Canberra is a multicultural city, where Australia and the world meet in a place that is truly remarkable for its beauty, its planned spaciousness and its gracious, welcoming atmosphere. From its carefully planned beginnings almost 100 years ago, Canberra’s customs, impressive architecture, history and war museums, art galleries, politicians, diplomats, residents, expansive gardens, exotic native flora and fauna all centered around a large and inviting man-made lake, Lake Burley Griffin, that pulsates with joggers, music goers, picnics, sailing, dragon boat racing and many festivals throughout the year. There is always something happening in Canberra. Canberra offers superb theatres, world-class restaurants and a host of shopping opportunities. But my five favourite things to see and do in Canberra and often with minimal or no cost are:
A walk or bicycle ride around Lake Burley Griffin
It doesn’t matter where you start, but if you start from Commonwealth Park, which is closest to the city accommodation, visit Regatta Point – see how the city began, look out across the lake from Regatta Point Deck Restaurant at the Captain Cook Memorial Water Jet, and the Captain Cook Terrestrial Globe, across to the National Museum of Australia at the far right of the lake, then directly across to the National Library with many free exhibitions, Questacon (an interactive national science and technology centre), The National Portrait Gallery, The National Art Gallery (both galleries house outstanding collections and have regular world class visiting exhibitions), The High Court and the Carillon bell tower on Aspen Island (it contains 53 bells and the peals are rung on Wednesdays from 12.45 to 1.30pm and on weekends and public holidays from 2.45pm to 3.30pm). Overlooking them all, but half way up the hill is Old Parliament House Museum and on top of Capital Hill is Australia’s national place of government, Parliament House. Parliament House is outstanding for its architecture, both inside and out, and its art collection of more than 3000 works. It is open to the public and on sitting days you can watch the politicians in action from the gallery. All these buildings are open to the public and most do not have any entry fees, just donations. As you walk around the lake visit some or all of these building – but it is simply impossible to see them all in a day.
Australian War Memorial
With its imposing bronze dome, the building is in the shape of a cross, commemorating more than 100,000 men and women who have died for their country in more than 10 wars over the past 130 years. Exhibits are changed regularly, with many interactive for children too. Again it is simply impossible to see that the War Memorial has to offer in one day. Several visits would be necessary, or just chose what interests you most. The National Anzac Day Commemoration is held here annually on 25 April, and Remembrance Day on 11 November. In the Memorial Research Centre you’ll find war-related personnel and official records if you want to trace any history. There is no entry fee, but a donation would be gratefully appreciated as it goes towards the restoration and ongoing exhibits. Anzac Parade, the road leading from the Lake to the War Memorial is red in colour and is bordered by monuments to the Australian Armed Services.
Floriade
The festival of flowers in Commonwealth Park heralds in spring in the capital. This month long celebration from mid September to mid October each year attracts nearly a million visitors. Floriade means ‘designed by flowers’ and each year it has a different theme. There are also many cultural and musical entertainment activities combined within the sea of colourful flowerbed displays. Two night festivals are held within the Floriade grounds at Stage 88 during the month – take along your low chair and picnic hampers and relax amongst the fairy lights, listening to some national and international musical entertainment and let the beautiful smells from the flowers waft over you. While entry to Floriade is free, the Night Festivals have a cost and early bookings are a necessity. There are also many music festivals held during the year at Stage 88 in Commonwealth Park, particularly during summer from mid January to end of March, these include celebrations with fireworks over the lake on Australia Day, Canberra’s birthday in March and Skyfire, also in March. You will find most of these events are free to the public.
Balloon Festival
Celebrating the National Capital’s birthday, the hot-air Balloon Festival is held over 10 days during March every year. The Balloon Festival attracts more than 50 ballooning companies that take off from the lake foreshore in front of Old Parliament House at sunrise. It is a delight for young and old just to watch the various shapes, colours and styles of hot-air balloons. If you want the perfect picture, view them at take-off from the opposite side of the lake at the end of Anzac Parade – the colours reflecting in the stillness of the lake is simply breathtaking. Or you can chose to actually take a flight in one, followed by a champagne breakfast back on the lake foreshore. Balloon flights cost from $280 for children and $450 for adults. Bookings are essential.
The Embassies
There are around 70 embassies and high commissions in Canberra, most in the architectural style of their country. The Thai Embassy resembles a temple, the United States Embassy is a massive southern mansion, the Chinese Embassy style temple is magnificently tiled and the Papua New Guinean Embassy looks like a spirit-house from the Sepik region. During the year a number of embassies are open to the public, also holding national days with food available in their grounds. Google the websites for open day. You can either walk around, or drive around Yarralumla to view the embassies from the streets at any time of the year.