 | Canberra Things To Do | Tips 51 - 60 of 303 |  |
This is, without question, one of the "must-see's" of the Australian tourist circuit. Its fame is world wide and rightly so. What it promises, it delivers. It is a sombre monument to the folly of war, perhaps at times glorifying moments but always reminding one that wars are appalling things to have to endure.
In the ensuing pages I will elaborate on certain aspects for you. Leave a Comment
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This is to remind us about the Rats of Tobruk, so called because of an epic struggle against great odds during the Second World War. Bunkered down and resisting the Axis onslaught, the troops carved a niche for themselves and their country on the international scene. Leave a Comment
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On the southern side of Lake Burley Griffin is a series of imposing building, all of which, the exception being the library, have been set amongst trees so some of their lines are not immediately apparent.
One of these is the High Court of Australia. It lies between the National Gallery and Questacon (science museum) and around springtime, with the international flags adding even more colour, it makes a delightful place to go for a stroll. Leave a Comment
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Although I suspect this tip will mainly interest lawyers, try to hang in there, folk! Australia’s ultimate judical body is the High Court. Here’s how the system works - the politicians make the laws, the other courts apply them, appeals on legal interpretation are taken to the High Court. The results sometimes can be surprising! Depending on the issue, the matters may be heard by a single judge or by a panel of judges.
Reflecting its importance, the High Court building has a prime position in the Parliamentary Triangle, near the lake. It was opened in 1980: part of the terms of the design contest were:In its siting and in its form, the High Court building imparts a sense of strength and security. The visitor is made to feel aware of the rights, privileges and responsibilities of the Australian judicial system. Which, I’d have to admit, sounds a lot of words for saying we want an imposing building. It is! Built of concrete and glass, and standing 40 metres high, the front with its glass façade is meant to give the impression of a waterfall, continued in the flowing water down the ceremonial ramp in front. That ceremonial ramp conceals the carpark! The rear of the building is just concrete brutalism.
Inside the building you will find a large public hall with a 24metre ceiling, and three court rooms. There also is a licensed cafeteria. It’s worth a quick look inside, but for a tourist I’d say the inside hardly rates as a ‘must see’. Yes, visitors are allowed to enter the courtrooms when the court is sitting to watch the proceedings – but I think that gets back to the idea that this tip is likely to appeal most to lawyers!
Open daily 0945 –1645 Monday-Friday, except public holidays.
Main photo: the front façade, with the cermonial ramp and watercourse
Second photo: from the hot air balloon, you even get to see the judges’ private rooftop garden!
Third photo: the rear of the building, concrete angles overlooking the lake. Address: Parkes Place, Parliamentary Triangle, CanberraPhone: (02) 6270 6811Directions: Alongside Lake Burley Griffin, in front of Old Parliament House (to the right)Website: http://www.hcourt.gov.au
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Even with all the national buildings in Canberra, in 2005 this building gained the status of being the first building in the National Capital to be placed on the National Heritage List. In addition, it was one of seven Australian buildings to be nominated by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects for inclusion on the World Register of Significant Twentieth Century Architecture.
The Academy of Science building was built in 1959 and features a free-standing copper-clad concrete dome, surrounded by an ornamental moat. Beneath the dome are office areas for the Academy and a conference room. At the time of its construction, Canberra was somewhat smaller and this instantly became one of the main ‘sights to see’ in the city. In those days it was unofficially known around Canberra as The Eskimo Embassy or The Martian Embassy because of its shape: now it is largely overlooked by the tourist industry, which seems a pity. Despite the unusual ‘flying saucer’ style, it is surprising how well it blends into the landscape! If you have any interest in architecture, this innovative building should be on your list of visits while in Canberra.
Because of the radical design for the time, quite a few technical barriers had to be overcome - these are outlined in the website linked below. The problems with the acoustics of the conference room were unusual, but having been at a conference there I can vouch that the problems have been overcome. Address: Gordon Street, Canberra.Directions: You will find it within walking distance of the centre of the city, on the south western side - not far from the Australian National University.Website: http://www.science.org.au/dome/index.htm
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Go and visit the white quartz and marble walls tall unique structure monument, the Australia’s National Carillion.
Inside the contemporary building it houses collections of 53 different size bells. Everyday at certain time you can hear the recitals of the bells chiming away. On clear day it can be heard at a long distance. It is a popular picnic area for the locals and as well for tourist.
It is one of Canberra national icon. It was a gift from the Britain to the people of Australia celebrating the 50th anniversary of the National Capital. It was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II on the 26th of April 1970.
Open Hours:
Monday-Friday12:45pm-1:30pm
Saturday-Sunday 2:45pm-3:30pm
natcap@natcap.gov.au Address: Kings Park's on Aspen Island Lake Burley GriffinPhone: +61 2 6257 1068Directions: Not far from the historical Blundells' Cottage beside Lake Burley GriffinWebsite: www.nationalcapital.gov.au
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This is a unique building. Let's face, how many do you know that have lawns for a roof? Renowned for its impressive architecture, landscaped gardens and Australian art it is open from 9-5 daily.
Free tours are available in English, French, German, Japanese and Chinese and, if you book ahead, you can watch parliament in session. You can also take a self-guided tour (brochure provided).
One of the highlights for me was the Great Hall Tapestry, a wonderful work done by some ladies who have a lot more patience that me!
If you're hungry, the Queen's Terrace Cafe has food with a lovely view over the lake. Leave a Comment
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This is one for the early risers (or maybe also the late night stayers?).
Every year, in March or April (the recent timing seems to have drifted to April), the hot air ballooning fraternity gather in Canberra from all over the world, for the Canberra Balloon Festival. Typically about 50 hot air balloons, some the conventional pear shape, others quite fantastic, gather on the lawns in front of Old Parliament House by the lake shore and fill the early morning sky with colour. At this time of year, the weather is usually fine, the winds light, and the conditions ideal for such an event - with the scenic vistas of Canberra providing a spectacular backdrop.
There is no charge to be a spectator: just bring warm clothing and a camera and enjoy yourselves. From memory, some food and coffee vans are usually in attendance, should the craving for breakfast overwhelm you. Even if you are not in Canberra at the same time as the Balloon Festival, on most clear calm mornings you can expect to see some balloons above Canberra - check out my 'sports' tip for details. I wonder how many of the world's capital cities allow untethered balloons to roam across their skies! Directions: Lawns of Old Parliament House, early morning (we're talking about 5.30 or 6am).
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How fortunate for the world that one of the soldiers of the light horse of the Australian and New Zealand Mounted Division who came across it in 1917 during the second battle of Gaza was an amateur archaeologist otherwise we wouldn't have this wonderful piece preserved and protected from further harm where future generations will be able to enjoy it. Leave a Comment
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I've been here a couple of times over the years and I have to admit I've always enjoyed it. The premium time to visit is unquestionably spring when there are gashes of colours spilt across an essentially green background.
Everything here, except the restaurant, souvenir shop and price of entry, is on a small scale. It's basically and English village done in miniature with a few add-ons like the maze, football ground and a few other things.
All very well done and maintained you can certainly wile away a couple of hours here, especially if you have children. This could be their first experience of what scale life will be like when they get older! Leave a Comment
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on July 29, 2006
on November 20, 2006
on April 29, 2008
