Day 11 - ACT. I loved Canberra.. I visited in the summer and it was VERY hot and a little dusty, but there is so much to see and do it didn't matter. And we were offered cool lemonade regularly which makes everything perfect. Not far from the city, and less than two hour’s drive, you can experience a great range of world-class arts and crafts, historic towns and villages, spectacular manicured gardens, stunning vistas, gourmet delights and three wine regions.
In the spring (September/October for the northern hemisphere folk) is the glorious Floriade. The Commonwealth Gardens are a riot of colour. At night, the Nitefest is a stunning feast of lights.
In the autumn (March) you can experience the breathtaking hot air balloon festival - or partake in a balloon yourself. Canberra is one of the few places in the world you can fly in a hot air balloon over the Parliament Buildings!
Anytime at all, travel The Poacher's Way. Follow the Way to some of the 140 vineyards and 33 wineries dotting the tranquil countryside around Take a gumboot tour through the vineyards and learn about the factors that shape the region’s diverse styles - from sangiovese to riesling, chardonnay, pinot noir and shiraz. Stop in at a farm for cheeses, oils, chutneys, jams, wood smoked meats and homemade wine. Or team a bottle of last year’s vintage with a wood-fired pizza at a winery. Visit local studios and galleries showcasing handmade art, glassware and pottery. At the end of the day, stay in a boutique bed and breakfast, historic homestead or a luxurious country retreat. Click Here to find 143 places to stay. There’s sure to be some that suit. I like the look of Ginninderry Homestead just 20 minutes from Canberra CBD.
This gorgeous looking Georgian Homestead is set on acreage with enchanting vistas, a meandering creek, rolling hills and expansive views of divinely manicured gardens which highlights a backdrop of indigenous Australian landscape and distant mountain ranges.
In the city, there is heaps to see and do, discovering the history of Australia. Australia’s official website: http://www.australia.com/campaigns/nothinglike/nz/australian-capital-territory-highlights-canberra.htm is a veritable treasure trove of information about Canberra and the surrounding area, including Mt Kosciuszko and the Namadgi National Park. Click HERE to go straight to Canberra’s Ten top things to do.
Visit Parliament House, the High Court of Australia, Australian War Memorial, Royal Australian Mint and the National Gallery for an insight into how the country works. Or go to the Australian Institute of Sport -a memorial to all the Aus sporting heroes/heroines.
Walk around Lake Burley Griffin - or climb to the top of Mount Ainslie to experience the city's well-planned layout.
The National Gallery of Australia is one of my favourite places to visit. A total of 13 galleries now showcase more than 7,500 works of Aboriginal art, from dot and bark paintings to watercolours, textiles, prints, ceramics and sculptures. Meander through different rooms, learning about the landscapes, Dreaming legends and historic events entwined with each art tradition. This important collection is a living, evolving expression of the world’s oldest living culture.
And of course, for me, no place is complete without a few good hikes. Not far from Canberra you'll experience the best of Australia's high country including the tallest point on the continent, Mount Kosciuszko. In summer wander through fields of alpine wildflowers and fish in mountain lakes stocked with trout. In winter, ski or snowboard amongst the snow-gums.
Mount Kosciuszko is 2,228 metres high, and an easy climb in the summer; snow covered in winter, but still accessible. Namadgi National Park is a breathtaking bushland, rich in vistas and Aboriginal history, with sacred sites dating back at least 20,000 years.
Finally, don’t forget a trip to the Deep Space Communication Complex at Tidbinbilla. Enjoy your adventure!
The National Gallery of Australia is one of my favourite places to visit. A total of 13 galleries now showcase more than 7,500 works of Aboriginal art, from dot and bark paintings to watercolours, textiles, prints, ceramics and sculptures. Meander through different rooms, learning about the landscapes, Dreaming legends and historic events entwined with each art tradition. This important collection is a living, evolving expression of the world’s oldest living culture.
And of course, for me, no place is complete without a few good hikes. Not far from Canberra you'll experience the best of Australia's high country including the tallest point on the continent, Mount Kosciuszko. In summer wander through fields of alpine wildflowers and fish in mountain lakes stocked with trout. In winter, ski or snowboard amongst the snow-gums.
Mount Kosciuszko is 2,228 metres high, and an easy climb in the summer; snow covered in winter, but still accessible. Namadgi National Park is a breathtaking bushland, rich in vistas and Aboriginal history, with sacred sites dating back at least 20,000 years.
Finally, don’t forget a trip to the Deep Space Communication Complex at Tidbinbilla. Enjoy your adventure!
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