 | Canberra Government Buildings Reviews | Tips 1 - 10 of 11 |  |
 | |  |  | 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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| | | | Government Buildings: National Film and Sound Archive – and building | Tip Rating:  | | | | |
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”. Address: McCoy Circuit, Acton, ACTPhone: 1800 067 274Directions: On the southwestern side of the main city area, just across from the Australian Academy of Science. Opening hours are weekdays 0900-1700, weekends 1000-1700.Website: www.nfsa.afc.gov.au/
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| | | | Government Buildings: High Court of Australia | | | | | |
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