Canberra

“When in doubt – travel.”

Canberra was the next destination added to our travel list for a couple reasons:
One of us has NEVER been to Canberra and the other visited over 50 years ago, and finally we would never pass on the opportunity to catch up with a loved family member.

Our return flights and Airbnb accommodation were booked well in advance. Just prior to our departure we packed our bags and were delighted to discover that our stay would coincide with unseasonably warm temperatures and fine weather …. A nice surprise! Shortly after our arrival in Canberra we were greeted by our ‘chauffeur’ who provided us with a brief escorted tour of some nearby sites including the ADFA military base and Mount Pleasant Lookout. We then headed to Mount Ainslie Lookout for a picture-perfect view of Canberra including Lake Burley Griffin and many of Canberra’s national attractions that are framed by the picturesque mountain ranges. Our final stop was our Braddon apartment to confirm dinner date arrangements and planned commitments for the coming days.

Our 7 day stay allowed us the opportunity to sight-see some of the wonderful attractions in our Nation’s capital and to spend a little time with family. To ensure that we don’t bore you to tears we have simply provided a brief list of our sight-seeing adventures:

1. Australian War Memorial and ANZAC Parade – We spent a total of 3 days viewing all the exhibitions, galleries, war memorials and commemorative walks. The Last Post Ceremony was a must-see event and we loved watching the performance by members of Australia’s Federation Guard.

2. National Museum of Australia – A few years ago we visited the Melbourne Museum and viewed Phar Lap and his training saddle, shoes etc. We went to the National Museum for one reason - to snap a photo of this great racehorse’s preserved heart!

3. National Library of Australia – Ssssshhh …… a very quiet place to visit, with lots of books, newspapers and magazines (obviously). Interesting fact: A copy of every book published in Australia is required by law to be held by the National Library of Australia.

4. Old Parliament House and Parliament House – Meeting place of the Parliament of Australia and nearby campsite for some indigenous Australians. We also strolled through the Senate Gardens with beautiful landscaped gardens, formal flower beds, lawns, tennis courts & paths.

5. National Gallery of Australia - Expansive modern building with Australian & international art. We also strolled through the nearby Sculpture Garden and admired the collection of industrial large-scale sculptures in a tranquil park.

6. Royal Australian Mint – Manufacturing site of Australia's coins including displays with (oops) production errors.

7. Government House Yarralumla – Home to Australia’s Governor General. A photo of Michael standing at the main gates was obligatory. Another Government House – tick!

8. Telstra Tower – Great views from the 195m-high telecom tower observation deck and café.

We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Canberra and look forward to returning one Spring to see the annual Floriade flower festival.

Time to hit the road!
Michelle & Michael – The travel addicts