Canberra Population 308,000
Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory, is situated in the southern
tablelands of New South Wales, 100km (62 miles) from the coast. It is
300km (186 miles) from Sydney, 654km (406 miles) from Melbourne, 1654km (1028
miles) from Brisbane, and 1201km (746 miles) from Adelaide.
Climate
Average temperatures: January max 28C (82F) - min 13C (55F); July max 11C
(52F) - min -1C (30F). Average annual rainfall is 650mm (25 ins).
Characteristics
Canberra, Australia's national capital was founded in 1913. From its inception
it has been developed as a garden city and is unique in that it was planned
from the outset. In 1912, an American, Walter Burley Griffin, won first
prize in a world-wide competition to design the new capital.
Since 1915, thousands of trees have been planted annually and the variation
in the shades and colours of the leaves during spring and autumn leave
a lasting impression. Over half of the city is parkland and open space
dotted with picnic areas.
The Commonwealth Parliament did not sit in Canberra until 1927, when the
provisional Parliament House was opened. The new Parliament House was completed
in 1988, the Bicentennial Year.
How to Get There By Air
Qantas, 13 13 13, service Canberra with their domestic lines, but you can
check the availability of other regional flights with your agent.
By Bus
All the major coach companies have daily services from/to Sydney and Melbourne,
and less frequent services from/to Adelaide, Brisbane, Wollongong, Cooma,
Yass, Batemans Bay and Orange.
By Rail
Countrylink, 13 22 32, has train services Sydney-Canberra three times a
day.
From Melbourne there is no direct rail service to Canberra, but there are
a few alternatives: train to Yass, then coach; train to Wodonga, then coach;
train to Bairnsdale, then coach, 13 6196 or 13 1368.
By Car
From Sydney and Melbourne, via the Hume Highway. The trip takes just over
3 hours from Sydney and about 8 hours on a good run from Melbourne. To
get around Canberra easily, you really need a car.
Visitor Information
The Canberra Visitor Information Centre can be found at 330 Northbourne
Avenue in Dickson, and it is open 9am-5pm Mon-Fri and 8.30am-5pm on the
weekend and public holidays.
Contact them on (02) 6205 0044 or 1800 100 660, or by email at canberravisitorcentre
@msn.com.au. You can browse through their web page at www.
canberratourism.com.au Another web site worth exploring is canberra.citysearch.com.au
Canberra also has a Hire-A-Guide service which operates seven days a week,
and can be contacted on 6288 7894 or visited at 4 Reveley Crescent, Stirling.
The guides are available to individuals or coach parties.
Accommodation
The Tourist Centres have full details of accommodation in the city and
suburbs, including apartments, cabins, on campus, hostels and farm stays.
Here is a selection of hotels and motels, with prices for a double room
per night, which should be used as a guide only. The telephone area code
is 02.
Rydges Lakeside Canberra, London Circuit, Canberra City, 6247 6244. 201
rooms, licensed restaurants, swimming pool - $150-180.
Parkroyal Canberra, 1 Binara Street, Canberra City, 6247 8999. 293 rooms
(private facilities), licensed restaurant, bistro, swimming pool, spa,
sauna, gym - $160-290.
Capital Executive Apartment Hotel, 108 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon, 6243
8333. 83 units, licensed restaurant, sauna, gym - $140-155.
University House Motel at Australian National University, Balmain Crescent,
Acton, 6249 5211. 100 rooms (private facilities), licensed restaurant -
$120-130.
Quality Inn Garden City, Jerrabomberra Avenue, Cooma Road, Narrabundah,
6295 3322. 69 units, licensed restaurant, swimming pool, spa - $120-150.
Tall Trees Motel, 21 Stephen Street, Ainslie, 6247 9200. 50 units - $95-130.
Quality Inn Downtown, 82 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon, 6249 1388. 65 units,
licensed restaurant, gym - $110-150.
Embassy Motel, cnr Hopetoun Circuit & Adelaide Avenue, Deakin, 6281
1322. 86 units, licensed restaurant, air conditioning, sauna, pool - $125.
Acacia Motor Lodge, 65 Ainslie Avenue, Braddon, 6249 6955 - 53 units, barbecue
- $85-95.
Australian Capital Motor Inn, 193 Mouat Street, Lyneham, 6248 5111. 54
units, licensed restaurant (closed Sunday), swimming pool - $65-85.
Canberra Central Apartments, cnr Northbourne Avenue & Barry Drive,
Turner, 6230 4781. 158 units - $110.
Caravan Parks
Canberra Motor Village, Kunzea Street, O'Connor, 6247 5466. (No pets allowed),
licensed restaurant, barbecue, tennis, pool - powered sites $20 for two,
cabins $64-126 for two.
Canberra South Motor Park, Canberra Avenue, Symonston, 6280 6176. (No pets
allowed), licensed restaurant - æpowered sites $17-18 for two, cabins $45-75
for two.
Canberra Carotel Caravan Park, Federal Highway, Watson, 6241 1377. (No
pets allowed) - powered sites $12 for two, on-site vans $33 for two.
There is a Youth Hostel at 191 Dryandra Street, 6248 9155. It has 28 rooms
at $21-23 per person twin share.
Eating Out
Canberra's eateries cater for all tastes and pockets, and the Tourist Centres
have complete lists. Here are some standard restaurants you may wish to
try:
Charcoal, 61 London Circuit, Canberra City, 6248 8015. A quality steakhouse
with seafood varieties available.
Great Wall, 113-119 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra City, 6247 5423. Chinese
food with yum cha lunches and a take-away option.
The Haig, cnr Northbourne Avenue & Girrahween Street, Canberra City,
6243 8121. Italian restaurant with al fresco dining.
Shalimar, Tasman House, Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra City, 6249 6784.
Indian cuisine. A la carte and take-away options.
Tasuke, 122 Alinga Street, Canberra City, 6257 9711. Japanese selections.
Shogun, 70 Bunda Street, Gareema Centre, Gareema Place, Canberra City,
6248 8888. Traditional Japanese cooking with sashimi and sushi.
Tu Tu Tango, 124 Bunda Street, Canberra City, 6257 7288. Cafe & bar,
woodfire pizzas a specialty.
Anatolia, cnr Bunda & Mort Streets, Canberra City, 6257 1100. Turkish
cuisine.
Canberra Vietnamese Restaurant, 21 East Row, Canberra City, 6247 4840.
Lemon Grass, 71 London Circuit, Canberra City, 6247 2279. Traditional Thai.
Taj Mahal, 39 Northbourne Avenue (upstairs), Canberra City, 6247 6528.
Indian dining.
Zydeco, 173 City Walk, Canberra City, 6248 8709.
Rincon Latino, 5 Garema Place, Canberra City, 6247 0840.
Brindabella, 1 Binara Street, Canberra City, 6274 5506.
Ardeche, cnr City Walk & Ainslie Avenue, Canberra City, 6230 4800.
If you can't make up your mind what you fancy to eat, take a trip to Glebe
Park in Coranderrk Street, Canberra City. There you will find eight food
outlets - patisserie, hamburgers, refreshments bar, continental, Asian,
Italian, carvery, seafood and bottle shop. The complex is open seven days,
0412 626 7252.
As in other cities, the Clubs offer good value for money, and welcome visitors.
Some examples are:
The Canberra Club, 45 West Row, Canberra City, 6248 9000, has French cuisine
in their restaurant.
Canberra Workers Club Bistro, cnr University Avenue & Childers Street,
Canberra City, 248 0399, have a budget-priced bistro.
Ainslie Function Centre in the Ainslie Football Club, 52 Wakefield Avenue,
Ainslie, 6248 8422, serves a Grand Seafood Buffet on Thursdays, but their
extensive steak, seafood and salad menu should suffice on other days.
The Canberra Labor Club, Chandler Street, Belconnen, has an upmarket bistro
at downmarket prices, 6251 5522.
KFC outlets are at Shop B07, Bunda Street, Canberra City;
Bengendore Street, Queanbeyan; and 151 Canberra Avenue,
Fyshwick. McDonald's are found at
the corner of Badham Street & Dickson Place, Dickson; 20-24 Wanniassa
Street, Queanbeyan; cnr Namatjira Drive & MacNalley Street, Weston.
Pizza Hut is in Woolley Street, Dickson and the Kippax Centre, Holt,
13 1166 for delivery.
Local Transport Bus
Canberra has a public bus service, operated by Action Buses. The buses
are large and orange and not easy to miss. The territory is divided into
three zones, North, Central and South, and you will have to check your
starting point against your destination to determine if you need a 'one
zone' or 'all zone' ticket. The flat fares for adults are $2 one zone and
$4 all zone, but keep in mind that Faresaver tickets are available for
extended use of this service.
Ticket agents can be found right across the area, and for more detailed
information contact Action on 13 17 10 or for timetable information, either
6207 7611 or visit the website at www.action.act.gov.au
Bicycle
Otherwise you can hire a bicycle at the Youth Hostel, Dryandra Street,
O'Connor, 6248 9155; or Mr Spokes, near the Acton Ferry, Barrine Drive,
6257 1188.
Car Rental
Avis, 17 Londsdale Street, Braddon, 6249 6088; Rumbles, 11 Gladstone Street,
Fyshwick. Using a car is a good idea in Canberra.
Organised Tour
Round About Tours, 6262 8389; Canberra Region Tours, 6247 7281; Grand Touring
Coach Charter, 6299 1600.
Points of Interest
Canberra has five sign-posted Tourist Drives which take in most of the
sights. Each begins at the City Hill Lookout, and three concentrate on
the central area of Canberra, while the others take in the popular stops
on the city outskirts and beyond. The Visitor Centre will give you detailed
information on these Drives. Three popular tourist attractions in Canberra
are Parliament House, the War Memorial and the National Library.
Parliament House, in keeping with Walter Burley Griffin's original plan,
is the central landmark of Canberra. The building took eight years to complete,
and was opened in 1988. While some might not be taken with the 81m (266
ft) stainless steel flagpole that dominates the city, all have to agree
that the interior of the building is magnificent. There are imposing marble
columns and stairs, extravagant halls, outstanding collections of paintings,
sculptures, photographs and ceramics and well-worked timber masonry. Two
halls are open to the public. In the Great Hall hangs one of the largest
tapestries in the world, based on a painting by Australian artist, Arthur
Boyd, that has to be seen to be believed.
Public galleries overlook the House of Representatives Chamber at the eastern
side of the building, and the Senate Chamber to the west. The colours of
the decor in both chambers reflect the natural green and red tones in native
Australian flora. Visitors are welcome to view the Chambers between 9am-5pm,
and at all times when Parliament is sitting, even in the early hours of
the morning. Guides are at key areas throughout the public areas of the
building, and are happy to answer questions. There are also free guided
tours available every 30 minutes. Facilities for visitors include a theatrette,
an exhibition area, a post office, and on the first floor there is a cafeteria.
The bookshop in the Foyer has many publications on Parliament and Parliament
House, and a wide range of souvenirs. Pedestrian access is through the
northern entrance, the side which overlooks the lake. Access to the underground
carpark, which incidentally has room for 2000 vehicles, is via the ramps
running off Commonwealth Avenue and Kings Avenue. Details on sitting hours
of either of the Houses are available at the information desk in the foyer,
or 6277 7111.
The National Library, Parkes Place, is on the southern shores of Lake Burley
Griffin. It has over 6 million books, periodicals and newspapers, thousands
of paintings, maps, films, photographs, music scores, oral histories, and
treasures. Exhibitions are held throughout the year, and tours of the Library
are available on weekdays. The Library is open every day except Good Friday
and Christmas Day, and hours for the reading rooms, licensed bistro, shop
and exhibition areas vary. For further information, 6262 1111.
Australian War Memorial, Limestone Avenue, Campbell, commemorates the Australians
who gave their lives for their country. The stylised Byzantine building
houses a collection of relics, paintings, models, displays and records
from all theatres of war. Exhibitions cover the history of Australians
at war from Gallipoli to Vietnam. There is a free carpark and picnic areas,
a licensed kiosk, and a shop selling a comprehensive range of military
books, prints, posters and model kits and souvenirs. The memorial is open
daily 9am-4.45pm, 6243 4211.
The National Gallery opened in 1982 and houses the national art collection.
Eleven galleries provide more than 7000 square metres (8372 sq yds) of
exhibition space spread over three levels. Sculpture is displayed in the
garden. Regular lectures, film screenings and guided tours are available,
and there are frequent special exhibitions, including some from overseas.
Facilities include a shop, restaurant and snack bar. Open daily 10am-5pm,
6240 6502.
The High Court of Australia, Parkes Place, Parkes, is on the lake shore
parallel to the Library. The building features extensive public areas,
and is linked to the National Gallery by a pedestrian bridge. The three
elegant courtrooms are open to the public. The court contains many interesting
national murals and ceremonial plaques, and has a licensed cafeteria. Open
daily 10am-4pm. If you are in the mood for a meal, the Sufficient Grounds
restaurant (6270 6820) can be found here - surely one of the most inventive
theme names around!
Questacon, The National Science and Technology Centre,
is located on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, between
the High æCourt and the Library.
The Centre has over one hundred 'hands-on' exhibits, and visitors of
all ages are entertained, intrigued and reassured about
the science in our
lives. Here you can experience an earthquake, operate a hovercraft, observe
an active bee hive, and view a gallery of optical illusions, among other
things. There is a cafe and science shop, and all are open daily 10am-5pm,
6270 2800.
Seventy countries have diplomatic representation in Canberra, and most
of their Embassies are in the suburbs of Yarralumla, Forrest and Red Hill.
Two have special exhibitions open to visitors: Papua New Guinea, 39-41
Forster Crescent, 6273 3322 and Indonesia, 8 Darwin Avenue, 6252 8600.
Some embassies are open for public inspection on occasions during the year,
and the Visitor Information Centre has the details, as well as a brochure
on all the embassies, and their addresses. Some of the embassies are built
in their traditional style, including India, Thailand, Indonesia and China,
and perhaps this explains the cattle that graze on the lawns of the New
Zealand High Commission.
Government House, Dunrossil Drive, Yarra-lumla, the official
residence of the Governor General, is not open for inspection,
but there is a good
view of the building from a lookout on Lady Denman Drive, south of Scrivener
Dam. The Prime Minister's Lodge is on the corner of Adelaide Avenue & National
Circuit, Deakin, but it is not open to the public either.
Weston Park, Yarralumla, on the shores of the Lake, has picnic areas and
gas barbecues. Features include a miniature railway, a mouse house and
a maze. The maze takes about 15 minutes to negotiate and is suitable for
all ages. hOpen weekends and public and school holidays 11am-6pm. Miniature
train rides are available 10.30am-5pm, 6282 2714.
Lake Burley Griffin is named after Canberra's designer, American architect
Walter Burley Griffin. The lake was formed in 1963 by the construction
of Scrivener Dam to hold back the waters of the Molonglo River. Over 400ha
(988 acres) of parkland has been developed around the 35km (22 miles) foreshore,
with numerous picnic areas and sailing boat launchings (power boats are
prohibited). Swimming spots can be found at Black Mountain Peninsula, Yarralumla
Bay and Springbank Island. Boat hire and cruises are available at Acton
Terminal in West Basin, take Barrine Drive off Commonwealth Avenue.
The relatively inaccessible wetlands in East Basin, between Jerrabomberra
Creek and the Molonglo River, provide a sanctuary for a variety of bird
life. Although they appear tranquil, Canberra's lakes can be dangerous
for small craft as wind gusts can attain a velocity of 25 knots. Weather
bulletins issued by the media include wind forecasts, and boating enthusiasts
should also heed orange spherical signals raised by water police, which
indicate sailing conditions. The temperature of the water surface falls
to 6.5C (44F) in winter, and obviously it is even colder below the surface,
so this can also be a hazard.
The Captain Cook Memorial Water Jet, powered by two 560Kw
motors, spurts a column of water 140m (459 ft) above central æLake
Burley Griffin near Regatta Point. The jet and lakeshore
Terrestrial Globe were built to mark
the bicentenary of Captain Cook's discovery of eastern Australia in 1970.
Operating times are 10am-noon and 2pm-4pm, subject to weather conditions.
The National Capital Exhibition is at Regatta Point in Commonwealth Park,
6257 1068. There are audio-visual presentations, photographs and displays
explaining the history and development of the Nation's capital. Regatta
Point provides an excellent vantage point of Lake Burley Griffin, and from
the observation area and terrace restaurant there are views of the Captain
Cook Water Jet, the Lake's Central Basin, and the Parliamentary Triangle.
The Planning Exhibition is open daily 9am-5pm, and there is a gift and
book shop.
St John's Church and Schoolhouse, Constitution Avenue, Reid, were built
in the 1840s, and are Canberra's oldest surviving buildings. The schoolhouse
features relics of Canberra's early history, 6248 8399. St John's is still
an active parish.
Blundells Cottage is on Wendouree Drive, off Constitution Avenue, Parkes,
and has a museum display of family life from the nineteenth century. The
cottage was built about 1860 by Robert Camp-bell, and was part of his Duntroon
Estate. The first long-term occupants were William and Mary Ginn, and their
daughter, Gertrude, was the first child born in the cottage. Mr Ginn was
the head ploughman on the Duntroon Estate. The farm house was occupied
for 100 years until Mrs Oldfield, the final occupant, passed away on September
8, 1958. The cottage is open Tue-Sun 10am-4pm, 6273 2667.
The Carillon, on Aspen Island, Lake Burley Griffin, Wendouree Drive, Parkes,
is a three-column belltower, a gift from the British Government to mark
Canberra's 50th jubilee. There are free 45 minute recitals in the afternoon
daily, 6257 1068. The HMAS Canberra Memorial is nearby.
Royal Military College, Dun-troon, is Australia's first military college
and was founded in 1911. Tours of the grounds are available at limited
times, 6265 9537 for details.
Civic Square is the civic heart of Canberra. Canberra Theatre Centre is
at the head of the square and the famous old merry-go-round is in nearby
Petrie Plaza. The statue of Ethos is in the foreground, flanked by government
offices.
The National Philatelic Exhibition, Alinga Street, on the first floor of
the GPO building, 6209 1680, has a gallery featuring Australia's largest
and most valuable collection of stamps, including sheets of Australian
stamps issued from Federation to the present.
The new, high-tech National Museum of Australia is on the
Acton Peninsula, 6208 5000. It houses a vast and impressive
collection in five permanent
exhibitions and other temporary displays. Themes include First Australian's,
Tangled Destinies, Nation and Eternity. An emphasis is placed on the
unique people of Australia historically and in the
contemporary era. A visit to the museum is an interactive
and immersive experience. There's
plenty to see and do, with a range of engaging multimedia that means
you'll probably come away learning something new. Plan
to spend at least three
hours exploring. A restaurant, cafe and shop are part of the complex.
Open 9am-5pm daily. Admission is free.
Scrivener Dam lookout is off Lady Denman Drive. Nearby
is the National Aquarium & Wildlife Park, 6287 1211, with æexhibitions
of aquatic life, furry fauna and colourful birds. There
is a walk-through oceanarium with
sharks, rays, Barrier Reef fish, crocodiles, turtles and barracuda, though
obviously not all in together. The complex also has a theatrette showing
continuous films, a reasonably-priced Brasserie, seating 240 indoors
and 300 outdoors, and a gift shop, all set in 5ha (12 acres)
of landscaped
grounds. It is open daily 10am-5.30pm and admission is $12 adults, $7
children and $35 for families.
The Royal Australian Mint, Denison Street, Deakin, is responsible for the
production of Australia's circulating and collector coinage. The Mint also
manufactures medals and medallions, and supplies coinage for several overseas
nations. There is a display of past and present Australian coins and old
minting equipment, and the Coin Shop offers a wide range of collector's
coins and associated products. Ample parking is available, and the grounds
are perfect for a picnic. The Mint is open Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Sat-Sun 10am-3pm,
1300 652 020 or 6202 6800.
St Christopher's Catholic Cathedral, 55 Manuka Street, near Manuka Park,
6295 9555, has a Byzantine flavour to it. The Free Serbian Orthodox Church,
32 National Circuit, Forrest, has vivid murals covering the walls and ceiling,
the work of the late Karl Matzek, who painted them at the age of 87. The
Church is not open to visitors on Sunday mornings, 6295 1344.
The Telstra Tower is on the summit of Black Mountain, 6248 1911, and from
its lookout platforms, kiosk and restaurants, there are panoramic views
of the whole region. Black Mountain Drive, the road to the Tower, runs
off Clunies Ross Street, near the Botanic Gardens. Telstra Tower is open
daily 9am-10pm, adults $4, concession $2. The kiosk and coffee shop provide
refreshments and light meals, but for something special, the revolving
restaurant in the Tower offers international cuisine for lunch and dinner
seven days a week, 6248 6162.
Australian National Botanic Gardens, also off Clunies Ross Street, Black
Mountain, are devoted to growing Australian native plants and have over
6000 species. Special features include the Rainforest Gully, Eucalypt lawn
and the Rockery. The Visitor Centre has displays and leaflets on walks
around the gardens, and there is a kiosk and bookshop. Open daily, 9am-5pm,
6250 9540.
All Saints Anglican Church, 1 Bonney Street, Ainslie, was for 80 years
the mortuary railway station at Rookwood Cemetery, Sydney. It was re-erected
here stone by stone as the Parish Church of Ainslie, and is open daily,
with tour guides on duty, 6248 7420.
The Australian Institute of Sport, Leverrier Crescent, Bruce, was the training
ground of many athletes who took part in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney.
It has become a popular tourist destination, particularly in recent years.
Some tours are led by the athletes them-selves, and take the visitor through
the modern facilities and sporting memorabilia, as well as provide an insight
into gruelling training programs. Admission is $10 adults, $5 children
and $24 for families, 6214 1444.
Stromlo Exploratory, Cotter Road, Weston Creek, 6249 0232. This visitor
centre is located in the Mt Stromlo Observatory and offers the latest in
learning about outer space. Hands-on exhibits cover two floors, and there
are giant-telescope tours and slides of spectacular solar system images.
Admission into the Exhibition Hall is $6 adults, $4 children and $14 for
families. Public Observing Nights are only held once a month since they
depend on the moon's phase, so phone the above number to check if this
coincides with your trip and book your place.
Festivals
January - Multicultural Festival.
February - Royal Canberra Show. Canberra Travel Fair.
March - Canberra Festival. Autumn Flower Show. Black Opal Stakes. Canberra
Antique Fair.
April - Canberra Marathon. ACT Heritage Week.
June - Trooping of the Colour - Duntroon. Embassy inspections.
September- Floriade Spring Festival
Canberra's parks and gardens come alive with spring colour during this
very popular annual event. Talented gardeners and landscape architects
create delightful patterns by plant-ing a range of thousands and thousands
of flowers. For information, 6205 0044, or visit www.
floriadeaustralia.com October - Octoberfest.
November - Spring Show.
Facilities
Special, clearly marked cycleways have been provided in Canberra to separate
cyclists from other traffic. A map of the metropolitan cycle-ways is
available from the Canberra Visitors Centre. Cycles can be hired for
an hour or a day around the lake (see under Local Transport).
Windsurfers, catamarans and other sailing craft can also be hired (Lake
Burley Griffin Boat Hire, Acton, 6249 6861).
Golfers can choose from five courses (including Royal Canberra in Bentham
Street, Yarralumla, 6282 7000), and another in nearby Queanbeyan.
Tennis courts can be hired in almost every suburb. There are also croquet
lawns, squash courts, ten-pin bowling lanes and an ice rink.
The Visitor Information Centre has details of these and other sporting
facilities, 1800 100 660.
Fishing
The streams in the ACT are divided into two categories - Open Fishing Water,
which comprises the Murrumbidgee and Molonglo River below Coppins Crossing;
and Trout Fishing Waters, which comprise all of the other waters in the
ACT and Lakes Burley Griffin and Ginninderra. No licences are required,
and fishing is permitted in open fishing waters all year round. But trout
and bass caught out of season must be returned to the water with the least
possible injury. The bag limit is 10 fish per day. The Open Season for
fishing in trout fishing waters extends from the Saturday nearest October
1 to the Sunday nearest May 31 the following year.
Outlying Attractions Gold Creek Road
The Gold Creek Road, a tranquil rustic setting embracing the historic Ginninderra
Village, is only ten minutes' drive from Canberra City, following the Barton
Highway. There are several interesting places to visit in the area.
Cockington Green, 11 Gold Creek Road, Nicholls, is Canberra's piece of
Great Britain, and has accurate one-twelfth scale model buildings spread
in acres of colourful fairy-tale-like gardens. A high speed train flashes
by a station and across bridges as a nearby crowd watches a village cricket
game. Not far away the people of Braemer Castle are enjoying the morning
sun. Each model is a precise reconstruction, and each flower bed, lawn
and hedge has been carefully manicured by Cockington Green's gardeners.
There's a miniature steamtrain and a playground, both big enough for the
kids, and a licensed restaurant that is adequate for discerning adults.
Other facilities include an outdoor kiosk, gas barbecues and picnic areas.
Open daily, 9.30am-5pm. Admission is adults $12, children $6 and families
$32.
Gems Gallery, is opposite Cockington Green, 6230 2740. The display in this
museum is the largest presentation of Australian opals, and there is also
a priceless collection of Aboriginal artefacts, some pieces being over
70 thousand years old. The cafeteria is open for meals daily, and there
is an opal and souvenir shop. Open daily 9.30am-4.30pm.
Gold Creek Cultural Centre, O'Hanlon Place, has locally made crafts, Australian
souvenirs, hand painted clothing, unique garden pots and other accessories
from a variety of shops. hOpen daily 10am-5pm, 6241 8811. Nearby is the
Ginninderra Gallery, with paintings, pottery, wood-turnings, glassware
and leather works, all with an Australian theme. Open daily 10am-5pm, 6230
2922.
National Dinosaur Museum, on the corner of the Barton Highway, Gungahlin,
6230 2655. The museum houses more than 300 exhibits, including full-scale
skeletal replicas and astonishing prehistoric facts. It is open daily 10am-5pm
and admission is $10 adults, $6 children and $25 for families.
George Harcourt Inn is an 'old English' pub, where you can dine outdoors,
or in winter, inside before the open log fire. Open daily from 11am for
lunch, and closes at midnight Thu-Sat, an hour earlier during the rest
of the week. For further information, 6230 2484.
Canberra Walk-in Aviary, Federation Square, Gungahlin, 6230 2044. Hundreds
of bird finches can be viewed in this unique environment, open daily 10am-4pm.
Admission prices are $6 adult, $3 children and $15 for families.
Bywong
Historic Bywong Mining Town is 33km (21 miles) north of Canberra, off the
Federal Highway, Millyn Road, Gearys Gap. It is a gold mining village
with areas classified by the Heritage Council. Guided tours of the village
are available with an interesting commentary on geological and historical
areas, including the open-cut mine shaft mines and batteries. Panning
tools can be hired. There is a kiosk, barbecue and picnic areas. Open
daily 10am-4pm, 6236 9183.
Ginninderra Gorge and Falls
The Falls are in Parkwood Road, the continuation of Southern Cross Drive,
West Belconnen (NSW). There are spectacular views of Ginninderra Gorge
and the Falls, scenic nature trails, canoeing, picnic facilities and
camping. Open daily 10am-5pm.
Cotter Dam
The source of Canberra's original water supply and first major construction
work is located 22km (14 miles) west of the city, on Cotter Road. It
is a very popular spot for picnics, camping and swimming in the river.
There are playgrounds, a kiosk, shop, and licensed restaurant. Open daily.
Tidbinbilla Space Centre
Situated 40km (25 miles) south of Canberra, off Paddys River Road, still
in the ACT, the space tracking station is one of three such facilities
located around the world to provide complete 24-hour tracking coverage.
The other two are in the United States and Spain. Open 9am-5pm, 6201
7838.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
The Reserve is a wilderness area with marked trails and free-range wildlife
enclosures, containing red and grey kangaroos, wallaroos, emus and water
birds, and the occasional koala. The walking trails in the area are graded
from easy to difficult, and you can walk 70m or 7km. The Reserve is off
Paddys River Road and opens every day, except Christmas Day and days
of total fire ban. At the Visitor Information Centre there are displays,
audio visual presentations, literature and helpful staff who will answer
your enquiries, 6205 1233. The Reserve is open 9am-6pm daily, with extended
hours in season, and are charged at $9 per day for entry.
Corin Forest Recreation Area
& Ski Facility
Corin Forest is off Tidbinbilla Road, Smokers Gap, a 30 to 40 minute drive
from the city. It is home to Australia's longest bobsled/alpine slide (800m
- 875 yds), which winds down through mountain forests, achieving a speed
of up to 75km/h (47mph). During June through September, providing there
is sufficient snow, there is skiing, ski hire and ski school, and snow
tobogganing. Open every weekend 10am-5pm, and all school and public holidays.
There is also a licensed restaurant. For further information, 6247 2250.
Lanyon Historic Homestead
In Tharwa Drive, off Monaro Highway, Tharwa, the Homestead is classified
by the National Trust, and is set in landscaped gardens and parklands
on the banks of Murrumbidgee River. In the early days it assumed the
proportions of a self-contained village. There is a coffee shop, gift
shop, and the Sidney Nolan Art Gallery is close by. Open Tues-Sun 10am-4pm,
with 1 hour tours available, 6237 5136. $6 adults, $3 children and $14
families.
Cuppacumbalong Craft Centre
Another historic property in Naas Road, Tharwa, featuring three cottages,
nine out-buildings and a private cemetery. There are craft galleries,
studios, a restaurant, and picnic and barbecue areas near the river.
Open Wed-Sun and public holidays 11am-5pm, 6236 5116.
Queanbeyan
Although Queanbeyan is in New South Wales, it is virtually a suburb of
Canberra, with a population of around 25,700. The town has plenty of
accommodation, and generally the prices are lower than in Canberra. Many
people find it worthwhile to stay in Queanbeyan, and drive the 12km (7
miles) into the city to commence their sightseeing. The Queanbeyan Visitor
Information Centre, 1 Farrer Place (cnr Lowe Street), (02) 6298 0241
or 1800 026 192, is open Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm, Sat 9am-1.00pm. The office
has details of all accommodation, and also of tourist drives they have
mapped for you to visit the interesting sights. You can email them at
tourist@qcc. nsw.gov.au, or go to the web page at www.queanbeyan.nsw.gov.au
In Farrer Place there is a memorial commemorating the valuable work carried
by the Father of the Wheat Industry, William James Farrer, and also the
Queanbeyan & District Historic Museum. The museum is housed in the
former police sergeant's residence, built in 1877, and has relics of early
local families and items from pioneering days. There are also two rooms
furnished in the style of the late 1890s. It is open Sat-Sun 2-4pm, 6297
1978.
The Millhouse Gallery, 6 Trinculo Place, was built in 1883 and restored
and reopened in 1983. It is a unique building with rooms housing rare books,
antique furniture and arts and crafts. The Gallery is open Wed-Sun 10am-2pm,
6297 8181.
Lookouts in the area include Bungendore Hill, 4km east of the city, and
Jerrabomberra, 5km west.
Googong Dam was built south of the town to supply water to Queanbeyan,
and to supplement supplies to Canberra. The area is open 8am-5pm and it
is a good idea to drop into the Visitor Centre by the entrance for maps
and recreational ideas, 6207 2779. Activities include canoeing, sailing,
fishing and walking. Points of interest include London Bridge Homestead,
a woolshed and shearer's quarters. The turnoff to the dam is about 10km
along the Cooma Road.
