By Rama Gaind.
Take in the tranquil surrounds of the many sights around Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra.
Canberrans are perceptively aware the national capital is a family-friendly destination. While we know the region is a treasure trove of national attractions, there’s also an awareness of a public health emergency being declared in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Canberra is one of the few planned cities of the world and houses dozens of federal buildings including the Australian War Memorial, Parliament House and the High Court.
Whether you’re a cultural connoisseur, a nature lover or a foodie, you’ll find plenty to do – and no traffic jams to slow you down – in a quickly evolving Canberra. The following is a small sample of what you can see and do in the capital.
The ever-popular Australian War Memorial tells the story of Australians who have served in all world wars. It has special areas and programs that communicate with children the stories of Australians involved in war and peacekeeping.
The memorial and Anzac Parade are at the centre of the nation’s tribute to the courage and sacrifice of generations of men and woman who served in war. Together they are inspiring and moving national landmarks that allow for both public and personal reflection on the Australian experience of war.
Australian War Memorial, top of Anzac Parade, in the ACT, is where you learn the story of Australians who have served in all world wars.
The Roll of Honour records and commemorates members of the Australian armed forces who have died during or as a result of war service, or for Post-1945 conflicts, warlike service, non-warlike service and certain peacetime operations.
Why not escape from the city among the beautiful collection of Australian plants at the Australian National Botanic Gardens, located minutes from the hustle and bustle of the Canberra city centre. Offering a breathtaking array of native plants in a spectacular bushland setting, this is the only place in the world you’ll see this diversity of Australian native plants in one location.
Parts of the gardens have reopened (but sections of the Rainforest Gully remain closed), with one-way walking paths and sanitising stations located around the Gardens. To assist with physical distancing requirements, the walking paths are currently one-way.
Venue highlights
The Roll of Honour records and commemorates members of the Australian armed forces at the Australian War Memorial.
Glimpse the world in miniature at Cockington Green Gardens at Gold Creek Village. Wander the stunning gardens and admire the intricate designs. Children and families will love a walk through the Walk-In Bird Aviary at Gold Creek Village where there are around 500 birds in a 1,000sqm area. Feed, photograph and observe these amazing creatures. You’ll have to social distance, even though there’s no guarantee the birds will!
Rug up and head to Corin Forest near Tidbinbilla for snow play and to ride the alpine slide. Remember to book online before you go and to always check road conditions if snow is forecast or has fallen. Also, what better way is there to warm up than sip Canberra’s cool climate wines and enjoy a lunch at a vineyard.
Blast off and discover Questacon Mission to Mars. There is limited capacity for this exhibition and pre-booking a 90-minute session is essential. The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House has reopened with two exhibitions: Truth, Power and the Free Press and the Behind the Lines 2019 cartoon exhibition. Pre-booking is essential.
You can wander the trails around the National Arboretum Canberra, check out the Bonsai Collection, play on the Pod Playground. The Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is now open, however parts of the reserve and Namadgi National Park remain close as they are undergoing upgrades after the infrastructure damage by fire and flood.
Escape from the city in the beautiful collection of Australian plants at the Australian National Botanic Gardens, located minutes from the hustle and bustle of the Canberra city centre.
Within Namadgi, Mt Franklin Road including the Bendora and Coree areas of Namadgi have reopened, but Namadgi south to Mt Franklin Chalet remains closed for bushfire recovery.
If you can’t get enough of reptiles, then the Canberra Reptile Zoo at Gold Creek in Nicholls is operating with limits of 20 people and visits offered on the hour. Bookings are essential. Camping is permitted at certain campgrounds, but you must book online and practice social distancing. Blue Range, Kowen and Northern Border can be booked online while Cotter campground is open and operating on a first-in, first-served basis.
As some travel restrictions are in force due to the Coronavirus crisis, it is recommended everyone do their research, make inquiries and book ahead to avoid disappointment. Bookings may be essential at some venues.
DETAILS BOX
Visit Canberra
https://visitcanberra.com.au
Australian War Memorial
