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 | Canberra Things To Do | Tips 1 - 10 of 319 |  |
 | |  |  | Australian War Memorial: Canberra War Memorial a must see destination | Tip Rating:   |  |  | |  |
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.
War Memorial probably is not everyone cup of tea. No one in the right mind condone war. To me War Memorial is a learning place to visits. In a nut shell it made me realized that war sucks which no one wins. In my opinion war should not be glorified, it should be put into memory and hopefully it should not happen again.
Open daily between 10.00am-5.00pm.
Free admission. Donation box at the entrance. Address: Treloar Crescent, CampbellPhone: 02 6243 4211Website: http://www.awm.gov.au/
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| | | | Government Buildings: Money, money, money.... | Tip Rating: | | | | |
I was unsure whether to put this tip under 'things to do' or under 'off the beaten path', because so few visitors seem to get far beyond the Parliamentary Triangle! Finally, I decided that it definitely comes under the category of something to do: and something a little different at that.
The Royal Australian Mint opened in the inner suburb of Deakin in 1965. Since then, it has produced over 12 billion coins. Entry is free and there is ample parking, with free barbecues in the grounds. Inside, you can look at displays including a museum of coins from throughout Australia's history. On working days, you can watch the coins being produced. You can even mint your own $1 coin from a special press which is available to the public. Commemorative and collector coins are also available for purchase from the shop. Open weekdays 0900-1600, weekends and public holidays 1000-1600, closed Christmas Day and Good Friday. Address: Denison St, DeakinPhone: (02) 6202 6853Directions: Take Adelaide Avenue from the New Parliament House past The Lodge, then turn left into the slip lane heading up to the first overpass. At the junction at the top turn left, then take the first right.Website: www.ramint.gov.au/
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| | | | Science and Technology: Science as fun - and very 'hands on' | Tip Rating: | | | | |
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!
Main photo: Questacon as you approach from the carparks
Second photo: Entry via the cafe
Third photo: Questacon seen from the balloon Address: King Edward Tce, Canberra.Phone: Information 1800 020 603 receptiDirections: If driving, take the first slip lane to the left after crossing the lake on Commonwealth Ave Bridge, then continue ahead through the traffic lights. Questacon is just past the National Library. You can reach it using bus route 34.Website: www.questacon.edu.au
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| | | | Old Parliament House: Well may we say ... | Tip Rating: | | | | |
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.
Main PhotoView from across the lawns and fountains
Second PhotoThe view from above gives some perspective Address: King George Terrace, ParkesPhone: 02 6270 8222Directions: Between New Parliament House and the lake. An easy walk from any of the other buildings in the Parliamentary Triangle. You can reach it on bus routes 31,34,36 and 39.Website: http://www.oph.gov.au/
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| | | | Parks /Gardens / Lakes: Get a perspective from Mt Ainslie | Tip Rating: | | | | |
A visit to Mt Ainslie (846m) ties in well with a visit to the War Memorial, which it overlooks. The view gives an excellent perspective of the Parliamentary Triangle (National Library, Parliament House, National Gallery area) as well as the War Memorial and Anzac Parade and the main city area. If you have visited the National Capital Exhibition (see tip) it should all drop into place for you.
For my money, this view is better than that from the Black Mountain Tower, because it is more central - see my heading panorama. And it's free, what's more! Just to briefly explain what you see in the photo, the reddish area is the median strip of Anzac Parade. At the camera end of it, you see the back of the War Memorial. In line with it, on the other side of the lake, is Old Parliament House and, behind that, New Parliament House. Also across the lake, to the right, are Questacon (partly obscured by trees) and the National Library, while to the left are the High Court and National Gallery.
In the distance, slightly to the right, you can see a high rise office block at Woden Town Centre, one of Canberra's satellite urban centres. Beyond that are the Brindabella ranges, giving Canberra a marvellous mountain backdrop, often with snow on top during winter. Address: Mt Ainslie DveDirections: Drive to the east from the War Memorial on Fairbairn Ave (ie keep the War Memorial on your left) for about 1 km, then turn left into Mt Ainslie Dve. Continue up the hill to the carparks on the top.
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| | | | Australian War Memorial: The Australian War Memorial | Tip Rating: | | | | |
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. Address: Treloar Crescent, CampbellPhone: 02 6243 4211Directions: At the foot of Mt Ainslie, where Limestone Avenue, Fairbairn Avenue and Anzac Parade meet. It's a little far to walk from the city, but you can get there on bus route 33 or 40 from the main bus interchange at Civic (the main city area).Website: www.awm.gov.au
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| | | | New Parliament House: The ivory tower on the Hill? | Tip Rating: | | | | |
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. Address: Capital HillPhone: 02 6277 5399Directions: Visible from most of inner Canberra, the easiest public access is to take the slip lane from the right of Commonwealth Avenue as you approach from the city, then follow the signs to the parking. Bus routes 31,34 and 39 will get you there.Website: http://www.aph.gov.au/
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| | | | Parks /Gardens / Lakes: Australian National Botanic Gardens | Tip Rating: | | | | |
The ANBG is a multiple winner of the Ecotourism Award for the Canberra Region. I also recommend their multilingual website for information on Australian plants.
After many years of talk and later preparation, the Australian Botanic Gardens were opened in 1970. Since then, extensive developments and plantings have led to the development of a truly excellent public attraction. On a walk through the grounds, you will see flora plantings and ecological groups representative of different parts of Australia. It’s entirely your choice whether you see it on a tour led by Volunteer Guides, or whether you take a self-guided walk. The gardens have about 7,000 of the 17,500 known plant species in Australia: if it can’t be grown outdoors here, it is grown in hothouses or under cover, with a managed microclimate. The entire gardens can truly be seen as a ‘living experiment’.
On our most recent visit we had a reunion get-together lunch with some friends who were with us on our Antarctic cruise, at the café which is licensed and ideal for pleasant outdoor lunches (or breakfasts). As we took the short walk from the carpark to the café, we passed the Rainforest Gully and the misting systems came on: it was really delightful.
Entry is free, but there is a charge for parking (which goes toward the Gardens). The Visitor Information Centre has changing special displays and an excellent bookshop has a wide range of botanical and gardening-related books, as well as nature-related publications, souvenirs and gifts. The Botanic Gardens opening hours (0830 - 1700 daily except Christmas Day) are slightly longer than for the visitor information centre, bookshop and café. Address: Clunies Ross St, Black Mountain.Phone: (02) 6250 9540Directions: The entry is adjacent to the turnoff for the Black Mountain Tower, a short distance north in Clunies Ross St.Website: www.anbg.gov.au/anbg
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on October 3, 2007
on April 21, 2006
