Attractions: Local

Local Attractions

Australian Institute of SportAustralian Institute of Sport
Home to some of Australia’s current and future Olympians. Take a tour with an elite athlete and test your skills in the fun interactive Sportex exhibition. Some tours even offer the chance to go underneath the AIS pool for a new perspective on Swimming. Ninety-minute public tours depart daily at 10.00am,
P: 6214 1010 | www.ausport.gov.au/tours
Australian War MemorialAustralian War Memorial
more coming soon
Benedict HouseBenedict House
Benedict House is a painting and jewelry studio, gallery and bead shop located in a former girls boarding school and convent.
Free general admission | 10.00am to 5.00pm | Isabella St, Queanbeyan | P: 6284 2868 | www.benedicthouse.com.au
Black Mountain TowerBlack Mountain Tower
Rising 195 meters above the summit of Black Mountain, the Tower presents 360 degree views of Canberra and the surrounding rural area. Visitors can see the city unfold from the enclosed viewing gallery or the two open viewing platforms. Situated atop Black Mountain Tower is Canberra’s only revolving dining experience, the five Star Alto Tower Restaurant.
9.00am to 10.00pm 7 days | P: 1800 806 718 | www.blackmountaintower.com.au
Calthorpe’s HouseCalthorpe’s House
Calthorpes’ House is a window into an almost forgotten world. Built in 1927, this genuine survivor is a treasure house of domestic history. Original furnishings, household appliances and photos reflect the fashionable ideal of style and taste in the middle class Australian home of the late 1920s.
www.museumsandgalleries.act.gov.au
Canberra GlassworksCanberra Glassworks
Built and funded by the ACT Government, Canberra Glassworks is Australia’s only cultural centre that is wholly dedicated to contemporary glass art.
Free general admission | 10.00am to 4.00pm Wed-Sun | Wenthworth Avenue, Kingston
P: 6260 7005 | www.canberraglassworks.com
Canberra Museum and GalleryCanberra Museum and Gallery
Celebrates the social history and visual arts of the Canberra region with a changing exhibition program.
Free general admission | 10.00am to 5.00pm Tue-Fri | 12.00pm to 5.00pm Sat-Sun
Corner of London Circuit & Civic Square | P: 6207 3968 | www.museumandgalleries.act.gov.au
Capital Region Farmers MarketCapital Region Farmers Market
The Capital Region Farmers Market is a genuine farmers market with over 100 stalls offering a diverse range of fresh food and agricultural produce straight from the producer to the customer.
Free general admission | 8.00am to 11.00am every Sunday | Exhibition Park | P: 0400 852 227, 0418 622 401
www.capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au
Cockington Green GardensCockington Green Gardens
This charming world in miniature is surrounded by gardens and features tiny buildings representing nations as diverse as Argentina, England and Hungary. Miniature steam train rides.
9.30am to 4.15pm 7 days | Gold Creek Village, Gold Creek Road, Nicholls | P: 1800 627 273 | www.cockingtongreen.com.au
Commonwealth ParkCommonwealth Park
Take a walk or have a picnic in beautifully landscaped Commonwealth Park. Find interesting sculptures, hidden walks and tranquil ponds. In spring, Commonwealth Park blossoms into Floriade, Australia’s largest spring festival.
Free general admission | Parkes Way, City
Commonwealth PlaceCommonwealth Place
Expansive grassed areas between the High Court and National Library shelter the modern Waters Edge café, as well as a contemporary exhibition space for the National Portrait Gallery. It’s a great spot for walking, rollerblading, cycling or enjoying live music on summer evenings.
Free general admission | Parkes
EmbassiesEmbassies
Many are in architectural styles typical of their country. The Papua New Guinea High Commission is one of the more spectacular examples, built in Melanesian longhouse style.
Forster Crescent, Yarralumla
FloriadeFloriade
more coming soon
Fyshwick Fresh Food MarketsFyshwick Fresh Food Markets
The sights, sounds and alluring smells of the Fyshwick markets make any shopping expedition an exotic adventure.
Free general admission | 8.00am to 5.30pm Thurs-Sun | Mildura St, Fyshwick
P: 6295 0606 | www.fyshwick.info/markets
High Court of AustraliaHigh Court of Australia
The High Court is the highest court in the Australian Judicial system. Its function is to apply and interpret the laws of Australia, to decide on cases of special federal significance and to hear appeals.
Free general admission | 9.45am to 4.30pm, Mon – Fri | Parkes Place , Parkes | P: 6270 6811 | www.hcourt.gov.au
International Flag DisplayInternational Flag Display
80 flags representing the countries that have a diplomatic presence in Canberra. Featured along the lake shore at Commonwealth Place in the Parliamentary zone. The flags are dedicated to the UN & are positioned on the promenade between the High Court and the National Library on the southern shore of Lake Burley Griffin.
Free general admission | Commonwealth Place
Lanyon HomesteadLanyon Homestead
Lanyon lies at the foot of the Brindabellas and is one of Australia’s premier historic properties. The Homestead dates from the
1850s and is set within superb gardens. The property includes a range of outbuildings and is located within a landscape of great natural beauty.
10.00am to 4.00pm Tue-Sun | Tharwa Drive, Tharwa | P: 6235 5677 | www.museumsandgalleries.act.gov.au
Mugga-Mugga HomesteadMugga-Mugga Homestead
The small stone cottage has been conserved and furnished with household items that belonged to the Curley family who moved to Mugga-Mugga from Duntroon in 1913.
www.museumsandgalleries.act.gov.au
National Archives of AustraliaNational Archives of Australia
With its vast collection dating back to federation, the National Archives of Australia is often called the nation’s memory. With excellent reference facilities to research your family history, the National Archives is a must see gem in the Parliament Triangle.
Free general admission | 9.00am to 5.00pm 7 days | Queen Victoria Terrace, Parkes | P: 6212 3600 | www.naa.gov.au
National Botanic GardensNational Botanic Gardens
Take a ‘spot the species’ walk or enjoy a coffee in the café. Listen to the sound of the native birdlife, watch water dragons sun baking in the warmer months, and listen to live jazz concerts in the summer.
8.30am to 5.00pm 7 days | Clunies Ross Street, Acton | P: 6250 9450 | www.anbg.gov.au
National Capital ExhibitionNational Capital Exhibition
Exhibitions tells the story about Australia’s Capital, from aboriginal occupation through the arrival of Europeans to Walter Burley Griffin’s unique design for the city.
Free general admission | 9.00am to 5.00pm Mon-Fri | 10.00am to 4.00pm Sat-Sun Closed public holidays | Regatta Point, Parkes | P: 6257 1068 | www.nationalcapital.gov.au
National Film and Sound ArchiveNational Film and Sound Archive
Screen and radio nostalgia buffs will find plenty of Australian audiovisual heritage here. Interactive exhibitions, radio and television programs, screenings, a library and regular live presentations. DVD’s of favourite TV shows are available from the archive’s shop, as well as a huge range of books and posters.
Free general admission | 9.00am to 5.00pm Mon-Fri | 10.00am to 5.00pm Sat-Sun | McCoy Circuit, Acton | P: 6248 2000 | www.nfsa.afc.gov.au
National Gallery of AustraliaNational Gallery of Australia
Experience Australia through the eyes of our artists, see world-class exhibitions and stroll through the sculpture garden. Home to more than 100,000 works of art, including renowned Indigenous art and Asian art collections, the National Gallery of Australia is an ever-changing delight. Free general admission (permanent collection) | Admission prices may apply to special exhibitions
10.00am to 5.00pm 7 days | Parkes Place, Parkes | P: 6240 6502 | www.nga.gov.au
National LibraryNational Library
The country’s largest reference library is also a repository for all kinds of treasures. There are regular public lectures featuring prominent speakers. 9.00am to 5.00pm 7 day | Parkes Place, Parkes | P: 6262 1111 | www.nla.gov.au
National Portrait GalleryNational Portrait Gallery
Home to the national portrait collection. Contemporary exhibitions, public areas, including a café, gift shop, function room, theatre.
Free general admission | 8.00am to 5.00pm 7 days | King Edward Terrace, Parkes | P: 6270 8236 | www.portrait.gov.au
National Zoo & AquariumNational Zoo & Aquarium
For an adrenalin-filled zoo experience, take a 2-hour ZooVenture Tour where you can hand-feed the big cats, bears, monkeys, dingos and others. Get an insight into their lives, and the Zoo’s conservation work. For the really brave there is the ‘Meet a Cheetah’ experience: hands-on, no fences! Or stroll through at your own pace. This is Australia’s only combined zoo and aquarium.
10.00am to 5.00pm 7 days | Lady Denman Drive, Scrivener Dam, Yarralumla | P: 6287 8400 | www.nationalzoo.com.au
Old Parliament HouseOld Parliament House
A beautiful and iconic 1920’s building that was home of the Australian parliament for 61 years. Wander through the halls of power; see the former Prime Ministerial office, the tiny office space of a backbencher and the restored Press Gallery.
Free general admission | 7.00am to 5.00pm 7 days | King George Terrace, Parkes | P: 6270 8222 | www.moadoph.gov.au
Old Parliament House GardensOld Parliament House Gardens
Garden lovers head to the magnificent restored gardens that provides a display of around 5000 roses that commemorate Australians from all walks of life and unusual plants from other countries. The tennis courts, bowling green and cricket pitch are all open for public use.
Free general admission | 7 days | Either side of Old Parliament House | King George Terrace, Parkes
Parliament HouseParliament House
Panoramic views of Canberra from the roof. Stroll through the landscaped grounds and enjoy the collection of Australian contemporary art. Watch parliamentarians in action at Question time from 2pm on sitting days. The seat of the Australian Government awaits your arrival.
Free general admission | 9.00am to 5.00pm 7 days | Capital Hill, Parkes | P: 6277 5399 | www.aph.gov.au
QuestaconQuestacon
The National Science and Technology Centre. If only science was this much fun at school. Mini Q, a great exhibition for little kids and a chance for adults to relive their childhood.
9.00am to 5.00pm 7 days | King George Terrace, Parkes | P: 6270 2800 | www.questacon.edu.au
Royal Australian MintRoyal Australian Mint
This is where all the coins that we use every day are produced, along with medals and medallions. See the exhibitions and make your own $1 coin. Don’t forget to take a look around the Mint shop for some unique gift ideas. Free general admission | 9.00am to 4.00pm Mon-Fri | 10.00am to 4.00pm Sat-Sun and public holidays | www.ramint.gov.au
St John’s Church & MuseumSt John’s Church & Museum
Canberra’s oldest church, charming St John’s and its schoolhouse date back to the 1840’s. Search for some of the oldest headstones in Canberra and experience early rural school life in the schoolhouse.
Entry by donation | 10.00am to 12.00pm Wed | 2.00pm to 4.00pm Sat-Sun and public holidays, closed Good Friday and Christmas Day Constitution Avenue, Reid | P: 6249 6839 | www.stjohnscanberra.org
The Old Bus Depot MarketsThe Old Bus Depot Markets
Be delighted by the flavour, fun and atmosphere of Canberra’s national award winning markets! Canberra’s only indoor markets have a contemporary urban feel and promise a truly sensory experience for locals and tourists. Old Bus Depot Markets includes hand made products, natural organic produce, art and craft.
Free general admission | 10.00am to 4.00pm every Sunday | P: 6292 8391, 6239 5306 | www.obdm.com.au
Tidbinbilla Nature ReserveTidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is a 40 minute drive from the Canberra city centre. Visitors will experience a valley rich in indigenous and natural heritage and discover many unique plants and animals. The Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre provides a great introduction to the reserve.
Free general admission | Nature Reserve 9.00am to 6pm 7 days | The Visitors Centre 9.00am to 4.30pm Mon-Fri, 9.00am to 5.30pm Sat-Sun and public holidays | P: 6205 1233 |
www.australianalps.environment.gov.au/parks/tidbinbilla.html