Canberra Region Visitors Guide 2014 by VisitCanberra

Capital Region 2014 Visitor Guide

Contents ARTS & CULTURE Discover our story

FOOD 2–5

FAMILY FUN Fun for kids (and big ones too)

14–17

18–21

22–23

Hot spots for a fun night out

An eventful capital

52–57

What you should know

58–60

CONTACTS 36–37

The fine print

MAPS 38–41

Drive map

62–63

Central business district

64–65

SHOPPING Make time for retail therapy

26–27

From the alps to the sea and in between 48–50

CONTENTS

24–25

INDIGENOUS Discover our ancient past

32–35

EVENTS

SPORT A sport lover’s delight

Sample the fruits of their labour

A bed for the night

FAST FACTS

NIGHTLIFE

HIDDEN CANBERRA Canberra’s hidden secrets

28–31

WINE

OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE Choose your own adventure

Get a taste of Canberra

ACCOMMODATION

42–44

REGION

1300 554 114

Discover our story

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA LAWSON CRESCENT, ACTON PENINSULA

Unearth the treasures of a nation at our national attractions. From our ancient Indigenous past and colourful colonial history, to the modern multicultural country of today, our nation’s capital holds and shares the essence of Australia.

Discover the place where our stories live. The Museum explores Australian history and culture – Indigenous history, landscape, people, and the journeys that connect Australia with the world. See the nation’s most popular and important objects – from Phar Lap’s heart and the Holden Prototype No.1 to bark paintings and ochre used by Aboriginal artists more than 50,000 years ago in the Gallery of First Australians. There are plenty of hands on experiences for the young and young at heart: create a 3D space age city in Kspace, step aboard one of the world’s oldest paddle steamers or record your own story and join the conversation about Australia’s past, present and future. A guided tour is a great way to fully appreciate the stories the Museum holds as the tour guides bring the objects to life (fees apply). Free general admission.

AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL TRELOAR CRESCENT, CAMPBELL

ARTS & CULTURE 1. Roll of Honour, Australian War Memorial

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NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA PARKES PLACE, PARKES

Visit the home of Australia’s National Art Collection which has more than 165,000 works and includes Australia’s largest collection of Indigenous Australian artwork. A great selection of the collection is on display. Famous artworks include Jackson Pollock’s Blue poles, Monet’s Nympheas (Waterlillies) and Sidney Nolan’s Ned Kelly series. Wander through worldclass exhibitions and the impressive Sculpture Garden with its drifting Fog sculpture. While outdoors take the time to enter American artist James Turrell’s impressive Within without Skyspace — best viewed at dawn or dusk. A changing line up of permanent and international exhibitions, as well as public programs and events, continues throughout the year. Free general admission.

PARLIAMENT HOUSE CAPITAL HILL, CANBERRA

One of the world’s most architecturally acclaimed buildings features an 81-metre flagpole with an Australian flag bigger than the size of a double-decker bus. Take a lift up to the roof of the building for panoramic views of Canberra. Throughout the year, tours of the beautifully landscaped gardens are offered while year-round you can enjoy the renowned collection of Australian contemporary art. You can see your elected parliamentarians in action at Question Time from 2pm on sitting days (bookings required), or take a free guided tour, held regularly throughout the day, for a fascinating insight into happenings inside Australia’s most famous house. Free general admission.

MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRACY AT OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE KING GEORGE TERRACE, PARKES

Decades of politics and passion echo through the corridors of Old Parliament House, one of Australia’s most iconic and significant buildings. Experience, celebrate and be inspired by the spirit of democracy through collections, events, exhibitions and special programs. See personal mementos and defining moments of each of the Prime Ministers of Australia, take free guided tours or take on Cabinet-inConfidence and sit at the actual Cabinet Table used by governments from 1973 to 1988. With authentic film footage and a round table discussion, relive historical issues and decisions faced by Cabinet Ministers. Would you have made the same decision? Admission charge.

1. National Museum of Australia | 2. Blue poles (detail), number 11, 1952, Jackson Pollock, National Gallery of Australia

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ARTS & CULTURE

Visit one of the world’s great museums with your family and friends for a moving and unforgettable experience. Discover the diverse Australian experiences of war and reflect on their enduring impact. Connect with the stories of people and events that have shaped our nation. See some of the world’s most significant military relics, such as the Lancaster bomber G for George, and experience Over the front: the great war in the air, a film by renowned director Sir Peter Jackson.

Learn more about Australia’s involvement in Afghanistan as told through the eyes and words of Australian servicemen and women and their families. Place a poppy on the Roll of Honour to remember the ultimate sacrifice made by Australian servicemen and women and stay for the moving Last Post ceremony. There is no place like the Australian War Memorial. Free admission.

‘ Exploring some of the capital’s gems, places with deep national significance, and some that were just plain fun, was an all-round positive, double thumbs-up experience.’ Ben Alcock, @DisarmDoors

ROYAL AUSTRALIAN MINT DENISON STREE T, DEAKIN

NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF AUSTRALIA

PARKES PLACE, PARKES

QUEEN VICTORIA TERRACE, PARKES

Visit the Treasures Gallery and see beautiful, rare and unexpected gems from the Library’s extraordinary collection. Displays change regularly to ensure there is always something new to discover. Download the Treasures Gallery mobile app or hire an iPod for an audio tour. Throughout the year, there is an engaging and diverse events and exhibitions program as well as free behind-thescenes guided tours. Visitors can access a vast collection of books, serials, manuscripts, photographs, music, oral histories, digital items and more. Browse the bookstore and grab a bite to eat at the bookplate cafe overlooking the lake. Free admission.

Visit the beautiful heritage building that was Canberra’s original General Post Office and discover the secrets and events that helped shape our nation. See Australia’s Constitution, travel down memory lane in Memory of a Nation and learn about the books deemed too racy for Australians in the colourful Banned Books coffee lounge. Research your family history in the Reading Room and see the latest temporary exhibition. The Archives house significant holdings of photographs, maps, films, play scripts, musical scores and sound recordings including Australia’s ‘birth certificate’ — Queen Victoria’s Royal Commission of Assent. Free general admission.

CANBERRA GLASSWORKS WENT WORTH AVENUE, KINGSTON

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY KING EDWARD TERRACE, PARKES

Come face to face with the famous, the infamous and the sometimes forgotten icons of Australian history, from the distant past to the absolute present. Bushrangers and judges sit side by side, while prime ministers mingle with pop stars. The Gallery spaces host vibrant exhibitions, lectures, education programs and events and offers interactive Portrait Story tours. Free general admission.

1. Royal Australian Mint | 2. Treasures Gallery, National Library of Australia | 3. Faces of Australia, National Archives of Australia | 4. 360 Swing, Questacon — The National Science and Technology Centre | 5. National Portrait Gallery

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Australia’s only cultural centre wholly dedicated to contemporary glass art welcomes visitors Wednesday through Sunday. The Glassworks is housed in the old Kingston Powerhouse, one of Canberra’s first buildings. Meet artists, see glassmaking as it happens on the hot shop floor, view exhibitions, take a tour and have a hands on experience working with glass. Afterwards, grab a burger, coffee or cake from the popular Brodburger cafe. Entry by donation.

QUESTACON — THE NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CENTRE KING EDWARD TERRACE, PARKES

Free fall six metres down a vertical slide, swing 360 degrees using your own momentum or be shaken by an earthquake. Uncover the mysteries of

Across the city you’ll find pockets of artistic gems. The Canberra Museum and Gallery showcases Canberra’s rich and diverse social history and visual arts while Craft ACT’s galleries feature contemporary craft and designs. The capital has a thriving arts scene with many local galleries including the Canberra Contemporary Art Space, ANCA Galleries, M16 Art Space, Beaver Galleries, the ANU School of Art programs and numerous other commercial galleries offering local and international art for sale. To discover more about Canberra’s public art installations you can download the CITYART App from the App Store.

science in eight themed galleries. Explore how water shapes our world and how we use this precious resource in H2O Soak up the Science. Discover the fascination of scientific inquiry and watch live science demonstrations with Questacon’s science communicators and visiting scientists. Admission charge.

NATIONAL FILM AND SOUND ARCHIVE

HIGH COURT OF AUSTRALIA PARKES PLACE, PARKES

See Australia’s highest court of appeal in a striking building that features a sevenstorey high public hall. When the court is in session, visitors can observe from the public gallery if seating is available. Guides are on hand to give tailored tours explaining court procedures, the building’s architecture and special design features. The Great Hall often features exhibitions and performances. Free admission.

McCOY CIRCUIT, ACTON

Discover Australia in film, music, TV, costumes and more at Australia’s living archive. See your favourite Aussie films, giggle at cheesy TV commercials, reminisce about how we listened to music before iPods, remember the heroes of Australian TV dramas and use the purpose-built light and sound sculpture Fractured Heart to remix Gotye’s smash hits Somebody that I used to know and State of the art! Watch Australian and world cinema in the state-of-the-art Arc Cinema (charges apply) and enjoy a coffee or cool drink and light refreshment as you relax in the beautiful art deco courtyard. Free general admission.

GET YOUR CANBERRA APP ARTS & CULTURE

ARTS & CULTURE

NATIONAL LIBRARY OF AUSTRALIA

Gaze onto the factory floor to see how Australia’s coins are made and one of the world’s strongest robots in action. A theatrette presentation explains the coining process. You can also see early, rare and historically significant coins on show from the National Coin Collection. Visit the Coin Shop to press your own coin and check out the latest collector coin issues which often commemorate important Australian historical events and people. Free admission.

Vibrant art scene

Browse the city’s attractions and look up events using the National Capital Attractions Association’s The Canberra Guide smartphone app and mobile website. Available from thecanberraguide.com.au and your favourite app store.

1. Canberra Glassworks | 2. Beaver Galleries

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Thank you for voting us the best. Best Airline Australia Pacific region World Airline Awards 2013.

nga.gov.au Open daily 10 am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5 pm (closed Christmas day)

Parkes Place, Parkes, Canberra Admission to the permanent collection is free. James Turrell Within without 2010 (interior), National Gallery of Australia, Canberra. Purchased with the support of visitors to the Masterpieces from Paris exhibition 2010. ÂŠ James Turrell. Photograph: John Gollings

Qantas Airways Limited ABN 16 009 661 901.

John Gollings Photography

A place that celebrates our people and culture of storytelling. A journey into Australia’s past told through the people, objects and events that have shaped who we are today. Visit the National Museum of Australia in Canberra or connect with us online today.

nma.gov.au

Free general entry. Open 9 am – 5 pm daily (closed Christmas Day) Acton Peninsula, Canberra. Freecall 1800 026 132 The National Museum of Australia is an Australian Government Agency.

The

National Dinosaur Museum

Where The GianTs Of The PasT COme TO Life ! Australia’s Largest Display Of Dinosaurs Step back in time and experience...

Animatronic dinosaurs which move, roar, bite and even breathe! More than 50 lifelike dinosaur models and dozens of skeleton and skull displays. Huge walk through outdoor dinosaur garden. Canberra’s largest and most comprehensive range of fossils, minerals and amazing crystals. Fun for the whole family Australian dinosaurs, and interactive areas for kids of all ages with many fun activities.

OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE

A FRESH NEW BEGINNING

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Don’t forget your camera!

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New for 2014 - a giant 4m Selected by high, 7.5m long Stegodon cNN travel aS skeleton, an ancestor to oNe of the top the smaller mammoth. 10 diNoSaur Also now on display - a 2m high MuSeuMS iN megalodon shark jaw, the the world - april 2013 largest shark to have lived.

cnr Gold Creek Road & Barton Highway, Nicholls

ph: 02 6230 2655

fax: 02 6230 2357

admin@nationaldinosaurmuseum.com.au

Open Every Day 10am - 5pm Last Admission 4:30pm

www.nationaldinosaurmuseum.com.au

One of Australia’s most loved buildings is changing. Visit Old Parliament House today and you will find that there is always something new to discover.

Be captivated

by intriguing stories and the beautiful architecture of this historic building on one of our free daily guided tours.

Be surprised

by our exciting new events, exhibitions and displays.

moadoph.gov.au | 02 6270 8222 18 King George Terrace, Parkes, Canberra

Be a detective

on a MoADventure trail and have fun with the kids in our interactive family spaces.

Be tempted

by our new menu and enjoy one of the most scenic vistas in the heart of the nation’s capital.

Open daily 9am–5pm (closed Christmas Day) Admission $2 Adult, $1 Child/Concession, $5 Family

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NFSA Title No: 215374

‘And the Gold Logie goes to...’

Tim Rogers 1995 (detail), Montalbetti+Campbell, National Portrait Gallery, Canberra

Monaro (detail), 2001, Steven Holland

CANBERRA GLASSWORKS Fun for everyone — A great day out! Enjoy the exhibitions, browse the shop, see artists working in the Hotshop, try your hand at making your own glass piece, and in the holidays, let the kids join a class. Finish the day with a burger at Brodburger for a great, satisfying and engaging day out for all the family by the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Entry by donation.

CANBERRA MUSEUM AND GALLERY Housing the Canberra Stories Gallery, the Nolan Collection and five gallery spaces featuring changing exhibitions, Canberra Museum and Gallery provides a compelling insight into the visual arts and social history of the Canberra region. Free admission. OPEN

ADDRESS

OPEN

10am–4pm Wednesday–Sunday

PHONE

ADDRESS

11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston

WEB

PHONE WEB

10am–5pm weekdays 12pm–5pm weekends Cnr London Circuit and Civic Square, Canberra city 02 6207 3968 museumsandgalleries.act.gov.au

CSIRO DISCOVERY CSIRO Discovery is a unique science centre showcasing climate, health, water, food, mining, energy and much more. It’s an exciting, interactive and educational experience for people of all ages. OPEN

ADDRESS PHONE WEB

9am–5pm weekdays 7.30am–4pm cafe 11am–3pm weekends and public holidays, exhibition and cafe Clunies Ross Street, Acton 02 6246 4646

NATIONAL FILM AND SOUND ARCHIVE

NATIONAL LIBRARY OF AUSTRALIA

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

Australia’s living archive gives you the chance to explore film and sound clips, costumes, posters and more from your national audiovisual collection. Enjoy the best Australian and world films in Arc Cinema, scintillating talks and fascinating exhibitions. Enjoy a drink or light refreshments in the beautiful courtyard. Free admission, ticket charge applies for Arc Cinema.

Situated beside the lake, the Library offers visitors access to books, magazines, manuscripts, pictures, music, oral histories, digital items and more. It has an engaging events and exhibitions program as well as cafes and spaces to relax. Take a behindthe-scenes tour or find that perfect gift at our bookshop. Free admission.

At the National Portrait Gallery bushrangers and judges sit side by side and prime ministers mingle with pop stars, explorers and sporting legends. The gallery spaces host vibrant exhibitions, lectures, education programs and events. A fabulous cafe and shop soothe appetites and rest weary feet and basement car parking is free! Free general admission.

OPEN

csiro.au/discovery

02 6260 7005

ADDRESS

canberraglassworks.com

PHONE

McCoy Circuit, Acton 02 6248 2000

ADDRESS PHONE WEB

Exhibition galleries 10am–5pm daily closed Good Friday, Christmas Day Parkes Place, Parkes 02 6262 1111 nla.gov.au

OPEN

ADDRESS

10am–5pm daily closed Christmas Day King Edward Terrace, Parkes

PHONE

02 6102 7000

WEB

portrait.gov.au

nfsa.gov.au

NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF AUSTRALIA The National Archives of Australia holds the nation’s memory. Visit our beautiful heritage building and see treasures from Australia’s past with original documents, images and objects in Memory of a Nation. Explore our latest temporary exhibition, or research your family history in the reading room with access to war, immigration and other records. Your story, our history. Free admission. OPEN

ADDRESS PHONE WEB

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9am–5pm daily, closed Good Friday and Christmas Day, Reading room closed public holidays Queen Victoria Terrace, Parkes 02 6212 3600 naa.gov.au

See

where Australia’s coins are made

Make

your own collectible coin

Discover

your National coin collection

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9am–5pm weekdays 10am–5pm weekends and public holidays

OPEN

Visit the Mint

it makes cents

Mon to Fri 8.30 am – 5 pm Sat, Sun and Public Holidays 10 am – 4 pm (closed Christmas Day and Good Friday) Mint Coin Shop and Cafe at the Mint open 7 days Denison Street, Deakin ACT 2600

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www.questacon.edu.au Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre King Edward Terrace, Canberra. Phone 02 6270 2800 Open 9 am – 5 pm every day. Closed 25 December Admission fees apply on light backgrounds

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SEE WHAT IT TAKES TO MAKE A CHAMPION

Come and join us on an AIS tour

Experience living like a champion

Sport is Australia’s passion, so take a behind the scenes tour of the AIS and see where some of the country’s best athletes train and discover where Australia’s sporting champions are created.

The AIS Residences is the place to stay when visiting Canberra and surrounds, providing a unique opportunity to experience how many well known Australian sporting champions live whilst training. Dine alongside athletes and enjoy meals carefully designed by AIS nutritionists. The campus residence offers a range of options to enable groups to be comfortably accommodated.

On the elite athlete guided tour you will gain a unique insight into the lives of Australia’s athletes and because every tour is guided by an athlete, you will have the opportunity to ask plenty of burning questions about sport, the facility and what it takes to become an elite athlete. The tour also includes the opportunity for you to challenge yourself in Sportex, our interactive sports experience. In Sportex you can try wheelchair basketball, virtual rowing, rock climbing, football penalty shoot-outs and more.

/cockingtongreen @cockingtontrain

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Athlete guided tours take 90 minutes and run daily at 10.00am, 11.30am, 1.00pm and 2.30pm. Costs apply.

For further information Tours: (02) 6214 1010 or (02) 6214 1444 Residences: (02) 6214 1388 or (02) 6214 1638 Email: aistours@ausport.gov.au Website: ausport.gov.au/tours

Discover the champion within! The Australian Institute of Sport is a division of the Australian Sports Commission.

CORP 33160

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Fun for kids

(and big ones too)

‘ Canberra is actually teeming with fun, historical, delicious and interesting things to do.’ Jessalyn Pinneo, @Nomad_Student

Deciding what activity to save for next time will be your biggest dilemma when it comes to a family fun adventure in your capital. From toddlers to teenagers, there’s something that will appeal to every kid at Canberra’s attractions. With plenty of free or low admission options, it’s a short break destination that won’t break the bank.

ENGAGE AND STIMULATE YOUNG MINDS • Wrap your mind around some intriguing questions at Questacon — The National Science and Technology Centre. Discover how you measure up in the Measure Island exhibition, one of eight interactive galleries. Questacon has its own style of science theatre which allows you to sit back and watch crashes and explosions as you enjoy the fun and excitement of live science demonstrations. Admission charge.

FAMILY FUN 1. Pod Playground, National Arboretum Canberra

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• Watch actual scientists at work in their laboratories or don a coat to conduct real experiments at CSIRO Discovery, which presents science in a fun, interactive way. You’ll be amazed at how many of the world’s scientific advances like WiFi have come from Australia’s largest science research organisation, CSIRO. Admission charge. • At the Royal Australian Mint you can see one of the world’s strongest robots make the coins you use in everyday life. See fascinating displays including the 1930 penny, rare gold sovereigns and even some forgeries in the museum gallery. Make your very own $1 coin in the Mint shop. Free admission.

• Roar with the dinosaurs at the National Dinosaur Museum in the Gold Creek Village. You’ll find lots of animatronic dinosaurs as well as models and skeletons on display. The team’s passionate dinosaur experts are on hand to answer any questions. Touch a genuine 150 million-year-old dinosaur bone and view and purchase fossils, minerals and crystals. Admission charge. • Bookworms will love the National Library of Australia’s free behindthe-scenes guided tour (check the website for times). Included is a visit to the enormous stacks where books, magazines and newspapers are stored — you might even get to see Charlie the robot in action. Free admission. • Take the family to the house on the hill. Ride Parliament House’s lift to the grassy roof top and marvel at the 81-metre flagpole with its imposing flag larger than the size of a double decker bus positioned over a pyramid skylight. Free general admission. • Check out a performance at the Canberra Theatre Centre or the Street Theatre. There are always plenty of great shows for children during the school holidays. Admission charge.

1. National Dinosaur Museum | 2. Questacon — The National Science and Technology Centre | 3. Australian Institute of Sport | 4. CSIRO Discovery

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FAMILY FUN

• Inspire your little sporting dynamo with an athlete-guided tour of the Australian Institute of Sport and hear about the strenuous training regimes elite athletes undertake to make it in their sport. Test your sporting skills at Sportex, an interactive sports experience that will have you kicking footballs, playing wheelchair basketball and racing a friend in a simulated ski race. Admission charge.

• Space obsessed children will get a kick out of a visit to the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex, part of NASA’s Deep Space Network. Check out a 3.8 billion-year-old piece of moon rock and discover what astronauts eat in space. The centre is one of three in the world that communicates with current space missions via one of the largest communications dishes in the Southern Hemisphere. Free admission.

EXPLORE THE GREAT OUTDOORS • Just 45 minutes from the city centre you can search for a platypus and get a bird’s eye view of the wetlands from Tidbinbilla’s Sanctuary. Play on the Nature Discovery Playground while spotting rock wallabies, kangaroos and emus, then collect wood and roast marshmallows on an open fire. Don’t miss seeing the tiny northern corroboree frogs in the Visitor Centre. Ranger-guided tours are also available. Admission charge. • Tower over tiny versions of famous buildings from around the world and ride the mini steam train at the delightful miniature village of Cockington Green Gardens at Gold Creek Village. Kids can bring the exhibits to life with interacting mechanical animation. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the grounds or a bite to eat from the Parsons Nose Garden Cafe. Admission charge.

1. Kayaking, Lake Burley Griffin | 2. Cockington Green Garden

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• Help your kids understand democracy in the fun interactive family rooms at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Dress up and imagine you’re a Victorian gold miner or step back in time to 500BC and ride in a chariot as part of Hands on Democracy. See how you can make a difference, make something to take home or explore the building together and crack the MoADventure Trail code. Admission charge. • Explore Lake Burley Griffin from the water, by paddleboat, kayak or canoe. Or hire bikes from Mr Spokes Bike Hire at Acton or Row ‘n’ Ride (they deliver to you) for a great way to see some of the top attractions that line the lake’s edge — family and tandem bikes make for extra fun. For something a little different, take your teenagers for a spin on a segway guided tour around Lake Burley Griffin with Seg Glide Ride. Admission charge. • Bring your own mountain bikes and tackle Stromlo Forest Park, which features purpose-built, year round mountain biking trails. Younger riders can ride the leisurely criterium circuit. Bike hire companies can deliver bikes to you. Free admission. • Let the kids burn energy on the play equipment and flying foxes at the Gungahlin and Kambah Adventure Playgrounds or at the skate parks in Gungahlin, Belconnen, Tuggeranong, Woden and the city. The National Arboretum Canberra’s nature themed Pod Playground is popular with kids. Free admission.

• Hand feed fresh fruit to more than 50 bird varieties including colourful finches, cockatiels, parrots and lorikeets at the Canberra Walk-in Aviary. Watch as they fly all around you. Admission charge. • Play ‘eye spy a national icon’ from Telstra Tower’s viewing platforms 195 metres above the summit of Black Mountain. The outdoor platform is a great way to see 360 degree views of the capital. Admission charge. • During summer take the kids for a dip at the Civic Pool in the city, historic Manuka Pool, Dickson Aquatic Centre, Phillip Swimming Centre or the Big Splash Water Park in Belconnen. Admission charge. • Take the family on a trail ride or a beginner horse riding lesson just 10 minutes from the city centre at Forest Park Riding School near Government House in Yarralumla. Both beginners and experienced riders are catered for. Admission charge.

• Draw your own film strip, make a thaumatrope and remix Gotye’s smash hit on Fractured Heart, a cool light and sound sculpture at the National Film and Sound Archive. The iPod generation can have a laugh at audiovisual equipment their parents or grandparents used. The Archive Alive! weekend tours are great for families of all ages and keep an eye out for the family spArc sessions in Arc Cinema (charges apply). Free general admission. • Grab some crayons and paper and take the kids along to the National Portrait Gallery for some inspiration. Book early for special school holiday tours designed just for kids. Free general admission. • Use touch screen computers to design a space age city of the future at Kspace at the National Museum of Australia then watch it come to life in a 3D cinema. Take the family through Circa, a multimedia experience in the revolving theatre that tells Australia’s story. There’s also a trail for kids to follow and plenty of items to captivate them. Free general admission.

• Watch artists glassblowing in the Canberra Glassworks hot shop and then try making your own glass bead or tile (ages 8 and over) at the only contemporary glass centre of its kind in the country. Longer workshops in the school holidays are popular and bookings are essential. Entry by donation. Charges apply for workshops. • Go behind-the-scenes at the National Zoo & Aquarium with a Zooventure or Family Tour. Pat a shark, look a big cat in the eye or hand-feed a giraffe or bear at Australia’s only combined zoo and aquarium. Kids over the age of 12 can take the Meet-a-Cheetah tour and play ball with a cheetah. Admission charge. • Stimulate your budding Sidney Nolan or Jackson Pollock with a trip to the National Gallery of Australia and its regularly updated Family Activity Room during blockbuster exhibitions. The Children’s Gallery encourages kids to be stimulated by art. Have fun outdoors in the Sculpture Garden and roam around the sculptures and count heads behind the fog! Free general admission.

• Dodge sniper fire in a First World War trench, climb into a Vietnam War era helicopter and Cold War submarine and learn about peacekeeping at the Australian War Memorial’s Discovery Zone. Reflect with your family while viewing the Roll of Honour of those killed during conflicts. During school holidays participate in a trolley talk, where kids can handle real objects, dress up in nurse and soldier uniforms and hear incredible stories. Free admission.

Grab a 3 in Fun ticket It’s the most affordable way to see some of Canberra’s best family attractions. Ticket includes entry to Questacon — The National Science and Technology Centre, Cockington Green Gardens and the Australian Institute of Sport. Receive a 10 per cent discount plus a free pass to go back to your favourite 3 in Fun attraction! Tickets are available online at visitcanberra.com.au, from the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre and at participating attractions.

1. Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House | 2. National Museum of Australia | 3. National Zoo & Aquarium

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FAMILY FUN

• At the Australian National Botanic Gardens spot native birds, get lost in the cool tropical rainforest and follow the Who lives here children’s discovery walk to see animal habitats, cool camouflage and food chains. Pack a picnic and watch water dragons sunbake by the waterfall or grab a bite to eat at the cafe while the kids play on the grass. Free general admission.

TOUCH, ACT, MAKE, PLAY

Choose your own adventure Whether it’s exploring our clean, green and wide open spaces or getting the heart pumping with more active endeavours, you’ve come to the right place. Our landscaped capital is designed to transform with the four distinct seasons and offers parks, gardens and natural expanses perfect for relaxing or exploring your adventurous side.

‘ What appeals most to me about Canberra is that planned aspect of the capital, which puts bushland and natural open spaces literally at your doorstep. You can walk a kilometre from the city and see kangaroos.’ Michael Milton, Paralympian and Big Foot Adventures owner

TIDBINBILLA VISITOR CENTRE, PADDYS RIVER ROAD, TIDBINBILLA

Forty-five minutes’ drive from the city, Tidbinbilla offers outstanding wildlife and natural experiences set within a beautiful valley framed by rocky-topped mountains. The 14 diverse habitats are protected and include wetlands, grasslands, wet and dry forests and woodlands. The Sanctuary at Tidbinbilla offers fabulous naturebased experiences such as searching for platypus, observing bird life and getting up close to reptiles. See the live animal displays at the Visitor Centre, and spot wildlife including koalas, emus, kangaroos, wombats, wallaroos and possums. Each Wednesday to Sunday you can grab a bite to eat from Cafe Tidbinbilla at the Visitor Centre. For a behind-the-scenes wildlife experience join a guide on a spotlight tour to discover the hidden secrets of Tidbinbilla at night. The tour is run in partnership between Tidbinbilla and Conservation Volunteers Australia. Bookings are essential.

OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE 1. Australian National Botanic Gardens

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FOREST DRIVE, OFF TUGGERANONG PARKWAY, WESTON CREEK

Take a self-guided walking tour of the National Arboretum Canberra to learn about the 94 forests of rare, endangered and symbolic trees from Australia and around the world. When fully planted, there will be 100 forests and 100 gardens. Set on 250 hectares of parkland just 6km from the city centre, the Arboretum has spectacular views of the city, Lake Burley Griffin and surrounding forests. There are more than 48,000 trees including the largest cultivated collection of living Wollemi pines in the world. Hire a sound pen and grab a map from the Village Shop – walks range from 20 minutes to an hour. Learn more about the Arboretum’s role in building up seed banks for the future, enjoy a bite to eat at the cafe with fabulous views of the city and let the kids loose to climb and play on the Pod Playground. Free general admission.

STROMLO FOREST PARK Stromlo Forest Park to the west of the city is one of Australia’s best mountain bike venues and the site of many world championships. For more cycling ideas see page 25.

NAMADGI NATIONAL PARK VISITOR CENTRE, NA AS ROAD, THARWA

Venture into Namadgi at the northern end of the Australian Alps, 45 minutes’ drive from the city. Take a picnic or bushwalk on the numerous marked trails, and experience native flora and fauna like kangaroos in their natural setting abound. Enjoy spectacular wildflowers in spring. The Indigenous rock art and Aboriginal shelters are easily accessible. Camping is available in pleasant bushland settings with fishing and horseriding permitted in designated areas. Take a ranger-guided walk or escape into the rugged Bimberi Wilderness. Free admission.

1. Corroboree frog, Tidbinbilla | 2. Wide brown land, (detail), 2010, Marcus Tatton, Futago and Chris Viney, National Arboretum Canberra | 3. Stromlo Forest Park

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OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE

Want to stay in Tidbinbilla? The historic Nil Desperandum homestead is also open to overnight visitors and can cater for groups of up to six. Close to Tidbinbilla is Birrigai, a residential and outdoor environmental education centre that offers low cost accommodation on weekends and school holidays. Admission charge.

NATIONAL ARBORETUM CANBERRA

ZOO ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS Fancy waking up with a lion or bear just metres from your bed with just a glass panel between you? It’s possible at the National Zoo & Aquarium with luxury accommodation on offer from early 2014 combined with opportunities to interact closely with the animals. Alternately, take a tour that allows you to pat a cheetah, hand-feed a bear or pat sharks. Charges apply.

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS

COMMONWEALTH AND RECONCILIATION PLACES

CLUNIES ROSS STREE T, ACTON

PARKES

Picnic on the manicured lawns while watching native birds and water dragons at play or take a stroll through the rainforest gully. Set on 40 hectares, the gardens feature 6,300 species which equates to over a third of all plant species found in Australia. You can walk among more than 70,000 native plants and see many endangered species, including the rare Wollemi Pine. Be transported to the outback with the new Red Centre Garden which features plants and landscapes from the dry Central Australian region. The cafe is a great spot to recharge with a bite to eat. Free general admission.

On the Parliament House side of the lake, giant waves of grass between the High Court of Australia and National Library of Australia shelter the modern Waters Edge Restaurant as well as a contemporary exhibition space, the Gallery of Australian Design (open Wednesday to Saturday). Enjoy a coffee or ice cream at the casual lakeside Biscotti Cafe. Nearby is Reconciliation Place featuring several contemporary sculptures. Kids love the echo of the ‘tunnel’ between the waves of grass as they cycle or rollerblade down it.

GREAT CITY VIEWS COMMONWEALTH PARK Take a walk or have a picnic on the lawns in this beautifully landscaped park in the city centre where you’ll find interesting sculptures, hidden walks and tranquil ponds. In spring, Commonwealth Park welcomes Floriade, Australia’s largest spring festival. The park also hosts many colourful outdoor concerts and events throughout the year. Grab a coffee at the Deck Cafe at Regatta Point, which adjoins the National Capital Exhibition, and enjoy the views of Lake Burley Griffin including the Captain Cook Memorial Jet daily between 2pm and 4pm.

1. Commonwealth Park | 2. Hot air ballooning | 3. Segway tour, Lake Burley Griffin

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Explore Canberra’s major landmarks from land or water. The central basin of picturesque Lake Burley Griffin is a hub of activity, especially in the warmer months. Get active with rowing, sailing, kayaking, canoeing and paddle-boating. A fun way to get around the lake is on a guided segway tour with SegGlideRide located near the International Flag Display on the southside of the lake. You can hire sailing boats from the Canberra Yacht

Club or paddleboats, kayaks, surf skis and canoes from Lake Burley Griffin Boat Hire or Row ‘n’ Ride. Hop on a Canberra Lake Cruise, departing daily at regular intervals, and take in some major attractions and beautiful parks. For something more intimate, book a cruise with Lake Burley Griffin Cruises and learn about the lake and the history of the area as you relax on the EL Cygnet.

basin. Following the paths, including the RG Menzies Walk and the Australian of the Year Walk, between Commonwealth Avenue and Kings Avenue Bridges, you’ll pass many major attractions along the way plus a coffee stop or two. You may even hear the sounds from the National Carillon bell tower on a weekend.

Spend an hour doing the ‘bridge to bridge’ walk around Lake Burley Griffin’s inner

CENTENARY TRAIL Walkers, cyclists and nature lovers can experience the best of Canberra’s urban and natural enviro nments on the Centenary Trail, a legacy of Canberra’s 100th birthday celebrations. The 145-kilometre self-guided trail loops around the ACT, is family friendly and can be experienced in sections. For those keen to tackle the whole trail, it will take about seven days averaging 20 kilometres per day. Find out more on tams.act.gov.au

HOT AIR BALLOONING There’s no better way to fully appreciate the capital’s charm than from the air in a hot air balloon as the early morning sun fills the valley and lakes with soft morning light. Balloon Aloft and Dawn Drifters will have you drifting peacefully over the city — one of the only places in the world where you can get the chance to fly directly over a Parliament House. Watch the spectacle of the annual mass lift off of hot air balloons at the Canberra Balloon Spectacular in March.

BALLOON ALOFT Take off at dawn and witness the sunrise as you float gently over our magnificent national capital. Balloon Aloft offers daily flights followed by a traditional champagne celebration at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra. Balloon Aloft has been flying over Canberra since 1986 and is the winner of eleven regional and national tourism awards. Your flight will last about an hour, but your memories will last a lifetime. OPEN ADDRESS

PHONE WEB

NATIONAL ARBORETUM CANBERRA It’s home to more than 48,000 trees from Australia and the world, growing on 250 hectares of rolling hills, close to Canberra city. The many highlights include an architect-designed main building with cafe, gift shop, panoramic views and the National Bonsai Collection. Explore the forests and picnic spots, outdoor sculptures and the unique Pod Playground. OPEN

Daily sunrise flights Meeting at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra 02 6285 1540 canberraballoons.com.au

ADDRESS PHONE WEB

Village Centre 9am–4pm daily closed Christmas Day Arboretum 7am–5:30pm daily (non-daylight savings time), 6am–8.30pm (daylight savings time)

CANBERRA TRACKS Canberra isn’t all new and planned. The region has a long and diverse heritage prior to its development as Canberra. Canberra Tracks are six self-drive themed heritage tracks that help you appreciate your nation’s capital. Interpretive signs on each route bring Canberra’s heritage to life. Track 1: Track 2: Track 3: Track 4: Track 5: Track 6:

Forest Drive, Weston Creek 13 22 81 nationalarboretum.act.gov.au

PHONE WEB

Ngunnawal Country The Limestone Plains Looking at Canberra ACT Pioneers Cemetery Gungahlin Heritage Track Belconnen Heritage Track 02 6205 0255 canberratracks.act.gov.au

1. National Zoo & Aquarium

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OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE

PARKES WAY, CIT Y

View the layout of Canberra from up high and take in many of the attractions and mountain ranges surrounding the city. The National Arboretum Canberra offers great views across Lake Burley Griffin and west towards Mount Stromlo. At Red Hill, look out over many of our national icons south of the city centre. In autumn, the brilliant reds and oranges of the deciduous trees in the suburbs below are stunning. Only minutes from the CBD, drive, cycle, walk or even run up Mount Ainslie to get a magnificent perspective of how architect Walter Burley Griffin’s plan for Canberra has come to life through its buildings and monuments. Follow one of the walking tracks on Black Mountain for picture perfect views or head up to the 195-metre Telstra Tower for spectacular 360 degree views. Admission charge.

LAKE ACTIVITIES

Canberra’s hidden secrets There’s more to Canberra than meets the eye. Canberra tour guide and local identity Tim the Yowie Man uncovers some gems that you may not know about that are accessible for visitors.

LAND OF THE GIANTS High in the Brindabella Ranges that hold up Canberra’s western horizon is Bendora Arboretum, a secret treasure trove of exotic trees. Dozens of species of trees were planted mid last century in order to discover which were best suited for timber production in Australia. The most eye-catching of these plantings is the big cone pine (Pinus coulteri) which produces the biggest (and heaviest) pine cones in the world. You can often find them on the ground, but be careful; these monster cones can grow as big as footballs and are fortified with sharp talons on the end of each scale. A visit to this special forest is a delight at any time of year. In summer it often feels a few degrees cooler, in autumn the larches turn a brilliant yellow and in winter occasional snow falls transform the hillside into a winter wonderland. Check it out: Bendora Arboretum is about a 60-minute drive (partly on a gravel road) from the city. Access is by a 1.5-kilometre walk along Chalet Road from a locked gate near its junction with Mount Franklin Road. Allow an hour or so to stroll among the towering pines and other exotic species. Free admission.

GRAVE WITH A VIEW

HIDDEN CANBERRA 1. Bushwalking, Gibraltar Rocks, Tidbinbilla

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Check it out: The grave is located along General Bridges Drive, Duntroon, just before the Mt Pleasant summit, also a great spot to soak up the views of Lake Burley Griffin, about a 10-minute drive from the city. Free admission.

A HOTSPOT FOR TWITCHERS The nation’s capital has a reputation as a spy hotspot. But not all espionage activity concerns matters of national security. At Jerrabomberra Wetlands you can spy on birdlife from five purpose-built timber bird hides which allow you to get up close to the birds without scaring them away. Wedged at the eastern end of Lake Burley Griffin between Kingston and Fyshwick, the wetlands, once part of an ancient floodplain, cover more than 200 hectares and are now of international significance. In the hides are posters of most of the 170 species of birds that have been recorded here, including some migratory species which fly from as far away as Japan and China. You might even spot a platypus too. Check it out: The main wetlands car park is on Dairy Flat Road, Fyshwick, a 10-minute drive from the city. The wetlands can also be accessed from the Lake Burley Griffin bike track circuit. The birds are most active around dawn and dusk. Free admission.

BOMB SHELTER Travel back to wartime Canberra and snoop around an historic air raid shelter. When Australia came under threat during the Second World War, Gallipoli veteran Harry Calthorpe was taking no risks. He not only installed blackout blinds and taped the windows of his Canberra home (to minimise injury from splintered glass), he also built a bomb shelter in his backyard. The shelter was recently restored and can be viewed when visiting Calthorpes’ House which is a now a museum showcasing life in Canberra in the early 1900s. Check it out: Calthorpes’ House, 24 Mugga Way, Red Hill. Open weekends 1pm–4pm. Admission charge.

Keen to explore more? Discover more about the city’s heritage through Canberra Tracks self-drive routes. There are six tracks: Ngunnawal Country, the Limestone Plains, Looking at Canberra, Cemeteries, Gungahlin and Belconnen. Go to canberratracks.act.gov.au or pick up a brochure at the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre at 330 Northbourne Avenue.

1. Bushwalking, Xanthorrhoea Loop, Tidbinbilla | 2. Calthorpes’ House

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HIDDEN CANBERRA

Near the top of Mt Pleasant is the final resting place of Major-General Sir William Throsby Bridges, the first Commandant of the Royal Military College, Duntroon. Bridges was killed at Gallipoli in 1915 and is the only Australian soldier from the First World War to have his identified body (the remains of an unknown Australian soldier are entombed at the Australian War Memorial) repatriated and buried on

Australian soil. Bridge’s grandiose grave was designed by Walter Burley Griffin (who co-designed Canberra with his wife Marion Mahony Griffin) and adjacent to the grave are two Aleppo pines, progeny of the famous Lone Pine from Gallipoli.

A sport lover’s delight

SEE AUSTRALIA’S BEST A visit to Canberra is incomplete without a tour of the Australian Institute of Sport in the northern suburb of Bruce. See some of the nation’s best athletes in action on an inspiring 90-minute behind-the-scenes tour with an elite athlete. You’ll gain an insight into life at the institute as these athletes pursue sporting glory.

Watch the action from the sideline or join in a diverse offering of sporting activities and events in the capital. See elite athletes in action while watching many national sporting championships hosted across the city at first-class sporting venues.

Test your own skills in cricket, rowing, skiing, soccer and more in the fun interactive Sportex exhibition, a popular attraction for all ages. Admission charge.

GET ON YOUR BIKE An extensive network of cycle paths and mountain bike tracks make the capital popular with both recreational and professional cyclists. Even the main roads in Canberra have dedicated green bike lanes.

SPORT

GET ACTIVE Canberra has one of the highest sporting participaton levels in the nation. Golf lovers have a number of options including first-class golf courses, driving ranges and pitch and putt. The courses offer beautiful views of the surrounding bushland, challenging play and competitive rates. Find a course at bestgreens.com.au Want to try something more active? There’s plenty of adventure sports to get your adrenaline pumping, including paragliding, sky diving, abseiling, climbing, caving, canyoning and go-karting. Enquire at the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre. Discover the 22 kilometres of equestrian trails surrounding the city on horseback, with riding instruction and trail rides available just 10 minutes from the city centre. Take a trail ride that ambles through bushland and across a breathtaking grazing property and experience the thrill of a sheep muster with Burnelee Excursions on Horseback, part of the Poacher’s Way.

The city’s impressive sporting grounds and venues offer ample opportunities to cheer on your team. Australian Football League: It’s a sea of orange when the GIANTS play at StarTrack Oval in Manuka as part of the 2014 AFL season. Rugby League and Union: Canberra Stadium is the home ground for the Brumbies Rugby Union team (February– May) and the Canberra Raiders Rugby League team (March–August). Cricket: Manuka Oval hosts the Prime Minister’s XI (14 January). Basketball: Cheer on the seven-time WNBL champions, the Canberra Capitals at the AIS Arena (October–March). Baseball: See the Canberra Cavalry, the current Australian Baseball League champions, in action at the Narrabundah Ballpark (October–January). Horse racing: Thoroughbred Park major race days include the Black Opal Stakes & ACTTAB Canberra Cup Race Day (9 March) and the Melbourne Cup Day (4 November).

1. Canberra Raiders, Canberra Stadium | 2. Super Rugby Brumbies, Canberra Stadium | 3. GIANTS, StarTrack Oval Manuka | 4. Canberra Capitals, AIS Arena

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SPORT

Stromlo Forest Park is Canberra’s ultimate destination for mountain bike lovers, offering a variety of tracks from easy to advanced (double black diamond) standard. There’s even a 2km test track called the Playground where you can

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This world-class multi-use sporting facility, home to the Australian Mountain Bike Championships in March, is available to both recreational and professional users and includes a purpose-built pavilion, criterium cycling circuit (ideal for taking the kids on a leisurely ride), grass cross country running track as well as mountain bike tracks. Find out what events are taking place at stromloforestpark.com.au. Free general admission.

WATCH THE ACTION

Hiring a bike is a great way to see the nation’s attractions. Companies like Capital Bike Hire offer guided mountain bike tours and supply all equipment. Row ‘n’ Ride Bike Hire delivers a variety of bikes to your hotel or designated location while Mr Spokes Bike Hire at Acton along the lake foreshore also hires out standard, tandem and family bikes. Canberra’s inspirational six-time paralympian Michael Milton offers night rides around Lake Burley Griffin plus other options through his fully equipped Big Foot Adventures company.

1. Australian Institute of Sport

test your MTB skills before embarking on the mountain.

Discover our ancient past

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA LAWSON CRESCENT, ACTON PENINSULA

For thousands of years before European settlement, the Ngunnawal people lived in the Canberra region and often met with other language groups to participate in special ceremonies and to feast on bogong moths which migrated through the area. Canberra’s name is thought to mean meeting place, derived from the Aborginal word Kamberra.

NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA

TIDBINBILLA AND NAMADGI NATIONAL PARK

PARKES PLACE, PARKES

TIDBINBILLA VISITOR CENTRE, PADDYS RIVER ROAD, TIDBINBILLA

Marvel at works from the largest collection of Australian Indigenous art in the world. See one of the most significant works in the national collection in a circular, light-filled space: The Aboriginal Memorial 1987–88 of 200 hollow-log coffins from Arnhem Land. Afterwards, wander the 11 specially designed Indigenous art galleries that showcase the great diversity, richness and complexity of Australian Indigenous art. You’ll see rare 19th century objects and early bark paintings, Albert Namatjira’s delicate watercolours, early Papunya dot paintings from the 1970s, bold ochred paintings from the Kimberley and contemporary politically charged works by urban artists in the 21st century.

INDIGENOUS 1. Ramingining Artists, The Aboriginal Memorial 1987-88, (detail), National Gallery of Australia, purchased with the assistance of funds from National Gallery admission changes and commissioned in 1987.

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An Aboriginal rock art site can be found on the Yankee Hat Walking Track in Namadgi National Park on the northern edge of the Australian Alps. You can also take a twoday hike to see arrangements of stones believed to be part of the ceremonial life of the local Aboriginal people at Mount Namadgi and traces of the previous inhabitants in the form of boulder shelters, camps and tool making sites along the Birrigai Time Trail at Tidbinbilla. To fully experience the Indigenous past in this area, make sure you join an Aboriginal ranger guided activity at Tidbinbilla. Admission charge (Tidbinbilla).

The gallery takes an honest look at Indigenous culture before and after European settlement and houses the largest collection of bark paintings in the world. Outside, follow the giant orange Uluru line that heads to the spiritual heart of Australia and keep an eye out for the bogong moth sculptures. Free general admission.

NGUNNAWAL COUNTRY Pick up a Ngunnawal Country Canberra Tracks self-drive brochure from the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre and discover the rich Aboriginal history of the Canberra region, where the Ngunnawal people have lived for at least 20,000 years.

INDIGENOUS

Each gallery displays specific types of Indigenous art including small early dot paintings, large dot paintings, bark paintings, watercolours, textiles, prints, ceramics and sculptures. The Gallery’s collection spans generations and with 7500 works is representative of the arts of Indigenous groups from all over Australia. Free general admission.

NAMADGI VISITOR CENTRE, NA AS ROAD, THARWA

The diversity of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders is shared in the Museum’s Gallery of First Australians. Visitors are welcomed with a simulated interactive smoking ceremony complete with contemporary Indigenous dancers and music. Marvel at handcrafted baskets and possum skin cloaks, bark paintings, thousands of early stone tools and a collection of glass spearheads from the Kimberleys. See masks and head dresses from the Torres Strait Islander display and try out a traditional grinding stone.

1. First Australians gallery, National Museum of Australia | 2. Dingoes, 1989, Lin Onus, National Gallery of Australia | 3. Rock art, Namadgi National Park

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Get a taste of Canberra There’s a lot to love about Canberra’s food scene. Bistro-style cafes and quality quick eats blend perfectly with stylish restaurants and sleek high-end dining experiences.

THE INNER SOUTH Kingston, Manuka and nearby suburbs in the inner south have many fantastic cafes, restaurants and bakeries. Choose from modern Australian, Vietnamese, Indian, Turkish, Spanish, Malaysian, Thai, Chinese and Italian cuisine. In Kingston, try swanky Ox Eatery with its fabulous rotisserie, or Wild Duck in the burgeoning Kingston Foreshore precinct. Visit a Canberra favourite, Brodburger at Canberra Glassworks, for mouthwatering burgers and service with a smile. A new addition to the foreshore, C Dine Bar places a strong emphasis on local seasonal produce, exceptional prime cuts and perfectly prepared seafood. Lonsdale Street Roasters, La Rustica, Mork’s and Max Brenner are also joining the new precinct. In Manuka, Mecca Bah serves Middle Eastern dishes in stylish surrounds, while Abell’s Kopi Tiam offers home-style Malaysian food. Grab a bite to eat at Urban Pantry or enjoy an upmarket take on pub grub at Public. For fine dining, Aubergine, in Griffith, regularly wins some of the city’s top dining awards, while nearby

Rubicon has a well-deserved reputation for its fine food and extensive wine list. Dine in a modern setting at Malamay, in Barton, with its playful interpretation of Sichuan cuisine.

CITY CENTRE AND SURROUNDS In the heart of the city, Canberra Centre’s North Quarter dishes up some hot city eats. Try Cream, Sammy’s Kitchen, popular Mexican restaurant Guzman y Gomez and new kid on the block, Jamie’s Kitchen, Australia’s third Jamie Oliver franchise. On Bunda Street, check out The Chairman & Yip for east meets west and tasty Japanese at Iori in City Row. Superb Italian fare can also be found at Mezzalira in the Melbourne Building. This historic building is home to Thirst Wine Bar and Eatery, offering a quick fix of modern Thai, and the funky Soju Girl, which specialises in great cocktails and shared plates of modern Asian food. Also in the Melbourne Building is the Jewel of India for fresh regional dishes and the Charcoal Restaurant which has served mouth-

watering steaks for an incredible 50 years. Head to Courgette for some of Canberra’s most upmarket fare or Benchmark Wine Bar for one of the city’s biggest wine lists matched with food. For classic Italian cuisine and buzzing atmosphere, try Italian and Sons in Braddon on the fringe of Canberra’s CBD.

NEWACTON The NewActon dining precinct is one of the most exciting places to eat in the national capital. Canberra’s favourite wine bar, Parlour Wine Room reopened in November alongside a new addition to the dining precinct, A. Baker. Urban Food Store + Café and Močan & Green Grout have also become popular spots for a great cup of coffee or a delicious meal. Traditional Italian restaurant Bicicletta remains a favourite dining option for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a range of delicious produce sourced from local suppliers as well as from Italy. Movie-lovers can enjoy a drink at the Prosecco Bar or a coffee and gourmet tastings from the Electric Espresso Cafe before seeing a film at the Palace Electric Cinema.

You can search restaurants, read reviews and find the perfect place for meals and drinks.

1. Močan & Green Grout, NewActon

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1. Two Before Ten, Civic | 2. Bicicletta, NewActon | 3. Mezzalira, Civic

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FOOD

For the latest information on dining in Canberra go to outincanberra.com.au

DICKSON Dickson offers a small flourishing Chinatown and much more. Share platters at Fekerte’s Ethiopian Cuisine or great value Asian food at Jimmy’s Place, Asian Noodle House, the Scholar and Ruby Chinese. There’s a great vibe, not to mention terrific dumplings, at Dickson Dumpling House. You’ll also find Korean, Malaysian, Turkish, Italian, Indian and Thai food all within a short walk.

‘ With two newly hatted restaurants, one of only four two-hatters outside Sydney and a bunch of interesting eateries (old and new), Canberra, frankly, is killing it.’ Joanna Savill, Sydney Morning Herald, Good Food Guide editor

TOP RATING CUISINE

DINE WITH A VIEW

GREAT COFFEE

REGIONAL PRODUCE

Savour the region’s best cuisine at one of the eateries rated by the ‘bible’ of good food, The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2014. Topping the list is Aubergine, also named the ACT’s top restaurant in the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide and the Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence. Aubergine rated two hats in the SMH Guide, while Ottoman Cuisine, Courgette, Italian and Sons, Pulp Kitchen and Waters Edge each rated a hat. Other venues receiving rave reviews from many quarters include Eightysix, Artisan and Rubicon.

For spectacular views over Canberra, Onred has fine views from Red Hill Lookout and lures diners with creative dishes highlighting fresh seasonal produce. Sophisticated Waters Edge has views across the lake and up Anzac Parade to the Australian War Memorial, while the Boat House by the Lake is cosy in winter and hard to beat on sunny days. For a more casual lakeside experience, settle into bookplate at the National Library of Australia or grab some fish and chips from the Canberra Yacht Club in Yarralumla.

Canberra abounds with outdoor cafes to get your caffeine fix. Try Gus’, Tosolini’s and Two Before Ten in the city; Idelic Cafe and Silo Bakery in Kingston; Ona Coffee, Public or Urban Pantry in Manuka; or Farmers Daughter and Beess & Co at Yarralumla. Lonsdale Street Roasters roast their beans onsite in one of their two Braddon locations and recently set up shop on the Kingston Foreshore as well.

Canberra has a thriving Slow Food movement and many outlets for people interested in buying direct from small local producers. The Choku Bai Jo shops in North Lyneham and Curtin stock almost exclusively local produce, while the Saturday morning Capital Region Farmers Market at Exhibition Park is one of Australia’s largest and most authentic farmers markets. For locally produced olives, olive oil and home-style dishes, visit Grandma’s Little Bakery overlooking picturesque Fedra Olive Grove on the Federal Highway at Collector, 40 minutes from Canberra. In the Murrumbateman region, pop into Gallagher Wines for locally produced cheeses and Chocolate d’Or for exquisite Robyn Rowe chocolates. Poachers Pantry produces wonderful smoked foods and is one of the stops on the Poachers Way, a self-guided drive of boutique food, wine and accommodation.

FAMILY DINING

1. The Boat House by the Lake, Barton

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For authentic tapas, try the extensive menu at Legends Spanish Restaurant in Manuka. In nearby Barton, indulge in the rich melange of flavours at Hotel Realm’s Ostani Lounge Bar Restaurant. Honkytonks in the city is a cool venue serving tacos, salsa and hot dogs. For a touch of style, try the shared tasting plates at Tongue & Groove in the heart of the city, Soju Girl on Northbourne Avenue. Playground Bar in Garema Place, or Muddle Bar on West Row. Canberra has many pubs serving hearty, inexpensive food. In the city, head to King O’Malley’s, PJ O’Reilly’s, the Wig & Pen Tavern and Brewery and in early 2014 the BentSpoke Brewing Company in Braddon. Cook your own steak at the Uni Pub in the city or the Kingston Hotel. Zierholz Premium Brewery has two outlets, in Fyshwick and at the University of Canberra in Bruce, where you can enjoy a wide variety of food with locally crafted beers. Canberra’s many licensed clubs also offer good value meals.

Nestled in the suburbs you’ll find casual yet stylish eateries that are worth a detour. At Lyneham in the inner north, head to Tilley’s Devine Cafe Gallery, a Canberra institution or Ellacure for modern Australian cuisine in Bruce. Try European bistro-style dishes with a twist at Pulp Kitchen in Ainslie or creative Asian cuisine at the Lanterne Rooms in Campbell. Enjoy Fijian-Indian specialties at Rama’s, a neighbourhood favourite in Pearce, or relax and enjoy the eclectic surrounds of A Bite to Eat in Chifley. Some of Canberra’s best fine dining can be found at the Artisan in Narrabundah and Pistachio Dining at Torrens.

COOKING CLASSES Learn from the best and test your culinary skills at a great line-up of cooking classes. Try 3seeds at the Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets or Cooking Coordinates at the Belconnen Fresh Food Markets. Kids aged 2 to 16 will be inspired at Kid’s Pantry in Garran.

INDULGENT TREATS Dream Cuisine is a hidden gem tucked away in the industrial suburb of Fyshwick with macarons to die for including the hugely popular salted caramel and an award-winning pistachio and lime macaron. The kitchen can be seen through a window of the cafe, where you can enjoy pizza and patisserie items. Indulge in delicious breads and pastries from Silo Bakery in Kingston, or Autolyse bakery located on the popular Lonsdale Street in Braddon. Experience a ‘chocolate mood’ at Max Brenner in Westfield Belconnen or visit Koko Black in the city for truffles, pralines and divine hot chocolate drinks. Pick up Lindsay & Edmunds’s fine handmade organic chocolate at various outlets around town including its Canberra Centre Store. Enjoy a sumptuous traditional high tea at the historic Hyatt Hotel Canberra or afternoon tea treats at Cafe Societea in Griffith, Benedict House in nearby Queanbeyan and at Adore Tea House, Gold Creek in Nicholls.

WINTER FEASTS Indulge in midwinter celebrations with a delicious line-up of events and experiences. Celebrate the magic of truffles with cooking classes, truffle hunts, presentations and truffle-inspired menus during the Canberra & Capital Region Truffle Festival, from June to August. Throughout August, visit the venues holding special events as part of the Fireside Festival, an initiative of the Poachers Way group. One of the most popular events is Grazing at Gundaroo’s duck and pinot dinners. It’s all about curling up by a crackling fire, tasting the best winter cuisine, enjoying quality cool climate wine and immersing yourself in winter.

GRANDMA’S LITTLE BAKERY Visit the award-winning bakery, cafe/ restaurant and shop nestled between Canberra and Goulburn in the heart of the Fedra Olive Grove. Inspired by our real grandma’s recipes from all over the world. Enjoy freshly baked sweet and savoury pastries, gourmet pies, homestyle meals and barista -brewed coffee while taking in the spectacular view over the olive grove. Browse Grandma’s shop for a variety of homemade produce and local produce. OPEN ADDRESS

PHONE WEB

9am–4pm daily Inside Fedra Olive Grove, 5796 Federal Highway, Collector NSW 02 4848 0240 grandmasbakery.com.au

1. Urban Food Store + Café, NewActon | 2. Shorty’s, Civic | 3. Canberra & Capital Region Truffle Festival hunt

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FOOD

Wagamama in the North Quarter of the Canberra Centre caters for ‘mini noodlers’ with Asian-inspired kids’ meals and as a bonus your child can eat free when any main meal is purchased. Enjoy Chinese/ Malaysian at Timmy’s Kitchen in Manuka or Turkish fare at the Turkish Pide House in Woden and the city. For pizzas and other Italian fare, Bicicletta in the NewActon precinct is a popular choice. La Cantina, in Narrabundah, also offers family-friendly Italian dining. For budget dining, try the Food Court Family Restaurant in Dickson, where the buffet features seafood, pasta, Chinese, salads and dessert, along with free soft drink refills.

TAPAS AND PUB FOOD

HOT SPOTS IN THE SUBURBS

Sample the fruits of their labour Small enough to have an intimate cellar door experience and meet the winemaker, yet large enough to find all the varieties of a premium wine growing region, Canberra District wineries have much to offer. This growing region is producing distinctive award winning cool climate wines.

The range in temperature, vineyard elevations, soil types and the winemaker’s skill combine to create wines that are winning increased recognition from around the world. You’ll find more than 30 boutique cellar doors within 35 minutes drive of the city. They are small and often personal, providing an interactive experience. More often than not, visitors will be served by the winemaker, experiencing first-hand the passion and expertise that goes into each and every wine. The Canberra District’s 140 vineyards surround the city in land that has a great variation in altitude and micro climates that make it unique as a growing region. With vineyards up to an altitude of 850m, every classic variety performs magnificently somewhere in the region.

WINE 1. Recently crowned Gourmet Traveller WINE magazine’s Winemaker of the Year, Tim Kirk, Clonakilla

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In addition to the classic varieties that do so well, Canberra District winemakers are perfecting a wide variety of alternative varieties and styles. Look out for Mount Majura Vineyard’s Tempranillo and Graciano, Lark Hill Winery’s Grüner Veltliner, Surveyor’s Hill Touriga Nacional, Lerida Estate’s Zenzi Rosato Frizzante and Granitevale Estate’s Pink Ice, a vibrant dessert wine made from Shiraz.

BEST WINERIES IN THE CANBERRA DISTRICT Australia’s most respected and widely read wine critic, James Halliday, named 11 Canberra District vineyards among his best wineries of the region in his Australian Wine Companion 2014 Edition. The following all received five star ratings: • Capital Wines • Clonakilla • Collector Wines • Eden Road Wines • Four Winds Vineyard • Helm Wines • Lark Hill Winery • Lerida Estate • Mount Majura Vineyard • Nick O’Leary Wines • Ravensworth

WINE

While the District produces outstanding Shiraz and Riesling, many other varieties also thrive. The renowned Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier is a true icon of the District, receiving countless accolades and setting a benchmark for the blend around the country. Tim Kirk, Clonakilla winemaker and Gourmet Traveller Wine magazine’s winemaker of the year, likes

to think of wine as liquid geography — an expression of a region’s altitude, climate, soils, grapes and people combining to produce a unique geography. Canberra winemakers have drawn on the slogan to highlight the diversity of their region.

1. Shaw Vineyard Estate | 2. Poacher’s Pantry | 3. Ken Helm, Helm Wines winemaker at Jeir Creek Wines | 4. Mount Majura Vineyard | 5. grapes

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‘ This weekend at #humanbrochure in Canberra, met one of the coolest men ever, Ken Helm, who can open a screwtop bottle of wine like no one’s business.’ Ashley Ng for humanbrochure.com.au

PLANNING YOUR WINE EXPLORATION JOURNEY Not sure where to start? You can plan your trip by picking up a free copy of the Canberra District Wineries Guide from the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre at 330 Northbourne Ave, Dickson. It provides directions and cellar door opening times as well as information on cafes, restaurants, accommodation and tours. The following is a guide to the District’s sub-regions: Murrumbateman, Hall, Bungendore, Wambo in and Lake George.

Cellar doors include Mount Majura Vineyard, Lark Hill Winery, Lambert Vineyards, Lerida Estate, Capital Wines Epicurean Centre, Tallagandra Hill, Affleck Vineyard and Little Bridge Wines.

CAPITAL WINES EPICUREAN CENTRE, GUNDAROO Dine in the iconic Grazing Restaurant or in the adjacent cafe, where the region’s rich produce is matched with the finest local wines. Take a stroll in the flourishing kitchen garden. POMEGRANATE BISTRO AT SURVEYOR’S HILL VINEYARDS, WALLAROO Homegrown olives, olive oil, free-range eggs and seasonal fruit are used in a locally inspired menu, along with organic seasonal vegetables from a neighbouring farm.

WINE FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

WINING AND DINING

MURRUMBATEMAN

WINERY DINING

A pleasant 30-minute drive along the Barton Highway brings you to the picturesque Murrumbateman area, where you can visit wineries, meet cheese and chocolate makers, soak up some history and sample regional produce at local cafes and restaurants.

Feast overlooking the vines and picturesque countryside where delicious food is matched with cool climate wines.

Follow the Poacher’s Way and enjoy al fresco food, wine and special events.

CAFE LERIDA AT LERIDA ESTATE, LAKE GEORGE

CANBERRA DISTRICT WINE HARVEST FESTIVAL, APRIL

Enjoy gourmet food with your favourite wine while taking in the outstanding views of Lake George and surrounds.

Celebrate the beautiful autumn, when grapes are harvested and turned into wine.

• Grazing, Gundaroo

Cellar doors include Clonakilla, Helm Wines, Jeir Creek Wines, Shaw Vineyard Estate, Yarrh Wines, Four Winds Vineyard, Dionysus Winery, Gallagher Wines, McKellar Ridge Wines, Yass Valley Wines and Poachers Pantry and Wily Trout Vineyard. HILLS OF HALL Just 15 minutes’ drive from the city centre, four cellar doors in the rolling hills of Hall provide magnificent vistas of Canberra and the Brindabella Ranges. Take in the view while enjoying a glass of wine, a tasting platter or lunch, and occasional live music. Cellar doors include Pankhurst Wines, Surveyor’s Hill Vineyards, Brindabella Hills Winery and Wallaroo Wines. BUNGENDORE, WAMBOIN AND LAKE GEORGE Just north of the city lies Mount Majura Vineyard, with its popular Gumboot Tours 1. Lerida Estate | 2. Mount Majura Vineyard

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SUMMERSIDE FESTIVAL, FEBRUARY

LARK HILL WINERY RESTAURANT, BUNGENDORE Match superb Biodynamic wine with seasonal local produce in a beautiful rural setting overlooking the vineyard on the Lake George escarpment.

With a cosy fireplace for winter warmth and an outdoor terrace for summer dining Flint offers fine food in a stylish and relaxed setting. POACHERS PANTRY AND WILY TROUT VINEYARD, HALL Spoil your tastebuds with a tasting of Poachers’ smoked goods matched to Wily Trout wines or enjoy a meal in the charming Smokehouse Cafe.

• Benchmark Wine Bar, city

• Lanterne Rooms, Campbell

FIRESIDE FESTIVAL, AUGUST

• Mezzalira, city • Ottoman Cuisine, Barton

MURRUMBATEMAN MOVING FEAST, OCTOBER

• Pistachio Dining, Torrens

CANBERRA INTERNATIONAL RIESLING CHALLENGE, OCTOBER

Grab your free Canberra District Wineries Guide from the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre for directions and cellar door opening times as well as information on cafes, restaurants, accommodation and tours.

• Aubergine, Griffith

Curl up by the fire and indulge at one of the many food and wine events.

Travel from winery to winery sampling signature dishes with specially matched wines.

FLINT IN THE VINES AT SHAW VINEYARD ESTATE, MURRUMBATEMAN

If you can’t make it to a winery, you can taste Canberra District wines at the following restaurants and wine bars:

• Parlour Wine Room, Acton

• Rubicon, Griffith • Sage, Braddon • Silo Bakery, Kingston • The Boat House by the Lake, Barton

Join a public tasting and sample great Riesling from around the world.

• The Chairman & Yip, city

WINE, ROSES AND ALL THAT JAZZ, NOVEMBER

• Waters Edge, Parkes

• Thirst Wine Bar and Eatery, city

Relax to live entertainment in the vineyards as you sample award-winning wine and gourmet food.

CANBERRA REGION PREMIUM TOURS Boutique tours (max 10 guests) of Canberra wineries and highlights. Our guests will enjoy a delightful day experiencing Canberra’s cool climate wines, wonderful local produce, scrumptious meals, delicious coffee and cakes, stunning scenery and much more! We will collect and return you to your accommodation on one of our all inclusive tours, so that you can just sit back, relax and enjoy! We can personalise tours for groups of eight or more. OPEN

PHONE WEB

Tours available Wednesday to Sunday Closed: New Years Day, Anzac Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday & Christmas Day 0414 797 953 canberraregionpremiumtours.com.au

For more information visit canberrawines.com.au 1. Jeir Creek Wines | 2. Lambert Vineyards | 3. Jeir Creek Wines | 4. Capital Wines Epicurean Centre, Gundaroo

1300 554 114 35

WINE

of the vines. As you continue further out from Canberra there are several award-winning restaurants and cellar doors in and around the historic villages of Gundaroo, Collector, Bungendore and Wamboin.

Hot spots for a fun night out Sip a martini at a stylish cocktail bar or down an ale at a traditional Irish pub. Cheer on your favourite team in a sports bar or dance the night away at a club. For a relaxed night out catch a film or watch live performing arts.

Check it out! For more details on happening night spots go to outincanberra.com.au

CITY AND BRADDON Many of Canberra’s best cocktail bars, clubs and pubs can be found in the city. Tongue & Groove on Bunda Street buzzes with laid back tunes seven days a week, while Parlour Wine Room in NewActon is the perfect place to chill. Enjoy a selection of wines, local and imported boutique beers and edgy cocktails. Nearby, check out Honkytonks, Shorty’s, Playground Bar and Hippo Co — all are bursting with atmosphere and a distinct Melbourne vibe. Just around the corner, there’s the Transit Bar underneath Canberra City YHA on Akuna Street and gay club Cube, off City Walk. If a pub is more your style head to King O’Malley’s for live music, pub food and local entertainment from Thursday to Sunday. Not far away, try an awardwinning brew from the Wig & Pen Tavern and Brewery or an ale at PJ O’Reillys. The 1920s Sydney and Melbourne Buildings boast several night spots including Mooseheads, Muddle Bar and Soju Girl. Make your way along Northbourne Avenue to Treehouse and Kremlin Bar with its extensive cocktail menu or head to Northbar/Meche and ICBM. Canberra’s biggest pub, the Uni Pub, is nearby.

KINGSTON AND MANUKA These established inner south precincts are known for their diverse night scene, from upmarket and sophisticated to 1. Palace Electric Cinema, New Acton

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DICKSON, LYNEHAM AND O’CONNOR In a large art deco inspired corner building, Sub-Urban fashionably dominates the inner north suburb of Dickson. It encompasses an Aussie pub, wine bar and iconic Italian restaurant, offering great live music and a sunny outdoor area. Nearby, Trinity has a seemingly endless cocktail menu. Just suburbs away in Lyneham is Tilley’s Devine Cafe and Gallery, while popular O’Connor shops pub Duxton and the Loft offers a rustic environment where you can relax and choose from their extensive wine and cocktail list and delicious tapas.

Centre, Canberra’s premier performing arts venue. Catch locally produced professional theatre as well as national and international performers at the Street Theatre, Childers Street in the city. Enjoy a first-class performance at the School of Music, part of the Australian National University. Have a flutter at Casino Canberra on Allara Street. The casino has live bands every Saturday night and Galaxy Club Retro Nightclub is open from 9pm on Saturdays. You can also drop into one of the many licensed clubs across Canberra to try your luck on their gaming machines.

KING O’MALLEY’S IRISH PUB Canberra’s favourite pub and a must visit while in Canberra.

CINEMA, ARTS AND GAMING Catch a movie in the city at the Dendy Canberra Centre or Palace Electric Cinema or head to cinemas at Belconnen, Manuka, Tuggeranong or Woden. The National Film and Sound Archive’s cinema, Arc, screens a regular program of classic films. Exhibition Park in Canberra will host the largest Tropfest outside Sydney in December.

Open seven days a week until late with free LIVE MUSIC five nights a week. OPEN

ADDRESS PHONE WEB

am–late daily closed Christmas Day 131 City Walk, Canberra city 02 6257 0111 kingomalleys.com.au

NIGHTLIFE

NIGHT LIFE

In nearby Braddon, check out Knightsbridge Penthouse, an edgy lounge bar featuring eclectic decor and lighting, and Debacle, a great little bar serving ales, wine and pizza. New brewpub, BentSpoke Brewing Company opens in early 2014.

understated and relaxed. In Green Square in Kingston try the Durham for a friendly pub experience. Just across the street you’ll find fine beers at the Belgian Beer Cafe. On Kennedy Street, check out the up tempo lounge bar at the Kennedy Room. In Franklin Street, Manuka, if you’re looking for an intimate venue with table service and a political twist, head upstairs to the Polit Bar for a classic cocktail and enjoy a shared plate of eclectic edibles.

See the Bell Shakespeare Company, dance or great drama at the Canberra Theatre

1. Knightsbridge Penthouse, Braddon | 2. Tongue & Groove, Civic

1300 554 114 37

An eventful capital Our calendar of events is jam packed with diverse activities to experience. From fast cars to folk music and Floriade, Australia’s celebration of spring, the city offers something for everyone.

UNTIL 10 MARCH

6 DECEMBER – 21 APRIL

7 DEC – 10 MARCH

MAPPING OUR WORLD: TERRA INCOGNITA TO AUSTRALIA

GOLD AND THE INCAS: LOST WORLDS OF PERU

ELVIS AT 21 PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALFRED WERTHEIMER

NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA

NATIONAL LIBRARY OF AUSTRALIA

See more than 200 objects of the pre-Hispanic cultures of Peru and be transported back in time into the world of the famous Incan empire and their predecessors.

See 85 spectacular maps, atlases, globes and scientific instruments drawn from Australia, the Vatican Library, the British Library and the Bibliothèque nationale de France.

8 DECEMBER

31 DECEMBER

TROPFEST ACT

NEW YEAR’S IN THE CITY

EXHIBITION PARK IN CANBERRA, MITCHELL

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY Explore this candid look at Elvis before he exploded onto the scene and became one of the most exciting performers of his time.

CIVIC SQUARE & GAREMA PLACE, CITY

Watch live via satellite the finalist films in this annual short film festival.

Welcome in 2014 with a giant street party. See fireworks over City Hill at 9.00pm and midnight. Enjoy live, family-friendly entertainment in Civic Square or dance the night away at a dance party in Garema Place. Alcohol-free events.

2–5 JANUARY

14 JANUARY

25 JANUARY

26 JANUARY

SUMMERNATS FESTIVAL

PRIME MINISTER’S XI

AUSTRALIA CELEBRATES LIVE

AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS

FEDERATION MALL, PARLIAMENT HOUSE

COMMONWEALTH PARK Come and celebrate what’s great about being an Australian in the nation’s capital with an Aussie breakfast and great kids’ entertainment. Don’t miss the fireworks finale on Lake Burley Griffin.

EXHIBITION PARK IN CANBERRA, MITCHELL

Australia’s ultimate car show, Summernats is a spectator’s paradise. Catch street machines, show cars, traders’ pavilions, live bands, the Kids’ Zone and more.

MANUKA OVAL

Don’t miss this day-night match when the Prime Minister’s XI team of talented young cricketers takes on England under lights.

The lawns of Parliament House are the place to be as Australia celebrates, with a major concert boasting some of the hottest names in Australian music and the announcement of the Australian of the Year awards.

FEBRUARY

SUMMERSIDE FESTIVAL VARIOUS VENUES Follow the Poacher’s Way and discover hidden secrets during this month long regional alfresco food and wine festival with master classes, twilight garden concerts and art exhibitions.

7–9 FEBRUARY

21–23 FEBRUARY

NATIONAL MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL

ACTEWAGL ROYAL CANBERRA SHOW

CITY

1. Floriade

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Come along and be entertained, excited and educated by the hundreds of attractions at the Royal Canberra Show.

28 FEBRUARY – 8 MARCH

7 MARCH

ENLIGHTEN: SEE CANBERRA IN A WHOLE NEW LIGHT

LIGHTS! CANBERRA! ACTION!

VARIOUS VENUES Canberra’s rich cultural attractions come alive with late night openings, spectacular architectural projections and a treasure trove of live events. Discover a buzz of activity; live music, surprising performances, unexpected happenings and delicious food markets.

SENATE ROSE GARDENS, OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE

Sit back and enjoy the results of this fun festival that gives budding filmmakers 10 days to write, shoot, edit and produce a seven minute short film around 10 theme specific items.

1. MOCHE culture, Bead in the form of an owl’s head, Museo Tumbas Reales de Sipán, Lambayeque, © Photograph Museo Tumbas Reales de Sipán, National Gallery of Australia | 2. Manuka Oval | 3. On train, New York to Memphis July 4, 1956 © Alfred Wertheimer. All rights reserved, National Portrait Gallery | 4. National Multicultural Festival | 5. Australia Celebrates Live | 6. Four Winds Vineyard | 7. Artwork created by Julie Ryder developed for ENLIGHTEN 2012, with the support of The Electric Canvas. Photographer Adam McGrath

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EVENTS

Experience the world as Canberra’s multicultural communities showcase their cultures through food and performance.

EXHIBITION PARK IN CANBERRA, MITCHELL

DATE TBC MARCH

8–16 MARCH

28–29 JUNE

WEEKENDS IN AUGUST

13 SEPTEMBER

CANBERRA BIRTHDAY

CANBERRA BALLOON SPECTACULAR

NATIONAL CAPITAL DANCESPORT CHAMPIONSHIPS

FIRESIDE FESTIVAL

SHIMANO MTB GRAND PRIX

VARIOUS VENUES

A massive program includes a symphony debut plus old favourites Lights! Canberra! Action!, the Balloon Spectacular, ENLIGHTEN plus more.

OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE LAWNS, PARKES

AIS ARENA, BRUCE

See a stunning array of hot air balloons inflate at dawn and slowly drift over Canberra’s iconic national attractions. Catch the action with live music and a delicious hot breakfast.

Enjoy the glitz and glamour of Australia’s leading professional and amateur dancers competing in Latin American, Ballroom and New Vogue dance styles.

VARIOUS VENUES

STROMLO FOREST PARK See Australia’s best mountain bike endurance racers compete for four or seven hours. They’ll race solo or in teams and explore some of the best mountain bike trails in Australia.

Distinctive venues create a memorable experience offering authentic cool climate wines matched with gourmet, seasonally inspired contemporary food, music and entertainment.

9 MARCH

15 MARCH

13 SEPTEMBER–12 OCTOBER

BLACK OPAL STAKES & ACTTAB CANBERRA CUP RACE DAY

CAPITAL PUNISHMENT MTB ENDURO

FLORIADE

FLORIADE NIGHTFEST

COMMONWEALTH PARK, PARKES

Floriade, Australia’s celebration of spring, transforms Commonwealth Park into a tapestry of colour. Over a million colourful bulbs and annuals bloom on cue, creating a vibrant display unrivalled by any other event of its kind. Enjoy lively entertainment, children’s activities, food, craft and much more.

Experience Floriade as it magically comes to life at night with spectacular lighting, live entertainment, bustling night markets and illuminated flower beds. See breathtaking views from the giant ferris wheel. Enjoy a drink at the Moonlight Lounge or grab a bite to eat.

THOROUGHBRED PARK

Enjoy a family day of fun, excitement and colour at the horse races. Myer Fashions on the Field will be hotly contested family-friendly entertainment.

VARIOUS VENUES Offering 50km and 100km mountain bike endurance races for solo riders, this challenging event links iconic trails including Kowen Forest, Majura Pines, Black Mountain and Mount Stromlo.

24–28 SEPTEMBER

15 MARCH

5–6 APRIL

12–13 APRIL

4–5 OCTOBER

FM 104.7 SKYFIRE 26

MONT 24 HOUR MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE

CANBERRA DISTRICT WINE HARVEST FESTIVAL

AUSTRALIAN RUNNING FESTIVAL

MURRUMBATEMAN MOVING FEAST

EVENT HUB, TELOPEA PARK, MANUKA

VARIOUS VENUES Escape to the Murrumbateman wine region and tantalise your tastebuds with exceptional wines matched with gourmet delights. Indulge at cafes, wineries and B&Bs.

SCOTT 24 HOUR MOUNTAIN BIKE CHAMPIONSHIPS

COMMONWEALTH PARK, PARKES

Canberra lights up for FM 104.7 Skyfire on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, with a magnificent display of fireworks set to a soundtrack broadcast on FM 104.7

EAST KOWEN FOREST Ride the kow in Australia’s most popular 24-hour bike race over new and expanded mountain bike trails.

VARIOUS VENUES

Celebrate autumn in the vineyards, a beautiful time of year, when grapes are harvested and turned into wine. Visit the wineries to see the vineyards at their best, meet the winemaker and enjoy special activities.

Get moving and select the 5km or 10km fun run around the iconic Parliamentary Triangle or meet the challenge of the ultra marathon, marathon or half marathon.

STROMLO FOREST PARK Catch the action and intense competition when riders of all skill levels participate in a fun environment. Individuals and teams take on the terrain, the clock and themselves to try to complete the most laps in 24 hours.

17–21 APRIL

25 OCTOBER

NATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL

CANBERRA NARA CANDLE FESTIVAL

EXHIBITION PARK IN CANBERRA, MITCHELL

CANBERRA NARA PEACE PARK See a spectacular display of candles and lanterns in the beautifully landscaped gardens at sunset, and enjoy a cultural exchange with Japanese entertainment, activities and food.

Come and see a cultural celebration of traditional and contemporary music, dance, poetry and storytelling staged across the Easter break.

25 APRIL

27 APRIL

29 OCTOBER – 9 NOVEMBER

1–2 NOVEMBER

ANZAC DAY AT THE AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL

GROOVIN’ THE MOO

CANBERRA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

WINE, ROSES & ALL THAT JAZZ

AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL

Featuring touring national and international acts from all genres, this single day music event has emerged as a highly popular fixture on the Australian festival circuit.

DENDY CINEMA CANBERRA, ARC CINEMA, NATIONAL FILM AND SOUND ARCHIVE

Don’t miss this special season of international art house films and a showcase of Australian film industry.

9–18 MAY

MID JUNE – MID AUGUST

11 NOVEMBER

CANBERRA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL

CANBERRA & CAPITAL REGION TRUFFLE FESTIVAL

REMEMBRANCE DAY AT THE AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL

VARIOUS VENUES Listen to brilliant international and Australian artists in venues such as embassies, national attractions and churches.

VARIOUS VENUES Indulge in a ‘taste of mid-winter magic’ at this festival showcasing local black truffles harvested in the Capital Region. Take part in truffle dinners, tastings, cooking demonstrations, truffle hunts and more.

AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL Share a minute’s silence at 11.00am to remember the sacrifice of those men and women who have died or suffered in wars and conflicts and all those who have served during the past 100 years.

1. Canberra Balloon Spectacular | 2. Thoroughbred Park | 3. National Folk Festival | 4. Canberra District Wine Harvest Festival | 5. Anzac Day, Australian War Memorial

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VARIOUS VENUES Celebrate the art of the grape by visiting capital region wineries. Sample award-winning reds and whites, indulge in gourmet food, relax to live music in the vineyards, take a wine tour and meet Canberra’s passionate vignerons.

For more information on events and exhibitions in Canberra, phone the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre on 1300 554 114 or go to visitcanberra.com.au

1300 554 114 41

EVENTS

Take part in the national Anzac Day ceremony, commemorating the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.

THE MEADOWS, UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA

Make time for retail therapy Looking for a handmade gift or designer wares? Our flourishing weekend markets offer locally designed and produced goods while our shopping malls, boutiques and key precincts offer brand names plus plenty of hidden gems.

TO MARKET, TO MARKET YOU GO The multi award-winning Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston is a weekend institution for Canberrans and visitors alike. Held each Sunday (and also Saturdays in December in the lead up to Christmas), the markets are held inside an industrial building that was once the city’s original bus depot. Celebrating 20 years they are renowned for handcrafted jewellery, art, clothing, furniture, toys as well as regional food and wine with plenty of food vendors providing tempting treats such as fresh bread, coffee and sweet delicacies.

SHOPPING

Craftspeople and farmers from all over the region converge on the showgrounds in the small rural village of Hall on the first Sunday of each month (except January) for 1. Lonsdale Street Traders, Braddon

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Be tantalised by the array of fruit, vegetables, plants, flowers, seafood, pastries, meats, cheese and more at Canberra’s fresh produce markets. See the region’s diversity reflected in the fresh seasonal produce at the popular Saturday morning Capital Region Farmers Market at Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) in Mitchell or visit the Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets (Thursdays to Sunday) or Belconnen Fresh Food Markets (Wednesday to Sunday). Canberra’s fresh produce markets are a great place to grab a bite to eat and soak up the bustling market activity.

SHOP IN THE CITY The city’s shopping hub at the Canberra Centre on Bunda Street offers more than 300 retail outlets, plus cinemas, and an alfresco dining and cafe strip known as the North Quarter. Department and specialty stores such as Apple abound and there’s plenty of popular designer and high street

fashion labels such as sass & bide, Hugo Boss, Zara, SABA, G-Star Raw, Wittner Shoes, Bardot, Guess, Veronika Maine, Country Road, Sportscraft and Oroton. Step outside the Canberra Centre and you’ll find boutiques, street fashion, alternative music and independent book stores in arcades in City Walk and Garema Place. Towards the direction of Casino Canberra you’ll find the delightful Shop Handmade — a concept store showcasing the talents of local and interstate designers with jewellery, toys and clothing. Just a few minutes’ walk from the city centre is the hip Lonsdale Street, Braddon, where you’ll discover an array of funky fashions, original designers, handcrafted gifts and stylish homewares along this ever-changing shopping and foodie precinct. It offers an eclectic mix of boutiques, pop up stores inside Lonsdale Street Traders, cool cafes, bakeries, restaurants, car yards and hairdressing salons.

SHOPPING

Visit Canberra’s award-winning Handmade Market — held quarterly in March, June, October and December. Held at the National Convention Centre, this beautiful indoor market was created to support Australian designers to showcase and sell their designs. Each event has more than 150 handmade designers selling their creations.

the Hall Markets to offer everything from plants to furniture, clothing, pottery, toys, art and fresh farm produce.

1. Florist, Hackett | 2. Shop Handmade, Civic | 3. Capital Region Farmers Market, Mitchell | 4. Canberra Centre, Civic | 5. Lonsdale Street Roasters, Braddon

1300 554 114 43

OLD BUS DEPOT MARKETS Looking for the perfect Sunday in Canberra? Then be sure to include a visit to the national award-winning Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston. Set in a fabulous old industrial building, you’ll love the colours, tastes, sounds and atmosphere of ‘Canberra’s Sunday Best’. From quality handcrafted homewares and jewellery, through to gourmet food and fresh produce, it’s simply a must-do in Canberra. Admission is free.

SHOPPING IN CANBERRA’S TOWN CENTRES

OPEN

ADDRESS PHONE WEB

and Newcastle Street. You’ll find big brands and bargains up to 70 per cent off. There are more than 100 leading brands for fashion, footwear, luggage and homewares and electrical goods plus a kids’ play centre, Monkey Mania. The Homemaker Hub features leading furniture and homeware retailer such as Freedom, Jimmy Possum and Leather Republic. Outside DFO, you will find retail stores selling camping and outdoor goods, pet goods, a chemist outlet and sportswear stores.

At the Hyperdome Shopping Centre in Tuggeranong you can enjoy value and convenience with ample parking and more than 170 specialty stores including Big W, Target, Kmart, Harris Scarfe, Rebel Sport, JB Hi-Fi, Coles, Woolworths and Best & Less. Dine at Tuggeranong valley’s premier dining precinct South Life on Anketell Street and visit Limelight Cinemas for well-priced film tickets.

Not far from Canberra Airport is the retail hub known as Majura Park. A steady stream of shoppers make their way to Canberra’s bulk buying shopping destination, home to superstores Costco, Masters Home Improvement and Australia’s largest Woolworths.

The industrial suburb of Fyshwick features a mix of retail businesses, from large furniture and homeware stores to car yards, hardware stores, popular vintage clothing and antiques as well as household building supply stores. Canberra’s outlet shopping centre, DFO, is located on Canberra Avenue

In addition to retail stores selling everything from fashion to manchester such as Pillow Talk and Trade Secret, the Majura Park Shopping Centre features Big W, Dick Smith, Toys “R” Us, Babies “R” Us, Lollipop’s Playland and more than 30 speciality stores including a food court. Across the road from Canberra Airport is the leafy suburb of Pialligo — an eclectic mix of nurseries, orchards, cafes, gift stores such as Bliss and Canberra’s

21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston 02 6239 5306 or 02 6295 3331

Visit Canberra’s award winning Handmade Markets. The Handmade Market is Canberra’s premier quarterly market for original and handcrafted wares. The market brings together over 150 local and interstate artists, designers, craftspeople and gourmets all under one roof at the National Convention Centre. Free entry. Parking under the centre. Disabled access.

Visit Canberra’s award-winning Shop Handmade. Located close to the heart of the city centre, Shop Handmade is the perfect place to visit for Australian made original and handcrafted gifts. Shop Handmade brings together over 170 local and interstate artists, designers, craftsmen and gourmets all in one beautiful retail space.

OPEN

ADDRESS

PHONE WEB

10am–4pm weekends 8–9 March, 7–8 June, 4–5 October and 6–7 December National Convention Centre, Constitution Ave, Canberra 0402 247 532

OPEN

ADDRESS

PHONE WEB

9:30am–5pm weekdays 9:30am–2pm Saturday closed Sunday and public holidays City Walk Boulevard, between Myer and the Casino 02 6156 3274 handmadecanberra.com.au

handmadecanberra.com.au

obdm.com.au

famous Bisonhome, which produces internationally renowned stoneware and a variety of wooden objects and other homewares. In the northern suburbs of Canberra in Nicholls is the quaint Gold Creek Village where you can wander through art galleries, gift shops and specialty stores including Adore Tea and the Style Emporium. It’s a great spot to grab a bite to eat after exploring nearby attractions including Cockington Green Gardens and the National Dinosaur Museum.

HISTORIC MANUKA AND KINGSTON PRECINCTS The small 1920s shopping centres of Manuka and Kingston are a 10-minute walk from each other and are just minutes’ drive from Parliament House. Explore the lovely arcades and discover a variety of boutique shops offering Australian and international designer labels, exquisite jewellery, beautiful antiques, high-end homewares and plenty of cool cafes, restaurants and bars to rest your tired shopping feet.

CANBERRA’S PREMIER

fashion

One of Canberra’s largest shopping centres, Westfield Woden, is located 10 minutes drive south of the Parliamentary Triangle. With more than 210 stores, Westfield Woden offers a Hoyts cinema complex and leading retailers such as David Jones, Big W, Country Road, Sportscraft, Witchery, Metalicus, Napoleon, Pandora, Australian Geographic, Trade Secret and an ABC Shop, to name a few. You won’t be short on choice for casual dining, with two restaurant precincts and the food court.

10am–4pm Sundays (10am–4pm Saturdays and Sundays in December before Christmas)

SHOP HANDMADE

shopping attraction

Located in the heart of the city, Canberra Centre is home to David Jones, Myer, Target, Big W, supermarkets and an extensive selection of specialty stores. With an outstanding portfolio of fashion labels, award winning restaurants and Premium Class Dendy Cinemas, Canberra Centre is the ultimate shopping destination. Open seven days.

SHOPPING

Westfield Belconnen is the fashion, lifestyle, homewares and fresh food hub of Canberra’s north, offering more than 250 stores. Visit the entertainment precinct where you’ll find Hoyts cinemas, the dining precinct and the games arcade TunzaFun. Enjoy the large variety of department stores including Myer, Kmart, Target and fashion brands including Witchery, Oxford, Forever New, Glue Store, Sportsgirl, Surf Dive ‘n’ Ski and Wittner Shoes.

HANDMADE MARKET

Bunda Street, Canberra City. Phone 6247 5611 www.canberracentre.com.au

1. Handmade Market, Civic | 2. Bisonhome, Pialligo | 3. Old Bus Depot Markets, Kingston | 4. Robyn Rowe Chocolates, Chocolat D’Or, Murrumbateman

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1300 554 114 45

Right now in QUEANBEYAN VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE

YOUNG VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE

Queanbeyan and the Visitor Information Centre are on ‘Q’ for everything... For information on family friendly accommodation, great events, dining and entertainment, we’ve got it covered. Our friendly staff are more than happy to help with information on the surrounding region and anything Queanbeyan. Information is our speciality.

Less than two hours from Canberra, you can walk in the footsteps of early pioneers in the heart of the historic NSW Gold Trails region. Taste the difference with fresh produce at farm gate stalls complete with honesty boxes. Pick your own cherries and taste sweet nectarines, apricots, peaches, apples and figs. Finish your day by kicking back and enjoying a glass of Hilltops Region wine.

ADDRESS PHONE WEB

1 Farrer Place, Queanbeyan, NSW

OPEN

02 6285 6307 visitqueanbeyan.com.au ADDRESS

PHONE

Visit Queanbeyan

WEB

9am–5pm weekdays 9:30am–4pm weekends and public holidays, closed Christmas Day and Good Friday Railway Station, Lovell Street, Young, NSW 02 6382 3394

VISIT YASS VALLEY Just 45 minutes from Canberra, Yass Valley offers a variety of experiences. It has a proud heritage connection to early rural Australia, a modern food and wine scene and quality affordable accommodation. There’s never been a better time to take a short break, visit Yass Valley and experience how life should be... OPEN

ADDRESS PHONE WEB

9.30am–4.30pm weekdays 10am–3pm weekends and public holidays (until 4pm during daylight savings) 259 Comur Street, Yass, NSW 1300 886 014 yassvalley.com.au

GOULBURN

there are great indoor activities you’re invited to experience once you’ve finished with your great outdoor ones. Just an hour from Canberra, it’s far enough from the city to feel like an escape but close enough that you won’t spend hours travelling. With dozens of attractions, restaurants and events to keep you and your family entertained, and accommodation ranging from B&Bs to campsites to more traditional hotels, Goulburn is the ideal place for that short break or a longer distraction.

visityoung.com.au

1800 353 646

GADEN TROUT HATCHERY

NSW TRAINLINK

Come see how four species of premier sport fish are bred and raised: Atlantic salmon as well as rainbow, brown and brook trout! View aquariums, visual displays and an informative DVD presentation, then go for a walk around the grounds with one of the experienced hatchery staff and feed the fish!

Visiting the Canberra region? Let NSW TrainLink take the hassle out of getting there.

OPEN

TOUR TIMES ADDRESS

WEB

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10am and 2pm, 1 hour duration 224 Gaden Road, Jindabyne NSW 02 6451 3400

With up to three train services each day from Sydney and daily coach connections from Eden, Bombala, Yass and Cootamundra, NSW TrainLink is the convenient, safe and affordable way to travel. Sit back, relax and enjoy the view. PHONE WEB

13 22 32 nswtrainlink.info

dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/info/gaden

REGION

PHONE

10am–4pm daily, closed Anzac Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day

www.igoulburn.com

1300 554 114 47

‘ I had no idea that Canberra had a wine region. But as lunch progressed we learnt that there is good wine made here, and that the extremes of cold winters and really hot summers are perfect for cultivating good wine.’

From the alps to the sea and in between Canberra is a central base for exploring the surrounding region. Within a few hours’ drive you canbe in Australia’s high country exploring the New South Wales (NSW) Snowy Mountains, or the beautiful unspoilt coastline of the South Coast or quaint towns and villages close to the capital.

jouljet.blogspot.com.au for humanbrochure.com.au

DIVERSE CAPITAL COUNTRY

SNOWY MOUNTAINS

The region immediately surrounding the ACT offers world-class arts and crafts, historic towns and villages, spectacular manicured gardens, stunning nature and breathtaking vistas, gourmet delights and three wine regions all within 90 minutes from Canberra.

Australia’s high country is a two and a half hour scenic drive from Canberra. To fully appreciate the beauty of the region, take the Kosciuszko Alpine Way or Snowy Valleys Way touring routes.

The thriving and historic townships of Braidwood, Bungendore, Bowral, Goulburn, Mittagong, Queanbeyan, Yass and Young are among many within an easy drive from the capital. Admire historic buildings, museums and galleries, antique stores, country fare and weekend markets. Find gourmet delights at the many winery cafes and restaurants, in country towns and along country lanes.

REGION 1. Burnelee Excursions on Horseback, Murrumbateman

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Kosciuszko National Park is one of the world’s great national parks and a year-round destination. See alpine and sub-alpine plant species, historic huts, bushwalks, glacial lakes and limestone caves. Walk to the top of Mount Kosciuszko for spectacular views (you can take the quad chair that operates year round from Thredbo ski resort part of the way up) or trek the main range. The NSW ski fields draw skiers like bees to a honeypot each winter. Perisher, Thredbo, Guthega, Charlotte Pass and the family friendly Selwyn Snowfields abound

with skiers and snowboarders in winter. In summer Thredbo is open, offering bushwalking, chairlift rides, stunning wildflowers, mountain biking, a bobsled and exciting events including an annual jazz festival. Horseriding is another popular mountain activity. Journey through Man from Snowy River country by horseback on a guided trek ranging from two hours to two or more days. The treks are suitable for novices to experienced riders.

1. Reidsdale near TerraPreta Truffles | 2. Lake Crackenback Resort, Jindabyne | 3. X Gallery & Garden, Bungendore | 4. Lark Hill Winery and Restaurant, Bungendore

1300 554 114 49

REGION

Take the Poacher’s Way trail. Developed by a group of people inspired by the land and life, the trail features a collective of businesses that offer diverse experiences including dining, cool climate wines, arts, crafts, bed and breakfasts, horse riding excursions and more. Their motto is Live Life Well.

Discover alpine wildflowers, top ski resorts, wild brumbies, glacial lakes, trout fishing, mountain bike riding, trekking, bushwalking, horse riding and much more including Australia’s highest peak and one of the world’s famous ‘seven summits’, Mount Kosciuszko.

More information Capital Country visitnsw.com Snowy Mountains 1800 636 525 snowymountains.com.au South Coast 1800 802 528 southcoast.net.au

UNSPOILT SOUTH COAST The pristine South Coast of NSW is a two-hour drive from Canberra. Unspoilt coastlines, a fishing paradise, historic villages and nature parks are plentiful. The Grand Pacific Drive covers 140km of some of the most spectacular scenery and coastline in NSW. Explore the surf beaches that stretch from Wollongong in the north to Eden in the south. If driving from Canberra, your first beachside town will be Batemans Bay and you can choose to go north or south from there.

Dotted along the coast and inland are small towns offering arts, crafts and homewares as well as wineries, museums, and a large water theme park. Open daily from September to April. Don’t miss the picturesque towns of Berry, Kangaroo Valley, Tilba and Eden. And if you visit the heritage town of Mogo make sure to stop at the Mogo Zoo, home to Australia’s largest pride of white lions. See everything from a Bengal tiger to giraffes, chimpanzees, meerkats and much more. You can also get up close and personal with one of the incredible animal encounters.

be there... of the Tumbarumba region in the Snowy Mountains

www.visittumbashire.com.au 1. Grand Pacific Drive, South Coast | 2. Fishing, South Coast | 3. Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay | 4. Mogo Zoo

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1300 554 114 51

REGION

Jervis Bay offers some of Australia’s cleanest waterways and whitest sands. Choose from a variety of experiences — take a kayaking excursion to appreciate Jervis Bay’s outstanding scenic, natural and cultural heritage.

Head out to sea on a commercial cruise to see dolphins and whales migrating along the coastline or head out to sea on a fishing charter.

A bed for the night The Canberra region offers accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets. Choose from five star, boutique, and heritage-listed hotels and motels, serviced apartments, bed and breakfasts, backpackers and camping.

Your place to staY in canberra

Book Now togaHotels

.com

ACCOMMODATION

Tempting packages and great deals for short breaks and families are available by booking online at visitcanberra.com.au or calling 1300 554 114. Booking ahead to secure accommodation of your choice during peak periods is recommended.

1. Hotel Realm, Barton | 2. East Hotel + Apartments, Kingston | 3. Clifton Suites on Northbourne, Civic | 4. Crowne Plaza Canberra, Civic

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adina apartment Hotel canberra, James court

Hotel KurraJong canberra

medina serviced apartments canberra

74 Northbourne Ave, Canberra ACT 2600 P: (+61) 2 6240 1234

8 National Circuit, Canberra ACT 2600 P: (+61) 2 6234 4444

11 Giles Street, Kingston ACT 2604 P: (+61) 2 6239 8100

Surrounded by all the conveniences of Canberraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CBD including cafes, fine dining and shopping. The property is also within easy access to many of Canberraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s landmarks including Parliament House and Questacon. Choose from one of 106 one or two bedroom apartments featuring fully equipped kitchens and laundry facilities.

A boutique, heritage-listed hotel on the National Circuit in Barton. Located in the Parliamentary precinct, close to Canberra CBD and many attractions. The hotel is a fine example of Commonwealth architecture retaining many of its finest historical features, including its pavilions, deep verandahs and radiating courtyards.

Centrally located in the exclusive embassy district of Kingston, just five minutes from Parliament House, near the historic Manuka Oval. Choose from one of 50 spacious apartments. The property features both an indoor heated pool and an outdoor pool and BBQ area.

togahotels.com

FIND YOUR ABODE IN CANBERRA

ROOMS

FROM

$149

Canberra Nature Park

GUNGAHLIN

TUGGERANONG

WODEN Phillip Lau nce ston

Oval St

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Conveniently located in the town centres of Woden, Gungahlin and Tuggeranong, whether you’re just stopping in or staying for an extended period of time, Abode is the perfect choice for your next stay.

CANBERRA CITY YHA

CAPITAL EXECUTIVE APARTMENTS

MERCURE CANBERRA

7 Akuna St, CANBERRA ACT 2601 PH 02 6248 9155

108 Northbourne Ave, CANBERRA ACT 2601 PH 02 6243 8333 or 1800 026 129

Corner Ainslie & Limestone Ave, BRADDON ACT 2612 PH 02 6243 0000

Each hotel features rooms with luxury king and queen beds, kitchenette, ensuite, laundry facilities, flat screen TV and sofa bed options.

Canberra City YHA is located in the heart of Canberra City, only minutes walk to restaurants, shopping and attractions. It offers a range of accommodation including multi-share through to private rooms with ensuites. Groups welcome.

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BACKPACKER

HOTEL/APARTMENT

All rooms are fully self-contained, with kitchenette facilities to make your stay easier. Alternatively, you can take advantage of the hotel’s prompt and friendly room service, or enjoy a meal alfresco in the hotel courtyard overlooking the stately pines of Haig Park.

Pool, spa, sauna and roof top BBQ

Located 2 blocks north of CBD

Cafe and licensed bar

24 hour reception

AHA winning ‘The Haig’ Italian Restaurant

Mercure Canberra combines old world charm with modern comforts. A recent $8 million refurbishment highlights many of its original features. Along with 129 rooms, three flexible meeting rooms, a gymnasium, two stunning fish tanks, and complimentary off street car parking, there is also the Courtyard Restaurant and Ainslie Bar, Bistro and Beer Garden. >

Heritage-listed building

Beautiful central courtyard

Recent $8 million dollar refurbishment

ON RT

150 Anketell Street TUGGERANONG ACT 2900

10 Bowes Street WODEN ACT 2606

Isabella Drive

abodehotels.com.au or call 1300 1 ABODE

ROOM TYPES

Multishare · Double Ensuite · Family Room

ROOM TYPES

Studio Apartment · One Bedroom Spa Suites · Family Rooms

ROOM TYPES

Standard · Superior · Deluxe Loft

NORTHB

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Cnr Gribble & Anthony Rolfe Ave GUNGAHLIN ACT 2912

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Abode - The Apartment Hotel offers new and modern accommodation at three convenient locations in Canberra.

QUEST CANBERRA

BEST WESTERN PLUS GARDEN CITY HOTEL

EAST HOTEL

Melbourne Building, 28 West Row, CANBERRA ACT 2601 PH 02 6243 2222

55 Jerrabomberra Ave, NARRABUNDAH ACT 2604 PH 02 6295 3322

69 Canberra Avenue, KINGSTON ACT 2604 PH 02 6295 6925

HOTEL

APARTMENT

Developed within the Heritage-listed Melbourne Building, Quest Canberra offers a variety of stylishly furnished studio, one and two bedroom apartments. The majority of apartments feature large balconies and have full, or semi, selfcontained kitchen and laundry facilities. >

ROOM TYPES

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Short stroll to some of the finest restaurants, entertainment, shopping and attractions

Free WiFi and undercover parking

Free Foxtel including sports and movies

Onsite pool, gym, bar and restaurant

Parliament House is a mere 2kms away

Studio · One & Two Bedroom Apartments

ROOM TYPES

Queen · King · Twin · Suite

Situated between the vibrant hubs of Kingston and Manuka, EAST will be the ultimate location for your visit to the capital. At EAST you will experience all the services you would expect from a premium hotel, while feeling completely at home in our modern and stylish accommodation. Corporate travelers will be impressed with the refreshing and practical business and conferencing facilities. >

Established 2012 as Canberra’s newest AAA rated 4.5 star apartment hotel

Covered parking and walking distance to cafes and shops

Awarded Best Suite/Apartment Hotel at 2013 National AHA Awards and 4 ACT AHA Awards

ROOM TYPES

East Studio · Luxe Studio · East Apartment · Luxe Apartment

1300 554 114 55

ACCOMMODATION

Easy access to the business and legal precincts of Canberra

Relax and unwind at Canberra’s best value 4.5 star hotel. Quietly nestled in Canberra’s popular inner-south, this hotel is just minutes drive from top tourist attractions including Parliament House, the National Gallery of Australia, Questacon, Lake Burley Griffin and more!

HOTEL

HYATT HOTEL CANBERRA

KINGSTON TERRACE SERVICED APARTMENTS

MANUKA PARK SERVICED APARTMENTS

BELCONNEN WAY MOTEL & SERVICED APARTMENTS

BEST WESTERN TALL TREES CANBERRA

EXHIBITION PARK IN CANBERRA

Commonwealth Ave, YARRALUMLA ACT 2600 PH 02 6270 1234 or 13 12 34

16 Eyre Street, KINGSTON ACT 2604 PH 02 6239 9411

Cnr Manuka Circle & Oxley St, GRIFFITH ACT 2603 PH 02 6239 0000

77 Belconnen Way, HAWKER ACT 2614 PH 02 6254 2222

21 Stephen St, AINSLIE ACT 2602 PH 02 6247 9200

Cnr of Flemington Rd and Northbourne Ave, MITCHELL ACT 2911 PH 02 6205 4976

HOTEL

Heritage listed, this self-rated five star hotel is located within a short stroll to Canberra’s leading attractions, galleries and museums. Spacious 41sqm rooms with large marble bathrooms featuring separate shower and large soaking baths. All rooms have internet access and Foxtel television.

APARTMENT

Kingston Terrace Serviced Apartments are perfectly located for exploring the village atmosphere of Kingston’s restaurants, cafes and boutiques as well as the shopping and entertainment hub of Manuka. It is in the perfect location to enjoy the many sights of Canberra. >

Complimentary Clubhouse Fitness Centre with pool, spa and sauna

Traditional afternoon tea buffet served Friday to Sunday

Free parking or valet parking offered

ROOM TYPES

Park Room · Park Deluxe Room · Club Room · Suite

Apartments with fully serviced kitchen and laundry facilities

Solar heated pool and tennis court

Adjacent to the Kingston and Manuka shopping precinct

ROOM TYPES

One, Two & Three Bedroom Apartments

Fantastic location! The family owned Manuka Park is ideally located five minutes from Canberra’s CBD, the Parliamentary Triangle and national attractions. It features one and two bedroom apartments which include fully equipped kitchens, bathrooms and laundry. Secure undercover parking is included. >

Walking distance to Manuka’s shopping and restaurant precinct

Foxtel, WiFi and onsite pool

Air-conditioned comfort with modern kitchens, bathrooms and appliances

ROOM TYPES

One & Two Bedroom Apartments

MOTEL/APARTMENT

New and refurbished with small and large serviced apartments and motel suites ideal for families or corporate guests. Close to the AIS, Westfield Belconnen, Calvary Hospital, government offices and bottle shop. Belconnen Soccer Club is in the same complex and adjacent to comprehensive shopping centre and restaurants.

MOTEL

Best Western Tall Trees Canberra is a newly renovated quality hotel. The property is located only 3km from the CBD, in a leafy environment within easy reach to all major attractions and walking distance to over 30 restaurants in Dickson. Call us now to book our best deals.

CAMPGROUND

EPIC’s camping facilities are set on 70 hectares of unique country surroundings, only eight minutes north of the city and close to Canberra’s major attractions. Over 100 powered sites including large sites for caravans and motor homes. >

Full amenities including facilities for the disabled

Free WiFi in selected areas

Free WiFi and parking

Free Foxtel (including Fox Sports)

Quiet location

Flat-screen LCD TVs with Foxtel

Free car parking

Oaktree Bistro onsite

Canberra’s only pet friendly camping ground

ROOM TYPES

Motel Room · Premium Family Apartment · Premium Studio Apartment · Premium Three Bedroom Apartment

ROOM TYPES

Standard · Family · Deluxe · Executive

ROOM TYPES

Powered Campsites · Unpowered Campsites

OXLEY COURT SERVICED APARTMENTS

QUALITY HOTEL WODEN

BELCONNEN PREMIER INN

QUALITY HOTEL DICKSON

DICKSON PARKLANDS APARTMENT HOTEL

BEST WESTERN CENTRAL MOTEL & APARTMENTS

9 Dawes St, KINGSTON ACT 2604 PH 02 6295 6216

Cnr Melrose & Launceston Sts, WODEN ACT 2606 PH 02 6281 7733

110 Benjamin Way, BELCONNEN ACT 2617 PH 1800 672 076

Cnr Badham and Cape Sts, DICKSON ACT 2602 PH 02 6247 4744

6 Hawdon Pl, DICKSON ACT 2602 PH 02 6262 7000

11 Antill St, QUEANBEYAN NSW 2620 PH 02 6298 8988

APARTMENT

Are you in Canberra for business? Or visiting on a holiday? Or taking a longer stay? You can make yourself at home at Oxley Court, Kingston. >

Free wireless broadband and Foxtel

Spacious living and dining area and large bedrooms

Fully equipped modern kitchen and separate laundry

ROOM TYPES

One & Two Bedroom Apartments

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HOTEL

Proud winner AHA ACT 2013 Best First Class Property and attached to one of Canberra’s popular licensed clubs. Located only minutes’ drive from national attractions; within walking distance to Westfield Woden and entertainment. Quality Hotel Woden will suit all your needs, whether travelling for business or leisure. >

Large, modern spacious rooms, recently refurbished

Free inhouse movies

Minutes from national attractions and shopping

ROOM TYPES

King Room · One Bedroom Suite · Standard Queen · Standard Double

HOTEL

The Belconnen Premier Inn looks forward to welcoming you. Offering a variety of accommodation with the comfort of home intertwined with the services you would expect of a four star hotel. Featuring a superb dining experience in Benjamin’s Brasserie for both breakfast and dinner, you are sure to be spoilt for choice.

HOTEL

Proud winner of 2010 and 2012 ACT AHA Best Midrange Accommodation and attached to one of Canberra’s most popular licensed clubs. Located only minutes from the city centre, close to national attractions, shopping and entertainment. Quality Hotel Dickson will suit all your needs.

Free WiFi broadband access (up to 500MB per day)

Recently refurbished

Complimentary car parking

Large spacious rooms

Benjamin’s Brasserie & Bar

Shopping only minutes from the hotel

ROOM TYPES

Standard Queen · King Deluxe · Family Room · Disabled Access

ROOM TYPES

King Spa · Superior Suite · Standard Queen · Standard Double

APARTMENT

The self-contained apartments are your home away from home. The two storey hotel has lift access from the car park and is surrounded by open spaces. All studios and apartments are non smoking and boast a spacious living area separate to the bedrooms, reverse cycle air conditioning, opening windows and some rooms with balconies. >

One, two, three and four bedroom self-contained apartments

Heated indoor pool and gymnasium

Undercover BBQ area and undercover parking

ROOM TYPES

One, Two, Three & Four Bedroom Apartments

MOTEL/APARTMENT

Best Western Central Motel & Apartments is the capital region’s premier four star motel. In a quiet location, convenient to the best tourist attractions and Canberra Airport, travellers are treated to fully refurbished motel rooms and serviced apartments, sleeping up to five guests. >

Free parking, WiFi and Foxtel

Pool, bar and restaurant

Minutes’ walk to shops, dining and clubs

ROOM TYPES

Queen & Twin Rooms · One & Two Bedroom Apartments

1300 554 114 57

ACCOMMODATION

APARTMENT

What you should know Our fast facts will help you get to and around the nation’s capital.

LOCATION Canberra is 282 kilometres from Sydney, 150 kilometres inland from the east coast and 571 metres above the Pacific Ocean.

WEATHER The national capital’s four distinct seasons, each with its own beauty and charm, turn the city into a kaleidoscope of colour throughout the year with vibrant spring blossoms to a blanket of orange, red and gold leaves in autumn.

RETAIL SHOPPING HOURS The city’s shopping centres are generally open 9am to 5.30pm weekdays, with late night shopping at the larger shopping malls until 9pm Fridays, Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday openings generally from 10am to 4pm. Major supermarkets and petrol stations are open longer hours.

‘ The city that was neither the country or coastal had plenty to offer, from adrenalinepumping mountain bike activities to a myriad of cultural experiences at its galleries and museums.’ Mellissah Smith

NSW TrainLink 13 22 32 or nswtrainlink.info Several coach operators provide services to Canberra from all over Australia. Greyhound Australia Murrays Australia Transborder Express

1300 473 946 13 22 51 02 6299 3722

DRIVE

Getting to the nation’s capital is easy, whether you fly, drive, take a coach or catch a train.

With a good highway system linking Canberra to surrounding New South Wales, driving to Canberra is easy. Stop at the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, at 330 Northbourne Avenue Dickson, for helpful information or call 1300 554 114.

FLY

SYDNEY

Fly into Canberra Airport with Qantas, Virgin Australia or Brindabella Airlines. The city centre is a 10-minute drive from the airport by taxi, hire car or shuttle bus.

DIRECT DRIVING ROUTE: 3.5 HOURS

GETTING HERE

FAST FACTS

13 13 13 13 67 89 1300 668 824

TRAIN AND COACH NSW TrainLink provides a train service from Sydney Central Station. 1. Gibraltar Peak, Tidbinbilla

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SCENIC DRIVE ROUTES Leave via the Princes Motorway M1 and follow the coast road to Batemans Bay. Turn onto the Kings Highway B52 and head to Canberra via the historic towns of Braidwood and Bungendore. sydneymelbournetouring.com.au and grandpacificdrive.com.au

MELBOURNE DIRECT DRIVING ROUTE: 8 HOURS

Follow the City Link tollway to the Western Ring Road, connecting to the Hume Highway M31. Near Yass, take the Barton Highway A25 turn off to Canberra. SCENIC DRIVE ROUTES Follow the coast road through Genoa, Bairnsdale and Eden to Batemans Bay. Turn onto the Kings Highway B52 and head to Canberra via the historic towns of Braidwood and Bungendore. sydneymelbournetouring.com.au and visitvictoria.com Take an inland drive through Bendigo, Echuca and Albury–Wodonga (sydneymelbournetouring.com.au) and either travel direct to Canberra or take a scenic detour through the Snowy Mountains and visit Khancoban, Tumut, Jindabyne, Thredbo and Cooma. visitnsw.com

1. Canberra Airport | 2. Wagamama, Civic

1300 554 114 59

FAST FACTS

QANTAS Virgin Australia Brindabella Airlines

Leave via the M5 tollway, connecting to Hume Highway M31. Take the exit after Goulburn on to the Federal Highway M23.

Take the Mittagong exit from the Hume Highway M31 and follow the Old Hume Highway through picturesque Mittagong, Bowral, Moss Vale and Sutton Forest, and rejoin the Hume Highway M31 to Goulburn and Canberra. southern-highlands.com.au

The fine print HIRE CARS Avis Budget Europcar Hertz Thrifty Redspot Sixt

13 63 33 1300 362 848 1300 131 390 13 30 39 1300 367 227 1300 668 810

LOCAL TRANSPORT Getting around is easy. If you don’t have a car the city’s public transport network or private transport companies can take you where you need to go.

BUS

Catch the Airport Express bus from the airport to the city via Russell ($12 one way). Call 1300 368 897 or visit royalecoach.com.au

BY BOAT

Taxis will take you anywhere you want to go. It is best to make a phone booking. Credit cards and EFTPOS are accepted.

There’s no better way to experience Canberra’s beautiful Lake Burley Griffin than by boat. Many cruises operate or test your legs on a paddle boat from Lake Burley Griffin Boat Hire.

Cabxpress 02 6260 6011 Canberra Elite Taxis 13 22 27 or 0417 672 773 SMS your name, pickup address and time to be collected. Wheelchair accessible taxis 02 6126 1596 Silver Service 13 31 00 This premium service features luxury sedans and seven seater vans, accredited silver standards, and guaranteed delivery times for bookings.

CYCLING Hire a bike and discover Canberra’s great network of on and off road cycle paths. Row ‘n’ Ride Bike Hire deliver to your hotel while Mr Spokes Bike Hire is conveniently located by the lake in Acton. The more adventurous can try a guided mountain bike ride with all equipment supplied by Capital Bike Hire.

INFORMATION WHEN HERE The Canberra Region Visitor Centre is your one-stop shop for Canberra information. Find and book accommodation, get the run down on attractions and things to see and do and arrange your tour tickets. The Visitors Centre at 330 Northbourne Avenue is open seven days a week, 9am to 5pm weekdays and 9am to 4pm weekends and public holidays. Call 1300 554 114.

1. Hot air ballooning | 2. night cycling tour with Big Foot Adventures, National Museum of Australia | 3. ice skating, Garema Place, Civic | 4. aerial view of Canberra

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© Australian Capital Tourism Canberra Capital Region 2014 Visitor Guide is produced by Australian Capital Tourism on behalf of the ACT Government. ISSN 1832-0589 Locked Bag 2001, Civic Square ACT 2608 Tel: Fax: Email: Web: Tourist information:

02 6205 0666 02 6205 0629 visitcanberra@act.gov.au visitcanberra.com.au 1300 554 114

Canberra and Region Visitors Centre 330 Northbourne Avenue, Dickson ACT 2602 International telephone information — Canberra’s area code is 02. If dialling from outside Australia, delete the 02 and add 612 before the phone number. 1800 or 1300 numbers cannot be called internationally. Every effort has been made to ensure that information is current and correct at time of printing. The information is provided on the basis that neither Australian Capital Tourism nor the ACT Government will be liable for any loss, damage or injury arising from any incorrect or inaccurate information. Design by Coordinate Group Printed by Independent Print Media Group Australian Capital Tourism uses PEFC Certified stock which is from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources and recognised in Australia through the Australian Forestry Standard pefc.org.au PEFC/21-31-80.

Acknowledgements for images: Front cover images: Steve Keough, Andrew Taylor ethoscrs.com.au, Damien Breach damianbreach.com, Belinda Pratten freeswimmers.com Belinda Pratten freeswimmers.com (pp 1, 2, 3, 5, 15, 17, 18, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 34, 35, 36, 41, 42, 43, 44, 48), Damien Breach damianbreach.com (pp 1, 19, 20), Penny Bradfield (p 4), Chris Holly (pp 4, 15, 16, 19, 22, 23, 41, 58, 60, 61), Steve Keough (pp 15, 49), Stuart Miller (p 19), Kelly Tunney (p 20), Paul Chapman chapmanimages. com.au (pp 20, 40, 60), Andrew Taylor ethoscrs.com.au (pp 29, 33), jinkyart.com. au (pp 32, 33, 35, 41), themarkagency.com (pp 37, 59), Cole Bennetts (p 37), Adam McGrath hcreationsphotography.com.au (pp 39, 41, 61), Elvis at 21: On train, New York to Memphis July 4, 1956 © Alfred Wertheimer. All rights reserved, National Portrait Gallery (p 39), Ben Wrigley, Manuka Oval (p 39), Gold & the Incas: Lost worlds of Peru: MOCHE culture, Bead in the form of an owl’s head, Museo Tumbas Reales de Sipán, Lambayeque, © Photograph Museo Tumbas Reales de Sipán, National Gallery of Australia (p 39), Australia Day Council (p 39), geoffcomfort.com (p 41), Jo Bakas sabkadesign.com.au (pp 43, 49, 60), Bison photography styling Brian Tunks (p 45), Thredbo (p 49), South Coast Regional Tourism (p 50), Ginette Snow (p 59).

Thank you to industry members for providing material for use in this publication. THE T-QUAL TICK Planning the perfect Australian holiday is now even easier, thanks to the T-QUAL Tick. Whether you’re looking for places to stay, something to eat, or things to do, simply look for businesses that carry the T-QUAL Tick and rest assured you’ll get the quality you deserve. The T-QUAL Tick is the Australian Government’s national symbol of tourism quality. Tourism businesses that carry the T-QUAL Tick have undergone rigorous assessment to ensure they deliver a quality experience. These businesses are members of quality assurance schemes that have met the requirements of T-QUAL Accreditation.

CONTACTS

FAST FACTS

Canberra’s public bus service, ACTION Buses, covers the major sights and most suburbs. Pick up a bus map and timetable from bus interchanges in the city, Belconnen, Woden and Tuggeranong or visit action.act.gov.au

TAXIS

Tourism Australia, photography Geoff Lung First Australians Gallery, National Museum of Australia (p 27).

1. High Court of Australia, Lake Burley Griffin

1300 554 114 61

Canberra SYDNEY–MELBOURNE DRIVING HOLIDAYS DRIVE YOURSELF AROUND THE REGION Canberra is a fantastic base from which to explore the many treasures of the surrounding region. The region offers historic townships, natural wonders, beautiful coastlines and the famous Snowy Mountains. So allow enough time to linger longer and enjoy all the nation’s capital has to offer. Tourist information: 1300 554 114 Online bookings: visitcanberra.com.au

LEGEND C A P I T A L C O U N T R Y, S O U T H E R N HIGHLANDS AND SOUTH COAST

WOLLONGONG A ND S OU T HERN HIGHL A ND S (GR A ND PAC IF IC DRI V E )

S N O W Y M O U N TA IN S

B LU E M O U N TA IN S

BENDIGO

MELBOURNE TO CANBERRA ( S Y D N E Y M E L B O U R N E C O A S TA L D R I V E , V I A P HIL L IP I S L A ND)

MELBOURNE TO SYDNEY (SYDNEY MELBOURNE HE R I TA GE D R I V E )

H I G H WAY/ M A J O R R O A D

S T A T E B O U N D A R Y, A I R P O R T

Black Mountain

There is no place like the

Australian War Memorial Our award-winning galleries contain relics, works of art, photographs, and personal items that help tell the extraordinary stories of ordinary Australians. Visit and see why the Memorial is one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great museums. Free entry Open daily 10 am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5 pm Closed Christmas Day info@awm.gov.au awm.gov.au (02) 6243 4211