This memorial, located about 100m from the National Carillon and next to the HMAS Canberra Memorial at the edge of Lake Burley Griffin, commemorates the contribution of the Merchant Navy during World Wars I and II. Continue reading “Merchant Navy Memorial – Fitting Waterside Tribute”
This cottage, now located in Commonwealth Park, was constructed as a home for Duntroon Estate workers in the 1860s and as such predates Canberra’s selection as the National Capital. It has been home to three families – the Ginns, Blundells and the Oldfields. The Blundell family, after which it is named, occupied it for 60 years (1874-1933). Continue reading “Blundells Cottage – Step Back To The 1860s”
On a nice calm day, of which we have many in Canberra, with the right cloud conditions you can see some wonderful reflections on Lake Burley Griffin as you walk along the northern shoreline of the central basin, as I did last weekend. While I am far from a skilled photographer and use a relatively simple point and click camera I hope the photos attached create a favourable impression. Continue reading “Reflections on the Lake”
The National Emergency Services Memorial was dedicated by then Prime Minister, John Howard, on 12 July 2004 to honour those who have served and were injured or died in Australia’s emergency management and service organisations. Continue reading “National Emergency Services Memorial”
The Australian Capital Territory Government has, of late, taken the view that the citizenry of Canberra needs more art and culture. This has, to a large degree, manifested itself in a plethora of new statutory most of which is lacking in any sort of taste, art or culture or whatsoever. The shot-gun approach however does mean that a least a few of the new statues will hit the mark. The subject of this review, Sir Robert Menzies’ statue, is one of those which certainly hits the mark for me. Continue reading “Sir Robert Menzies Goes For a Walk”
Floriade is an annual flower display of truly international standards. If you are in Canberra during Floriade you should not miss it though it is probably better to say if you are in town when it’s on you won’t miss it as, chances are, that will be the reason you are in town! Continue reading “Floriade – Canberra Blooms!”
Having visited the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre next door, this is a great place to get your bearings and learn something of the story of the national capital through a combination of audio-visual displays, films, photographs and artefacts prior to going out and exploring. Continue reading “National Capital Exhibition – Get Your Bearings”
Walking around Lake Burley Griffin and visiting the numerous attractions around it can easily take days. Most visitors will be restricted to a day, or at most two. Irrespective, you will need to eat at some point. There are numerous options, mainly in terms of museum cafes and the like, but my favourite is The Deck, assuming that is that it is a nice day and you actually sit out on the deck rather than inside, which I find cold, bland and lacking in atmosphere. Continue reading “The Deck at Regatta Point: “Decent Food with a Decent View””
The Visitors Centre, which moved to its current site by Lake Burley Griffin, from Northbourne Avenue, is a great source of information on Canberra, the Australian Capital Territory and the region more generally and is certainly worthy a stop for all but the most prepared visitor to Canberra. In addition to an extensive display of literature the staff here are very helpful. Continue reading “Canberra and Region Visitors Centre”
Why don’t people promenade any more?
Every time I visit Commonwealth Park I am somewhat taken aback by the paucity of people out enjoying this beautiful park. I often wonder (and I have been here 16 years), as do visitors, where do Canberrans go at weekends. Why are they not out enjoying the delights of this great city? Their loss is the visitor’s gain. Continue reading “Commonwealth Park – Go Promenade!”
The Rambling Wombat 