destination – Canberra

CANBERRA
Canberra's many tourism highs

My travelling companion was clearly worried as we waited to take off on our early morning hot air balloon flight on a cold Canberra morning. “Are you sure there will be enough hot air,” she nervously asked our pilot.

As quick as a flash another passenger commented: “Of course there will be, this is Canberra, there’s enough hot air for all balloons in Australia!”

>> Destination Canberra, Weekends For Two

A hot air balloon would have to be one of the best ways to see Canberra. It also helps put the city into perspective and provides an understanding of what Sir Walter Burley Griffin was thinking when he designed the city. This is even more obvious if you’ve visited the National Capital Exhibition. Interactive displays explain the people, events, history and design which contributed to the development of this fully planned city.

Another great way to get a feel of Canberra is to spend time around Lake Burley Griffin. The lake covers 664 hectares with a 40 kilometre shoreline and is ideal for such activities as rowing, sailing, paddle boating, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking and fishing. A walk around the lake reveals beautiful lawns, gardens, trees and well known landmarks such as the National Gallery, High Court and the National Library.

If you happen to be visiting between December and April and love the masterpieces you’ll want to stop off at the National Gallery. During this time it is staging Masterpieces from Paris which features 114 of some of the best-known works of modern art which draw millions of tourists to the Musée d’Orsay in Paris. Iconic works by Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, Paul Cézanne, Georges Seurat, Pierre Bonnard, Claude Monet, Maurice Denis, Henri Toulouse-Lautrec and Édouard Vuillard will be on display. Highlights include Van Gogh’s Bedroom at Arles, Gauguin’s painting Tahitian women 1891, and Cézanne’s beloved Mount Saint-Victoire.

If you’re interested in Australian art then a visit before November 1 is recommended. Until then the gallery is staging the works of one of Australia’s most famous impressionists, Frederick McCubbin. McCubbin: Last Impressions 1907-17 brings together 80 of his paintings.

The Australian War Memorial is staging Sidney Nolan’s Gallipoli series until November 18. The exhibition features 82 drawings and paintings completed over a 20 year period. The world class memorial is one of those must visit attractions no matter what the time of the year. Its mission is to remember, interpret and understand the Australian experience of war and its enduring impact on Australian society

Great art is on show all year round at the National Portrait Gallery. Here you’ll see more than 400 portraits of people who have shaped the nation including artists, musicians, entertainers, politicians, sports people and royalty. Favourites include Ned Kelly’s death mask and Howard Arkley’s portrait of Nick Cave.

After a day’s exploration there’s no better way to spend an evening than enjoying a great meal. With over 300 restaurants, pubs and cafes there are plenty of options - ranging from simple, hearty family meals to stunning degustation menus.

Locally produced wine is a feature of many restaurant menus. Winemaking started 160 years ago in the Canberra region and today there are over 33 wineries all within 35 minutes drive of the capital. These wineries cover a large altitudinal range of 300 to 800 metres.The variation in temperature, vineyard elevations, different soil types and the skills and character of the winemaker provide varieties in styles such as Sangiovese Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz. The wineries also further enhance Canberra’s reputation as a great place for a short break or longer holiday.

Jenny Burns