There is a lot to see in Canberra. So many of our national treasures are housed in our nation’s capital. From Old Parliament House, to seeing the country through the eyes of artists featured in the National Gallery of Australia (a must do), the National Film & Sound Archive, the National Library (which has a postcard picture view overlooking the lake), visit a kangaroo at the National Zoo, or if you like money, it makes cents to see the Mint.
Canberra has something to interest everyone. Just by chance I wandered into the Canberra City Gallery and found a Sidney Nolan Kelly series on display – fifteen works for free!
I choose to be in Canberra on Australia Day earlier this year, staying at Diamant Hotel a short walk to the planned concert and fireworks on the lake. The hotel was originally built for VIPs coming to town for the opening of Old Parliament House, and over the years has served as the original home of what became the Australian National University, the census office, the patents office, the crisis commissioner, the ACT Police, the home to the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, the Australian Federal Police and the Resolution Centre before turning full circle in 2000 when it was retuned to its original purpose as a Hotel.
I would recommend to anyone that they should stay here, but recently the hotel was damaged by fire. I’m told that the damage was minimal and most services will continue, but best to check before booking. On a more positive note, if you’re in town on a Sunday, you will be in for a treat at the Old Bus Depot Art Craft Markets. Whether you’re looking to pick up a bargain, take home or something for dinner, or just there for the eye candy, you will not be disappointed. The markets are free and open until four in the afternoon on the foreshore at Kingston.
The surrounding country also holds many attractions for locals and travellers alike. Check out the wineries or walking tracks. If you are hoping to test more wine than a breathalyser will allow, mini bus options are available. Check out the free 2011 holiday planer by visiting www.visitcanberra.com.au or talk to tourist information on 1300 554 114.
Tilly’s Cafe has been a meeting place for the last twenty years for beautiful dinner and drinks, while Bar 32 and Cube nightclub are the places to party. For somewhere a little raunchy, try the Mustang Ranch. The night out was a lot of fun but I think that the trip’s highlight came at The National Film & Sound Archives.
There were many memorable shorts from early television drama documentaries, the theme music conjuring up many memories from the visitors as they interact, act, and ask each other questions that all started with the words “ remember when.” ‘I Still calling Australia Home’ is hammered out by Peter Allen in one of the almost sound proof booths, bringing a tear to the eye, while the full size theatre running short film news from the archives is sure to amaze and amuse as we take a look back at how we lived and loved way back then!
Canberra has its own must read gay & lesbian magazine: Fuse. Pick up a copy around town or check it out online and its festival – SpringOUT commences November 5th 2011 and is definitely worth a look. Check out gaydestination.net.au for updates.
Where’s Wally was originally published in Qnews. Wally Cowin stayed at the Diamont Hotel as a guest of Australian Capital Tourism.
Image: courtesy of Australian Capital Tourism
