Canberra…………..boring? Not the one The Mole discovered!

It was quite amazing when The Mole mentioned to colleagues that a trip to Canberra was on the cards for the weekend, they nearly all said, “Why would you go there, it’s dull and boring”!

Well, that’s not the Canberra The Mole discovered last weekend, not only staying in a fabulous newly refurbished room at the Crowne Plaza Canberra, but also visiting some of Canberra’s long standing attractions, many of which have new features, but also new ones including the fantastic Glassworks and eating really great food at some of Canberra’s new restaurants including the classic Manuka located Italian, Bellucci’s and the newly opened Kingsley’s Steak and Crabhouse in the city centre  – both fantastic!

The other amazing thing that struck me as a relatively new Aussie is that for any Aussie from anywhere in Australia to really discover the roots of their nation, they have to go to Canberra…………

…………..and the first place any visitor has to go to in Canberra is the National Capital Exhibition which is located right on Lake Burley Griffin on the left of the bridge over that crosses the lake towards the New Parliament Building. 

Why? 

Because it sets the whole of Canberra in perspective from its design, the day the first spade entered the ground right through to present day, with some excellent interactive displays and exhibitions,[Pictured left] that explain it all!

So what’s hot in Canberra?  Well in the winter not the weather, but that is part of the charm of it, but you do have to go to the new Canberra Glassworks and because they have some roaring furnaces that will soon heat you up!

Built and funded by the ACT Government, Canberra Glassworks is Australia’s only cultural centre that is wholly dedicated to contemporary glass art and at its core is that it is a real working Glassworks providing access to glassmaking facilities for glass artists. 

When The Mole was there, top Australian artist Noel Hart was making the most amazing glass vases – it was quite incredible as they are based on his fascination with the colours of parrots around his studio at Huonbrook, where he lives with his family, in the subtropical hinterland of Northern New South Wales, sandwiched between the Nightcap and Mount Jerusalem National Parks, not far from the beaches of Byron Bay.  Click here to be amazed by Noel’s work: www.noelhart.com/gallery.php?category=Glass

[Pictured right: Noel’s [on the left] masterpiece in glass takes shape]

The Glassworks has developed an enviable reputation nationally and internationally for the quality and skill of its glass artists and they providing equipment, space and development opportunities through the Canberra Glassworks for artists, and those that follow, to grow and further develop their glass practice, and to further contribute to this very special local industry.  For more information visit: www.canberraglassworks.com

Canberra Glassworks also allows visitors to interact with and learn about glass making and the heritage of Canberra’s Kingston Powerhouse and meet artists, see glassmaking as it happens, view exhibitions, take tours and have a hands-on experience working with glass.

This spring, visitors to Canberra will also get to see some great Australian treasures, exhibitions and displays that share the stories of Australia’s journey as a nation, on the Aussie Icons Trail, with the theme for this year’s Floriade festival, Aussie Icons, Myths & Legends, travelling beyond the gates of Commonwealth Park with Canberra’s tourist attractions showcasing Australiana around the capital on the special Aussie Icons Trail.

Visitors can grab a copy of the Aussie Icons Trail map and head off to discover great Aussie treasures, exploring our political past at Old Parliament House which has a real surprise in store this spring, with as part of the Aussie Icons Trail showing a public document never before been seen by the general public proclaiming the dissolution of parliament in 1975.

The new Australian Prime Ministers exhibition gives an insightful look into the fascinating lives of our former Prime Ministers and at the nearby National Archives of Australia, fantastic pieces of Australia’s history allow you to delve into the eerie disappearance of Harold Holt and see an interesting letter which adds to the mystery.

The Archives also celebrate our proud sporting history throughout October with a display of the official program for the 1930 Melbourne Cup featuring a potential new champion called Phar Lap.

At the National Museum of Australia see Australia’s historic Cobb & Co mail coach, which featured in one of Australia’s first bushranger films, and join the Land of Myths & Legends free guided tour to see other famous Australian icons such as Captain Cook’s teacup and Phar Lap’s heart.

Explore Australia’s film history at the National Film and Sound Archive and as part of the trail the Archive will screen arguably the world’s first feature film, The Story of the Kelly Gang, on weekdays during Floriade in the brand new Arc cinema.

At the National Portrait Gallery, home to portraits of people who have shaped Australia, see the famous Wildlife Warrior Steve Irwin’s ‘elephant portrait’ and get up close and personal with real Aussie sporting legends at the Australian Institute of Sport as you take a behind the scenes look at the newly opened world class facilities, and gain a sneak peek into how our athletes live their lives.

At the spiritual heart of our nation, the Australian War Memorial, you can discover what it was like to be in Sydney Harbour in 1942 when the Japanese midget submarines attacked and of course the excellent G for George exhibition.

Wander through the Australian National Botanic Gardens to discover tips to grow your own native garden and dispel popular myths about Australian flora and continue your outdoor trail with a walk around Cockington Green, where you can see the biggest Australian icons in miniature, including the backyard dunny, Vegemite and the Victa lawn-mower.

Many other Canberra attractions will showcase Australia as part of the Aussie Icons Trail including historic Blundell’s Cottage, Canberra’s favourite markets – the Old Bus Depot Markets, King O’Malleys Irish Pub for great Guinness, Questacon and the CSIRO Discovery Centre.

The Aussie Icons Trail is on in Canberra during Floriade, 15 September until 14 October and visitors can pick up a copy of the special trail map which contains details of all trail partners from the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, onsite at Floriade and from all participating attractions.

Tourist information: call 1300 554 114 or www.visitcanberra.com.au for information and great accommodation deals.

More information on Floriade is available at www.floriadeaustralia.com  

Report by The Mole