Abode Hotels - A+ Magazine Autumn/Winter 2022

TA K E M

E

T W I

H

Y O

U

Say goodnight to restless sleep, with an A.H. Beard King Koil mattress If you've loved your sleep with us, why not take the hotel experience home?

For a limited time, A.H. Beard and Abode Hotels have partnered to offer guests free delivery on all orders including mattresses, bases, bedheads, and sleep accessories when purchasing online via thathotelbed.com.au. Simply use the promo code ‘ABODEHOTELSDELIVERY’ at the check out to redeem the discount*.

thathotelbed.com.au

Ts&Cs: Offer valid between 01/04/2022 - 31/05/2022. Free delivery applies for up to $150.00 (plus GST) in delivery fees. Please note, some regional delivery areas may incur additional delivery fees, less the discount of $150.00. Signature mattress range at Abode Hotels: Classic Executive Plush, available in King Single, Double, Queen, King and Super King sizes. Contact A.H. Beard for more information via 1300 654 000 or hello@thathotelbed.com.au.

THROUGH OUR FREE COUNSELLING, VOLUNTEER MENTORING AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN CANBERRA, WE HELP SOCIALLY ISOLATED OR TROUBLED YOUNG MEN AGED 10 TO 25 GET THEIR LIVES BACK ON TRACK.

need to talk?

Want to get involved?

MENSLINK.ORG.AU 02 6287 2226

DON’T STAY SILENT BECAUSE

SILENCE 6

IS DEADLY

BAR

7

A+ Magazine Autumn/Winter 2022

10

40

WHAT'S NEW IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD

GET TO KNOW GUNGAHLIN

We take a tour of the new dining and retail destinations that have thrown open their doors in recent months.

A postcard from north Canberra, including everything you must eat, drink and do there.

24 WHAT'S ON We've rounded up a range of events, exhibitions and places worth a visit during your next stay.

44 HIDDEN GEMS OF THE FOOD SCENE Venture off the beaten path for an exciting and delicious dining experince at these four suburban spots.

36 VERTIKAL INDOOR SNOW SPORTS Can't make it to the snow this season?

Fear not! Discover Canberra's answer to indoor snow sports on Dairy Road.

48

20

FEATURE: HANDMADE CANBERRA

FROM ROCKSTARS TO ROYALTY

The capital's biggest handmade event is back! We got the inside scoop from Handmade Canberra's Julie Nichols.

Joanna Gilmour of Canberra's National Portrait Gallery takes us on a tour of the Shakespeare to Winehouse exhibition.

Editor Kristy Hodder

A+ Magazine is published biannually by:

Art Direction + Design Samantha Crowe Words Kristy Hodder, Rosie Stevens, Lydia Stevens, Samantha Crowe, Kali Gatehouse Cover Photograph Juan Moyano (ESP) via Stocksy. Instagram: @juanmoyanobarcelona This page Top centre: Australians and Hollywood at National Film & Sound Archive.

Baz Luhrmann, Moulin Rouge! by Allstar Picture Library Ltd, Alamy Stock.

Far right: Pilot. Restaurant by Lean Timms.

Bottom centre: Vertikal Indoor Snow Sports by VisitCanberra Far left: Shakespeare to Winehouse exhibition at National Portrait Gallery

8

Advertising Enquiries magazine@abodehotels.com.au While we take every care to ensure details are correct, the publisher will take no responsibility for errors or omissions, including operators who may have closed. Where prices or dates are quoted, they are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Thanks to all who have contributed to this issue.

All Rights Reserved.

abodehotels.com.au

9

Welcome

Welcome to A+ Magazine, a predominantly Canberra-centric showcase and guide to what’s happening around Australia’s capital city and surrounding region. Produced biannually by Iconic Hotels, A+ Magazine aims to promote our region and inspire some great stays and experiences.

Canberra in autumn and winter offers some unique experiences that other Australian cities simply cannot compete with, as the temperature tumbles below zero and the mountain ranges wear a dusting of snow. What a great backdrop from which to enjoy some of the country’s best food and wine, sport, landscapes, theatre, or art, and then return to a warm hotel room.

Abode Hotels offers the perfect base to explore the region, now with eight locations to choose from, from the cool climate wine district to the south coast. All of our properties provide value and convenience for our guests, in stylish and comfortable rooms, studios, and apartments; ensuring there is an Abode Hotel for every traveller.

Thank you for choosing to stay with Abode Hotels, we hope you enjoy reading these pages, and we look forward to welcoming you back for your next stay. And don’t forget to book direct through our website to receive the best deals.

On behalf of the Abode Hotels team, best wishes and safe travels.

RIEN DONKIN, General Manager Iconic Hotels by Geocon

10

Booroomba Rocks in Namadgi National Park. Photo: We Are Explorers for VisitCanberra.

11

FEATURE

What's new in the neighbourhood Whether you’re a local or a visitor from out of town, there’s no shortage of new places to explore.

12

The Modern Object

Goodbyes

Mid-century furniture fanatics, rejoice! The Modern Object is one of the latest retailers to move into Fyshwick's Dairy Road precinct. This highly curated, compact retail space is run by local artist and collector, Paul McInnes. Offering an array of authentic retro prints, books, armchairs, rugs, sideboards, dining settings and tableware, designed by the likes of Harry Bertoia, Grant Featherston, Arne Jacobson, and Marc Newson, you'll want to bring your pocket money with you.

Goodbyes is a resale service and retail experience that extends the lifespan of well-made garments, shoes, and accessories. Having opened in November 2021 on Braddon’s hip Lonsdale Street, Goodbyes is committed to reframing second-hand shopping as more desirable than buying new, and to promoting its social and environmental benefits. Instore you’ll find a curated range of local Australian and New Zealand labels, international designers, unique vintage, and well-made basics.

themodernobject.co

goodbyes.com.au

Mami's Bar

Canberra Glassworks Whilst this cultural institution is not strictly new (in fact, it's housed inside one of Canberra's historic buildings, the Kingston Powerhouse), the Canberra Glassworks retail space has had an impressive facelift, under the guidance of local designers at Skeehan Studio. Visitors are invited to browse and purchase handmade glass wares crafted by local artists and makers; from glass straws, to vases, to pendants and large decorative pieces.

Hip and happening bars in the heart of Batemans Bay have traditionally been few and far between. That is, until Mami’s Bar entered the scene late last year. Perfectly positioned on Clyde Street for a spot of people watching, this pint-sized bar pours an eccentric range of boutique wines, beers, spirits, and house cocktails, alongside a casual menu of charcuterie, tacos, oysters, and dumplings. If that wasn’t enough to draw you in, Mami’s regularly hosts trivia Sundays, disco nights, gin tastings and a daily happy hour.

canberraglassworks.com

mamisbar.bigcartel.com

This page, clockwise from top left: Mid-century stabile by Conner Baker; Goodbyes Braddon store courtesy of Goodbyes; Mami's Bar cocktails; Canberra Glassworks renovation by Pew Pew Studio for VisitCanberra. Left: Sweet corn and taleggio tortellini with fermented chilli butter by Ash St George for eightysix south.

13

Eightysix South

Waxtop Wine

Located less than five minutes’ walk from Abode Woden is the shiny-new outpost of eightysix. Fans of the original Braddon location (now aptly named eightysix north), will feel at home in the dark, raw and industrial interiors. The cuisine however is a departure from eightysix’s nationally recognised creative and eclectic style, with classic Italian fare on the a la carte and tasting menu. Think, gnocchi with ‘nduja cream and breadcrumbs; and a heavenly slice of lemon tart for dessert.

If you picked up a copy of A+ Magazine Autumn/Winter 2021, you’ll already be familiar with Waxtop Wine; the online bottle shop that made its debut during lockdown. Now, just a hop, skip and a jump away from Abode Kingston, you’ll find Waxtop’s new sherbet orange shopfront, nestled in leafy Green Square. Open Wednesday to Sunday, pop your head in to browse their range of natural, minimal intervention wines, beers, and spirits.

eightysix.com.au

waxtop.wine

The light rail is coming to Woden If you ask us, there’s already a lot to love about the Woden district (hello, Abode Woden and No.10 Restaurant + Bar), and it’s only going to get better with the arrival of the light rail network, which is projected to move 39,000 passengers a day as Canberra's population grows to over half a million by 2030.

Light rail to Woden will come to fruition in two stages, comprising City to Commonwealth Park (Stage 2A) and Commonwealth Park to Woden (Stage 2B).

With over 400 cities worldwide already enjoying the benefits of light rail, it must be doing something right, and we’re delighted that Canberra has been welcomed aboard.

Connecting light rail to Woden is Stage 2 of Canberra’s light rail project and comes following the success of Stage 1, Gungahlin to City, which saw more than one million passenger boardings in the first three months of operation.

This page, clockwise from top left: Southern lemon tart by Ash St George for eightysix south; boutique wine range by Jess Di Scipio for Waxtop Wine; Canberra Metro Light Rail arrives in Gungahlin by Picasa.

14

HAD TO BE THERE MOMENT

Role of the senses When travelling, there’s great temptation to document every meal, every attraction, or every sunset through the lens of our smartphone. Whether we do so out of fear of forgetting the experience itself, or to later share it with others on social media (or both), how often do we really return to our camera roll to reflect on what we have captured? Somewhere along the way, it seems we stopped flexing our ‘memory muscle’ as often, in favour of this pocket-sized prompter.

W

hilst we are only beginning to understand the complexity of the human brain, neuroscientists have discovered that there is an inherent link between the senses and memory. This notion of sensory memory calls on travellers to override the instinct to snap away, and to mindfully engage the five senses of sight, touch, scent, sound, and taste, to the full extent possible. In turn, we’ll develop highly emotive cognitive connections that are easy to retrieve and recall, and more likely to be committed to our long-term memory.

During a 2018 study on 2000 adults, experimental psychologist and renowned Oxford University sensory expert Professor Charles Spence visited TUI Sensatori Resort Negril with British artist Philippa Stanton – who has a rare neurological condition of synaesthesia – to collaboratively explore the effects of memory retention with holidaymakers who either photographed or sketched their experiences. The results revealed that participants who photographed were likely to forget key details of their experience as early as two weeks later.

He explains “scientific evidence is clear in suggesting the more of our senses we stimulate, the more robust the multisensory memory that is formed. Technology keeps our eyes occupied, but while it plays to our dominant visual sense, it fails to connect with our more emotional senses.”

There is an art to finding the perfect balance between being grounded in the present moment and distilling happy holiday memories you wish to remember when you return home. The key is to observe and appreciate your unfamiliar surrounds in small, intentional ways. Relieve yourself of the pressure to take the perfect photograph and use a disposable or analogue camera instead. Often the anticipation of waiting for the film to be developed is more rewarding, and you’ll then have candid photographs to display around your home. Alternatively, packing a pencil and notepad to write or sketch with can offer a meditative, multisensory way to document your experience of a new place.

When tasting a new food for the first time, pause for a moment. Describe its colour, inhale its subtle or strong aroma, feel its texture on your utensil or in your hands, before lastly exploring the temperature, sound, and flavour on your tongue. When taking a hike through a quiet national park, start by closing your eyes and taking a deep breath of fresh air, listen out for distant bird calls, and stop to feel the cool, mossy ground underfoot. Explore collecting unique fabrics, perfumes, or spices from local vendors as souvenirs, instead of something from the airport giftshop, so you can continue to enjoy the signature scents of your surrounds.

Our experience of different stimuli may not always be a harmonious or pleasant one, and separating sensory details from each other can be challenging, but it’s important to persist with this intentional focus. Like anything, it gets easier with practice.

Source: tui.co.uk/press/sketch-paint-combat-digitally-induced-holiday-amnesia-say-experts/

15

PACK TO THE FUTURE

Experience-led travel We’re all familiar with the idea of a bucket list, but have you heard of a concept called the experience economy?

T

he Harvard Business Journal coined the term in 1998, while predicting that the coming decades would see a new age in consumer behaviour, whereby purchasing decisions would no longer be influenced by product and price alone, but by the experiential value being delivered. Specifically, does this purchase offer time well spent, or time well saved? Well, that age has finally arrived, and there’s no industry more wrapped up in experience than travel.

The shift towards experience-led travel has seen many travellers put down the Lonely Planet Guide and explore global destinations through a localised lens.

This page: Learning to make dumplings by Precious Madubuike.

Right: Couple enjoying a private wine tasting experience with Ken Helm of Helm Wines, Murrumbateman courtesy of Destination NSW.

16

And whilst we don’t predict that the major attractions or landmarks will lose their popularity anytime soon, we do expect to see the preference for tailored, private experiences continue to grow as travel behaviours evolve post-pandemic.

The fastest-growing consumer market, millennials, are largely driving this appetite for meaningful, immersive experiences. A 2016 study by Harris Group found that 72 percent of millennials would choose to spend their disposable income on an experience or event, over a product.

More broadly, the traditional idea of ownership (cars, houses, and luxury

goods) that was once an indicator of personal status, has become less desirable as younger generations seek to amass knowledge and memories, while the sharing economy still allows for the flexibility to access these products as required. Technology, and specifically social media, has also had a powerful impact on how these experiences are discovered, shared, and documented (hello, FOMO).

That said, the core principles of experience-led travel, such as connectivity, personalisation, sustainability, and locality, are appealing to all generations. Regardless of whether you’re an outdoorsy type,

a foodie, culture vulture, or adrenaline junkie; there has never been a better time to travel in a way that aligns with your personal values.

Next time you’re making travel plans, consider engaging with local experts, artisans, and connoisseurs for a more authentic and memorable experience, that also has some positive social and environmental impact. Learn to make a cultural dish from foraged ingredients, take a private dance class, or learn a centuries-old weaving technique. The world really is your oyster.

Stay curious, travellers.

17

This page: Learning activities at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve by Stuart Miller for VisitCanberra.

Right: Bushwalking in Namadgi National Park by Robert Mullaly for VIsitCanberra.

18

SPECIAL FEATURE

Ngunnawal country We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the ACT, the Ngunnawal people. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.

C

anberra is Ngunnawal country.

The Ngunnawal are the Indigenous people of this region and its first inhabitants. It is a harsh climate and difficult country for hunter-gatherer people, and to live here required great knowledge of the environment, skilful custodianship of it and close cooperation.

Here, we explore some of the ways in which Canberra locals and visitors can learn more about the history of the region and the Indigenous people who have been living here for tens of thousands of years.

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve Tidbinbilla is a place of historical and ongoing significance to the Ngunnawal people. The name ‘Tidbinbilla’ comes from the Ngunnawal word

‘Jedbinbilla’ which means ‘where boys become men’, identifying the special relationship Ngunnawal men have to the valley and its use for ceremonies and passing on of traditional customary men’s lore/ law. As traditional custodians of this land, the Ngunnawal people have lived and gathered in the valley and its surrounding mountains since time immemorial, and the Ngunnawal custodianship and connection to Country continues strongly today.

Under normal circumstances, but currently on hold due to COVID, visitors can join an experienced Murumbung Aboriginal Ranger for a guided tour through one of Tidbinbilla's significant cultural sites where they'll share their knowledge of the rich history of the Ngunnawal people's continuous connection to Tidbinbilla. tidbinbilla.act.gov.au

Aboriginal Dreamings Gallery The Aboriginal Dreamings Gallery was founded in 1989 to display a comprehensive and ethically sourced collection of original Australian Indigenous art and craft from most Aboriginal art regions.

A feature of the gallery's collection is the paintings by famous Old Masters comprising important artworks by Rover Thomas, Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri, Turkey Tolson Tjupurrula, Ronnie Tjampitjinpa, Ada Bird Petyarre and Eunice Napangardi.

The Aboriginal Dreamings Gallery’s mission is to educate visitors about Aboriginal art, and protect the rights and artwork of Aboriginal artists while operating as a commercial gallery for the ethical sale of Indigenous art. aboriginaldream.com

19

Canberra Tracks: Ngunnawal Country

First Australians: National Museum of Australia

Canberra Tracks is a network of heritage signage incorporating eight self-drive routes leading to many of Canberra's historic sites. Track 1: Ngunnawal Country comprises Yarramundi Cultural Centre, Cotter Reserve, Tidbinbilla, Tharwa, Namadgi Visitor Centre, Tuggeranong Homestead, Theodore Grinding Grooves, and Mt Ainslie Lookout. The track will take you on a journey into the past, present and future of the Aboriginal history of this region.

First Australians is the National Museum of Australia’s largest gallery and is displayed over two floors, exploring the shared stories and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from across the continent.

Talking Blak to History is one of the standout exhibitions in First Australians, and features powerful objects that speak to the aftermath of colonisation and explore issues including land rights, sovereignty, the Stolen Generations and deaths in custody.

canberratracks.act.gov.au/heritage-trails

nma.gov.au/exhibitions/first-australians

Gallery of First Australians, National Museum of Australia. Photo: Richard Poulton.

20

Segways EXPLORE OUR CITY

Canberra on two wheels

Seg Glide Ride segways Experience a memorable guided segway tour around Lake Burley Griffin and parts of the Parliamentary Zone with Seg Glide Ride. segglideride.com.au

From rental bikes and scooters to segway tours around some of Canberra’s most iconic landmarks; here are some of our favourite ways to explore the nation’s capital.

Scooters

Bikes

Neuron scooters

Abode bikes

Packed with clever safety features, these iconic bright orange electric scooters can be found dotted around Canberra’s Inner North, Inner South, and Belconnen.

Our bespoke Abode bikes, available for guest hire at select Abode Hotels locations, are the perfect mode of transport by which to explore our city. yourabode.abodehotels.com.au

visitcanberra.com.au

Brompton bikes Beam scooters Safe, reliable, and durable; Beam’s vivid purple electric scooters are also available for hire across North Canberra, South Canberra, and Belconnen.

Lightweight, sturdy, and foldable; Brompton bikes are ideal for leisure riders and are available to hire from the Canberra and Region Visitor Information Centre.

visitcanberra.com.au

visitcanberra.com.au

Top: Seg Glide Ride at Lake Burley Griffin by Damian Breach for VisitCanberra.

Bottom right: Abode bikes at Abode Murrumbateman.

21

22

A CURATOR'S VIEW

From rockstars to royalty: the portraits of icons While the National Portrait Gallery in London undergoes its largest renovation in 125 years, Canberra’s National Portrait Gallery has seized the opportunity to play host to over 80 treasures from their collection for an exclusive exhibition titled Shakespeare to Winehouse: Icons from the National Portrait Gallery, London.

I

n what is being hailed as a once-in-ageneration opportunity for lovers of culture, art, history, and portraiture; the Shakespeare to Winehouse exhibition features a selection of famous faces from the sixteenth century to today, from Queen Elizabeth II, the Beatles, David Bowie, Kate Moss, Mick Jagger and Princess Diana, to the Brontë sisters, Charles Dickens, Queen Elizabeth I, Lord Nelson and Sir Isaac Newton, alongside Ed Sheeran, Darcey Bussell, Nelson Mandela and Malala Yousafzai.

We were lucky enough to speak with curator, Joanna Gilmour, from Canberra’s National Portrait Gallery, who explains that the Shakespeare to Winehouse exhibition tells the story of the timelessness of portraiture, and our enduring fascination with other people and their lives. Joanna believes that “we are hard-wired to connect with each other, and through the genre of portraiture we see artists attempt to capture not just an accurate likeness of a person, but a sense of who they are, and what makes them extraordinary. Even more remarkably, in this exhibition you see how this has operated across more than 500 years – literally, from William Shakespeare to Amy Winehouse.”

Left: Visitors enjoy 'The Capel Family' portrait (c. 1640 Cornelius Johnson.

National Portrait Gallery, London) at the Shakespeare to Winehouse exhibition, courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery.

In a departure from the usual presentation of NPG London’s collection, the exhibition is arranged by focusing on six interrelated themes, rather than in chronological order.

Joanna tells us that through the themes of Fame, Power, Love and

Loss, Identity, Innovation, and Self; the exhibition explores not only the history of the people represented in the portraits, but at a deeper level, the history of the art of portraiture itself.

“These themes have existed in life, and therefore in portraits, for as long as portraiture has existed. The exhibition shows us how, in this medium, artists have experimented and innovated for centuries. Having removed the focus on one specific time-period, we are able to explore the diversity and complexity of portraiture as a whole,” Joanna says.

Equally as exciting as the sitters, whose images visitors can stand back and marvel at from all angles, are the genre-shaping names who crafted the images that feature in Shakespeare to Winehouse. Joanna says that from van Dyck and Rubens, all the way through to Warhol, Hockney and Emin, we can see how “portraiture shifts, from an artist’s coded representation of an individual, to artists seeking to portray their subjects as living, breathing, multi-faceted people.”

There are many unique and seminal works on display at the exhibition, and Joanna has a hard time narrowing it down to the quirkiest. But up there, she says, would have to be the digital portrait of Iraqi-born architect, Dame Zaha Hadid. While Michael CraigMartin’s linear portrait of Hadid is fixed, the colours are controlled by computer software that makes constantly randomised choices. The work slowly changes over time in infinite combinations, meaning that it’s highly unlikely that a visitor to the exhibition would ever see exactly the same portrait twice. Also of note is Tracey Emin’s own death mask; a contemporary self-portrait with a historic allusion.

As for her favourite, again Joanna can barely choose a top 10, let alone a single winner. When we let her whittle it down to a top two, her responses are clear. The portrait of Queen Elizabeth I, that was crafted in the 1570s, is “so intricately painted, from the fabric of her gown to her sparkling pearls,

23

the amount of time and work that must have gone into the painting is truly staggering.” Joanna describes Queen Elizabeth I in the painting as “glowing, she’s luminous. The portrait looks fresher, brighter, and newer than works that are 500 years younger,” she says.

In a tie with the 16th century monarch is the portrait of the Brontë sisters. Of note here, Joanna says, is the fact that it is the work of an amateur, painted by their brother in the 1830s. “While the artist was not accomplished, the painting is so humble, honest, and real that you get a much greater sense of Charlotte, Anne and Emily Bronte than you would have if they’d been painted by a Royal Academician. It is the honesty, simplicity, and directness that makes the portrait so moving,” Joanna says.

- Joanna Gilmour, National Portrait Gallery

Joanna reiterates that the exhibition is a chance for visitors to learn more about the people we recognise in the images, the people we don’t recognise, and the artists who produced the works. The exhibition explores the excitement of portraiture, the significant histories of the people within the portraits, and the wider historical narrative in which they sit, “functioning on multiple levels, depending on how deep you want to dive,” she says.

Joanna contends that it truly is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to see these iconic portraits on display right here in Canberra, so be sure not to miss it.

12 March – 17 July 2022 National Portrait Gallery portrait.gov.au

Queen Elizabeth I, c. 1575 Nicholas Hilliard. National Portrait Gallery, London. Purchased 1865.

'Amy-Blue' (Amy Winehouse), 2011 Marlene Dumas. National Portrait Gallery, London. Purchased

© National Portrait Gallery, London;

with help from the Art Fund, 2012. © Marlene Dumas; courtesy of the artist and Frith Street Gallery, London.

24

25

What's on Autumn and winter are beautiful in Canberra. While some cities hibernate, our city and surrounds hum, offering a full list of events and activities for locals and visitors to experience.

Correct at time of print, and definitely susceptible to change or cancellation with short notice at the discretion of the venue or event organiser, we’ve rounded up a range of events, exhibitions and places worth a visit during your time with Abode Hotels.

Please check the event, exhibition or venue website for current opening hours and information ahead of your visit.

Melted raclette cheese, courtesy of Christmas in July Market

26

WHAT’S ON

Christmas in July Market Let the magic of a winter Christmas transport you to the east of France when the Christmas in July Market makes its Canberra debut, following the success of its Sydney event.

Bringing the French Christmas spirit to the nation’s capital, highlights of the Christmas in July Market include the Mulled Wine Garden, Christmas movies under the stars, a fire pit for roasting marshmallows, and Snow Lane; an enchanting space adorned with real Christmas trees, lights, and snow canons shooting high into the sky to create a unique snow drop.

Also set to delight marketgoers is the French Food Feast, featuring all the French comfort food that dreams are made of. Think melted raclette cheese on potatoes, sweet and savoury crêpes, macarons, and more.

Don’t miss out on seeing Canberra’s National Rose Garden transform into a Christmas winter wonderland this July.

1 – 3 July 2022 National Rose Garden, Parkes christmasinjuly.com.au

27

WHAT’S ON

National Folk Festival Comprising a five-day extravaganza set across the Easter long weekend, the National Folk Festival represents the beating heart of Australian folk culture, and sees thousands come together for a celebration of music and entertainment.

Returning to Exhibition Park in Canberra following two years of COVID induced cancellations; this year’s festivalgoers can expect everything from performances by award-wining artists, to choirs, busking, dance, art installations, and poetry. There will also be a number of workshops on offer, covering music, wordsmithing, sustainability and more. And for families who love all things folk culture, there is a dedicated kids’ program, rich with experiences for the young ones to enjoy, including workshops, dance, storytelling, and circus performances.

With such a diverse program of events scheduled for the 2022 festival, it’s certainly one you won’t want to miss.

Tickets are available via the National Folk Festival website.

14 – 18 April 2022 Exhibition Park in Canberra, Mitchell folkfestival.org.au

Live music performances by Matt James, courtesy of National Folk Festival.

28

WHAT’S ON

SIX The Musical After taking Broadway, the West End, and the Sydney Opera House by storm, it’s time for the Queens of SIX the Musical to take to the Canberra Theatre stage.

A modern retelling of the lives of Henry VIII’s six wives, this high-octane global pop musical phenomenon offers a unique and progressive take on the Tudor period. The production is an awe-inspiring remix of five hundred years of historical heartbreak, featuring witty lyrics, electrifying energy, and six incredibly powerful women.

Not convinced? Let the numbers speak for themselves. With over 450 million soundtrack streams and three billion TikTok views worldwide on #SixtheMusical, it’s pretty safe to say that SIX the Musical won’t leave you disappointed.

23 April – 15 May 2022 Canberra Theatre Centre, CBD canberratheatrecentre.com.au

SIX The Musical by James D Morgan for Getty Images

29

Statuette of Nike Canosa, Puglia, Italy, about 300-200 BCE © Trustees of the British Museum

WHAT’S ON

Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors and Heroes In residence at the National Museum of Australia until the beginning of May, Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors and Heroes shines a spotlight on the competitive spirit of the ancient Greek world through sport, politics, drama, music and warfare.

A true journey through history, the exhibition is brought to life through more than 170 artefacts from the British Museum, dating from 800 BCE to 200 CE. The objects on display range from large marble statues, exquisite jewellery, bronze weaponry, ceramics and elaborately illustrated pottery; revealing a vibrant and innovative society that endures in its art, culture and legends.

The exhibition also features a number of immersive experiences including audio tours, a range of digital interactive activities, and the ‘osmeterion’ – a smell station evoking some of the aromas and odours of ancient Greece.

17 December 2021 – 1 May 2022 National Museum of Australia, Acton nma.gov.au

30

WHAT’S ON

4th National Indigenous Art Triennial: Ceremony The National Indigenous Art Triennial is the National Gallery's flagship exhibition series. Led by a First Nations curator, the exhibition brings together commissioned work by established and emerging First Nations artists from across Australia, creating an important platform for art and ideas. Since the Triennial’s inception in 2007, more than 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists have had their work presented at the National Gallery.

The fourth iteration, Ceremony, curated by Hetti Perkins, Arrernte and Kalkadoon peoples, will present the work of 35 artists as they explore how ceremonial acts continue to be a prevalent forum for artmaking in First Nations communities today.

From the intimate and personal to the collective and collaborative, ceremonies manifest through visual art, film, music and dance. Ceremonial practice has a performative element. At its heart is the concept of iteration, the artist’s conscious engagement with what has come before.

26 March – 31 July 2022 National Gallery of Australia nga.gov.au Dr Matilda House and Paul Girrawah House, Ngambri (Walgalu) – Wallaballooa (Ngunnawal) – (Erambie) Wiradjuri – Pajong (Gundungurra) peoples, 2021, Kamberri/Canberra, image courtesy and © the artist

31

WHAT’S ON

Canberra International Music Festival Music lovers, rejoice! Following a hugely successful event in 2021, the Canberra International Music Festival will return to the capital in 2022 with a jam-packed program featuring 41 events over ten days.

This year’s theme, Pole to Pole, invites festivalgoers on an eclectic musical adventure around the globe, in celebration of diversity.

Included in the festival’s impressive line-up are nine free events, ranging from a concert for dogs and their owners with specially attuned pitch material for hypersensitive ears, to a number of lunchtime performances held at the University Drill Hall Gallery.

29 April – 8 May 2022 Various locations around Canberra cimf.org.au Violinist in concert, courtesy of Canberra International Music Festival.

32

WHAT’S ON

Australians & Hollywood A blockbuster exhibition by the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA), Australians & Hollywood celebrates iconic moments in contemporary Australian film, and the people and stories that brought them to life.

Australians & Hollywood will shine a spotlight on beloved cinema moments, rare behind-the-scenes footage, and costumes and props from the NFSA collection on display for the first time. Highlights include costumes from Moulin Rouge! and The Sapphires, as well as art concept books for Romeo + Juliet, and the customised steering wheels from Mad Max: Fury Road.

Suffice to say, it’s a must-visit for movie buffs!

21 January – 17 July 2022 National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton nfsa.gov.au

Cate Blanchett by Mark Rogers, courtesy of the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia

33

WHAT’S ON

Canberra and Region Heritage Festival The Canberra and Region Heritage Festival is a celebration of the importance of all heritage – Aboriginal, historic, and natural – to Canberra and its surrounds. This year’s theme, Curiosity, invites attendees to challenge how they see the tangible and intangible heritage that makes our region unique.

The festival will feature over 150 diverse events including tours, open days, exhibitions, talks, and workshops.

Attendees will have the opportunity to gain access to places not normally open to the public, witness a rare skill being demonstrated, learn about the city’s mid-century architecture, or join Ngunnawal custodians as they connect to Country.

The festival also makes for the perfect school holidays activity, with a dedicated Kids Week running from 18 - 22 April.

9 April – 1 May 2022 Various locations around Canberra environment.act.gov.au Lanyon Homestead near Canberra (c. 1970s), courtesy of ArchivesACT.

34

WHAT’S ON

GWS Giants v St Kilda The GWS Giants will descend upon their second home, right here in the capital, to take on St Kilda and kick off the AFL’s Anzac Appeal Round on Friday 22 April.

After playing limited fixtures in Canberra over the past two seasons due to COVID, the atmosphere will no doubt be electric when the Giants make their highly anticipated return to iconic sporting venue, Manuka Oval.

Those who are unable to make it to the game will be relieved to discover that the Giants are set to play a further three matches at Manuka Oval this season, including the next one on Saturday 7 May, where they will come up against Geelong.

22 April 2022 Manuka Oval, Griffith manukaoval.com.au

GWS Giants fans at Manuka Oval by Richard Poulton for VisitCanberra.

35

INTERVIEW

Canberra, community and cricket with Zoe Cooke Abode Hotels ACT Meteors star, Zoe Cooke, is a passionate advocate for her birthplace and current home. It’s clear that the fast bowler, who represents the ACT in the Women's National Cricket League, gets a lot out of her life as a player, coach, volunteer, and nature-lover, and that she gives a lot in return. We sat down with Zoe to talk about all things Canberra, community and, of course, a little bit of cricket.

36

Zoe, tell us a bit about what it’s like playing for the Abode Hotels ACT Meteors.

We have an incredible group of players and staff at the Meteors, with a great balance of experience and younger players coming through the pathways.

I’d say the best thing about the group is that we just feel like a really big bunch of mates – so come game day, we go out there and genuinely play for each other and celebrate each other’s successes.

You recently won Cricket Australia’s prestigious Community Champion award. Congrats! Can you tell us a bit more about your work in the Canberra community?

I try to do as much as I can, when I’m not playing, to support non-profit organisation Sea Shepherd, who work to defend, conserve, and protect ocean and marine wildlife. I also spend a lot of time doing volunteer cricket coaching down at my local club, Western Districts, helping out with the women’s team and coaching some of the younger, up-and-coming players. Cricket ACT has been really supportive of me getting exposure to elite-level coaching, so while I’m obviously keen to continue playing for as long as I can, I also see coaching cricket in Canberra in my future, which I’m really excited about.

Left and right: Abode Hotels ACT Meteors star Zoe Cooke in action courtesy of CricketACT

The biggest piece of advice I can give visitors to Canberra is to get outside.

The walking options are incredible; so well-maintained and the views are spectacular. My top tips would be to check out the Arboretum, Mount Painter, and the Pinnacle Nature Reserve. Kayaking and fishing out on the many lakes is another great way to experience nature in the capital.

Finally, describe your ideal day in Canberra for us – we want details!

Okay, so I’d definitely start the day off with a walk around the beautiful Lake Ginninderra in Belconnen before heading over to nearby café, Stella’s by the lake, for a spot of breakfast.

Not only is it great food, but Stella’s is

a magnet for the local pups, so I get my daily dose of cuteness at the same time. Then, it won’t surprise you to hear I’d do something else outdoors!

My favourite spot would have to be out at the Cotter river and nature reserve, so I’d head out there with some friends to relax and enjoy a picnic (weather permitting). I’d round out the day at No.10 Restaurant + Bar for some tasty food in a chilled-out setting, with a final stop-off at Messina for some ice cream. Perfection! cricketact.com.au

Beyond telling them to head to the cricket (obviously), what insider tips would you give visitors to the capital?

37

This page: Skiing at Vertikal Indoor Snow Sports by Dak & Co for VisitCanberra Right: Cosy bar and interiors courtesy of Vertikal Indoor Snow Sports

38

HIT THE SLOPES

A slice of alpine life, right here in Canberra Snow seekers often enjoy a pit stop in the nation’s capital as they make their way to and from the mountains, but what if you could experience a slice of the alpine life right here in Canberra? Enter Vertikal – an indoor snow sports venue catering to both the novice and the expert, as well as those simply looking to enjoy a pint by the fire with some tasty woodfired pizza in hand.

A

ccording to General Manager and Director of Snow Sports, Rupert Winkler, Vertikal’s mission is to provide “a destination where you can practice snow sports, 365 days a year, regardless of weather and snow conditions”.

Rupert tells us that the slopes at Vertikal simulate real terrain and consist of a “giant rotating mat made of soft white nylon fibre that sits on a tilted and moving platform”.

He explains that “the slope can be adjusted in height and is always operated by an instructor, who can stop it at any time”. Rupert adds that “the speed and angulation of the mat can be changed at the touch of a button – so there’s always a challenge ahead!”

the young at heart”, and that “if you’re enthusiastic, keen and adventurous, Vertikal is for you”.

And when it comes time to refuel after a session on the Vertikal slopes, pay a visit to The Pizzeria, located right there on-site, to enjoy comfort food in a cosy alpine-esque environment. vertikalsnowsports.com

Vertikal offers both 30-minute and 60-minute sessions on the mat, with a maximum of three people in each session to ensure that everyone receives plenty of coaching from the certified ski and snowboard instructors on hand.

Rupert tells us that whether you’re completely new to snow sports or an advanced rider, Vertikal is a place where you can quickly improve your skills before applying them up on the mountain. He says that the experience Vertikal offers appeals to people from “all walks of life; from the young to

39

TAKE TO THE LAKE

Paddle boats, puppies and picnics A thriving hub of fun and adventure, Lake Burley Griffin is an incredibly popular spot among both Canberra locals and visitors to the city. A beloved meeting place for friendly catch ups, first dates, and outdoor exercise; the lake and surrounding areas are constantly buzzing with activity, from picnics and paddle boats to puppy play dates.

40

Paddleboats

Puppies

For an iconic Lake Burley Griffin experience, climb aboard a brightly coloured paddle boat at Regatta Point.

Available for hire on the weekends (weather dependent), paddle boating makes for the perfect outdoor activity for families, friends, or couples looking for a slightly quirkier way to take to the lake.

There are plenty of areas surrounding Lake Burley Griffin to take your pooch for a walk or to host a puppy play date.

There are even some dog-friendly swimming spots dotted around the lake including Yarramundi Reach; a beautiful space with some spots shallow enough for less confident pups to paddle.

Lakeside reads

capitalpaddle.com.au

Aftershocks: A Memoir Nadia Owusu $29.99 from dymocks.com.au

Under a White Sky: The Nature of the Future Elizabeth Kolbert $29.99 from dymocks.com.au

This page: GoBoats on Lake Burley Griffin by VisitCanberra.

Right: Autumn picnicking by Calvin Shel

Picnics Rent a GoBoat to be your own captain for the day while enjoying Canberra from a whole new angle. The self-drive electric boats feature a picnic table with space for up to 8 guests, and you can bring your own food along or choose to have a selection of cheese and meats waiting for you onboard. If boating isn’t your thing, grab your picnic blanket and head to one of the many picnic-worthy locations along the shoreline like the National Gallery of Australia’s Sculpture Garden or nearby the National Carillon.

A Man Called Ove Fredrik Backman $19.99 from dymocks.com.au

goboat.com.au

41

EAT, DRINK, DO

Get to know Gungahlin Home to the very first Abode Hotels property, Gungahlin is one part of Canberra that will always hold a very special place in our hearts.

F

rom an abundance of quirky places to eat and drink, to a unique assortment of things to do, and the introduction of the Gungahlin to City light rail service back in 2019; Gungahlin certainly has a lot to offer.

Whether you’re currently staying with us at Abode Gungahlin, planning a future visit, or about to board the light rail for a quick trip to Canberra’s north; we’ve got you covered with our expert guide to Gungahlin.

All aboard!

Eat

Drink

Do

A go-to brunch spot for locals, serving up a creative range of comfort food, Sunday in Canberra is just as cosy as its name suggests. The menu is packed full of classic dishes with a quirky twist, like the droolworthy Biscoff French Toast, and the popular Rainbow Bagel. Another must-visit is burger icon Grease Monkey’s north Canberra counterpart; serving up all the burger, pizza and fried chicken goodness the brand’s original inner-city venue is known and loved for. Or for a latenight bite, we recommend stopping by The G Spot; a food van like no other, offering everything from hotdogs and pork rolls to deep fried Mars bars.

The bar scene in Gungahlin is positively thriving, boasting a venue for every occasion from post-work drinks to family gatherings, and everything in between. Casey Jones is a great local pub, featuring classic pub food, an epic beverage list, and a dedicated function space available for hire. Or perhaps an American inspired fried chicken and whiskey bar is more your style. If so, check out Young & Frisky, from the creators of popular Braddon venue, Hopscotch. Or if you’re staying at Abode Gungahlin, simply pop next door to Siren Bar and Restaurant to experience modern Australian cuisine, an inspiring wine list, and a diverse cocktail menu.

For a fun day out with the kids (and the kids at heart) you can’t go past the National Dinosaur Museum, or the enchanting display of meticulously handcrafted miniature buildings at Cockington Green Gardens.

For something a little different, pay a visit to the Canberra Walk-in Aviary to get up close and personal with upwards of 500 birds representing over 60 different species from Australia and around the world. Or explore the comprehensive, ethically sourced collection of Australian Indigenous art and craft at the Aboriginal Dreamings Gallery.

sundayincanberra.com.au greasys.com.au thegspotcanberra.square.site

caseyjones.pub youngandfrisky.com.au sirenbar.com.au

42

nationaldinosaurmuseum.com.au cockingtongreen.com.au canberrawalkinaviary.com.au aboriginaldream.com

This page: Sunday in Canberra interiors courtesy of Sunday in Canberra.

Left from top: Cockington Green Gardens by VisitCanberra; National Dinosaur Museum by Chris Holly for VisitCanberra.

43

MEET THE MAKERS

Through the cellar door at McKellar Ridge Wines When speaking with John and Marina Sekoranja, winemakers, viticulturists and owners of McKellar Ridge Wines, there’s a palpable sense of optimism, despite the challenges they have faced over the past two years. Smoke taint, crop loss and shutdowns have had an enormous impact on their boutique winery and picturesque 40-acre vineyard in Murrumbateman, but John and Marina have nothing but enthusiasm for what’s to come.

44

This page: McKellar Ridge wine in barrels by Jo Bakas for VisitCanberra Left: John and Marina enjoying a picnic in their vines courtesy of McKellar Ridge Wines

J

ohn and Marina’s story is one of serendipity that began after they left their careers in Canberra in 2016 to embrace a “vine change”, enrolling in a Bachelor of Viticulture and Wine Science at Charles Sturt University. A chance meeting with then-owners of McKellar Ridge, Brian and Janet Johnston, evolved into a strong friendship, a year of vinification mentorship, and eventually, the purchasing of McKellar Ridge when Brian and Janet decided to retire.

McKellar Ridge adopts a minimal intervention approach to winemaking, allowing the unique and distinctive flavours that are so native to the Canberra wine region to flourish.

“Warm days and cool nights allow a slow, gentle ripening of grapes that captures the distinctive fresh fruit and spice characters of the Canberra wine region”, John tells us. “Our minimal intervention approach allows us to preserve the purity of the fruit to create elegant wines, with characteristic Canberra qualities”, he continues.

tastings and varietal masterclass tastings are also on offer throughout the year, and gourmet grazing platters and picnic boxes are available for order.

Talk of McKellar Ridge’s future ignites delighted passion in the couple, who reveal that they have “many projects bubbling away like a red wine ferment!” Since John and Marina took over McKellar Ridge in 2017, they have expanded the winery and increased production by almost 40 per cent. In the coming years, plans are underway to extend further and to plant new varieties to complement the current Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo, and Chardonnay vines.

With a real focus on the visitor experience, McKellar Ridge offers multiple ways for guests to engage with the winemaking process, including guided tours led by John and Marina. Also on offer are wine tasting experiences that can be enjoyed inside the cellar door, winery, or barrel room, or outside under the shaded pergola overlooking the vines. Reserve wine

Despite the grand plans for expansion, the couple insist their work at McKellar Ridge is more than just a job; they say it’s a way of living underpinned by their values and vision. They assure us that “quality and heart will always remain the focus of McKellar Ridge.” mckellarridgewines.com.au

45

FOODIE FINDS

Hidden gems of the Canberra food scene W

hile Canberra boasts some impressive foodie hotspots (think Lonsdale Street in Braddon and the Kingston Foreshore), looking slightly further afield for an exciting and delicious dining experience can certainly pay dividends. Throughout Canberra’s sprawling network of suburbs, you’ll often find a collection of local shops, cafés, and restaurants that combine to create a mini community hub, and it’s there that some of the hidden gems of the Canberra food scene lie.

Here are four of the standouts:

Rama's Fiji Indian Restaurant, Pearce A southside institution, but with less of the fanfare of some of the more widely known Canberra eateries, Rama’s has been serving up a vast menu of IndianFijian influenced dishes for over three decades. One of the longest standing restaurants in the capital, Rama’s is regularly humming with customers, drawing locals and visitors in with its stellar food and friendly service. ramas.com.au

46

XO, Narrabundah Tucked away in the sleepy southern suburb of Narrabundah, XO prides itself on delivering an innovative, modern approach to traditional South East Asian cuisine, built upon an unwavering commitment to unpretentious, honest food and the highest standards of service. The menu expertly blends a selection of South East Asian classics with a range of fusion dishes, complemented by an extensive wine list made up of Australian drops, and an impressive cocktail menu. xo-restaurant.com.au

Pilot., Ainslie Nestled away in the inner-north suburb of Ainslie sits Pilot. A small venue with a big following, Pilot. serves a 7 course degustation menu to all guests, comprising a selection of nostalgic flavours, complex dishes, and high quality produce. Guests also have the option of adding an alcoholic or non-alcoholic pairing to their dining experience. pilotrestaurant.com

To All My Friends, Cook If you’re a fan of pizza, beer, and good times spent with friends; this is the place for you. With an impressive line-up of craft beer on offer, and a pizza menu featuring plenty of classics alongside some more unique creations, To All My Friends is an absolute mustvisit on your next trip to Canberra’s north-west. toallmyfriends.com.au

Clockwise from top left: Rama's Fiji Indian cooking by VisitCanberra; Pilot. interiors, Chef Malcolm Hanslow and owners Dash Rumble and Ross McQuinn both by Lean Timms for Pilot.; pizza in progress by Hoja Studio; XO Restaurant entrance by Rodrigo Vargas for XO.

47

CULTURAL HOTSPOTS

Acton and NewActon unearthed

aMBUSH Gallery. Image courtesy of aMBUSH Gallery and Martin Ollman

Situated north of Lake Burley Griffin and within strolling distance from the city, Acton and its hipster counterpart, NewActon, have developed quite the reputation when it comes to thriving cultural hotspots. From cinemas and theatres, to galleries, museums, and landmarks; there is certainly no shortage of culture to uncover in the Acton and NewActon neighbourhoods.

Cinemas and theatres

Galleries

Palace Electric Cinema

Drill Hall Gallery

Set in the sustainable and award-winning NewActon Nishi complex, Palace Electric provides a cutting edge cinematic experience. Eight cinemas with amphitheatre seating play host to a mix of international and local art-house films, quality blockbusters, family favourites, operas, and special events.

Built in 1940 to train soldiers for the Second World War, the Drill Hall was remodelled to become an art gallery in 1984.

Nowadays, the gallery is used to showcase the Australian National University’s extensive art collection, and as a venue for temporary exhibitions.

palacecinemas.com.au

dhg.anu.edu.au

The Street Theatre

aMBUSH Gallery

The Street is the beating heart of Canberra’s creative community, dedicated to showcasing contemporary live performance across a diverse range of genres, from comedy and music to live-streamed think tanks.

aMBUSH is a multi award winning art gallery and social enterprise at the forefront of curating arts and public space projects across Australia. Canberra’s aMBUSH Gallery showcases a range of local and international artists working with paint, photography, ink, clay, spray guns, video, and other mediums.

thestreet.org.au

ambushgallery.com.au

48

Museums and landmarks National Museum of Australia The National Museum of Australia brings to life the rich and diverse stories of Australia through compelling objects, ideas, and events. The museum highlights Indigenous histories and cultures, European settlement, and how we interact with the environment. nma.gov.au

Shine Dome An instantly recognisable Canberra landmark, the Australian Academy of Science’s Shine Dome is a striking example of 20th century architecture created to reflect the innovative nature of science and was the first Canberra building to be added to the National Heritage list for its historical and architectural significance. shinedome.org.au

This page from top: Australian Academy of Science (Shine Dome) by Lesley Butler; National Museum of Australia on Acton Peninsula by Adam McGrath for NMA

National Film and Sound Archive

Australian National Botanic Gardens

Offering exactly what the name suggests, the National Film and Sound Archive boasts a collection of more than three million items reflecting Australia’s vibrant and diverse audiovisual culture. There is a rolling program of exhibitions on offer at the NFSA, encompassing a diverse range of interests, such as the Australians & Hollywood exhibition currently in residence until mid-July.

The Australian National Botanic Gardens is home to the world’s most comprehensive display of living Australian native plants. An ideal destination for both leisure and learning, the gardens’ collection of plants is arranged by theme, such as geographic origin, botanical family, or the ways they are used by Indigenous Australians. anbg.gov.au

nfsa.gov.au

49

SPECIAL FEATURE

Handmade Canberra Canberra’s iconic Handmade Market is set to make a triumphant return to its home at Exhibition Park in Canberra this April, following a lengthy pandemic-induced hiatus. As we sat down with Handmade Canberra Founder and Managing Director, Julie Nichols, we developed an immediate appreciation for just how much it means to her to finally be able to reconnect in person with stallholders and customers for the first time since December 2019.

T

he Handmade Canberra brand and its beloved market are the brainchild of former Air Force flight attendant, Julie, who, upon leaving her Air Force career behind to start a family, began to explore a developing interest in millinery.

This new-found passion eventually led to Julie selling her wares at markets across Australia.

When Julie made a permanent move to the nation’s capital, she immediately identified an enormous gap in the Canberra market scene, specifically relating to those who create and make their own goods. Ironically, while many creative trades and disciplines can be learned and developed here, Julie noticed that there really was no space for creatives to sell their handmade products. This, combined with the knowledge that, as Julie puts it, “one thing Australians do really well is support local businesses and help other Australians”, led her to launch the first Handmade Market in 2008.

A celebration of all things handmade; the Handmade Market offers Australia’s creatives a chance to interact directly with those who consume their products. For customers, making a purchase at the market equals knowing with absolute confidence that they are buying a product that has been designed and made right here in Australia.

Fast forward from the Handmade Market’s 2008 inception to 2022, and 570 small businesses are now registered with Handmade Canberra, meaning that 570 Australiabased creatives now have a platform for interacting with consumers through quarterly in-person markets and twice-

50

yearly online events. Julie’s simple driver has remained steadfast over the last 14 years; “we’re about connecting a person who has a handmade product to sell, to their customer,” she says.

Central to its ethos, and one of the features that sets the Handmade Market apart from other events of its kind, is its role as a certified retail supporter of the Australian Made Campaign, which reflects the fact that all goods sold at the market are Australian made. The Australian Made logo is Australia’s most trusted, recognised and widely used country of origin symbol, and is underpinned by a thirdparty accreditation system which ensures all products carrying the logo are ‘Authentically Australian’.

So, what can you expect if you’re planning to check out the next Handmade Market? According to Julie, there will be a mind-blowing 200 stalls (50 of which are making their Handmade Market debut), across three pavilions of “just about everything you can imagine. You name it, it will be there,” she says. We’re talking products spanning categories like art and design, baby wares, body and wellbeing, clothing and fashion, home and living, jewellery, pet products, textiles, food and drink, and more.

Speaking of food and drink, Julie recommends that marketgoers wear their stretchiest pants, given the incredible array of edible delights on offer in the food hall, including bao, dumplings, crepes, empanadas, kebabs, and much more.

Handmade wares courtesy of Handmade Canberra

51

- Julie Nichols, Handmade Canberra

Visitors will also encounter the Handmade Market’s charity partner, GIVIT, as they enter, and have the option of providing a gold coin donation to support GIVIT’s mission to alleviate poverty in Australia by connecting those who have, with those who need, in a private and safe way.

After 14 years in the business, you might expect that Julie would have developed a favourite market stall by now, but she tells us that trying to choose her most loved stall is “a bit like having to choose between my children.” She does, however, concede that “everyone who knows me knows I’m a bit of an earrings person (in part because you always know they’re going to fit!), and you can definitely expect a healthy range of earrings at every Handmade Market.”

Our top tip? Set aside a generous amount of time to spend at the Handmade Market, because earrings person or not, with such a huge number of stalls to explore, you’re bound to stumble upon some treasure of your own, including products you simply won’t find anywhere else.

Handmade Market Autumn / Winter 2022 dates: Saturday 30 April and Sunday 1 May: 10am-4pm Friday 29 July: 5-9pm, and Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 July: 10am-4pm Exhibition Park in Canberra handmadecanberra.com.au Above: Founder and Managing Director Julie Nichols, courtesy of Handmade Canberra Below: Handmade wares, courtesy of Handmade Canberra

52

DIGITAL DETOX

Unplug and unwind It’s easy to underestimate just how much time we spend online each day, but when you consider just how dependent we are on our devices for work, entertainment, socialising, and even grocery shopping; it really does all add up. But you don’t have to retreat to an off-grid cabin somewhere in the woods to get some well-deserved R&R, because we’ve rounded up our top tips to help you master the art of the digital detox on your next holiday. Green juices optional.

Turn on your automatic out-ofoffice messages. This applies not just to email apps, but also to other messaging apps like Messenger or WhatsApp. If people know you’re going to be offline and not responding to messages until a particular date, they’re more likely to respect your space (especially if the matter isn’t urgent). Keep it brief, thank the sender for contacting you, and don’t be afraid to show some personality.

For workplaces, consider including an available colleague’s details in the autoreply for if something timesensitive arises.

Delete apps from your device altogether. What can be a wellintended brief check of your smartphone can quickly spiral into an

hour or two of mindless scrolling or posting on social media. Remove apps that don’t serve a specific purpose for your trip. Besides, there’s plenty of time to brag about your trip once you’ve finished enjoying it.

Do not disturb mode is your friend.

Your smartphone should have a do not disturb button that functions by silencing your call and text notifications. When you’re not being constantly disturbed or alerted, it’s much easier to step away from the smartphone.

Out of sight, out of mind. Limit the number of devices you take with you, by selecting one device for emergencies and leaving the nonessential tablets, consoles, and laptops

at home. When you arrive, put your device away in a drawer or suitcase where you won’t be tempted to pick it up.

If you must, set a screen time limit.

If you do find you need to use your device intermittently, set an appropriate time limit and frequency for usage. Ironically, there’s apps to help you track and improve your screen time habits, such as ZenScreen, Freedom, Space and Moment.

Print off travel tickets and booking confirmations and carry cash. There’s a good chance you booked your trip on a device in the first place, so be prepared and print copies of any transport tickets, hotel booking confirmations and leisure passes, instead of accessing them on your device. It might be time to reacquaint yourself with a paper map too. When it comes to making payments, use cash where possible, to avoid needing to check your banking app, or ensure your debit card is loaded with your budgeted holiday funds before you leave.

Pack substitutes. Smartphones are like the modern-day multi-tool. It’s our alarm clock, camera, television, calculator, notepad and more, all in one. When looking for entertainment on your holiday, rediscover the analogue – board games, books, knitting, scrapbooks, and the like.

Be kind to yourself. New habits take time and persistence to form, or conversely, to break. If you find yourself relapsing, take a moment to pause and reflect on your own personal reasons for detoxing, and start afresh.

53

HOW TO

Stream your favourite content from 1000+ apps to your Abode Hotels guest room television – just like at home – with STAYCAST™ by Google Chromecast.

To stream from your device, select ‘Source’ on the television remote, change the TV input to HDMI1 and follow the instructions on screen. For more information, visit getstreaming.tv.

Google Chromecast is a trademark of Google Inc. Some content may require a subscription.

Stream during your stay

54

55

RETAIL THERAPY

Travel essentials

Coast

The end of lockdowns signal the return of the great Aussie roadtrip. Whether you're planning a trip to the coast, the country, or the city; we've got you covered with our stylish travel recommendations.

Country City

Coast: Invisible physical defence SPF 30 by Dermalogica ($69) at dermalogica.com.au, Portable charcoal BBQ by Everdure by Heston Blumenthal ($199) at myer.com. au, Roman organic cotton towel by Baina ($110) at shopbaina.com, Waterproof Bluetooth speaker by Bang & Olufsen (£250) at bang-olufsen.com. Country: Saddler duffle bag by R.M. Williams ($795) at rmwilliams.com.au, Clos leather wine carrier by Kinnon ($175) at kinnon.com.au, By the Fireplace EDT by Maison Margiela ($43) at mecca.com.au, Halliday Wine Companion 2022 ($34.99) at dymocks.com.au. City: Lilia leather bottle holder by Oroton ($149) at oroton.com, D-Lux 7 Silver camera

by Leica ($1990) at leica-store.com.au, Uptown & Downtown unisex sunglasses by Pared Eyewear ($260) at paredeyewear.com, Best Lies bum bag by Status Anxiety ($129.95) at statusanxiety.com.au.

56

Available at select Abode Hotels locations, Abode Pantry is your go-to for snacks, readymade frozen meals, and beverages.

Simply visit reception to make a purchase or head to yourabode.abodehotels.com.au, select your location, then 'Pantry Online', to place an order online and have your items conveniently delivered straight to your guest room. Only available during reception open hours.

57

#ABODEHOTELS

I spy with my little eye We love seeing happy snaps of your stay with Abode Hotels. Share your experience with us on social media by tagging @abodehotels (doggos: you'll need your human's opposable thumbs for this one).

You might even spot yourself here in our next issue.

@bugandbeeandme

@boy_the_big_corgi

@iberelekhis07

@whereischarz

@gymea.k

@beccajanephotography.com.au

@balloonaloftcanberra

@5lyes

58

@elzbthtrn

+61 2 6249 8660 balloonaloftcanberra.com.au 59

60