He had travelled from South Australia and married Bathia and they lived at Wilberforce to the west of Sydney on a farm.

By all accounts it was a happy existence until the war intervened. On the way over he had written home on the leaves from pussy willow trees. Echoes from the past that resonate still from a shelf in my study room. Heart rending epithets such as “To Bessie from W. My thoughts are always of you and Tom”; “There are some nice places but none so nice as home”; “To Bessie from W. far across the sea”; “From A55 to Kelmont, where would I rather be?”. I find it a bit gut-wrenching reading them now.

Thus it was that these are the last pieces of tangible evidence of his existence. On the 4th October, 1917, along with many others, he was blown to smithereens by shellfire defending a country halfway round the world that he probably hardly knew existed. Two thirds who died did so by shellfire in that conflict……..and for what? To placate a few male egos? Such were the times. And what have we learnt from them?

My father, his son, also joined the services and served in the Second World War in New Guinea and stayed in the R.A.A.F. till his retirement. I served for one year in my youth, falling short of the standard required for an armament fitter and luckily getting out. My sons are anti war, no doubt influenced to some degree by their father.

As one gets older one’s roots seem to take on a significance not apparent in one’s younger days and so it was that I made a pilgrimage to the War Memorial basement level to find out where my grandfather might be commemorated. It turns out there’s a plaque on the Menin Gate at the town of Ieper (formerly Ypres) in Belgium. It was a teary-eyed moment for me to find that out and the rest of my time in the War Memorial I seemed to be burdened with that information, unable to take in some of the exhibits as I might have.

rustsooner (contributor)

The Menin Gate Lions and the painting Menin Gate at Midnight are currently on loan to the Canadian War Museum and will then go to Belgian city of Ypres in time for the centenary of the battle of Passchendaele in 2017. The painting and the lions will return the Australian War Memorial in 2018.

It is rare that one finds medieval art or sculptures in Australia and probably the last place on would expect to encounter such would be in the Australian War Memorial, built in 1936 to commemorate the sacrifice of Australians who have died in war (essentially since the mid 1800s).

On entering the War Memorial you will encounter two lions, one on your right and one on your left, sentinels guarding the walkway to the Hall of Memory and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Context For details of the Menin Gate Memorial and Australia’s connection with Ypres see my separate review on the Menin Gate at Midnight’ – a painting on display at the Australian War Memorial. This will put this tip in context so I suggest you read it before proceeding if you have not already done so or are not already cognisant of the Menin Gate at Ypres. For those who would like a more detailed review of Leper (Ypres) which includes a very personal perspective I recommend you have a look at VT Member Breughel’s excellent page on Ieper.

Australian War Memorial literature indicates that the limestone lions, recovered from the Menin Gate at Ypres (now Ieper), Belgium toward the end of WWI were gifted to Australia in 1936 by the burgomaster (major) as a token of friendship and an acknowledgement of Australia’s sacrifice. In return Australia presented Ypres with a bronze casting of C. Web Gilbert’s sculpture Digger which is now on display in the Salient 1914—18 War Museum in the rebuilt Cloth Hall in Ypres.

It is interesting to note that there is no record of other Empire countries (Canada, Newfoundland, New Zealand, the UK, South Africa or India) having received any gift from Ypres. A statue from the Cloth Hall in Ypres currently in the Auckland Museum is thought to have been “souvenired” by an officer as opposed to having been gifted to New Zealand. The alternative, and probably more precise, view as to how the lions came to be in Canberra is that, the then, Australian Ambassador Bruce actually asked for the lions specifically for the Australian War Memorial then being built in Canberra and his wish was granted.

Where were the lions between the early 1920s and 1936? Yet another view, perpetuated by some local Ypres townsfolk is that Australian soldiers had already “self-gifted” themselves the lions and they were indeed already in Australia – hidden until the 1936 official gifting or request.

How the lions officially came into the possession of Australia doesn’t really matter any more. For others, and indeed Australia, the daily Last Post Ceremony performed, to this day, by the Ypres firemen is, in my view, ample thanks for Empire sacrifices in Ypres and Belgium. If you can, time your visit to the Australian War Memorial to coincide with its daily Last Post Ceremony which is held at 5pm (as the Memorial closes).

The lions (which each carry the coat-of-arms of Ypres) are thought to date back to the eleventh century and in later years to have stood at the entrance to the Cloth Hall, Ypres’ civic and commercial centre. In the mid to late1800s on the occasion of the refurbishment of the Cloth Hall the lions were moved to the Menin Gate which was really one of two cuttings (as opposed to a gate) in the towns medieval ramparts as you may discern in picture three attached – a pre war postcard of the old Menin Gate.

The lions stood and welcomed thousands of (and simultaneously farewelled, to their death, so many) Allied (mainly Empire) soldiers as they made their way to the Western Front during World War I. Over 36,000 Australian soldiers were killed or wounded on the battlefields of the Ypres Salient, most of them during the battles in 1917. Over 6,000 of them have no known grave and are now commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial.

During the war the lions (most of the town was destroyed) were badly damaged by German artillery fire and, while recovered from the rubble, they were not incorporated into the Menin Gate Memorial built in 1927 – though it does include a single much larger lion which sits atop the Memorial.

Until 1985 the lions (for the most part one only) were displayed at the War Memorial in their original damaged state. Between 1985 and 1987 the lions were restored by Kasimiers L. Zywuszko, a Polish-born sculptor. The restoration work was deliberately not blended in’ such that visitors can easily distinguish the restored from the non restored. In 1991 the lions were again put on display at the Memorial, in the position you see them today.

officerwack (contributor)

About the last thing you’d expect to find in a war museum is a floor mosaic from historical times. I, for one, was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled across the Shellal Mosaic that was originally housed in a Palestinian chapel.
The Hellenistic style of the vine trellis has pagan connotations. The full symmetry of design, detailed tonality of the animals create realistic 3 dimensional aspects of them. For me I was immediately reminded of the superb, virtually intact example at Aquileia in northern Italy.

You can also see the merging of styles with the Hellenistic vine linking to the Roman isometric border and the symmetry being very Gazaean in design.

When it comes to the Christian ideals of the floor piece it is obvious that the architecture of the church was extremely basic and primitive, with a simple rectangular floor and no presence of an apse. The only clue to where the altar may have been is the journey, one might say, of the central links of vines that symbolise traditional offerings, leading from one small crucifix cross to the top one where the altar may have been.
At the top there is an inscription that says:

“this temple with rich mosaics did decorate our most holy bishop…and the most Pious George, priest and sacristan, in the year 622 according to the era of Gaza, In the tenth year of the indication”.

An art historian by the name of Henderson has interpreted it as an allegory of salvation:
The Vine is Christ as well as the Tree of Life that shelters all of god’s creatures, and each animal represents either a virtue or aspect of humanity such as the Peacock (resurrection and eternal life). Down the centre, the subjects that arent of wildlife each have thier own meaning. The Amphora is the water of life with the unconsecrated water being in the west (at the bottom of the mosaic) and the baptismal or holy water being in the ast (at the top before the altar).

Latest Images of Australian War Memorial, Canberra

 Parliament Dr, Canberra ACT 2600, Australia +61 2 6277 5399 Website 9am – 5pm Canberra Campervan Hire

ruelcloud (contributor)

Once you have had a look around outside Parliament House (and I recommend you do that before going inside) go inside noting that you must go through airport style security so please, dear readers, no bombs, guns, nail files and the like☺).

Once you have passed through security you will immediately be in the very grand entrance hall/foyer (picture 1) where you can pick up a free map/ brochure. Free guided tours leave from the information desk here so just ask when the next one leaves. I highly recommend you take one. After the 45mins tour (30 mins if Parliament is sitting) you can return to see things that have particularly taken your fancy.

While 90% of materials used in the Parliament building are Australian sourced much of the marble you see in the foyer is from overseas – gifted by Belgium, Portugal and Italy. Look our for fossils in the marble.

Anyone who has been out in the Australian bush or seen pictures of it will not fail to notice how the blue/green coloured marble columns resemble Australia’s native blue gum trees. Life your head and admire the wonderful inlaid woodwork right around the foyer.

Prior to going upstairs to the main Parliament area, have a look in the Great Hall which is accessed from the back of the foyer. You can also look down into the Great Hall from the next level up. This hall is used for state banquets and indeed can be hired out by anyone – for a rather hefty fee. It was in this hall that Queen Elizabeth II opened this building on 9 May 1988. The most notable feature in the Great Hall is a quite remarkable tapestry covering most of the back wall (why it wasn’t extended to cover the back doors, beggars belief). See my separate review on the Great Wall Tapestry.

When you go upstairs, taking the stairs behind the information desk, turn right at the top. Between here and the entrance to the house of Representatives ( equivalent to the British house of Commons and the lower house in other Parliaments) you will pass by various works of art, including that upon which the tapestry in the Great Hall, is based. This display in this area varies from time to time.

At the end of this area and to the left you can enter the House of Representatives (picture 2), Australia’s lower house of Parliament and the one in which the Prime Minister (currently Tony Abbott) sits. If parliament is sitting you can watch from the visitors gallery (don’t come expecting a high quality of debate!) The layout, colour, and accouterments of this house will be familiar to anyone who has visited or seen pictures of the House of Commons in Westminster, London though I hasten to add the lighter green colour is not due to fading induced by the hot Australian sun. It, and the lighter red in the Senate (upper house), are however representative of a sunburnt Australia. You will also note that the chambers are also somewhat more roomy than the respective Chambers in Westminster.

Having seen enough of the House of Representative you should at this point take the lift up to the roof. Up here you can have a stroll on the lawns that cover Parliament – as far as I know, a unique experience. Great views from here as well. If its cold and or windy bring a jacket!

Having returned from your sojourn on the roof, across the lobby from the House of Representative is the Senate (picture 3), which I find a nicer looking chamber and well worth a visit. Having said that, apart from a few of our better-known senators, most of the senators (all elected, albeit by a most peculiar type of proportional representation) will be unknown to even most Australians.

As you cross to the Senate do stop to have a look at the portraits in this area. Here you will find portraits of Queen Elizabeth II – Queen and Head of State of Australia; the Governor-General – the Queens representative in Australia (appointed by the Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister); all of Australia’s past Prime Ministers though I did notice last week (mid September 2013) that recent Prime Ministers Gillard (Australia’s first and only female Prime Minister) and Rudd have not yet been added to the collection.

In the centre of this area, if you look down to the lower level, you will see a water feature (picture 4). While this is reasonably aesthetically appealing that is not its purpose. Members of Parliament gather in this area and the purpose of the noisy water feature is to drown out their conversations from prying press members and nosy members of the public who would otherwise be able to listen in from above. Look up and through the glass roof you will see the rooftop flagpole (picture 5).

Having visited the Senate, continuing on in a clockwise direction you will enter into a “parliamentary history” museum area. The most notable document you will find here is one of four surviving originals of the 1297 Inspeximus issue of Magna Carta. The other surviving originals can be found in the National Archives, London, in the Guild Hall of the City of London and in the National Archives in Washington DC. I have prepared a separate review on the Magna Carta.

When you are finished here, do not be tempted to take the stairs down to the lower level exit but, rather, continue on this level to the front of the building for an amazing view towards Old Parliament House, Anzac Parade, the Australian War Memorial and Mt Ainslie (see picture on my Parliament House (Exterior) review. Next up you will come to the Queens Terrace – pop out on the Terrance to see a statue of Queen Elizabeth II. Here you will also find a reasonable café – the Queen’s Terrace Café’ if feeling peckish.

Again, carrying on in a clockwise direction and before going back down the stairs you ascended at the beginning of your tour you will come across a post office. Stamps on letters, post cards, etc posted from here will be cancelled with a Parliament House stamp – evidence to your friends that you were here or a nice cheap souvenir for yourself.

Talking about souvenirs, having descended the stairs you can visit a small souvenir / gift shop just before you exit the building.

While visitors have access to about 20% of Australia’s Parliament (much higher than most countries) if you are lucky enough to be in town when special openings are held you can see lots more and indeed access the Prime Minister’s office. If you miss out on the extended tour, as most people will, do pop down the road to Old Parliament House (which closed when this one opened in 1988). There you can visit the former Prime Minister’s Office, Cabinet Room and much, much, more. Highly recommended.

Opening hours:

9.00am – 5.00pm on non-sitting days 9:00am on Monday and Tuesday and from 8:30am on Wednesday and Thursday to House rise on sitting days.

Check web site more details including access to Question Time.

Entrance fee: free

Getting there:

By Car – Free, though timed, car-parking is available under the building – follow the signs. Don’t get lost on the roundabouts!
By public transport – ACTION Bus.
On foot – a reasonably short walk from the lake and Old Parliament House.

georgenino (contributor)

The New Parliament House began with controversy, because of long arguments about where it should be sited. When the hill finally was agreed as the site for the New Parliament House, a contest led to the design of the current building complex, with the main building appearing to be built into the hill (actually the hill was entirely removed, then the roof grassed over). For security reasons it is no longer possible to walk on the roof.

The building complex consists of a large central area with grassed roof, an imposing facade, long curved walls on either side, with inter-connecting passages to separate office buildings on the outside. It cost what was considered a huge sum at the time, but that needs to be considered in the following context. Considered as a whole it is a very large building, additionally it is one of the very few buildings in Australia built with a design life of hundreds of years, so all materials and construction had to be first class.

The problem is that the large scale of the building and its layout means that Ministers can largely avoid contact with anyone should they wish. So the hurley-burley of the Old Parliament House no longer occurs and Parliament is the poorer for it. Maybe with time it will change, but having worked there briefly I have my doubts. If I sound negative, it is only about the workings of the building. In itself it is, indeed, a very impressive ‘must see’, of which Australia can be very proud and I do recommend a visit.

Join a free guided tour of the building (every 30 minutes 0900-1600), you will learn far more than could ever be presented here. The building is open 0900 -1700 daily except Christmas Day, there is a shop open the same hours as the building, and a licensed cafe open daily 0930 -1630.

Main photo New Parliament house from above (low elevation)
Second photo A high elevation view shows the building’s form and the circular roads
Third photo Ground level view, with Old Parliament House in the foreground.

cheetahburgers (contributor)

At 81metres high, the flagpole on New Parliament House is one of the world’s largest stainless steel structures. The sheer size of it is not easily appreciated from a distance, but get up close and it becomes more obvious. Although security now precludes going to the top of the grassed roof of the building, you will still be able to get sufficiently close to appreciate it fully.

The flag on top may not look large, that is because of its height and the dimensions of the pole supporting it: the flags are actually about the size of a double-decker bus! Flags of differing fabric weights are used, depending on the wind conditions – if winds will be light, a gauzy flag is flown, if they are strong, a flag made from heavier fabric is used. The flagpole designers overcame the design problems of how to raise and lower the flags by consulting some of Australia’s top yacht designers. There also is a small carriage on one of the sloping legs, to take maintenance workers up, should that be necessary.

pastietarbert (contributor)

You would have to be blind not to see the 81-metre high flagmast, which is one of the world’s largest stainless steel structures, sitting on top of New parliament house.

From above, the design of new parliament house is in the shape of two boomerangs enclosed within a circle. Much of the building is buried beneath Capital Hill, but the meeting chambers and accommodation for parliamentarians are free-standing within the boomerang-shaped arms.

New parliament house was opened on 9th May, 1988 [by her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth 11], so it is not that “new” anymore, but is called such as there is still an “old Parliament House.”
It is the home of Australia’s Federal Parliament and one of the world’s most acclaimed buildings.

A competition was held for the design of the building, and after perusing 329 entries from 28 countries, this was the design chosen, the winner was the New York-based architectural firm of Mitchell/Giurgol.

The interior design is made up of various timbers from Australia and hosts numerous pieces of Australian art and craft.
“The Great Hall tapestry” is one of the largest in the world

After a security check, like at airports, and relinquishing my camera, {No photo’s allowed} we went and sat in the public gallery and viewed the proceedings in the Senate and the House of Representives. I must say it was rather boring, and the Senators looked bored too except for the speaker and the senator talking. We left each after about 10mins, so glad that we were not stuck in a tour timetable.

OPEN……………….
on sitting days – Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, from 8.30am till 5.00pm
all other days – from 9.00am to 5.00pm every day except Christmas Day when Parliament House is closed

ADMISSION IS FREE
Tours are available

stanhambetroth (contributor)

There are not many statues of Queen Elizabeth II around the world. If Wikipedia is to be believed – nine, and two of these are in Australia. One is in Brisbane and is rather unique in that it is the only statue in the world of the Queen holding a handbag. The other one is here in Parliament House or rather on a Terrace outside the main building (accessed from within the building).

I have to say I actually find it a bit odd, even wrong, when I see statues of living people as I normally associate statues as memorials to the dead. I suspect most people hold this view and hence the lack of statues of the reigning Queen compared to those of her predecessors.

Statue-wise, I like it and think it a rather fine piece of bronze work. It is the work of Australian Sculptor, John Dowie, and was unveiled by the Queen, herself, when she opened Parliament House on 9 May 1988.

On the face of it, it seems rather peculiar that this statue is stuck out on a terrace beside the café and has not been given pride of place in the foyer or some other central location within Parliament. A stark contract to the placement of a statue of George V in Old Parliament House.

Clearly, to me at least, this is a classic example of political correctness gone mad. Notwithstanding that the Queen is Head of State of Australia and a referendum a in 1999 confirmed the desire of Australians that she remain so her statue remains on the Terrace and as far as I can see it doesn’t even rate a mention on the Parliament House website.

Such is the paucity of official information about this statue that fork-lore and urban myth has suggested that the sculpture is, in fact, a reject from a UK sculptor who dumped it on Canberra and then committed suicide when he realised he had, apparently, made it with the left foot / leg forward instead of the right – a big no no!

The statue is located on the Queen’s Terrace outside the café and is certainly worthy a look on your visit to Parliament House.

Details on Parliament House opening hours and how to get there can be found on my Parliament House (Interior) review. As noted there, the entrance to Parliament House is free of charge.

rocketlatest (contributor)

There are other things that stand out in Canberra, notably Parliament House, the National Library and the Telstra Tower atop a nearby hill and affording the best views of Canberra while standing on a building.
Possibly the most memorable way to view the town would be to get aboard one of the many balloons that fly every morning (seven when I was last there), weather permitting. If you are an early riser and have a camera I recommend you get lakeside just after sunrise and, again weather permitting, you should get some great shots of coloured balloons over Canberra reflected in the water.
Parliament House (surely the only one in the world covered by a lawn) is worthy of some time. The tour is informative and an insight into where some of my taxes went!
At nighttime, should you be crossing the main bridge over Lake Burley Griffin, you will see this colourful edifice, the new Australian National Museum, whose architecture defies description. Frankly, I think it looks great at night and downright ugly in the day.

cuttleloyal (contributor)

For me this is one of the most architecturally interesting and satisfying buildings not only in Australia but in the world and certainly a major contrast to the previous building – Old Parliament House – which was only ever intended to be a temporary home for the Australian Parliament, albeit a temporary home that lasted 61 years. It would be quite unfair to compare the two buildings.

New Parliament House was opened on 9 May 1988 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and is located “atop” Capital Hill. The building axis runs from North to East and South to West, and is situated perfectly in line with Old Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial and Mt. Ainslie on Burley Griffin’s imaginary line between Mount Ainslie and Mount Bimberi in the distant Brindabellas. I strongly recommend that you go up to the top of Mt Ainslie take in this quite stunning alignment though you also get a good view towards Mt Ainlslie from within Parliament House – see my last photo attached.

To say Parliament House is located “atop” Capital Hill is not quite true. It is more accurate to say it is located within Capital Hill.

Australia’s ensemble of politicians in the 1970s and 1980s were a much more modest collection than the current self-serving, opinionated, grandstanding suite of mediocrity (and I’m being kind). I say this because it was decided that as Parliament was elected to serve to people and not the other way round, it would send the wrong message by building a parliament on top of this hill lauding over the rest of Canberra. Consequentially the hill was removed, Parliament built and the hill replaced back on top of it. Being very conscious of VT’s policy regarding political comment I hasten to add that my descriptions of politicians above apply equally to all sides of politics in both eras. One can imagine if the same building was constructed today the hill would be raised prior to commencement of work!

The building was designed by New York based architects Mitchell/Giurgola who won a design competition which attracted 329 entries from 28 countries.

Before going into the building and while admiring the outside of the building, which from above is in the shape of two boomerangs, do pay special attention to the following:

The Forecourt Mosaic – Picture 2 – located about 50 metres back from the main entrance. This mosaic represents a Possum and Wallaby Dreaming and is made up of around 90,000 hand-cut granite tiles of seven different colours. It is based on a Central Desert dot-style painting by Nelson Jagamara, a leading Aboriginal artist from the Papunya community of the Northern Territory. While it is perfectly acceptable to walk on the mosaic it is not acceptable to rest your camera tripod there-on!

The roof – Access to the roof is now (for security reasons) only via a lift inside the building. As I indicated earlier Parliament is built into the hill and as a result has a grass roof with rather nicely manicured lawns. While you are welcome to walk on the grass your dogs are not. Recalling that you can walk over both houses of parliament imagine the indignity (and your amusement) if your dog were to lift its leg, or worse, as the honourable members debated directly below!

The Flagpole and Flag – when you access the roof you can get up close to the 81-metre high stainless steel flagpole and its 12.8 x 6.4 metres flag (equates to a double decker bus). Do have a look up before you visit the roof – you can see it from lots of locations in Canberra.

Australian Coat of Arms – Picture 3 – Above the main entrance door.

The building is one of Canberra most visited attractions with about 1 million visits each year. Despite this, I have been there numerous times and never had a feeling that the place was overcrowded.

Opening hours-

Outside of building – 24hrs Daily though you can only access the roof during building opening hours

9.00am – 5.00pm on non-sitting days 9:00am on Monday and Tuesday and from 8:30am on Wednesday and Thursday to House rise on sitting days.

Check web site more details including access to Question Time.

Entrance Fee- Free

Getting there –

By Car – Free, though timed, carparking is available under the building – follow the signs. Don’t get lost on the roundabouts!
By public transport – ACTION Bus.
On foot – a reasonably short walk from the lake and Old Parliament House.

liathachpastern (contributor)

Queen Elizabeth II opened New Parliament House on Capital Hill on 9 May 1988.

The building was designed by Romanldo Guirgola of Mitchell, Giurgola & Thorp Architects, with the prospect of a lifetime of 200 years. It sits on a 32-hectare site on Capital Hill, at the top of one of the wide corridors, linking the Australian War Memorial, Old and New Parliament Houses.

If you stand in front of this modern, rather cold and functional building, you would not imagine how beautiful it is inside, and how full of history, culture and art. There could not be a bigger contrast.

But, ok, let’s start on the outside, with a big Aboriginal mosaic in the Forecourt, based on the typical dot-style paintings. It depicts a meeting place and symbolises the continent of Australia, inhabited by Aboriginal people prior to European settlement. 90,000 granite pieces in seven colours had to be hand-guillotined to put this piece of art together.

In the foyer marble and timber are used to mark the arrival of the Europeans. The marquetry panels are inlaid with designs of Australian flora. I loved it!

The settlement and cultivation of the land are expressed in the Great Hall by the use of rich Australian timbers, tapestry and embroidery.

The Members’ Hall is located directly under the flagmast in the heart of the building. The Senate and the House of Representatives chambers are to the left and to the right.

A lot of commissioned artworks, as well as gifted portraits and sculptures, give the rather dark and serene interior a touch of museum. To me, the building as a whole symbolises a young and modern nation on the outside with a rich history on the inside.

Free guided tours begin at 9am and follow every 30 minutes, the last tour starting at 4pm. When Parliament is not meeting tours take 45mins, when P. is meeting they take about 20mins. Audio-guides in various languages are available.

Self-guided tours are also possible. If you have questions you can ask the guides who are positioned at strategic points.

Latest Images of New Parliament House, Canberra

 Lake Burley Griffin, Australian Capital Territory, Australia Canberra Campervan Hire

inventunsuitable (contributor)

I will update this tip with details of the 2014 Floriade when they become available so that you can plan your trip !

An annual flower display of truly international standards. If you are in town during Floriade you should not miss it though it is probably better to say if you are in town when it’s on you won’t miss it as, chances are, that will be the reason you are in town!

This magnificent and immensely colourful flower display of exotic bulbs and annuals is held every spring (2013 -14 September to 13 October 2013). Floriade 2013 was an extra special display in Canberra’s centenary year with the overall design strongly influenced by the geometry of Canberra’s original plan by Walter Burley Griffin and the theme Beautiful Innovation . The layout of the flowers in individual garden-beds was inspired by the great institutions of Canberra – the Australian War Memorial, Old Parliament House, the National Gallery, the National Library and may others. To be honest some of this inspiration was easier to see than others but the flowers were beautiful throughout.

Floriade began in 1988 as a spectacular commemoration of Australia’s Bicentenary and Canberra’s 75th birthday – so this year also marked Floriade’s 25th birthday.

Floriade attracts thousands of interstate and overseas visitors each year with the result that hotels rooms in Canberra are scarce and at a premium price-wise. You are well advised to book early.

In addition to the wonderful garden beds and flowers there is a great range of other street style entertainment, gardening demonstrations, lots of food outlets from basic to high end, rides for the kids and gift shops. A great family event.

This year saw a major improvement in the range of quality entertainment at Stage 88 in the park – my final picture is of an excellent gospel group the repertoire of which included a moving rendition of South Africa’s national anthem.

Don’t become so intoxicated with all the flowers that you miss out on the garden gnome display (you can paint and display your own) or forget to sit and listen to the Australia Fair Street Organ. Hopefully both items will feature again in 2014 as they have for many years.

Allocate at least half a day for your visit.

It really is impossible to pick five pictures to represent this event. For more pictures (from 2012) have a look at my 2012 tip – Floriade 2012 which I will retain for the record.

Nightfest

In more recent years Floriade has also opened its doors (ok, gates) on a number of nights for Nightfest. This year (2013) night opening was 25-29 September. The flowers came alive again with a spectacular light show (an illuminated wonderland !) and crowds were entertained by live bands on Stage 88 within the grounds while all the other entertainment and activity also continued into the night.
Nightfest is, alas, not free. See below for opening hours and costs.

Location:

Floriade is held in Commonwealth Park, a five-minute walk from Canberra’s city centre. This is the best way to get there and is well signposted. Parking at Commonwealth Park is limited. Bus services available – including a free service from the city centre.

Opening hours:

Day time – 9am to 5pm weekdays; 9am to 5.30pm weekends and public holidays; Last entry is 30 minutes before close. You cannot do it justice in 30 minutes.

Admission charge: Free

Nightfest – 25 -29 September 2013 – 6.30pm to 10.30pm.

Admission charge :
Adult A$25 (17yrs plus)
Children A$10 (5 -16 yrs old – under 5 free)
Family A$50 (2 adults, 2 children)
Some concessions were available.

balloonbahoochie (contributor)

Bit of a misnomer – I actually mean, and will review, a walk around the central basin – a circular walk of 5kms crossing the lake via Commonwealth and King’s bridges (bridge to bridge). This is an easy walk along flat (apart from going up and down onto the bridges to cross the lake) sealed paths and is a favorite for locals and tourists alike. Please look at my separate review (still to be written)on a cycle tour around the whole lake – some 35kms though shorter options are also mentioned there. Off course nothing stopping you walking the lot.

While this is a beautiful walk and very highly recommended especially in early morning with (or without) a mist on the lake or at dusk letting you see a large number of the major sights of Canberra as you pass, I am actually going to use this review to link to other reviews (as I write them) for each of the sights you meet along the way – as such turn your two hour stroll into a day or three. Dining and restroom facilities are available at all the more significant sights.

You can start the walk anywhere you like, though for the purpose of this review I will start at Regatta Point as it is easily accessible from the city and via bus and parking (timed) is available. Sights are listed on the basis that you walk in a clockwise direction.

I will also take liberties and include links to reviews of sights that are a little back from the lake though well within walking distance e.g. Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial.

Right at the beginning of the walk there are three sights worth visiting.

Captain Cook Memorial Fountain – If it’s not operating as you start it mostly like will at some stage of your walk – just keep and eye out as you proceed.

Captain Cook Memorial Globe

National Capital Exhibition

Commonwealth Park

Floriade – An annual world class flower show – not a sight unless its on!

ANZAC Parade – about 200m away from the lake path

Australian War Memorial – about 1km from the lake path via ANZAC Parade

The hill behind the War Memorial is Mount Ainslie – go here for, in my opinion, the best view in Canberra

(While I have included them here, I actually recommend that the three sights above be seen by themselves and are worth a day in themselves)

National Emergency Services Memorial

Blundell Cottage

Merchant Navy Memorial

HMAS Canberra Memorial

National Carillon

National Police Memorial

Department of Defence and Bugs Bunny – Australian American War Memorial

Cross over Kings bridge at this point.

National Gallery of Australia
National Gallery Sculpture Garden
NAtional Gallery – Within Without

National Portrait Gallery

High Court of Australia

National Flag Display

Go for a Segway Ride

Aboriginal Tent Embassy – about 300m away from lakeside path

Old Parliament House – about 300m away from lakeside path

Rose Gardens – about 300m away from lakeside path

Curtain and Chifley Statue – about 350m away from lakeside park

National Archives – about 350m away from lakeside park

Parliament House (New) – Interior and Exterior – about 700m away from lakeside path

Questacon

National Library of Australia

Cross Commonwealth Bridge back to Regatta Point. Good views of Black Mountain (separate trip) from the bridge.

Getting to Regatta Point – Any bus from the city centre heading south over the Commonwealth Bridge. Get off just before you cross the bridge.

Hateuchar (contributor)

Let me state upfront – if you are coming here to see banks of mature trees as you might find in other arboretums then you will be sorely disappointed. Apart from a bank of mature Himalayan cedars and Cork oaks all the other trees are less than (most significantly less than) 10 years old. Why is this so? You ask.

This arboretum is a true phoenix from the ashes of devastating bushfires which raged through this area of Canberra on 18-22 January 2003. In addition to taking the lives of 4 people and around 500 buildings the fire blazed through a pine forest where the Arboretum now stands. One of the outcomes of the review was that pine forests would not be grown around Canberra again. The establishment of an arboretum here also settles a long outstanding component of the Walter Burley Griffin plan for Canberra. The Arboretum was formally opened to the public in early 2013.

Once one understands the youthfulness of everything one can then appreciate that over 35,000 trees have been planted on the 250 hectare site in the past 10 years – with species from over 100 countries represented. It is a popular tradition now to get visiting dignitaries to plant a tree.

Given the lack of trees one does get some excellent uninterrupted views of Canberra across Lake Burley Griffin (picture two) and the mountains in the other direction – best views from Dairy Farmers Hill.

The Arboretum is also home for the excellent National Bonsai and Penjing Collection of Australia. See my separate tip on the Bonsai collection.

Also within the Arboretum are two interesting sculptures, both worth a look. On top of Dairy Farmers Hill is a large metal – found objects – mostly abandoned farm machinery – sculpture of an eagle on its nest (picture four) – by Richard Moffat and entitled Nest III (where I and II are, if they exist, I don’t know!). Across on the other side of the visitors centre (Village Centre) on top of the hill near the Himalayan cedar forest, is a metal sculpture of the words “Wide Brown Land’ taken from Dorothea Mackellar’s well known poem – My Country (picture five).

I quite like the poem – here is a part there-of. i hope you like it too.

“I love a sunburnt country,
A land of sweeping plains,
Of ragged mountain ranges,
Of droughts and flooding rains.
I love her far horizons,
I love her jewel-sea,
Her beauty and her terror –
The wide brown land for me!”

The arboretum is well laid out and you can easily get around by car or on foot (if you like walking only). There are a few worthwhile walking tracks including one through the Himalayan cedar forest and a number of free guided walks leave regularly from the Village Centre (visitors centre).

So what do I think?

A visit to see the bonsai collection; admire the views which give a new perspective on the city from those you get from Mount Ainslie, Black Mountain and the other traditional viewpoints; see the artwork and have a look around the Village Centre (visitors centre) where you can find a native demonstration garden, a discovery garden, a couple of eating outlets and a souvenir shop provides sufficient to do for a couple of hours while you wait for the trees to grow!

Not a must do just yet but if you have a couple of hours to kill, go for it.

The Arboretum is located at Forest Drive, off Tuggeranong Parkway, Weston Creek – 6 kms for the city centre.

Opening times: Arboretum open daily: 7am-5.30pm and during daylight savings from 6am-8.30pm; Village Centre/ Bonsai Collection open daily except Christmas Day 9am-4pm

Entry Fee; Free to everything but you must pay for parking at the Village Centre

Parking fees: $2 an hour, maximum $7 for the day.

An anticipated bus service from the city does not seem to have eventuated yet and the Arboretum’s website states that a bus service to the Arboretum is expected to operate by 2014. Check with ACTION bus company if interested.

reach_hissing (contributor)

The National Bonsai and Penjing Collection of Australia

My previous review for the The National Bonsai and Penjing Collection of Australia related to a somewhat smaller collection at its former home – Commonwealth Park in Canberra. I have now mothballed that review.

In March 2013 the collection was moved to its new and permanent purpose built facility at the National Arboretum about 6kms outside the city.

The collection has also been significantly enlarged given the extra space now available. It now contains perhaps a hundred of the finest miniature trees and forests that you will see anywhere and certainly the best I have seen anywhere in Australia.

I am always amazed at the skill and effort the owners put into these living sculptures to have them look so beautiful. One of the amazing things is that the display has even managed to capture Canberra’s seasons – so the miniature European beach at picture three is not dead! It has lost its leaves, as it’s now autumn in Canberra.

The collection contains a mix of both Australian native and exotic species.

When I wrote about the display when it was located at Commonwealth Park (in the city) I strongly recommended you see it at that location though questioned whether I thought it would be worth the hike out to the Arboretum to see it, unless you were a diehard bonsai fan. Having now visited the display at the Arboretum, which is significantly larger than it was in the city, I wholeheartedly recommend you go out and see it. My praise for the Arboretum itself is less glowing – but that is for another review.

A musician beautifully playing some form of Chinese woodwind instrument was a nice touch during my visit earlier today.

The Arboretum is located at Forest Drive, off Tuggeranong Parkway, Weston Creek – 6 kms for the city centre. You access the bonsai display via the Arboretum’s visitor centre – “the Village Centre”. Restrooms, cafe etc are available at the Village Centre.

Opening hours: 9 am to 4 pm seven days a week, except Christmas Day

Entry Fee: free (donation at your discretion) as it is for the Arboretum itself but you must pay for parking: $2 an hour, maximum $7 for the day.

An anticipated bus service from the city does not seem to have eventuated yet and the Arboretum’s website states that a bus service to the Arboretum is expected to operate by 2014. Check with ACTION Bus company if interested.

gangsmolly (contributor)

Mount Pleasant Lookout and Royal Australian Artillery Memorial

Mt Pleasant is one of four lookouts over Canberra city and the surrounding area.
It is probably the least visited of the four. Perhaps people are nervous and put off coming here as you have to drive through the grounds of the Duntroon Royal Military College. While there is security here there is absolutely no problem driving through Duntroon so please don’t let that deter you.

While I feel the best views of Canberra are from Mt Ainslie Lookout the view from here is still very worth the drive – giving a different perspective and a new angle as evidenced from the attached pictures. Looking backwards you also get good views of Duntroon Royal Military College and Jerrabomberra Wetlands.

Unlike Mt Ainslie and Red Hill Lookouts which are just that, atop this hill you will also find a memorial to gunners of all ranks of the Royal Regiment of Australian Artillery – more commonly referred to as the Royal Australian Artillery.

Inserted into the stone wall, symbolic of an early fort, you will see plaques naming the conflicts in which Australian Gunners served. The guns are 64-pounder RML Mark III guns manufactured in the 1870s and originally part of Sydney’s harbor defenses at Middle Head. This is a designated saluting station from which Australia’s Federation Guard still provides 21-gun salutes on ceremonial occasions.

The Memorial was dedicated by HM Queen Elizabeth II on 9 March 1977.

One the road up to the lookout visit the grave of General Bridges, Australia’s highest ranking soldier in World War I. – see my separate tip on General Bridges’ Grave.

While you are at Duntroon I also recommend a stop at :-

Changi Chapel and the ANZAC Memorial Chapel of St Paul. Click on links to see my review of each.

kyivgas (contributor)

The Australian Capital Territory Government has, of late, taken the view that the citizenry of Canberra needs more art and culture. This has, to a large degree, manifested itself in a plethora of new statutory most of which is lacking in any sort of taste, art or culture or whatsoever. The shot-gun approach however does mean that a least a few of the new statues will hit the mark. The subject of this review, Sir Robert Menzies’ statue, is one of those which certainly hits the mark for me.

A significant number of ex-Prime Ministers have had Canberra suburbs named after them. Not Menzies though which is rather ironic as he is one of the handful of Prime Ministers who have actively supported the growth and development of Canberra – a true apostle for the city. In fact, Menzies specifically requested that a suburb not be named after him. Instead this life-size figurative bronze statue by Peter Corlett was unveiled in 2012 in Commonwealth Park alongside Lake Burley Griffin which he championed the creation of, and dedicated in 1964. Menzies was very much at home here and enjoyed many long contemplative walks along this lakeshore – now called the R.G Menzies Walk.

Sir Robert was Australia’s longest serving prime minister – his two periods in office totalled 18 years, five months and 10 days. That said, Menzies is more celebrated in Canberra for his development of the capital than for his longevity in office. On the unveiling of the statue the current Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, stated “For those of us who call this lovely place home, it was Sir Robert’s ambition to develop Canberra as a worthy national capital that will be regarded as his most visible and enduring contribution” while Opposition Leader, Tony Abbot, described him as “the capital’s greatest builder and supporter.’

Within Menzies’ second term as the Prime Minister, Canberra’s population grew from 28,000 in 1954 to 93,000 in 1966 and in addition to the creation of the Lake Burley Griffin in 1964, a number of significant cultural institutions including the National Library and the Canberra Theatre Centre were founded during this period.

Peter Corlett (all of whose work I admire for its realistic subject interpretation) has three others works in Canberra – Sir Edward ”Weary” Dunlop and Simpson and His Donkey at the Australian War Memorial and Prime Minister John Curtin and Treasurer Ben Chifley in the Parliamentary Triangle.

Tonyovert (contributor)

Why don’t people promenade any more?

I took stroll though Commonwealth Park last Saturday morning and was somewhat taken aback by the paucity of people out enjoying this beautiful park. I often wonder (and I have been here 12 years), as do visitors, where do Canberrans go at weekends. Why are they not the out enjoying the delights of this great city? Their loss is the visitor’s gain.

Commonwealth Park, located on the northern side of the central basin of Lake Burley Griffin took shape in the 1960’s when the lake was created and it became the city’s premier garden. It stretches from Commonwealth Avenue (Bridge) to around the southern end of Anzac Parade.

This park is a very well maintained and beautiful garden- 34.5 hectares – with its own mini lake – Nerang Pool. It is well laid out with numerous paths, seats and a kids play area. In addition to its horticultural beauty, the park contains many other sites of interest to the visitor including the National Capital Exhibition, Captain Cook Memorial Fountain and Memorial Globe, Blundell’s Cottage, and a number of pleasant sculptures including one of former Prime Minister Robert Menzies on what is now called the RG Menzies Walk along the lake shoreline.

While I normally only give tips on things that I have personally seen or experienced, with your indulgence, I will make an exception here. There is one piece of artwork in the park that you won’t see – a set of six polished aluminum tetrahedrons by Bert Flugelman, similar to his work in the sculpture garden at the National Gallery of Australia but buried permanently in March 1975 in a trench( close the the Kangaroos pictured here) for reasons not explained by the artist.

The large (39metres) flagpole, which you will see in the park, is a gift from the Canadian government and Canadian timber industry – a douglas fir weighing some 7.1 tonnes. If you happen to the in Park on 1 July (Canada Day) you will note that the Australian flag which normally flies on the pole is replaced with the Canadian flag.

The annual springtime Floriade Festival (not to be missed) turns a large part of the park into a sea of colour derived from the million plus bulbs and annuals planted just for the festival.

Highly recommended for visitors (and any locals reading this tip!)

cocopity (contributor)

The National Emergency Services Memorial was dedicated by Prime Minister, John Howard, on 12 July 2004 to honour those who have served and were injured or died in Australia’s emergency management and service organisations.

The raised wall symbolises comfort warmth and shelter while the three dimensional frieze of images reflect the diversity of emergency personnel and their experiences. The frieze is a visual expression of a story and experience of national emergency management based on the underlying principles of Prevent, Prepare, Respond, Recover.

The east face of the memorial wall is highly polished revealing words that embody the values and professionalism of the emergency services personnel.

Australia, as many readers will know, is a land prone to significant natural disasters in particular flooding and fire both with often devastating consequences. The concept of a memorial was translated to a reality following the tragic loss of lives in the Victorian bushfires of late 1998.

Emergency services honoured here include but are certainly not limited to paramedics, fire, police and State Emergency Service, search and rescue, welfare services, community response and help agencies, animal rescue and environmental protection personnel – a very wide cross section of society.

This Memorial located between Commonwealth Park and Kings Park and at the southern end of Anzac Parade and about 100m from the edge of Lake Burley Griffen and Blundells Cottage.

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 Parkes Pl E, Parkes ACT 2600, Australia +61 2 6240 6411 Website 10am – 5pm Canberra Campervan Hire

spitefulmashed (contributor)

The National Gallery of Australia, contains a very varied collection of work ranging from art as in pictures to fabric, jewellery, sculpture, etc. Its collection is divided into a number of geographic collections

Aboriginal Art Collection
In 2010 the National Gallery building was extended and a new wing – basically devoted to Aboriginal art (but including a new entrance and foyer, Gallery shop and a new function and event space was added). While formally the Gallery’s Aboriginal display offering was limited and not that interesting it now offers a much larger range in beautiful bright and spacious surroundings. The most stunning, evocative and perhaps controversial piece is the Aboriginal Memorial which can be entered directly from the main (new) reception area (see below). The Gallery’s collection of Aboriginal art (not all on display) includes about 7500 pieces and includes bark paintings, western style paintings (eg Albert Namatjira), more traditional “dot” style paintings, textiles, weavings, prints, drawings, photography, headdresses and sculpture.

Australian Art Collection
This collection covers the early colonial period to the present day with art of all styles form realism impressionism, symbolism, expressionism realism, surrealism and modern art covered.

Asian Collection
Sculptures (in a large part religious), textiles, paintings, prints and manuscripts are displayed in three main spaces dedicated to Art of the Indian subcontinent, Art of Southeast Asia and Art of East Asia.

European & American Art Collection
All major styles are covered in three galleries with a number of very famous artists such as Monet, Picasso, Cézanne, Degas, Toulouse-Lautrec and Warhol represented.

Pacific Arts Collection
A very worthy collection of Polynesian and Melanesian art from Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands in between.

Wabat’s recommendations

Based on what I like (and this is off course a personal recommendation) you should not miss the following items:

Jackson Pollock – Blue Poles (or to use the artist’s title – No 11) is an abstract expressionist painting and one of the most famous works by American artist Jackson Pollock. It was purchased amid controversy (over its cost at $1.3m) by the National Gallery in 1973

Sidney Nolan – Ned Kelly Series – a series of paintings on the life of famous Australian Bushranger (outlaw) Ned Kelly.

Monet – Waterlilies and Haystacks at noon – paintings which likely need no introduction

Aboriginal Memorial – The Memorial consists of 200 hollow log coffins from central Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory with each pole representing a year of European occupation. Together they stand as a memorial to all the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who lost their lives during the colonial occupation in Australia from 1788 to 1988. Created 1987-88. The path through the installation represents the Glyde River in central Arnhem Land.

Sculpture Garden (see separate tip)

Turrell’s Skyspace (see separate tip)

I have refrained (though hard it is to do) from commenting on a number of pieces in the Gallery (including an approximately 2m by 2m white canvas) on the basis that art can be a very personal thing. But really ………. I stop!

Additional offerings
The gallery hosts excellent world class touring exhibitions – check out what’s on when you visit. At the time of writing this tip “TOULOUSE- LAUTREC – Paris & the Moulin Rouge” was finishing up awaiting the Arrival of “TURNER FROM THE TATE -The Making of a Master”. Alas these are not free!

The Gallery also hosts talks and films on a regular basis – many of these have no admission charge – check out the website for details.

Shop – The Gallery has a large and well stocked gift shop. Lots of interesting things in here including posters.

Catering – The Gallery has a cafe and an outdoor (weather permitting) coffee shop. While the food and coffee are both of good quality, prices are outrageously expensive.

Photography is prohibited inside the building – attached internal photos were taken some years ago before this rule came in.

Opening hours – Daily 10am – 5pm (closed Christmas day)

Admission fee : Free (but special exhibitions incur a charge)

starbuckstrevor (contributor)

This is the region’s first school and school master’s residence. It was built in 1845 (70 years before Canberra was named) by Robert Campbell of Duntroon estate, to provide an elementary education for children from the estate and surrounding farms.

The original building was destroyed in a fire in 1864 so the building you see today is a replacement building of that date, again built by the Campbell family. The school operated continuously from 1845 to 1880 and again from 1895 to 1907 when it finally closed as a school. Between 1907 and 1969 the building was either leased out or used by St John’s church.

In 1969 the Schoolhouse opened as a museum of early district education. It displays many nineteenth and early twentieth-century photographs relating to Canberra’s schools, churches, rural history and the beginnings of the city. While this is a small display it is very informative if you take time to examine it in some detail. It provides the visitor a great photographic summary of Canberra’s development. While I don’t know when the black and white photo attached was taken it shows St Johns church and schoolhouse before much other development in the area. The chap out shooting is located roughly where ANZAC Parade is to-day. The absence of the current spire on St John’s church dates the photo as pre 1878.

Entrance fee: Gold coin donation welcome.

Opening hours
Wednesday 10 a.m. – 12 noon
Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 2.00 – 4.00 p.m.
Closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day

slateemploy (contributor)

A great place to get your bearings and learn something of the story of the national capital through a combination of audio-visual displays, films, photographs and artifacts prior to going out and exploring. The Canberra “Sound and Light Show” with its scale model of central Canberra gives an excellent overview of the city’s layout and the location of all the main tourist sites. Also look out though the windows for an excellent view of the central basin of Lake Burley Griffin.

The exhibition outlines how Canberra was chosen as the site for the national capital on 8 October 1908 – yes it really was a compromise as the people of Melbourne and Sydney respectively could not stomach the other city being selection capital. An almost empty sheep paddock 300kms from Sydney and 600kms was chosen as the capital of Australia.

A competition was then launched to find someone to design a city. This was won by American architect, Walter Burley Griffin. Today Canberra is recognised as one of the world’s greatest planned capital cities in the company of Washington DC, Ottawa, Brasilia and Milton Keynes. Ok, I’m joking about Milton Keynes – its is, of course, not the British capital and some would even argue it ranks far for one of the world’s greatest planned cities. I’ve not been there so I wont buy into the latter argument.

Prior to entering, or preferably on leaving – with your new found knowledge on Canberra, the National Capital Exhibition do pause for a minute or two to admire the Walter Burley Griffin Terrazzo (on the ground!) – a mosaic created by Australian artist David Humphries of Walter Burley Griffin’s 1912 prize winning design for Canberra.

Allow about 30 minutes for your overview.

Opening Hours
9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday. Closed public holidays except Australia Day and Canberra Day.

Admission Fee : Free

FaxGrit (contributor)

If you’ve got this far then you’ll already be aware that Canberra is ‘artificial’ in that it’s been planned from scratch and is quite a recent edition to the Australian landscape.

This small museum is actually quite a pleasant surprise. I was expecting quite a dry display, but the history of ACT and the Australian National Capital is told here in an interesting way, with plenty of colourful visuals, not too much text and various interactive opportunities. From pre-European settlement through to present day developments. Not a huge exhibition, can kill maybe an hour max depending on your boredom threshold, it’s just about the right size. Take a look at the interactive map inside and the original plan for Canberra designed by Burley Griffin which is laid into the ground outside the main entrance.

The gift shop could do with some imagination, much of it is of the ‘cuddly koalas’ and Aussie flags variety – that is, very little that is specific to the city or this museum. The coffee shop is a bit sterile but with nice enough coffee and a lovely view of the park.

There’s a short video presentation which is worthwhile. Overall this is a bit of a ‘isn’t our new Capital city great and isn’t it great to be in Australia’ tour, but taken with a pinch of salt it’s worthwhile and informative. You might even be able to work out where things are in Canberra that little bit easier after a visit!

dexterdetail (contributor)

The Canberra Museum and Art Gallery (CMAG) is a bit of an unknown gem in Canberra. Right in the centre of the city, this gallery/museum is tucked inside a revamped office building, near the Canberra Theatre.

As well as permanent exhibitions on the settlement of Canberra, there is a well designed gallery which hosts exhibitions of often interesting and unusual art and sculpture. The space is pleasant, and has a little atrium cafe that is a lovely spot for a short coffee.

They also have a small side room where they hold miniature exhibitions of objects owned by locals. My family once displayed our easter egg collection there. Each year the family members sit down and paint a blown egg, and we have been doing it for about 25 years so now have a large and fascinating collection that reflects our family’s history.

Other mini-exhibitions have included teapots, snow domes and egg cups. Its a fun way to engage local Canberrans in the gallery and the collections can be truly bizarre! There are usually activities connected with these exhibitions. In our case, the family got together and gave egg painting sessions, and in the case of the teapot exhibition, ran tea ceremonies and story telling for the children.

Entry to the museum is free, but very occasionally there might be a cost attached to a particular activity or exhibit.

piperfuturistic (contributor)

Visiting the National museum of Australia, I did not expect to see lots of the things that were on display.
One that was very interesting, was of a rare specimen of a Tasmanian Tiger.

The thylacine is an extinct carnivorous marsupial, most commonly known as the Tasmanian tiger.
There is no information about how or where this specimen was collected with the last well-documented capture of a wild thylacine in 1930. This animal was probably collected around that time.

The thylacine once roamed well beyond Tasmania with fossilised remains being found across the Australian mainland.
They were believed to kill livestock and were often shot and trapped, and even when it was known to be close to extinction, little was done to save them. Luckily, times have changed, and we now protect our endangered species.

The thylacine was declared a protected species in July 1936, shortly before the last animal died in Tasmania’s Beaumaris Zoo on 7 September 1936

THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST PRIZED SPECIMENS IN THE MUSEUM.

To see it, visit between 9 – 5pm
ADMISSION IS FREE

kylerheapicasso (contributor)

Canberra is a much-maligned city by those outside of the nation’s capital. Personally, I love visiting the place. Its clean tree-lined main streets, devoid of unsightly telegraph poles, service stations and fast food outlets, are a shining example of how urban planning should be done. As with large towns it also has many tourist attractions, the most popular, according to statistics, is the National Museum of Australia. Personally, over a longer period of time, I believe it would be the War Memorial with the imaginative Parliament House also a major attraction. One time you should try to visit is spring when they have a festival called Floriade. Walking through the banks of arranged flower beds (particularly tulips) in late September/early October would certainly be one of my top ten things while you’re visiting Australia. Set beside the artificial Lake Burley Griffin, the flowers are genetically engineered to all blossom at the same time. The plots are planned to different themes every year at a time when you can just about guarantee you’ll have sunshine.

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jordansandhill (contributor)

Probably the most visited (over 430,000 visitors per annum) of the three main “peaks” in Canberra. The other two being Mount Ainslie and Red Hill Lookouts. It is the only one of the three that charges an admission fee. Given vegetation around the base of the tower you will see nothing unless you pay and go up the tower.

Once up the tower the views are excellent. A 360 degree panorama of Canberra and its rural surroundings.

The Tower itself is a 195m telecommunications tower atop Black Mountain at 812 metres. It was opened, despite a feeling of outrage and vigorous protest on aesthetic and ecological grounds (including a Supreme Court challenge) by vocal protesters, in May 1980 by the then Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser.

In addition to a viewing gallery it incorporates a theatrette, Panorama Cafe and gift shop and the five star Alto Tower Restaurant, Canberra’s only revolving restaurant which, I feel, owes its success more to the views that its overpriced and unspectacular food. The café is also overpriced for basic fare and the gift shop carries a large range of mostly tacky souvenir’s (better value elsewhere).

Personally I prefer the view (down Anzac Parade ) from Mount Ainslie Lookout and it’s free.

The viewing gallery, cafe and gift shop are open from 9.00 am until 10.00 pm, 365 days per year.

Alto Tower Restaurant is open for lunch Thursday to Sunday from 12pm, and dinner Tuesday to Sunday from 6pm.

The Tower is not accessible by public transport so you drive there, take a taxi, cycle (hard ride) or preferably (assuming average level of fitness) walk. Black Mountain has numerous walking tracks including a summit walk from the National Botanical Gardens at the base of the mountain.

Note: I have also included the Tower under “tourist traps” .

Entrance Fee

Adult : $7.50
Child : $3.00 – Children under 4 free
Family : $17.00 – Two adults and two children
Concession : $3.00

tightserin (contributor)

what a disgusting excuse for a restaurant, the teltra towers rotating restaurant is run by the most judgmental, pathetic excuse for a manager we have ever come across, with little to no customer service skills what so ever. As a young couple in our mid 20’s on holiday in Canberra with money to spend on a romantic dinner we made the mistake of choosing this restaurant, to our disgust we were refused service after being seated by a waitress, who later denied showing us to a table after the manager rudely approached us and accused us of seating ourselves and then once told otherwise, openly discussed our presence to fellow staff members at the bar, telling the waiter to lie to us about the kitchen being closed, which was obviously untrue due to the other customers awaiting their meals at 7.30pm! what a disgusting act of judgment, as a business who are they to choose who they serve and don’t serve based on the appearance of the social status of their customers, we were dressed neatly and appeared presentable, apart from being the youngest people in the restaurant. how unaustralian, and snobby do you have to be to be accepted in such a place, as nice as it looked with the view over Canberra, is it really worth supporting the poor attitude that they run their business by, humiliating their customers at their own leisure for no clear reason, what can only be assumed as poor judgment. our story is long, with the complaints, all we can say is dont waste your time or money with such a business, we would recommend the local pizza place well above this so called fancy tourist site.

yummy_lucera (contributor)

Black Mountain is probably best known for the Telstra Tower that sits on top of it and the National Botanic Gardens that cover 50 hectares on its slops.

The maze of tracks are popular with hikers with the slopes being planted entirely with native trees and plants.

robbypond (contributor)

Here you see the Telstra Tower and rises 195 meters above the summit of Black Mountain and provides 360-degree views of Canberra and the surrounding countryside. Stunning views of the city can be seen by day are nights from two open viewing platforms or enclosed viewing gallery. This place is really worth a visit.

ternlovely (contributor)

Canberra is not a big city, but if you want to see the whole thing you should go to the Telstra Tower. It is a television tower that is open to the public, and it has a great view of Canberra.

tinklelangden (contributor)

View of the Telstra tower from the Carpark.
The previous photo was from the viewing point at the carpark, but you really can’t see much, so the tower is the best way.

follytuile (contributor)

The View of Canberra from Telstra Tower. provides a spectacular 360 degree view of the city and the surrounding countryside.

lawyerbuckets (contributor)

A perfect lookout double act. – 195m tower built on an 812m hill. The telecommunications tower, in Canberra’s west, offers 360 degree views of the nation’s capital and surrounds, including Parliament House, Lake Burley Griffin, the Australina Institute of Sort and further in the Brindabella Ranges and Mt. Ainslie.
The tower houses the revolving Alto Restaurant, which does a full circuit in about 85 minutes.
An exhibtion, tracing the history of Australian telecommunicationsis in the entrance foyer.

The tower is open daily from 9a.m to 10p.m
Adults $6 and children $1.90

dancerwillard (contributor)

This tower is in a very isolated location and not accesible by public transport. It was very disappointing inside, as the interior of the tower is in much need of modernisation, and the view is hardly spectacular. And the coffee shop wasn’t even open for business.

The admission fee is $4.40 which gives you access to 2 outdoor viewing platforms and 1 indoor.

craigoperand (contributor)

Telstra Tower is 195 tall and sits on Black Mountain, which is located about 5k out of the centre of town. Take the lift up to see the 360-degree views of Canberra and the countryside from the viewing platforms or the view gallery. You can go day or night – the views are still worth it. The entry fee is $3.30 for adults. It’s open daily 9am-10pm, 365 days a year

Besides being a viewing tower, it is functional in providing telecommunications for Canberra. In the lower level, an exhibition traces the history of Australian telecommunications from the earliest days into the 21st century with displays of old equipment and photographs.

Black Mountain also has a 50 hectare National Botanic Gardens with lots of hiking trails.

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preferredcheery (contributor)

I have to admit being a little skeptical about this one. I didn’t actually visit it till I was over ten years in Canberra. Why was I skeptical? Well, I expected it to be a poorly maintained, worn out, overpriced and over hyped mixture of things that I wouldn’t be able to recognise.

When I finally gave in to going to placate some visitors for interstate I had to eat humble pie. This a fantastic (and very large) collection of top quality miniature representations of famous and not so famous buildings. The maintenance of all the exhibits, the gardens (of miniature plants and trees sized in proportion to the buildings) and the property in general is a credit to the owners of this family business and the, what may appear a hefty entry fee, is actually excellent value for money.

The property is divided into two sections.

The first and original section contains various English (and other British) village scenes replete with cricket fields, soccer pitch (complete with miniature streaker!), rivers and boats, train stations and “Inter-city” trains (big plus for me). Stonehenge, without the fence, is also featured. All in all, quite stunning.

From the village area you move into the international section which is of equally high quality and contains dozens of very recognisable exhibits. Being in Canberra, where all the overseas embassies are located, the owners have been able to benefit from various sponsorships in building and adding to the display without any obvious evidence of commercialism (apart from very modest acknowledgements). Thirty countries are represented and there is a waiting list for further exhibit spots.

While I didn’t do it, a popular way to get an overview of the International section is to hop onto the miniature steam train which circles this section.

The international miniatures include:
Street scene from La Boca in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway, Great Britain
Lahore Gate – The Red Fort – Delhi
Borobudur Temple, Indonesia
Groote Constantia, South Africa
Machu Picchu, Peru
Tenochtitlan Aztec Temple, Mexico
and lots more.

While there don’t forget to visit the Rose Room indoor exhibition, featuring Waverley’ a 34 room Dolls House. The detail in this is quite amazing.

To celebrate the centenary of Canberra in 2013 a model of Old Canberra House – one of the oldest building on the Australian National University is being constructed.

There is a café and souvenir shop onsite.

Opening hours – 9.30am – Last Entry time 4.15pm with viewing available until 5.00pm. 7 days per week (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and in cases of extreme weather)

Admission cost:
Adults $18.50
Seniors $13.50
(60years & over)
Children (4-16 years) $10.50
Nb. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Family $52.00
(2 adults & up to 3 children)
Extra children with family $5.00

Miniature Steam Train Rides $3.00

Certain packages are available and 3 in 1 tickets covering Cockington Green, Questacon and the Australian Institute of Sport are available at discounted prices.

Have a look on their web site before visiting to see what’s best for you.

lonesomesavanna (contributor)

This was a return visit for me, as I had read that the gardens had extended, and now included THE WORLD IN MINATURE’.

Not only are the gardens beautiful, especially when I was there in October, but amongst the gardens is a miniature English Village. This is the “old” part, it doesn’t look old as its kept in immaculate condition. (see previous tip)

The new area features important buildings from different Countries around the World.
So far, 20 countries are represented, and more will be added. Once again, so well done, every building built to scale, and the Trees and Shrubs trimmed to size.

In both sections, you can push a button to set a Train going around its tracks, another button for the Windmill to turn, another for the Trams to go up and down the hill …….. children just love it here.

Every corner you turn has more beautiful views, turn around, and you see something different. I walked around it twice, found things I missed on my 1ST walk the 2nd time around.

There is a Miniature Train that you can do a ride on, it costs an extra $2, and runs every ¾ hour from 10am to 4.45pm.

Night tours can be arranged for groups and on special occasions

COST….. $17.50 IN 2009
OPEN….DAILY 9.30am – 5pm
LAST ADMISSION IS 4.15pm

gilliejohn19 (contributor)

This miniature English village is a delight for everybody who visits. All made to such detail, even the height of the shrubs are made miniature. As you wander around beside each little area, is signage about that particular village, I am sure if you are from England or have visited, you would be able to compare. It is very well done, with fine little details.

Spring is the prettiest time to visit, but it is nice at any time of the year. You can get married in this beautiful setting as well.

I walked around twice as it was so nice, and on the second time, I found areas which I had missed the 1st time.

It’s only 15minutes from Canberra central.

ADMISSION IN 2009 was $17.50

jasmineu (contributor)

After walking around the gardens, I then headed into “old English building” to see the Doll houses.
These are not the usual run of the mill Dolls Houses. There were about three different ones. They could never be played with, only ever admired, as a lot of work has gone into these.

Some people are so clever, one in particular was a real masterpiece. It was named “WAVERLEY” and was done as a 34 room Aristocrat’s English home, it had so much detail in every room, a credit to the person who did it!
Also on loan to the Village, was a collection of Dolls from around the World, quite a few unusual ones in a good display.

This area led to the “Parsons Nose Garden café,” where light lunches including wine & beer could be enjoyed, either inside or outside.
It was open from 10 – 3.30pm daily.

There is also a playground if you have children, this is open from 9.30 – 4.45pm

The last stop before exiting , was the Souvenir shop selling the usual items including miniatures, dolls and teddy bears.
This was open from 9.30 – 5pm.

At the plant shop, Perennial plants, small shrubs & Trees are for sale.
Off street, FREE car parking is available.

screendartford (contributor)

Cockington Green Gardens
11 Gold Creek Rd
Nicholls, ACT 2913, Australia
+61 2 6230 2273

My wife’s cousin brought us to this nice place of miniature houses called Cockington Green in Canberra. My wife loved it a lot! The little houses were so cute and so painstakingly made, you are simply amazed by the detail.
This beautiful garden of little architectural delights was opened in 1979, a creation of the family of Doug and Brenda Sarah Cockington. It has a wonderful international collection of miniatures, including an English Village while a miniature Steam Train Ride brings you around the whole complex. There is also the Rose Room indoor exhibition, which features Waverley’ (a 34 room Dolls House) ,and after that enjoy a coffee in the Parsons Nose Garden Café. Truly a nice place to spend a couple of hours or so while in Canberra.

Opening Times
Entry from 9.30am – Last Entry time 4.15pm with viewing available until 5.00pm
Minimum viewing time recommended – 1 Hour
Open 7 days a week (Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day)
The display may be closed in event of extreme weather.
Transport
Cockington Green Gardens is located at Gold Creek Village, 10 minutes from Canberra City Centre.
Car and Coach parking are available. Public transport is also available, please refer to options listed below.
Action Buses
Ph 11710
Local bus service operating daily from: City & Belconnen,
Bus Routes 50 / 51 / 52

colcaramel (contributor)

I must admit I tend to approach model villages with some reservation, anticipating an element of high ‘tackiness’. Cockington Green surprised me somewhat, as its quite a ‘discrete’ and well thought out village. Opened in 1979, the original displays were models based on English village life. So thankfully, no garish models of Big Ben or Buckingham Palace, but laid out models complemented by flower beds and miniature shrubs.

(see separate tip for international models)

Entry from 9.30am – Last Entry time 4.15pm with viewing available until 5.00pm
Open 7 days a week (Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day)

Entry fees:
Adults $16.50: Seniors $11.50: Children (4-16 years) $ 9.00: Family $45.00 (2 adults & up to 3 children
plus
Miniature Steam Train Rides $ 2.00

hailindianapolis (contributor)

A new edition to the Gardens is the international section – an opportunity for the model-makers to excel in some extraordinary models. But again, interesting thing is that there are no obvious major landmarks represented – so no Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty etc… There are a number of buildings that are likely to be relatively unknown outside the specific country.

And, Cockington Green has taken advantage of the fact that Canberra, as capital, is the home of the overseas embassies. So they have succeeded in getting 21 embassies, and therefore countries, represented (and, at a guess, paying).

There’s also the little steam train that runs round the international section (twice round) giving you a perspective of the whole.

johns_scone (contributor)

This is one of “must see” sight in Canberra City. As far as I remember, it was 10-15 minutes drive from Canberra Parliament House.

If you wish to visit the entire world in one hour then visit Cockington Green Garden.

It’s a display of magnificent miniature of different famous attractions representing each country. The small replica are well crafted and made carefully so as to get the exact facade.

When I visited June of 2010, it was not a good season for flowers and as you notice in my photos that plants are newly planted.

Floriade (a season for flower in Canberra is on September) is the best time to visit here.

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girlguidemowing (contributor)

The Museum of Australian Democracy is located in the venerable old or provisional Parliament House, which housed our rowdy government for over 50 years.

The building was designed by John Smith Murdoch and a team of assistants, and intended to be a ‘provisional’ building, until a permanant building could be constructed. The design extended from the building to include its gardens, décor and furnishings. The building is in the Simplified or “Stripped” Classical Style, commonly used for Australian government buildings constructed in Canberra during the 1920s and 1930s.

The ‘Museum of Australian Democracy’ remembers the history of the building, with audio memories of significant moments in the history of the building provided in significant spaces. Members of the public can visit the old parliamentary chambers, ministerial and party room offices, even the bowels of the press room where journalists were packed into small spaces, but had be benefit of being cheek by jowl with the politicians.

hewnbaseball (contributor)

Unfortunately this magnificent attraction in under-going something of an identity crisis and for whatever reason seems to be trying to re-badge itself as the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House with an emphasis on the museum part. This identity crisis, I believe, stems from the move of the National Portrait section to its new permanent home at the newly built National Portrait Gallery in 2008.

I feel compelled to write a separate tip on The Museum of Australian Democracy component of this attraction simply to include it in the Tourist Traps section. See further details there.

That part out of the way Old Parliament House is a must see attraction and certainly one of my favorite buildings in the city.

Australia became a united federation in 1901 and on doing so a capital city was required. Rivalry then (as now) between Melbourne and Sydney meant that neither of these two main cities would be accepted as a capital. A number of alternative sites were considered and what was, without meaning to insult the original inhabitants and settlers, little more than an isolated sheep paddock was chosen and named Canberra.

The first Parliament of The Commonwealth of Australia met in Melbourne until a Parliament House (now Old Parliament House) was constructed in Canberra 1927. This building was only ever intended to be a temporary (Provisional) Parliament building pending construction of a permanent building by the lakeshore – as envisioned in the Walter Burley Griffin blueprint for Canberra. The lakeside idea was subsequently dropped in favour of a hill (Capital Hill) behind Old Parliament House – a story in itself which I will relate when I write about New Parliament House. Temporary, in fact, lasted until 1988 during which time the number of people working in this building increased to around 4000. It is hard to imagine how 4000 people (originally built to house 300) could have worked here as you walk around this rabbit warren of a building today.

The two-thirds of the building not given over to the Museum of Australian Democracy is pretty much as it would have been the day Parliament moved up the hill. Both Houses of Parliament, the Prime Minister’s suite, Cabinet room opposition leaders , speakers and numerous other offices and meeting rooms within the building are fully open to the public. A few items like the Prime Minister’s desk are roped off to protect them. Certainly nothing palatial about these offices – many of which are barely functional and most of which would certainly not meet current day occupational health and safety standards. Contrast this building with New Parliament House.

You will come across a few smaller, high quality, exhibitions including one on Australian Prime Ministers as you make your way around the building. Kings Hall, the rather grander entrance hall has an excellent display of paintings of Australian Prime Ministers together with an beautiful bronze statue of King George V who was monarch when the building was opened. King George V, then as Duke of York, represented his father King Edward VII at the opening of the first Commonwealth Parliament on 9 May 1901 in Melbourne.

Downstairs you will find an exhibition of political cartoons which is now updated annually – Behind the Lines 2012. This section while clearly sanitised is still very entertaining though will be more appreciated by visitors with a sound knowledge of current Australian politics.

Fancy yourself as speaker for the day? If so when in the vicinity of the Speakers office keep your eye out for a large “speakers chair” and gown and wig. Put the gown and wig on and have a seat. Also when in the Prime Minister’s office look for the peep hole (which was actually used by staff to look in to see if the Prime Minister was available/ready to take guests, etc).

The building itself, designed by John Smith Murdoch is a classical almost art deco style, a style which I am generally not a fan but I make an exception for this building and its quite stunning white façade.

Old Parliament House hosts three eateries, The Ginger Room (high end) and two more modest offerings. All are recommended.

For reasons which I suspect I know, there is a nominal $2 entrance fee (children $1) to Old Parliament House. Interestingly this is the only Federal Government attraction in Canberra, which has an entrance fee.

Free 45 minute guided tours are offered at regular intervals. I encourage you to join one of these tours and listen to the stories of the goings on in this building over its 60 years of existence. Very high quality guides.

Open daily (except Christmas day)9am-5pm

Johncowardice15 (contributor)

Opened (finally) in 1927, Old Parliament House was known as the Provisional Parliament House as a temporary base, it was the seat of government until 1988.

It’s built in what is known as ‘stripped classical style’ – no columns, pediments etc of the classical bent, but incorporates the symmetry associated with neoclassicism. As a result of an intended temporary building, it isn’t built on a huge scale.

On 9 May 2009, Old Parliament House became the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House with the brief to encourage visitors to reflect on this history. Permanent exhibitions include Living Democracy: Australian Democracy: 2000+ Years in the Making: Prime Ministers of Australia. It will also host temporary exhibitions.

Open Daily (closed Christmas Day) 9am – 5pm
Admission Fees: $A2 adults, $A1 (kids and concessions), $A5 family

deskreyne (contributor)

Old Parliament House does not really looks like an old parliament house, more like a mansion. It is a white beauty which gives the most important axis of the capital city the romantic touch. It is located between the War Memorial and New Parliament House and is a heritage place of outstanding importance.

This building was planned as a provisional building that should serve for only 50 years, until a new house could be built. So the architect John Smith Murdoch chose the so-called “stripped classical” style, using simple geometric forms. Instead of looking grandiose it was modest and functional. But it still looked nice – and now, compared to newer buildings around, it looks like a little palace.

Construction began in August 1923 and took until May 1927 and cost about £600,000. It was inaugurated on 9 May by the Duke of York, the later King George VI, accompanied by the then Prime Minister Stanley Bruce.

Depite several extensions the building was already too small in the 1960s (no wonder, as it was designed to house 300 people but in fact had to cope with over 4000). But it had to serve 61 years until 1988 when the new building was ready for use.

It has nothing of the darkness of the new house. On contrary, it is filled with natural light, floating to the inside through big windows and skylights.

An interesting fact is that the original designer of Canberra, Walter Burley Griffin, had intended Parliament to be built on the lakeshore but this plan was dismissed.

Open daily (except Christmas Day) from 9am to 5pm in winter and until 8pm in summer; admission $2. Free parking.

Old Parliament House also hosts Australia’s National Portrait Gallery and has a nice restaurant.

noxiousbadsey_tech (contributor)

This is one of the harmless lasting memories. My visit to Old Parliament House.

Yes, this visit started with a lot of fun. And you should have it, too. Fall into childish behaviour and have your camera ready

Next to the entrance is a giant wooden chair, and on a coat hanger you find a black cloak and a white wig, so you can dress yourself up and have a seat, and feel like in the gold old days, or like an actor in an historic film. Everybody had fun like a child

And even more: It is totally legal to do so!

joeycray (contributor)

Not only Old Parliament House is a great place, also the surrounding gardens are well worth a visit, for a stroll around, a picnic, or just to relax. The gardens hold a special place in the hearts of many Australians. More than 5000 roses grow there, donated by people from throughout the country.

If you stand in front of the building – with New Parliament House behind you – walk to the left. There you will find Magna Carta Place. In the middle of the place is a monument which the British Government gifted to the people of Australia in 1997, marking the 700th anniversary of the sealing of the Magna Carta by King Edward I.

Prime Minister John Howard unveiled the monument in 2000, prior to the centenary of the Australian Federation in 2001.

Beneath the foundation stone is a time capsule to be unearthed in 2101.

Magna Carta Place is located on a semicircular network of roads consisting of King George Terrace, Queen Victoria Terrace and Langton Crescent.

Of only four remaining copies of the Magna Carta in existence, one is on display in nearby Parliament House.

The gardens are open from 7am to 8pm in summer (daylight saving) and until 5pm only in winter (non-daylight saving).

boxercall (contributor)

When Parliament moved to Canberra in 1927, it opened in the ‘temporary’ building now known as Old Parliament House, which was used until 1988. This much-loved building has enormous character and now contains a museum and portrait gallery. It was built here, mid-point between Capital Hill and the lake, to allow space for a permanent Parliament House to be built at the lakeside (as set out in Burley Griffin’s plan for Canberra), an idea later promoted by Sir Robert Menzies, Australia’s Prime Minister in the 1950s and early 1960s, who envisaged the Queen arriving by Royal Barge to open Parliament by the lake.

There are many political stories relating to the old building which, because it was crowded, forced politicians, the media and the public into each other’s company. That led to political intrigues, backroom chatter and leaks of information, and general merriment. The heritage-listed building still has its 1920s furniture and you can sit in the old Parliamentary Chambers which were the scene of many fiery debates. Kids can hunt for clues, with the aid of their familes, and even can put on period costumes. If you are interested in gardens, look at the extensive rose gardens at the sides of the building. This has been a winner in several recent National tourism awards.

And the title for this tip? It comes from one of the more famous speeches in Australian politics, given on the front steps in 1975 when the Whitlam Government was dissolved by the Governor General – the Queen’s Man.

The building has a cafe and shop and is open daily 0900-1700, free guided tours are available (and recommended) and there are special displays. Entrance charges are $2A adults, $1A children/concession, $5A family.

maggiespooning (contributor)

When Australia’s Federal Government moved to Canberra in 1927, the Old Parliament House was its first home. Although the building was supposed to be a temporary structure, Parliament continued to sit here until the new Parliament House opened in 1988 on Capital Hill.
This site is worth a visit for the surrounding rose gardens alone (over 5,000 at last count) or you can take a step back into history, with guided tours, sometimes by ex-pollies, of the building and the intriguing sound and light presentation “Order! Order!”.
For recreation there are tennis courts, bowling green and a croquet court and a recent addition is the stunning new Centenary of Women’s Suffrage Fountain.
The Old Parliament House is also the part home of the National Portrait Gallery (the rest is at Commonwealth Place), where you can see many of Australia’s most famous faces, as depicted by many of Australia’s most famous artists. The vistas from the front looking back to the War Memorial and from the back looking up to the New Parliament House are equally impressive.
If you’re feeling peckish there’s the Cafe In The House where you can eat during the day or The Ginger Room is open for dinner.
open 9-5 daily

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dulasfilly (contributor)

There are two ways to enjoy hot air balloons in Canberra – one take a ride in one and two stand or sit and watch them.

Every year in March/April Canberra hosts a balloon spectacular (formally festival). For a couple of weeks up to 50 balloons gather together each morning on the lawns of Old Parliament House. The balloons, which come in all colours, shapes and sizes start inflating just after 6am and take to the skies between 6.30 and 7.00. Get these in time to see them inflating and gently drifting skywards, a truly amazing and surreal sight.

The event has become very popular over the years and breakfast, drinks and on ground entertainment is available until around 10am by which time the balloons will have returned.

The Canberra balloon festival is one of the top three hot air ballooning festivals in the world. Some of the unusual balloons that have participated in the festival in the past include a pair of dancing honey bees, Vincent Van Gogh’s head, a windmill, a tropical tree, a turtle and a Scottish bagpiper.

While I have not taken to the air flying over Lake Burley Griffin, Parliament and the other buildings of national significance must rank as one of the more scenic flight routes in the world.

There are a number of ballooning companies in Canberra all to eager to take you for a ride. Flights are offered (weather permitting) all year round and not just during the festival period. Autumn is certainly the most popular time. Google to find an operator. Flights (45mins – 1hr) cost around $300+ per person. Wrap up well (especially if your going up in a balloon) as there is often a chill in the air at this time of year this early in the morning.

Caution: Don’t drive around the city watching the balloons as you drive. You won’t be the first person to have a pang from so doing and get fined for dangerous driving. Pull over and watch.

onsew (contributor)

had a great time on the M2C Guided Tour.

It’s the first time I have been on a guided tour and Vicki and the team did a wonderful
job of looking after us.

The BMW GS 650 bikes are a great choice. They come with panniers and top box so
all the gear I had fitted in no troubles at all. The bikes were comfortable, not too big,
not too small. We covered a range of roads from highways to secondary and tertiary
roads with a small stretch of dirt as well. The BMW always felt at home whatever the
conditions were, they also seemed to be incredibly frugal on their fuel use as well,
so we had plenty of riding time between fuel stops.

I’d say one of the big plusses of going on the guided tour is discovering new roads
and routes that I had never been on before. It was very relaxing not to have to worry
about the navigation aspects, as we were lead along some of the best roads and
countryside you’ll see. On top of that the breakfast, lunch and dinner venues were
pre- selected so all we had to do was hop off the bike and tuck into some great food
and beverages at each stop.

It was two days of great riding, in wonderful surroundings, with a friendly and
professional team and group of other riders, the ride down into Kangaroo Valley
on the Sunday morning is a lasting memory, simply stunning.

I can thoroughly recommend M2C biketours – they’re friendly, professional and
customer focussed with great bikes and great knowledge of where to ride for an
unforgettable weekend.

Sadieronan (contributor)

Most people go to the snowy mountains which are a good many hours away. For our family, we get enough snowplay at Corin Forest, about an hour from Canberra.

The kids were still a bit young to take up skiing so the best option when in the snow is tobogganing! There is enough snow cover at Corin forest and is easily accessible too! There are lots of other things to do there- the flying fox, bobsled, alpine slide and more snow play!

There is also a licensed cafe with a cosy fireplace to boot! The Corin Forest BAse Station is a good venue for parties, seminars, small functions, etc.

This year, due to the bush fire several years ago, the place has no snow but still caters to groups who want to camp, hike, etc. Do inquire at their website for details. The bush setting is still spectacular as ever without the freezing snow!

laggannyx8 (contributor)

Canberra is also known as the bush capital, because it is surrounded by hills. There are many National Parks within Canberra. These National Parks are ideal for Bush walks. Bush walking is our favourite pastimes and cheap way of keeping fit.

Redhill Canberra Nature Park is another park that we take our dog Gibson for a bush walk. The grade is an easy to medium. We usually start our walk from the Muggay Way entrance. To reach to the top at normal pace is about thirty minutes. The trail surface is mainly dirt and some are gravel. The walk can be hard for novice, it is all up and up all the way to the top and going back is great it’s all down hill.

Along the way to the top you might see Kangaroos grazing and variety of birds, the common one being the Magpie. Once you reach the top the view is spectacular. You will see Canberra surround area. (see insert photos)

Make sure you are fit and do not have medical condition because Bush walks around Canberra, require a fairly good level of fitness.

roseatejasmine (contributor)

Canberra is also known as the bush capital, because it is surrounded by hills. There are many National Parks within Canberra. These National Parks are ideal for Bush walks. Bush walking is our favourite pastimes and cheap way of keeping fit. Mt Taylor Canberra Nature Park is an easy to medium grade. We usually start our walk from the Tuggeranong side (Sulwood Drive). To reach to the top at normal pace is about twenty five to thirty minutes. The trail surface is mostly gravel tracks and a small percentage of bitumen. The walk is mostly easy going apart when you reached the wooden steps, then the climbs just a little bit harder. Once you reach the top the view is spectacular. On one side you will see Woden Valley (Woden Hospital, Woden Plaza), Redhill Black Mountain Telstra Tower, Civic, Lake Burley Grifin Fountain (if it’s on), Mt Ainslie, Mt Stromlo and part of Belconnen. The other side of Mt Taylor you will see Tuggeranong Valley surrounded suburb and beyond.

Make sure you are fit and do not have medical condition because Bush walks around Canberra, require a fairly good level of fitness.

We park our car at the corner of Sulwood drive and Inskster Street Kambah. You will see other cars parked. The bushwalk path is not far from the parking area.

Mount Taylor (856 metres above sea level) is one of the hills located in Canberra and it is located between the Woden Valley, Weston Creek and Tuggeranong Valley. Mt Taylor is part of the Canberra Nature Park.

sepsispaw (contributor)

OK, whether you consider this ‘outdoor adventure’ depends on your age! For the littlies, it surely is.

The merry-go-round in the central city area of Civic was designed and built in Melbourne, where it operated at St Kilda from 1915. At the time it was described as the ‘largest portable steam riding gallery’. The 52 hand carved wooden horses and two elephants were imported from Germany (presumably before WW1). In 1973 it was purchased at an auction (for $40,000) for the people of Canberra, refurbished at community expense, and re-commenced operation in its present location in 1974.

argandavogadro (contributor)

Once you have seen the galleries and museums, why not explore Canberra by using pedal power. Mr Spokes Bike Hire is able to provide you with all sized bikes, pedal cars, family bikes, tandems, child seats. Open daily from 9 am. Price ranges from $12 – $100. Bike $12 – $38. Tandem $24 – $75. Pedal Car $30. Family packages 2 adults and children $75 – $100. The hourly rates are from one hour to full day.

rosetipper (contributor)

I found the Southern Cross Pitch n Putt 18 holes golf course is really fun activity for the family to enjoy. It’s like playing in a small golf course. The only difference is you only pitch and put. You use only two golf stick the wedge and the putter. The landscape has lots of trees and water feature. The layout of the golf field is well plan. It takes about 90 minutes to complete the 18 holes.

Open daily 8am to 5pm

Cost: $12 for 18 holes.

stocksfieldavon (contributor)

Hot Air Ballooning is just one of many activities to give you a buzz…. There is also
White Water Rafting,
Horse riding,
Ice skating,
Bushwalking/Hiking
Birdwatching,
And Site seeing..

Latest Images of Outdoor Adventure, Canberra

 Australian Capital Territory 2601 Canberra Campervan Hire

padscome (contributor)

The embassies In Canberra are perhaps the only ones in the worlds that are tourist attractions.

There are 80 embassies scattered around the city of Canberra If you want to see them all its best to have the use of a car.Yarralumla IS the main region of embassies

Start your embassy tour on commonwealth Ave

While walking down commonwealth ave the first embassy you see is the British embassy, next door to it is New Zealand, Canada followed by PNG.Go back to The British embassy and take a right. You will see the Chinese embassy

Drive on Forster Cr and you go past embassies of Brazil, Singapore & Finland.

Take a left into Darwin ave & you will see the embassies of Egypt, Indonesia, France & South Africa, plus the behind of the American embassy

Take a right at Perth ave & keep on driving until you see the Mexican & Malaysian embassy on both sides of the road.

Drive down empire cct 2 see the embassies of Spain, Ireland, Germany, Netherlands, Greece, Korea, Japan & Thailand. Drive back up . Take a left & your at the Norway embassy

Go back to the Spanish embassy & that’s when you take a left into Arkana st. you will go past the Irish & Burmese embassies.Down wana street & U will see the Germany & Israel embassy.
On Turrana st you will see embassies of Poland, Sweden, India, Greece, head past the Greece embassy. Turn left on empire cct & that’s where you will see The Japanese & Thai embassy. Drive down Adelaide ave to see the Saudi & Nigerian embassies.

Remember The embassies are a government building. Security everywhere, police patrol the streets. You may only enter the embassy with an official reason (ie visa application, passport renewal etc). The PNG High commission allows visitors.It has an Exhibition Center open on weekdays. A few embassies have an open day once a year & sometimes a display.

If planning on visiting it is best booking ahead & letting them know so they don’t think your straying o foreign soil

If taking photos don’t be surprised if a guard comes up to you & asks what are you doing.

visachemist (contributor)

New Zealand is just across the Tasman Sea from Australia and, not surprisingly, has very close links. It also is not in the ‘large nations’ category, so although there was no visible visitors welcome sign like that of PNG, the NZ High Commission has a comfortable feel to it – somewhat enhanced by the corrugated iron cows decorating the grass outside!

I’d have thought they should be sheep…… (LOL)

cashnicki (contributor)

The Embassies (or ‘High Commissions’ for the British Commonwealth) of overseas countries are located in Canberra. Many are in building styles reflecting those of their country. The Papua New Guinea High Commission is one of the more spectacular examples, displaying a Melanesian longhouse style.

It is interesting that the security concerns at the Embassies/High Commissions seem to be the inverse of the country’s size. So the PNG High Commission (see pic 2) actually has a sign outside inviting visitors. Note also the carved poles in that photo.

The High Commissions/Embassy in this and the following tips are within close walking distance of each other.

adorablechamois (contributor)

The British High Commission is next door to the New Zealand High Commission. Whether it is because Britain is somewhat larger in international importance than NZ, or because it is involved in a certain military action, or because the High Commission is across the road from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China – but the welcome sign was definitely not out here! OK, this is the rear entrance, but it was bristling with security paraphenalia and the security man in the photo gave me a very ‘interested’ look as I wandered past shortly before taking this photo!

chibnil (contributor)

I was quite intrigued by this. It does not, as you can see, look like you would expect any embassy to look. Apparently it’s quite controversial. The way it was explained to me is that the Aboriginals were given this land for an embassy, and this is the kind of thing they felt comfortable with…and a lot of people really don’t like it. Those sticks in the ground each represent one year of white oppression. There are more then 200…

cetestainforth (contributor)

You could drive or walk past the different embassy offices.Each embassy has a unique building that reflects the culture and archietechture that particular nation.Since they are all situated close to each other,you could either take a drive through or just walk around.

curlburgers (contributor)

There is a nice exhibition in the building of the Embassy of Indonesia in Canberra. It shows the history, tradition, culture of Indonesia. This is a guided tour and you may just simply visit the exhibition during normal office hours of the Embassy. It is free of charge.

Indonesian Embassy in Canberra was officially opened by President Soeharto on 7th February 1972.

clamorousclayhill (contributor)

As the country’s capitol, all the embassies are here. Most of them are in a very small area, and it’s fun to walk around to look at the different architectural styles. For example, the US embassy is designed in a traditional Southern style, the Japanese has traditional gardens, the Italian one looks like it came from ancient Rome, etc.

Of course, you have to look at them through locked gates, but it’s fun anyway.

Latest Images of Embassies, Canberra

 National Portrait Gallery, 35 King Edward Terrace, Parkes ACT 2600, Australia +61 2 6270 2800 Website 9am – 5pm Canberra Campervan Hire

eldoradoferocious (contributor)

This you may feel to be peculiar tip if you are expecting me to tell you about telescopes and all things astronomical. Indeed, if I had written this tip pre-18 January 2003 that is precisely what I would have been writing about.

On 18 January 2003 massive bushfires raged across Mt Stromolo and a number of suburbs in Canberra’s south. Miraculously only 4 people lost their lives in those fires (which lasted four days) but 500 homes and businesses (mainly homes) were lost. The Mt Stromolo site was severely affected and lost all but one of its telescopes, its workshops and design offices, the administration block, the director’s residence, library and archives.

Over the intervening years the observatory, owned by the Australian National University’s (ANU) Research School of Astronomy, has re-established itself though most of the telescopes are now at Siding Spring Observatory in the Warrumbungle Mountains near Coonabarabran, NSW while the administrative centre, the offices of the astronomers and students, the mechanical, electronic and optical workshops, and the computer laboratories are located at Mt Stromolo.

Today I recommend you visit the site to reflect on the damage fire can do – suburbs and homes elsewhere have been rebuilt so this is the only remaining reminder of the fires. There is an official bushfire memorial near by on Cotter Road which is the subject of a separate tip.

Mt Stromolo is an all the more poignant site for those readers who have been affected by bushfires or who have lived in areas affected. While not directly affected by the 2003 fires as I live on the north side of the city, I still vividly recall the pure orange skies and the absolute dryness and stillness in the air (though it was far from still where the fires raged) of that weekend and the dead cinders of the fire falling in my garden – some 10 odd kilometres from the fire itself. While Australia is a stunning country and a fantastic place to live (and visit!) it is prone to severe weather extremes – from prolonged drought to severe flooding to horrific bushfires. For my money nothing is worse than uncontrolled fire – there is so little you can do.

I digress, back to Mt Stromolo which began operation as the Commonwealth Solar Observatory in 1942 and became part of ANU in 1957. There has however been an Observatory here carrying out astronomical observations for over 100 years.

The operating part of the site is not open to general visitors – this includes part of the area affected by the fires and since rebuilt. That said you can see the charred remains of the Observatory’s 74” Reflector Telescope (picture 1) – equal 4th largest telescope in the world when it was erected in 1954, the shell of the building which housed a 26” Yale-Colombia Refractor telescope (picture 2) and the remains of a 50” Reflector telescope (picture 3) on the lawns close to the remains of the Observatory’s director’s residence (picture 4).

Dr Walter Geoffrey Duffield, founder and first Director of the Commonwealth Solar Observatory is buried (at his request) at the northern end of the complex on a ridge of Mt Stromlo overlooking the Murrumbidgee Valley. Not even his resting place escaped the path of the January 2013 bushfires. The fence and cross were burned and many of the lead letters on the gravestones melted. The site was fully restored later in 2003.

Close to the former director’s residence, is a new sculpture by Anne Graham opened in 2007 (picture 5). The sculpture is entitled “Walking on the Moon” and is a flat round concrete plinth with a flat moon like appearance. I guess the sculpture is completed and becomes “Walking on the Moon” when you, the visitor, walk on it! Worth a look if you are up here but I will keep my real thoughts to myself on this one.

Should you be interested in further details of the equipment lost in the fires and the site in general download from http://rsaa.anu.edu.au/observatories/mount-stromlo-observatory the pamphlet “Mt Stromolo Observatory – Visitor Guide and Walk” which gives summary detail. If this is not enough for you even greater detail can be found in another guide “Visitors Centre” available from the same site. The visitors centre has been closed indefinitely and is in fact now the site for Scope Mt Stromolo a cafe cum restaurant.

If you would like to join a walking tour of the site email outreach@mso.anu.edu.au. As I understand it tours are being held, in this the centenary year of Canberra, on 08 June, 13 July, 10 August, 14 September, 12 October, 09 November, 14 December (10-00 – 11-30am). Star gazing evenings – 7-00 to 9-00pm – will also be held on 14 June, 12 July, 16 August. 13 September and 11 October (pre-booking not necessary but subject to cancellation in the event of unfavorable weather).
The views from the Observatory site also make the drive up worth it. I wish I could say the same about the offerings of the restaurant/cafe but I cannot. See my separate review on the Scope – Mt Stromolo.

Please be aware that cycling up the Mt Stromolo is a popular activity so do be careful as you drive up and down.

Mount Stromolo – located approximately 18km southwest of the centre of Canberra and accessed via Mt Stromolo Road off the Cotter Road

serpenslam (contributor)

CSIRO Discovery Centre is a window in to the world of scientific research, literally. Located on the Black Mountain campus of the Commonwealth Science & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), you can glimpse the world of the lab researcher through plate glass windows. Enjoy a cappucino and a glorious view over the Australian National University from the coffee shop. Visit the interactive exhibition for a small fee ($6 adult, $3 child).

draggingcharming (contributor)

There’s no dull moment here for my family of three boys (9, 13 and 40ish-this one is my hubby!) as they enjoy visiting this attraction all the time whenever we’re in Canberra.

Plenty of science exhibits are on offer, plus loads of hand on displays, activities, experiments, gadgets, etc. There are always something different- shows and roving crash dummies and fairies, etc.

My budding scientists who not surprisingly are very good in this subject in their respective grade/year/ career (hubby is a great computer programmer, ask his workmates) that we continuously do our best to explore more challenging pursuits and visits to this place are always a must!

Some regular exhibits are Eaten Alive, Awesome Earth, Wavelength, Mini Q, and more. Birthday parties are accepted here too for those lucky Canberra locals!

We are already planning another trip there as we still got family tickets which don’t expire till April 2009!

heartrow (contributor)

If I suggested that you visit The National Science and Technology Centre, built in 1988 as a joint Australian and Japanese project to celebrate the Australian Bicentenary, it would sound rather dull and technical. But if I said Whatever you do, don’t miss Questacon I would be using the popular name for the same place – and believe me it is far from being dull and technical.

Questacon is a very interactive series of displays (some ongoing, but many changing often) designed to make science fun for kids of all ages. In it, you are involved in simple experiments to demonstrate science through personal discovery. As just a few examples, you can experience an earthquake, learn of the science behind fun parks, watch lightning strike, play with music and find out about acoustics, or test your latent sporting abilities. There are plenty of volunteer ‘explainers’ to provide any needed clarification of what things are about. Not surprisingly, it is a popular destination for school groups and usually is crowded on weekends.

Probably because the car parks are at the back, everyone seems to enter through the cafe rather than through the main entrance!

kyivperihelion (contributor)

This is a fully hands-on science museum, listed as The National Science and Technology Centre. It’s an unusual building, especially inside, where the walkway spirals upwards and the exhibition rooms are accessed through doorways as you ascend.
Though I enjoy it, it’s fair to suggest it’s aimed more at children and if you have them in tow, this is a worthwhile place to spend some time. Somewhere between 1-2 hours should pull you up, depending on how curious your children are.
They’ll undoubtedly love the moving dinosaurs, guaranteed to scare the wits out of your three year old, on the ground floor, and they’ll surely never forget the lightning strike, on cue around every thirteen minutes, about halfway through the building.
It was $14AUS per adult and half for kids when I visited but families can get discounts.

labcoataudience (contributor)

If u are interested in the Science and Technology or rather u want to pump in more knowledge to your children on Sci n Tech, then Questacon is the place for u !!! Questacon featured a lot of sci and technology things that u will never be able to see in daily life. Things such as the light harp, the earthquake experience and etc.

The entrace fee is AUD$14 (adult) and if u are a student, u will have concession price at AUD$9.50.

open from 9 – 5pm daily (closed during xmas)

It is sandwiched between the National library and the High court of Aust. on the opposite of the road, u will be able to see Old Parliament house and New parliament house. so if u happen to go to OPH or NPH, do make a visit to Questacon, high court and also National gallery !!!

fiverattentive (contributor)

The Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex has recently been the focus of attention as it relayed pictures of Mars, transmitted by NASA’s Pathfinder mission. At the Canberra Space Centre you can see space memorabilia. Check out what the well-dressed astronaut wears on the moon and view a piece of the Moon. A real must for everyone who is interest in space research.

Canberra’s tracking station is one of three Deep Space Communication Complexes (DSCC), which make up the global Deep Space Network (DSN) of radio antennas. The DSN’s three Deep Space Communication complexes are positioned approximately 120 degrees apart to give maximum global coverage. These complexes are located in Goldstone (Mojave Desert, California, USA), near Madrid (Spain) and
Tidbinbilla (ACT, Australia). Visit also the live web cam.

Latest Images of Science and Technology, Canberra