Discovering Canberra: Australia’s Enchanting Capital Gem

G’day, folks! Welcome to my blog. Today we are Discovering Canberra: Australia’s enchanting Capital Gem. Nestled amid lush forests with kangaroos as your friendly neighbours, this city proudly wears the title of “bush capital.” Canberra packs a punch with its world-class museums, galleries, and attractions that will have you diving deep into Australia’s rich history. But when it comes to Canberra, opinions are divided. Some adore it, while others write it off as a snooze-fest.

My Canberra Misadventure: A Confession

Let me confess my rookie mistake back in 2006 when I first set foot in Australia. I made the classic traveller’s blunder: I let others’ opinions and stories shape my choices. I heard that Canberra was a bit of a bore, and I thought, “Why bother with the nation’s capital if everyone says it’s dull?” So, like a naive explorer swayed by the crowd, I decided to skip Canberra (cue the hangover of shame).

Fast forward a few years, and my family and I found ourselves in Batemans Bay, just a quick two-hour drive from the capital. I figured it was high time to start discovering Canberra and give it a fair shot. After a few visits, I can confidently say that I’ve fallen head over heels! True, it doesn’t match the wild vibes of Sydney or Melbourne, but that’s precisely what makes it special—no frantic crowds, something for all age groups, and plenty of freebies to savour.

Forming My Own Opinions

While I’m always open to travel tips, I’ve also learned to trust my own judgment. I can’t guarantee that you’ll become a Canberra enthusiast overnight, but I strongly urge you to give it a whirl and form your own perspective. So, grab your trusty guidebook and camera, and let’s start discovering Canberra together! 📖📸

Getting to Canberra

Getting to Canberra is a breeze, making it a cinch to explore. The airport is well-connected with numerous domestic and international flights. However, if you’re watching your wallet, consider flying into Sydney first; you’ll often find more budget-friendly flights there. From Sydney, it’s just a scenic train or coach ride away. Trusty coach companies like Greyhound, Murrays, and Premier Buses are at your service for a comfortable journey to Canberra.

My First Taste of Discovering Canberra: Heat and Humidity

Our first landing in Canberra happened during the peak of summer, and let me tell you, it felt like stepping onto the sun itself! The temperature soared well past 40 degrees Celsius, and the humidity hit a sticky 100%. I seriously considered the possibility of our family turning into puddles the moment we disembarked at Canberra Airport.

Now, to set the scene, we had been living in Carnarvon, up in northwest Australia, so we weren’t strangers to scorching temperatures. But this was a whole new level of sizzle! Canberra sits about two hours inland from the coast, nestled right in the heart of the Australian bush. That’s why summers can feel like an absolute inferno.

We’d spent the previous week organising our move from remote Western Australia to regional New South Wales. Our five-hour red-eye flight, complete with a cranky seventeen-month-old in tow, had left us utterly drained. By the time we arrived at our hotel, we were running on fumes. So, after unpacking, we all agreed on one thing: it was time to seek refuge in our air-conditioned rooms and call it an early night. We needed to recharge for a full day of adventures that awaited us the next morning.

As fate would have it, the next day was a tad cooler, just a “gentle” 35 degrees. Hey, we’d take any relief we could get! Our plan for the day was to kick things off with a visit to the War Memorial Museum and then let the day unfold as it pleased. So, we gathered our gear, made our way to the nearest bus stop, and prepared for more adventures under the blazing Aussie sun!

Anzac Parade: An Emotional Prelude

Exploring Anzac Parade on our way to the War Museum is an absolute must. This grand avenue is adorned with stirring sculptures and monuments, each one paying tribute to Australia’s involvement in various wars and conflicts. It sets the stage for a deeply moving journey through history.

The first memorial we encountered was dedicated to the Boer War, Australia’s first war as an independent nation—no longer under the British thumb—deserves every bit of recognition it gets. The Korean War memorial left a lasting impression with its surreal, bunker-like design, and the National Australian Hellenic Memorial resembled an ancient Greek ruin. Right across from the entrance to the War Memorial Museum, you’ll find the poignant ‘Simpson and the Donkey’ statue. It’s a touching tribute to John Simpson Kirkpatrick, the hero of the Battle of Gallipoli, who courageously transported water to Australian soldiers on the front lines and rescued the wounded on his trusty donkey. They affectionately called him ‘the man with the donkey.’

War Memorial: A Must-Visit (and It’s Free!)

When you’re in Canberra, there’s one place that should be at the top of your list—the War Memorial Museum at the end of Anzac Parade. It’s a stunning Art Deco building surrounded by manicured lawns and crowned with a striking green dome. But before you immerse yourself in the captivating exhibits, take a moment to unwind in the Memorial Gardens courtyard by the entrance. It’s an oasis of tranquility with a serene pond, a soothing waterfall, and walls adorned with the names of past wars. Trust me; this spot quickly became one of my favourite spots.

Inside, head to the ground floor’s First World War exhibit. You’ll discover a treasure trove of photographs, vintage uniforms, medals, and even the everyday plates and cups used by soldiers. But the real showstopper? An awe-inspiring Aboriginal art painting created by 19 artists from South Australia’s APY lands. It’s a burst of colours and intricate patterns that’ll keep you mesmerized.

As you venture deeper into the museum, you’ll stumble upon incredibly detailed models reenacting famous battles. My personal highlight was the Gallipoli scene—it’s so lifelike that you’ll feel like you’re right there on the battlefield.

Before concluding your visit, make sure not to miss the Artillery Hall, featuring an impressive display of tanks and warplanes. But as you ascend to the upper floors, you’ll notice a sombre shift in the atmosphere, with rows of black plaques overflowing with red poppies, solemnly reminding us of the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Birthday Trip: Turning Thirty-Eight

By late afternoon, we were utterly exhausted, so we headed back to our hotel, promising ourselves that we’d return to Canberra in the future and explore more of this fantastic little capital.

Two years after our first visit, I decided to celebrate my thirty-eighth birthday with a quick getaway to the nation’s capital, Canberra. Thanks to the pandemic, this trip had been rescheduled six times, but I was determined to make it happen.

Day One: Clyde Mountain and Arrival

In February 2021, we embarked on a journey over the iconic Clyde Mountain. The drive, once ravaged by bushfires, was now a breathtaking sight as lush forests had reclaimed the landscape. After a two-hour drive, we reached Canberra with its Parliament House flagpole welcoming us.

National Portrait Gallery (Free)

Our first stop of the day: the National Portrait Gallery. Honestly, I didn’t have high expectations for portraits, but we had a 2 PM Parliament House tour scheduled straight after this, and the gallery was conveniently nearby.

We grabbed a light lunch, which turned out to be tasty but pricey. The gallery surprised me with its diverse portrait styles, from classic paintings to modern artwork. One standout was ‘Equation of a Life – A Portrait of Professor Derek Denton,’ showcasing 21st-century portraiture.

Parliament House (Free)

We strolled to Parliament House, enduring a short but sweltering walk uphill. Inside, we were greeted by marble pillars in Australia’s colours. We explored an exhibit featuring past Australian Prime Ministers, including John Howard. I also had the Senate Hall to myself, where I resisted the urge to shout “Excuse me, Mr. Speaker!” and “Order! Order!” The hall was decorated in red and maroon, with a large table where parties engage in lively debates.

The Barunga Statement artwork was a must-see, highlighting the mistreatment of Aboriginals. The history of the Australian Parliament and Canberra’s capital journey intrigued us, leaving us eager for a proper tour in the future.

After the Parliament House adventure, we checked into the Madison Capital Executive Apartments on Northbourne Avenue, a solid family-friendly choice. We settled into room 218, a one-bedroom spa suite, and a kitchen, which turned out to be a great budget-friendly option.

Birthday Dinner at Agostini’s

For my birthday dinner, I made reservations at Agostini’s, an Italian restaurant at the East Hotel. We arrived famished and were promptly greeted by friendly staff. The starters included mouthwatering Panna Delle Casa, freshly baked garlic bread with garlic butter. I’m pretty sure the entire restaurant could smell the garlic on my breath, but I devoured every bite without remorse—it was that good!

For my main, I ordered the ravioli with ricotta and spinach which was to die for, and dessert featured divine ice cream cones, dipped in dark chocolate. Stuffed but satisfied, we left the restaurant, already planning a return visit.

Day Two: Canberra Adventures

On our only full day in Canberra, we were up early and eager to explore. Our first stop was Cockington Green, just a 15-minute drive from the city center. This pint-sized wonderland in Gold Creek is a must-visit.

Cockington Green feels like a mini paradise with its charming mini English towns, fairy villages, and famous landmarks all neatly laid out for you to explore at your own pace. We started at the gift shop, grabbed some cool souvenirs, and discovered a fantastic kids’ play area that Aria absolutely loved. Picnic barbecues were available for a family lunch.

However, I have to spill the beans about the café – my latte and banana bread didn’t quite hit the mark. But that didn’t dampen our Cockington Green love. Inside the café, there’s an unreal dollhouse that left me in awe. Don’t forget to exit through the front entrance to see a tiny model of the Tudor-style town of Chester in the north of England.

As we explored, the English Village charmed us, but the international section stole the show with mini replicas of world-famous spots like St. Michael’s Monastery in Ukraine and the Chateau du Bojnice in Slovakia. We even hopped on a vintage steam train and stumbled upon a cute fairy village with mushroom houses and twinkling lights.

Lunch at Cherry Beans Café

After Cockington Green, we didn’t want to stray too far for lunch, with our next stop, the National Dinosaur Museum, nearby. Lucky for us, we found Cherry Beans Café in a shopping center. I had a delicious grilled chicken sandwich with garlic aioli and smashed avocado on focaccia bread. Zac ordered a gluten-free cheese and ham sandwich, which Aria stole, kindly sharing a bit of her crust – hilarious!

National Dinosaur Museum

Right across from Cockington Green, the National Dinosaur Museum is a blast, especially if you’re into enormous bugs and bones or have a dino-loving kiddo. Outside, a colossal t-rex looms over crumpled cars, giving off serious Jurassic Park vibes.

Inside, lush tropical greenery and gigantic Jurassic-style creatures hanging from the ceiling set the tone. Massive, fossilized bugs and terrifying Trilobites greeted us. The museum offers a Discovery Section, an ocean section featuring creatures from the deep past, and even a chance to pose inside a set of shark jaws from the Jurassic period.

National Museum of Australia (Free/Donation Entry)

Our final stop was the National Museum of Australia, a futuristic building by Lake Burley Griffin. The entrance with its illuminated butterfly and quirky additions drew us in. Inside, the ‘Endeavour Exhibition’ offered a unique perspective on Captain Cook’s arrival in Australia from the Aboriginal viewpoint, shedding light on their ancestors’ perceptions of the British ships’ arrival. The exhibition guided us through coastal maps, Aboriginal artifacts, and models of animals encountered by Captain Cook’s crew.

Descending to the ground floor, we discovered the ‘Garden of Dreams,’ an outdoor area with a futuristic, abstract design and vibrant colors. ‘First Australians’ featured a diverse collection of artifacts and captivating Aboriginal art, including a powerful painting with the message ‘You Are on Aboriginal Land.’

By evening, we were all pretty tired from the day’s adventures. Aria, however, tried her best to keep her eyes open. With little ones like Aria, those tiny legs can tire out faster than you’d think, even from just a little stroll!

Australian National Botanical Gardens (Free)

We left our hotel early the next day for two final stops before heading home. Our first destination, the Australian National Botanic Gardens, left a lasting impression. It’s unlike any other garden I’ve explored worldwide. Upon arrival, you’ll find various walking tracks to choose from; we started with the ‘Rainforest Gully’ by the entrance.

Coming from England, I had never encountered anything like Australian rainforests. The towering trees formed a captivating canopy, shielding us from the sun’s rays and serving as a natural umbrella when it rained. As we walked, we marveled at fascinating fig trees with downward-growing roots that wrapped around other plants.

Descending into the gully transported us to a jungle adventure with the lush surroundings and bursts of wildflower colour. After Aria’s flower-picking excitement, we explored further, reaching the Rock Garden, where we encountered a charming waterfall and a friendly basking lizard. Across from the waterfall lies the Eucalyptus Lawn, home to an adorable bee Hotel – a wooden building where carpenter bees burrow with tiny tool belts! Our journey continued to the Red Centre Garden, evoking memories of the Pilbara region in northwestern Australia, with its vast, remote, and distinctly red dirt. Despite its barren appearance, it held its own unique charm, including a big thorny devil statue that captivated Aria’s interest. Our final adventure in the park led us to the Children’s Trail, a hidden gem mostly concealed by tall trees. A secret treehouse at the end delighted Aria, resembling a pirate ship and offering great views.

National Zoo & Aquarium

Our last stop in Canberra was the National Zoo and Aquarium, located in Yarralumla on the outskirts of the city. It’s a fantastic place to visit with plenty of beautiful animals and easy navigation. All attractions and animals are numbered in each section.

After enjoying some nutritious carrot cake, our zoo journey began. It started right outside the café, where adorable monkeys swung around, entertaining us. They leapt onto enormous jungle-style leaves, much to Aria’s delight.

We explored the small aquarium, although it was a bit disappointing due to the limited fish. Next, we admired the gorgeous koalas, always cute but rarely active. This time, one of them was exploring actively, climbing trees, and being an adorable little explorer.

Further along, we encountered a Tasmanian Devil, unlike the grumpy ones I’d seen before. This one was energetic and delightful.

Our zoo adventure included vibrant peacocks, a walk-through wallaby enclosure, and concluded at the kid’s play area, a tropical paradise with a miniature waterfall and colourful flowers.

Well, that concludes my family trip on discovering Canberra, so thanks for reading. We had a fabulous time checking out all of the attractions and sites Australia’s Capital has to offer. Despite being rearranged no less than six times, I have to say that it was worth the wait. I’m happy to say that I have debunked the boring label that this city has inherited, as Canberra is far from boring. In fact, it’s the exact opposite. There are great attractions, amazing places to eat as well as world-class museums and galleries, many of which are free! Although we designed this itinerary for a young family, I do think that if you swap out the Dinosaur Museum for the War Memorial, then this would be one cracking holiday for anyone visiting Canberra. Oh, and if you’re wondering, Zac and I have since learned our lesson, and we’ve purchased a stroller! We knew Aria’s not-wanting-to-walk-anywhere phase wouldn’t get better anytime soon, so we purchased a pushchair to take with us for future trips, and it’s been money well spent! 

So, for your next holiday, why not give Canberra try? There’s something here for everyone.

I hope you’ve picked up some tips on making the most of this wonderful place and inspired you to visit in the future. Are you planning on visiting Canberra in the future? Will you be visiting any of the places I have mentioned? Let me know in the comments at the bottom of this post.