Government Buildings, Canberra

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The NFSA (to save words) was established to collect and preserve audio-visual material with enduring national cultural significance. As such, it provides a resource for researchers and also presents exhibitions and events. The collection holds over 1.3 million items and can be searched online. All that is very worthy, but what is there to interest you, the tourist? Well, when you visit (free), you can go to the theatre and watch a constant screening of Australian movies or documentaries. You also have access to a library and a shop where you can purchase all manner of books, souvenirs, or copies of movies (DVD). There also is a small cafeteria should you need refreshments.

When we visited recently, there was a display of posters for Australian films – film posters apparently were highly individual in different national styles until recently. A unique dimension was added by the inclusion of Polish posters for Australian films: quite different from those released locally for the same films!

The building housing the NFSA is interesting in its own right. It was built in 1929-1930 and served for over 50 years as the headquarters for the Institute of Anatomy. The style is called “Stripped Classical” – I guess that refers to the columns at the front. More interesting, however, are the ‘Art Deco’ touches throughout the building, mixed with representations of Australian wildlife: the skylight with its central platypus is an excellent example.

NB. The NFSA website contains very useful information on how to best preserve your own personal audiovisual material.

Main photo: the front façade
Second photo: the skylight in the entry foyer and door at rear, both in Art Deco style (vertical panorama)
Third photo: Polish poster for Australian film “Blue Fin”.

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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.

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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.

If u want to learn how the coins are make in Australia, do make sure u drop by the Royal Australia Mint. The mint provides u with abundant information on the history of australian coins and the process of coin making. Special highlight is that u can mint your own AUD$1.00. It is machine operated which require u to slot in AUD$2.50 in order to mint your own AUD$1.00. WARNING!!! the process is very fast, the next thing u know, your own AUD$1.00 coin has been made... hahaha.. but it is a great souvenir.
Over here, u can even get some of those uncirculated coins and also those halogram coins. However, it is very very expensive!!! (sad)....:(

open:
mon - fri (9am - 4pm)
Sat, Sun $ public holiday (10am - 4pm)
closed during xmas n good friday

The High Court of Australia is the highest court in the Australian judicial system. The functions of the High Court are to interpret and uphold the Constitution, to interpret Federal law and hear cases referred from other courts. It is one of Canberra’s most prestgious public buildings.

Open 9.45am to 4.30pm and entry is free.

you can operate a coin press to mint your very own $1.00 coin. And yes, it is legal tender. You'll also see a fascinating collection of coins and watch from the elevated viewing gallery as money is being made.

You can see the world of the champion athlete from the inside as you tour the complex.

The AIS tour is not to be missed, you get to see how champion athletes train and live and all tours are conducted by elite athletes. The tour incorporates Sportex - an exhibition of interactive sports displays, videos and tributes, as well as the latest sports technology. You also get to see athletes train in such sports as - Gymnastics, Basketball, Swimming etc.

National Capital Planning Exhibition Centre
The centre gives a good background about this 'planned' city and helps you gain a perspective that is otherwise impossible. It is also a great place to view the Lake.