Abode Hotels - A+ Magazine Spring/Summer 2017

SPRING + SUMMER 2017/18 YOUR BRAND NEW ABODE IN MURRUMBATEMAN CANBERRA: THE ULTIMATE FOODIE GETAWAY ADVENTURE TIME: CANBERRA FOR KIDS

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CONTENTS

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SPOTLIGHT ON: CANBERRA DISTRICT WINES

AUSTRALIA DAY: A TIME TO CELEBRATE

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WORTH A DETOUR: COUNTRY DINING

NATIONAL TREASURES: NATIONAL LIBRARY

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FRIGHTS FOR SORE EYES: ACTION-PACKED ADVENTURE

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TURRELL TO GIBRALTAR: GRAMMABLE CANBERRA

A CANBERRAN ADVENTURE: YOUR ITINERARY

VINE TIMES IN MURRUMBATEMAN

SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP YASS RETAILERS

CANBERRA: THE ULTIMATE FOODIE GETAWAY

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WHAT'S ON IN CANBERRA SPRING/SUMMER

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CANBERRA FOR KIDS PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE

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GOOD SPORTS THIS SEASON IN SPORT

RETAIL THERAPY: CANBERRA SOUVENIRS

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YOUR BRAND NEW ABODE IN MURRUMBATEMAN

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HYPER REAL EXHIBITION AT THE NGA

BRADDON: EAT STREETS

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THIS IS REPUBLIC IN BELCONNEN

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TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE: TIDBINBILLA

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NIGHT MOVES: CANBERRA AFTER DARK

HAVE DOG, WILL TRAVEL PET FRIENDLY CANBERRA

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MAPS: WHERE TO FIND US

Editor Michelle Rowe Art Direction + Design Samantha Crowe + Andrew Sanchez Words John Thistleton, Kirsten Craze, Leah Martin, Samantha Crowe Advertising Enquiries Andrew Sanchez andrewsanchez@abode.group Cover Image Burnelee Excursions on Horseback: Twilight Ride

by VisitCanberra 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 photographs to this issue.

PUBLISHED BY:

Ken Helm, photo by Irene Dowdy

When Ken Helm moved to Murrumbateman more than 40 years ago there were plenty of sheep, but far fewer people. Back then it wasn’t easy to convince locals that the former gold country was ripe for winemaking, but Helm had a vision.

“They found it very amusing actually; that someone would try to grow grapes in what they only regarded as wool country,” he says.

The fourth generation of German winemakers who immigrated to Australia in the 1850s, Helm began his career as a CSIRO entomologist in Canberra, but eventually caught the wine bug and set up Helm Wines alongside his wife Judith.

More than just a local businessman known for his award-winning riesling and Bordeaux-inspired cabernets, Helm also served on the Yass Valley Council for 12 years, including two terms as mayor, and was imperative in helping the modern Murrumbateman flourish.

“In 1973 we couldn’t even get a builder to come from Canberra because it was too far. At the time it had a population of 100 people and the petrol station and the store had closed due to a lack of custom. Even the school had shut 18 months beforehand because they said the area had no potential for growth,” he says of his humble village half an hour outside of Canberra.

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Fast forward four decades and Murrumbateman is a booming town that is home to more than 3000 people and now located in the heart of the Canberra District wine region. A comfortable two-and-ahalf-hour drive south west of Sydney, the historic mining town has been reborn as a “ tourist hub with several cellar doors and a host of world-class artists and restaurants thrown into the mix.

“Winemaking just doesn’t happen to produce wine for the area, it also attracts other industries like accommodation.

Abode wouldn’t be building here if it wasn’t for the wine industry. All those add-on industries come because of the wine,” Helm says, noting that the addition of Abode Group’s latest venture, due to open in February 2018, has locals buzzing.

"We’re ecstatic that it’s coming in because it’s going to add a dimension to Murrumbateman that’s been sadly lacking for years," he says.

Fellow local, Michael Devey, has also seen his fair share of tourists make a beeline for the region in recent years. The American-born apiarist moved from California to Canberra and finally to Murrumbateman by 2000.

“We moved out here because it’s such a peaceful environment. We wanted to have a property where we could enjoy gardening and raise animals. In the end it was the bees that won us over,” he says.

Devey and his wife Maryanne run Wins Creek Meadery and Bindaree Bee Supplies, where visitors can pop in for lunch at the cafe and sample the local mead, hand-crushed cider or even try a honey beer. While there they can learn about beekeeping and honey production from the insects themselves.

“In the restaurant we’ve got an indoor beehive set up so visitors can look through the window at a real working cathedral hive,” he says.

Devey hopes a visit to the Meadery, which has been set up in the historic Traveller’s Rest Inn along the Barton Highway, will allow visitors the chance to sample the world of bees firsthand.

“The more you learn about bees, the more interesting you realise they are. They’re inspiring because they work so hard, there isn’t another creature on the planet that would work as hard as they do,” he says.

But the hardworking horses out at Burnelee and their farming family are also keen to show off their patch of paradise to those who are keen to saddle up.

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For six generations Rachel Butt’s family has worked the land at Burnelee, a 3500acre grazing property on the outskirts of Murrumbateman, and every Saturday visitors can get a taste of the local scenery on horseback.

With two-hour runs twice on Saturdays, the Burnelee Excursions on Horseback tour is a boutique offering for riders of all experience levels.

“What makes us unique is really where we ride. We ride through 11,000 acres of natural bushland on the property, as well as significant grazing area, so it’s not like we follow the same path all the time. It’s quite varied in terms of where we go and what we do,” Butt says.

And although Burnelee is a working property with its fair share of sheep and cattle to muster, Butt says there is a world of flora and fauna to discover.

“There’s plenty of birdlife, with the standard kangaroos and wallabies, which are pretty well guaranteed. And when the echidnas are coming out of hibernation we often see them as well as lots of lizards or goannas.

In terms of experiencing the Australian bush it’s a brilliant thing for international visitors,” she says.

Helm Wines 19 Butts Rd, Murrumateman (02) 6277 5953 helmwines.com.au Wins Creek Meadery & Bindaree Bee Supplies 18 East St (Barton Highway), Murrumbateman (02) 6226 8866 (Bindaree) or; 0413 378 315 (Meadery) bindaree.com.au Burnelee Excursions on Horseback 320 Dicks Creek Rd, Murrumbateman (02) 6277 5850 burnelee.com.au Bindaree Bee Hive

Helm Wines, photo by Irene Dowdy

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When creating new accommodation in the heart of a growing food and wine haven, Abode Group had to think outside the box.

Abode Murrumbateman welcomes its first guests next February, but the boutique hotel will not be just a place to turn in after a day of taste-testing the local fare.

It will be a space to continue the culinary experience in style.

The 50-room hotel is a new venture for GEOCON, the parent company of Abode Group, which traditionally features apartment-style accommodation. However, this designer hotel, the first the group has built outside the capital, will be a unique traveller experience.

“Abode hotels are usually studio accommodation, which includes a kitchen, but this will be more of a traditional hotel room. This time we’re focusing on a really modern design which fits in with the rustic nature of the place,” says Abode Group General Manager Rien Donkin.

“We’re going to have public areas which will be flexible spaces. There will be communal cooking facilities off the foyer and a kitchen set up where people can use what will be in the ‘Abode Pantry’. They can make a meal, sit down and have a glass of wine, meet other guests. There’s no restaurant because the idea is that if you’re visiting Murrumbateman as a tourist we’re assuming you’ve got plans for dinner.”

And the local menu is diverse, with a string of

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paddock-to-plate restaurants, wineries and other artisan producers now thriving in the region. Once considered just farming territory on the outskirts of Canberra, Murrumbateman has become a culinary destination to rival other well-known food getaways in NSW. It was this blossoming reputation that convinced Abode Group to invest in the area.

“I think we were the only ones who could pull it off because Murrumbateman is pretty unknown outside Canberra. Certainly big hotel chains whose head offices are in another country might not be able to get their heads around where it is, but we’re local so could definitely see the potential.

We don’t see it as a risk, we see it as an opportunity,” Mr Donkin says.

Being less than half an hour from the capital, Mr Donkin says the region is now a drawcard for a mix of tourists, from wedding guests to food and wine connoisseurs.

“Visitors from Sydney are after blue skies, fresh air and no traffic.

And we’re starting to see a wave of second, or even third-time, international visitors. They’ve done the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House and they’re looking to see other things, things they can brag about to their friends back home.”

L-R: David Rowe (General Manager, Yass Valley Council), Sean Haylan (Economic Development & Tourism Manager, Yass Valley Council), Kim Turner (Deputy Mayor, Yass Valley), Rien Donkin (General Manager, Abode Group), Gabbi Cusack (Executive Officer of Canberra Region Joint Organisation)

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PRODUCE FROM THE VALLEY If you’re a lover of fresh fruit and delicious locally-grown produce, make a beeline for Yass or Murrumbateman farmers’ markets.

Murrumbateman Village Markets are held on the second and fourth Saturday of the month in the town’s recreation grounds.

There’s a huge range of vegetables, plus bulbs, flowers and plenty of food — including pastries and cupcakes, Thai curries and Greek treats.

ISA Brown chooks from Ian McGrath’s Grassy’s Grass Fed Free Range Eggs roam about on two paddocks at Wattle Valley, 16km from Yass. Pick up a fresh dozen at the Murrumbateman Village Markets where, Ian says, “We sell between 80 to 120 dozen eggs.”

Yass Rotary Markets in Meehan Street on the first and third Saturday of the month have regular local producers showcasing berries, stone fruits and herbs. Tomatoes, radish, beetroot, capsicum are usually available too.

The markets’ Keith Campbell says the beef comes from the Yass Valley, lamb from Gundagai and pork from

Wagga Wagga to satisfy meat eaters looking for distinctive flavours.

Tourists on the hunt for a gift can choose from spun and woven garments from the alpaca store.

Don’t miss Murrumbateman’s community stall, where local growers either sell or give away excess produce such as tomatoes, corn and pumpkins.

Murrumbateman Village Markets The Village Green, East St on Barton Hwy, Murrumbateman Yass Rotary Markets St Augustine's Hall and Grounds Meehan St, Yass

Shopping secret

5 MINUTES WITH GRAEME SHAW Graeme Shaw Shaw Vineyard Estate Best place for a walk There are some great walking trails in and around the village of Murrumbateman.

Favourite view Up the back of Murrumbateman’s Fairley subdivision — we’re building a new residential precinct along with a brewery, bakery, restaurant and more next to the new Abode Hotel — you can really appreciate the Murrumbateman landscape.

Best place to eat The newly opened Olleyville at Shaw Vineyard Estate Restaurant, where you can order rustic, shareable plates including charcuterie and pickles or an artisan cheese platter. More substantial dishes include lamb shank shepherd’s pie or an Olleyville Angus burger. There’s also a wood-fired oven turning out great pizzas plus free-range chicken, lamb racks and more. The restaurant is next to our cellar door, so you can pick your wine before you dine.

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You can buy handmade Italian ceramics that are not available anywhere else in Australia at our cellar door — we exclusively import them for our customers.

What most people don’t know about the Yass Valley region That there is such a diversity of interesting places to visit, from lakes and caves along with more than 14 wineries in Murrumbateman alone.

Favourite adventure activity Horse riding. And the Yass Valley region is the perfect place to do it.

My local secret I simply love the laid-back atmosphere of Murrumbateman village and the Yass area in general.

Somewhere romantic When it opens in February, the Abode Hotel will be the place for romantics!

Something you can’t experience anywhere else At cellar doors across the Yass Valley you get the chance to actually meet the winemakers as you try their wines.

Shaw Vineyard Estate 34 Isabel Drive Murrumbateman NSW 2582 shawvineyards.com.au

Graeme Shaw, photo by VisitCanberra

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Lark Hill Vineyard, photo by VisitCanberra

One of those overnight success stories that’s been 40 years in the making, Canberra wine has now well and truly come of age, taking its place among the nation’s most respected wine regions.

But where to start? If you want to talk acclaim, you can’t go past the blend of shiraz and viognier that put Clonakilla on the map, making it one of the most sought-after reds in Australia.

Clonakilla winemaker Bryan Martin, meanwhile, has a boutique winery on the side, Ravensworth, where he makes, among other things, a well-regarded sangiovese and a shiraz of his own.

The elegance of cool-climate shiraz is also what made Alex McKay’s Collector Wines the talk of top sommeliers in Sydney.

But to talk only of reds would be to do the region a disservice. Riesling is quickly becoming recognised as a grape that thrives in Canberra — as great examples from new and established players such as Clonakilla and Ravensworth, Nick O’Leary, Helm Wines, Mada Wines, The Vintner’s Daughter, and Lark Hill amply demonstrate.

Photo by VisitCanberra

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And the next big thing? We’re putting our money on more aromatic whites, whether it’s blends of marsanne, rousanne and viognier, or Lark Hill’s exceptional grüner veltliner. Bottoms up.

Tim Kirk of Clonakilla, photo by VisitCanberra

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Shaw Vineyard Estate, photo by VisitCanberra

If you listen to leading Australian wine writers such as James Halliday and Max Allen, Canberra makes shiraz as good as any in the country, whether it’s the deep-rooted vineyards in South Australia’s Barossa Valley or the region’s cool-climate cousins in Victoria’s Yarra Valley.

But the only palate you’ll ever have is the one you were born with, so rather than take the experts’ word for it, why not get out and taste them for yourself?

Many of the region’s vineyards are equipped with top-drawer tasting facilities, and as a great number are within easy reach of the city centre, a cellar-door tour is the perfect way to while away an afternoon.

CLONAKILLA 3 Crisps Ln, Murrumbateman The biggest name in Canberra wine is Clonakilla. It has never wanted for style to match its substance, and the cellar door is no exception. Constructed from stone pulled from the soil of the winery itself, and equipped with built-in spittoons in the tasting room that rinse themselves at the press of a button, it’s the perfect mix of tradition and innovation — much like its signature blend of shiraz and viognier.

HELM WINES 19 Butts Rd, Murrumbateman Ken Helm is one of the pioneers of Canberra’s wine scene, so it’s fitting, perhaps, that his tasting room has a colonial feel. It’s in a heritage-listed schoolhouse which was built in 1888; has study ever been more of a pleasure?

SHAW VINEYARD ESTATE 34 Isabel Dr, Murrumbateman Graeme and Ann Shaw run this Murrumbateman vineyard with their two children and son-in-law. The spacious cellar door also features a gift shop and a new restaurant on site, Olleyville at Shaw, specialising in rustic dishes made from the bountiful local produce.

LARK HILL Cnr Bungendore & Joe Rocks Rd, Bungendore Sue and David Carpenter have been making wine here since 1981, and while their reds are very well regarded, in recent years it’s the white wines that have been grabbing the limelight. Get your taste at the Lark Hill cellar door at Murrumbateman, an attractively rustic space in a natural bush setting.

COLLECTOR WINES 7 Murray St, Collector NSW 2581 Set in a storefront built in 1829 in the tiny township of Collector, just north of Lake George, the newish cellar door for this acclaimed winery is all about simple country elegance. Come back when the weather’s cooler to savour a shiraz by the open fire.

EDEN ROAD 3182 Barton Hwy, Murrumbateman One of the stars of the newer generation of Canberra wineries, Eden Road is not to be missed. Its cellar door, just south of the village of Murrumbateman, has a lovely outdoor area opening onto its lawns, and is the perfect place to explore Canberra-style riesling in the sun.

Helm Wines, photo by VisitCanberra

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Ross' Relics, photo by Erin Dando Photography

Terrianne Boulding, the owner of Country Charm florist and gift shop in Yass, says the most important thing she learned from her predecessor in the business was to be an individual.

It’s evident in the pretty shop she runs with her mother, Cheryl Scorgie, that she took that advice to heart.

Individuality colours a ribbon of retailing from Murrumbateman to Comur Street, Yass, and out to Bowning's replica 1800s slab hut coffee shop Rollonin Cafe and nearby nursery Mayfield Mews.

Terrianne says her display windows are her best advertisement. Many a traveller has phoned to order an item they have spotted in the window she keeps lit at night as they pass by. One tourist snapped up five items, from African lady statues to candle holders.

Full Circle Serenity’s owner Pam Staines shares her premises with Denise Stansfield, of Inspired Craft. Trading together enables them to open seven days a week. Pam does a great line in perfumed candles, oils and gifts such as Himalayan rock salt lamps.

Stephen Deronne, who emigrated from a fishing village in north west France, came to Yass eight years ago, and makes crepes at the Murrumbateman Village Markets.

Stephen imports French butter biscuits and chocolate sardines and tea-towels.

A love affair with Turkey drives his other importing business, A Byzance Romance.

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He is running a pop-up shop in Yass, mentoring children at the local high school and sells his products at the Yass Turning Wave festival in Spring.

Tanya Jeffreys opened TJ’s Embroidery in 2012, and having the Yass High School and Berinba Public School as customers underpins this brilliant little shop, where she also sells her father Richard Wray’s photographs. Taken on his travels, and framed in hand-made timber, they include a pair of striking red-bellied black snakes.

Ross’s Relics' collection of many thousands of artefacts, bric-a-brac, collectables and antiques in a former petrol station and Ford dealership in Yass is remarkable. Proprietor Ross Lyall says people are reluctant to buy glass or cutlery they have to polish these days, but when they want to mix and match chairs, or need a wardrobe for their children’s flat, he can help, seven days week.

In contrast, Eric and Lisa Reimer’s Heritage House, a former Cusack’s store, then a restaurant, is a more orderly antique shop that the couple restored 26 years ago.

Travellers buy fire screens, nests of tables and more.

Having survived a life-threatening illness 20 years ago, Susan Wade decided to go into retailing, opening Comur House, where she has expanded her wool fashion range including MerinoSnug, alongside homewares and gifts.

is enhanced with restored shop top verandahs. In the former Commonwealth Bank branch, Edlins of Yass has kept the big counter, and buys and sells coins, stamps, gold, silver and collectables.

Nearby, volunteers run Yass Art and Craft Co-operative, posting on the door, “we attempt to open 10am-4pm seven days a week.’’

Country Charm Yass Florist & Gifts 123 Comur St, Yass NSW 2582 Rollonin Cafe 144 Bowning Rd, Bowning NSW 2582 rollonincafe.net Full Circle Serenity 75 Comur St, Yass NSW 2582 Edlins of Yass 157 Comur St, Yass NSW 2582 TJ's Embroidery 69 Comur St, Yass NSW 2582 Ross' Relics 55 Comur St, Yass NSW 2582 Comur House 116 Comur St, Yass NSW 2582 Mayfield Mews 4 Leake St, Bowning NSW 2582 mayfieldmews.com.au

Yass’ main street, once the Hume Highway,

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Q&A WITH THE CURATOR HYPER REAL Jaklyn Babington Senior Curator of Contemporary Art National Gallery of Australia A levitating man, a genetically engineered baby, towering giants — welcome to humanity amplified at the National Gallery of Australia.

What is Hyper Real? What can visitors see and experience at this exhibition?

Hyperrealism, developed in the 1960-70s, traditionally created sculptures with an uncanny realism to human skin, hair, eyes and blood. Visitors can expect to see a giant pregnant woman standing 8ft tall, uncanny human-esque creatures with a fantastical bent, and some nudity as the human form is explored in all its guises — from the beautiful to the unnerving.

How big is this exhibition?

Sam Jinks Woman and child 2010 (detail) Silicone, silk, human hair Collection of the artist

Hyper Real is a collaboration with international curator Otto Letze from the Institute of Cultural Exchange, and myself, NGA Senior Curator of Contemporary Art. This exhibition brings together celebrated international artists from the US, UK, Russia, China and more. It features 49 works by 30 artists, including a commissioned work by Australia’s Sam Jinks, as well as a new installation by Patricia Piccinini.

WHILE AT THE GALLERY

Gaston Lachaise, which levitates above a long, formal pool, and Emile-Antoine Bourdelle’s bronze, Penelope, which gazes toward Lake Burley Griffin.

There’s more than enough to keep you occupied inside the NGA, but in the spring and summer months it would be remiss not to retreat to its gardens for some splendid solitude.

Work on the Sculpture Garden began in 1981 and its design included a set of ‘outside rooms’ comprising native plantings that would form the backdrop to the collection of sculptures.

The gallery’s famous Sculpture Garden features significant works from Australia and overseas amidst displays of Australian native fauna, finely manicured lawns, ponds, aquatic displays and comfortable perches from which to take it all in.

The seasons of the year influence its design, with the Winter Garden sitting close to the building and featuring warm winter slate and winter flowering acacias. The Summer garden is positioned in a shady area beneath casuarinas near the marsh pond, while the Spring Garden, with its spring grevilleas and acacias, is nearer the lake.

It’s an outdoor oasis in which to stroll or simply sit and contemplate works such as the group of four bronze figures from Auguste Rodin’s The Burghers of Calais along with two nude studies set amidst a dramatic display of acacia, banksias and correas. Other highlights among the collection of figurative works from the late 19th and early 20th centuries include Floating Figure by

What is a crowd favourite of this exhibition?

Hyper Real features numerous works by seminal Australian artist, Patricia Piccinini. Her fantastical human and animal hybrids bring a feeling of surreal unease and simultaneous comfort to visitors, creating new worlds with which to interact. Piccinini was the most popular contemporary artist of 2016 world-wide.

What can families expect?

Hyper Real is a family-friendly exhibition, appealing to children’s sense of wonder and curiosity. Whilst there is some nudity, such as Ron Mueck’s 8ft tall Pregnant woman 2002 — families are able to explore themes of the human experience through the realistic nature of the sculpture. All visitors can respond to the role of technology in art, as well as to the everyday — experience a virtual universe, explore a Second Life world, and be surrounded by a 360 video installation subverting the accepted social norms.

From the playful to the poignant, Hyper Real has something for everyone.

Hyper Real at the National Gallery of Australia October 20, 2017 to February 18, 2018.

For more information, head to: nga.gov.au/hyperreal

If you still have some time left after your Sculpture Garden sojourn, be sure to visit the Fern Garden, created by artist Fiona Hall, at the eastern side of the building. This planting of 58 mature Dicksonia Antarctica tree ferns features a system of paths, water channels, grates, fountains and spots to sit.

NGA Sculpture Gardens, Photo by VisitCanberra

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Complete your Abode Hotel experience with complementary use of Your Abode — a multi-function travel buddy to further enhance your Abode experience.

See what Canberra’s national attractions have to offer, broaden your palate and taste locally crafted produce in Canberra’s acclaimed restaurants and cafes of shop ‘til you drop at Canberra’s retail hotspots.

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AUSTRALIA DAY: A TIME TO CELEBRATE Australia Day means many things to many people. For some, it’s a celebration of our freedom, democracy and standard of living, and the chance to come together with family and friends to celebrate what’s great about being an Aussie.

Across Canberra, a broad range of Australia Day events are held to mark the occasion on January 26. A good way to start the day is attending the National Citizenship and Flag Raising Ceremony, which officially welcomes Australia’s newest citizens. Set against a backdrop of Lake Burley Griffin and Parliament House, the ceremony is open to guests and spectators alike. At the 2017 event Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told the crowd that today’s Australians come from 200 countries and hold a diversity of faiths, cultures and backgrounds.

The moving ceremony, which brings the nation’s values to the fore, is a life-changing one for newly adopted Australians, including Mexican-born opera star Diego Torre, who became a citizen in 2016. Torre, who sang the National Anthem in front of the Prime Minister, described the ceremony as inspirational.

“After I arrived here everyone was very, very warm to me and my family. We discovered Australia was a beautiful country to live in and to stay and raise children.’’

Torre’s two-year-old daughter was with him at the ceremony. “It was a really special day. It was one of the best things that could happen to me," he says.

South Australia chair of Australia Day celebrations, Houssan Abiad, says the ceremony is not about forgetting where you came from, or your language and culture, it is about injecting all of this into Australia’s culture.

After the ceremony, ease your way into an afternoon of celebrations, as you gather friends and family, a picnic and good cheer, and head to the Australia Day in the Capital concert. Staged on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, crowds will be treated to music and entertainment into the evening. Kids’ activities and play zones will be available to keep the little ones happy throughout.

End the day with a bang with the Australia Day fireworks, an amazing pyrotechnic display themed to music.

Q&A: STEPHANIE BRANTZ Sports Presenter and ABC Australia Day Host Why take part in Canberra’s Australia Day celebrations?

What better place to spend Australia Day than in the nation's capital, on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin with the view across to Parliament House, watching new citizens from all around the world receive their citizenship certificate from the Prime Minister?

What’s a highlight of the celebrations for you?

The Federation Guard. The way they march onto the parade ground at Rond Terrace, accompanied by the band, all in perfect step... I never get tired of watching it.

I also love interviewing the new citizens as part of my role for the ABC broadcast.

It's a privilege to hear their stories and find out what made them decide to call Australia home.

When you’re in Canberra, where do you like to go exploring?

Over the years I've spent many wonderful

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hours lost in Questacon... it's definitely not just for kids!

Favourite place for brunch?

My son is in first year at the University of Canberra and next to his residential lodge is The Coffee Grounds cafe, where we had a great brunch, though I'm also quite partial to Pork Barrel near the Rose Gardens of Old Parliament House in Parkes — fantastic food, and a lovely ambience to relax with friends or the paper.

Favourite restaurant?

Last time I was in Canberra for dinner I ate at Pomegranate in Kingston, which I would definitely go back to. And also Belluci's in Manuka for a good Italian meal.

Best view?

From the Australian War Memorial across the Lake, past Old Parliament House to the new one. A triumph of town planning!

Favourite shopping spot?

Paperchain Bookstore in Manuka. I love browsing bookstores anyway, but I always end up buying something here and it's not

just books — there are so many cute things for gifts (or to treat yourself).

Hidden secret?

The National Carillon. I'd always seen it and heard the bells ring out but never really knew what it was. I came across it up close one day when walking around the lake.

It's on Aspen Island, Lake Burley Griffin, and was apparently a gift from the British Government to celebrate Canberra's 50th anniversary! Who knew?!

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Morks Thai, photo by VisitCanberra

Canberra is on the move. As recently as a decade ago it was a city that people were from rather than a place where people were headed. Now the secret is out, and the capital is recognised for a combination of lifestyle and culture, nature and sophistication that’s unique in Australia.

And that goes double for food and drink.

With Sydney just three hours away, hospitality talent was traditionally whisked away to the big smoke. Today, though, Canberra is a magnet for chefs and restauranteurs drawn by the quality of city living, the proximity of great produce and the buoyancy of the food and drink scene.

All that, plus one of of the most exciting emergent wine regions in the country.

Home to centres of learning, to peak cultural bodies, to embassies and missions from the world over, and of course home to the houses of parliament, Canberra has a population unlike anywhere else in Australia. The people of Canberra are educated and well-travelled, and the city’s large professional class has shrugged off the cultural cringe of the past to embrace the Territory’s rich history and natural grandeur.

On the food and drink front this is most visible in the form of neighbourhoods swelling with new experiences.

Braddon, just blocks north of the CBD, combines artisan and boutique retail with cafes and restaurants that would turn heads on the hippest stretches of Fitzroy or Surry Hills. Acton, on the CBD’s southern fringe on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, meanwhile, is home to not one but two acclaimed destination designer hotels, the sassy QT Canberra, and the arts mecca that is Hotel Hotel, as well as a clutch of dynamic dining experiences.

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And this is by no means a phenomenon confined to the inner city. Recent development along the Kingston Foreshore has opened Lake Burley Griffin up to waterside eating and drinking, whether it’s pan-roasted mulloway with young coconut and a sauce of red curry, banana fritters and pandan meringue or other innovative takes on Thai food at Morks, rum-spiked concoctions and Latin-inflected snacks at Betti Bravo’s.

Neighbourhoods such as Kingston and Manuka have long been home to vibrant Canberra hospitality, and are stocked with new ventures and old favourites, but now smaller residential centres are proving that a suburban address certainly doesn’t have to mean suburban flavours.

At XO in Narrabundah, for instance, tastes from all over South-East Asia swirl together on a menu that’s irreverent and faithful in just the right measure. Tom yum soup becomes a sauce for steamed pumpkin and ricotta dumplings, scallops top Sichuan-style ma po tofu, while “Asian Bolognese” reimagines the owners’ favourite after-school snack as udon noodles stir-fried in a chicken ragu with XO sauce, topped with a soft-cooked egg.

Back north of the lake, the Ainslie village has just welcomed a young gun to its most celebrated restaurant with the arrival of 22-year-old chef Josh Lundy (and his Spanish ham on toast with coffee butter) at celebrated bistro Pulp Kitchen, while out in the wilds of Pialligo, on the banks

of the Molonglo river just south of the airport, orchards, olive groves, and one of the nation’s finest smokehouses provide the backdrop (and some of the bounty) for Pialligo Estate, a handsome manor eatery in the grand European tradition.

Restaurant lovers aren’t the only ones benefitting from Canberra’s food revolution.

Home cooks have a wealth of producers and winemakers at their disposal, whether via the smart edits of top-notch local food shops, or straight from the source at farmers’ markets and cellar doors. Fans of stronger waters are well served by a burgeoning craft-cocktail and wine-bar scene, while Canberra’s reputation for punching well above its weight in the coffee stakes grows stronger with the appearance of still more great cafes, all around the city.

Morks Thai 18/19 Eastlake Pde, Kingston morks.com.au Betti Bravo's 6/2 Trevillian Quay, Kingston bettibravos.com.au XO 16 Iluka St, Narrabundah xo-restaurant.com.au Pulp Kitchen 1 Wakefield Gdns, Ainslie pulp-kitchen.com.au Pialligo Estate 18 Kallaroo Rd, Pialligo thepialligoestate.com.au

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CAPITAL'S CAFE CULTURE A WORLD BEATER

We haven’t done the hard yards with the adding machine yet to make sure, but there’s a very good chance that Canberra has the greatest number of top-notch cafes of any Australian capital city. (Or any world capital, for that matter.)

It’s a relatively recent phenomenon, really only taking root over the past decade, yet the ACT is now home to the team that has claimed the title at the Australian Barista Championship for the past three years running, and one among them, Sasa Sestic, won the World Barista Championship in Seattle in 2015.

Ona, the roastery Sestic founded in 2008, sources green beans direct from communities in Ethiopia, Colombia, Honduras, Rwanda, El Salvador, Panama, Nicaragua and India, roasts and blends the coffee in Canberra and then serves it at its Fyshwick roastery and headquarters, at Ona Manuka, and at The Cupping Room in Civic. Of the three outlets, The Cupping Room is especially notable for its adventurous menu. Accompany your java (or your Nomad hot chocolate or Chamellia tea) with fried eggs with pickled onions and Spanish black pudding, say, or chia pudding brightened with pomegranate and berries.

Ona Latte art, photo by VisitCanberra

While many of the city’s favourite coffee venues focus mostly on the bean (Harvest in Civic, for instance, or the excellent Lava, at Phillip and Weston Creek), others work just as hard as The Cupping Room to complement their coffee with interesting eats. Break your fast with a wild take on French toast involving banana curd, honeycomb cream and chocolate custard at Stand by Me in Lyons, with shiitake, field and brown mushrooms sauteed with baby spinach, ricotta cream and pecorino on

PICK OF THE PROVIDORES

meanwhile, is T&E Asian Groceries at the Fyshwick Markets, also home to one of the best delicatessens in the Territory, Deli Planet.

One of Canberra’s most respected culinary addresses is Silo Bakery in Kingston, and if bread and/or cheese are of even passing interest to you, prepare to be wowed. A visit to the cheese room is an essential stop on the way to any dinner party or picnic. (Be sure to drop by on a Saturday for the schiacciata with grapes.)

Need something specifically Italian?

Make Tutto Continental your first stop. And while you’re at the Mawson shopping centre you’d be wise to check out the excellent bargains and Middle Eastern produce at Jabal Halal Market.

Just around the corner you’ll find the Canberra branch of The Essential Ingredient, one of the nation’s premier retailers of specialty foods and topdrawer kitchen kit.

There’s many a good meat shop in Canberra, but only one so good you’ll see it name-checked on restaurant menus, and that’s the Griffith Butchery, where Richard Odell has been specialising in organic and ethically raised product since 1989. Our first stop for specialist Asian drygoods,

sourdough toast at Abode Hotel’s excellent No. 10 just over the road in Woden. Pair your batch-brew or shaken iced latte with corn tortillas, chicken roasted with jalapeno and lime butter at Braddon favourite Barrio Collective, or go Scandi-cool with Danishstyle open-faced sandwiches topped with smoked salmon, roast beef or Snowy River smoked trout down the other end of Lonsdale Street at Rye. In great news for thirsty students, The Coffee Lab has expanded from its Civic base with a new branch on-campus at the ANU; expect some of the best brews in town and the likes of waffles with cauliflower, wild mushrooms and brown butter at both locations. The eye-bendingly hip Mocan and Green Grout might be hard to pronounce (hint: it’s something like “motch-ann”) but its roll crammed with pork shoulder, wombok salad and ginger mayo is very easy to wrap your lips around.

Fellow Acton hotspot A Baker, as the name suggests, has excellent bread, but the kitchen has more than a few other tricks up the sleeve. Take your eggs fried with creamed spinach, labne, gai lan and chilli, baked with tomato kasundi, ’nduja, fennel oil and garlic bread, or slow-cooked with Gooda Creek mushrooms, sambal and kale.

At A Baker’s near-neighbour Monster, Hotel Hotel’s funky reboot of hotel-dining, the temptation of Prosecco with fresh orange juice or Bloody Marys spiked with sriracha sauce and guindilla peppers might prove as strong as the caffeine offer. Order some ballast in the form of classic kedgeree or not-so-classic pork belly, fried egg, green mango and chilli jam regardless.

Good morning Australia!

What about a more general array of supplies for the serious cook, perhaps with something of a baking bent? Check out the aptly named Food Lovers at the Belconnen Markets (and grab a tub of award-winning Gundowring ice-cream whole you’re at it). Three Mills got its start making bread before opening a bakery and cafe of its own at Majura Park, while fellow dough-makers Knead Patisserie run a very good show out of their Belconnen Markets storefront.

If all this hard work is making you thirsty, make a beeline to Plonk for an excellent range of boutique beers and wines, many from top local names.

Mocan and Green Grout, photo by VisitCanberra

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Hopscotch, photos by VIsitCanberra

If you wanted to pinpoint the epicentre of Canberra’s dining and nightlife revolution, you’d look no further than Braddon.

These blocks just north of Civic, running parallel to Northbourne Avenue between the city centre and the mature evergreens of Haig Park, were as recently as the early noughties better known for their usedcar lots and carwash businesses than for craft brewing, specialty coffee, cocktail bars, edgy floristry, boutique retail and hip bistros.

But what a difference a few years makes.

Right now Braddon is recognised by coolhunters and trend-watchers as one of Australia’s most dynamic new precincts, drawing on dining, artisanship, commerce and all the other strands that define centres of culture in Melbourne and Sydney (and indeed New York, London and Berlin), but in a way that is unique to Canberra.

Frugii Dessert Laboratory

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And as urbane as Braddon is, it’s fringed by

well-established parkland, is just minutes in the car (or on the bike) from farmland and countryside, and boasts clean air, open streets and plenty of sunshine. It’s city living redefined — and that’s before you even get serious about the eating and drinking.

Want top-flight contemporary dining?

Buzzy Eightysix and the effortless Italianate style of Italian & Sons on Lonsdale Street have you covered. For coffee lovers, Barrio Collective just down the road roasts beans with rare style.

Frugii Dessert Laboratory’s bold experiments with ice-cream will blow your palate, and Grease Monkey answers your burger cravings in no uncertain terms. On Mort Street, BentSpoke Brewing Co is a pioneering craft beer bar. A staggering variety of street food is yours under one roof at The Hamlet, while Thai flavours, Fukuokastyle ramen and savvy vegan cooking are well represented by Zaab, Ramentic and Sweet Bones. Dig in.

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FIVE ESSENTIAL BRADDON DISHES Eightysix's Banoffee pie with pretzels A tough call when Eightysix, perhaps the keystone venue in Braddon’s transformation to a dining hub, has so many signatures to choose from. How do you go past the duck buns, the habanero steak tartare or the mighty black fried chicken with buttermilk slaw. How? By taking the classic moreish magnetism of caramel and banana and supercharging them with the salt and crunch of pretzels.

Barrio's Don Bocarte anchovies in the tin with sourdough and lemon It almost seems like cheating, simply opening a tin of very good Spanish anchovies and placing them next to some sourdough. But when the anchovies meet the hot toast with a squeeze of lemon, it’s clear why this is a long-respected tradition back in Spain.

BrodDogs's "The Veggie One" Why on earth would anyone opt for a vegetarian option at a hotdog shop, especially when those hotdogs are this cult food van’s all-beef Vienna dogs? The Veggie One’s mix of fried popcorn, cauliflower and eggplant in a fondue sauce topped with Gruyere argues the case with devastating conviction.

Italian & Sons' cassarecce al ragù Pasta made by hand, a ragu conjured by the slow and gentle cooking of suckling lamb in red wine and tomato. Add a fine vino rosso to the mix (and there’s no shortage of that on hand) and life is good.

Frugii Dessert Laboratory's ice cream on a stick This polished dessert bar pulls flavour-raiders from Sydney, Melbourne and beyond with its radical ice-cream specials; the twang of jackfruit or the funk of durian are just the tip of the iceberg when past flavour experiments have included seafood laksa, butter chicken and black pudding.

BentSpoke Brewing Co. Photo by VisitCanberra

BRADDON AL FRESCO BentSpoke Brewing Co. How do you improve on some of the nation’s best craft beer (carbonated or hand-pumped, hoppy, mild, malty, for sipping or sessions) served with hop-dusted hot chips, smoked mac and cheese and a side of charm? Easy: take it outside.

Hopscotch Argentine wood-fired grill meets burgers meets souvlaki under the open sky: good times ensue.

The Hamlet Back in the day, street eats on Lonsdale meant chips and gravy.

And we’re happy to report those good things are still with us, only now they’re complemented by a variety of interesting things corralled together at The Hamlet, serving Peruvian pork-belly sandwiches, killer hotdogs, Vietnamese beef noodle soup, wings, pizza, spit-roast rolls, coffee and beer plus pop-up exhibitions and boutiques.

Sweet Bones Vegan right down to the Braddon burrito, the tempeh Reuben and the bacon “cheeze” burger. The pick of the lot is the baked goodies, starting with the coconut brownies, which are gluten-free to boot.

Banoffee pie with pretzels, photo by EightySix

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WORTH A DETOUR: COUNTRY DINING Hop in the car, put your foot (gently) on the accelerator and in no time you’re surrounded by nature, no matter which part of the city you’re coming from.

And while Canberra’s position at the northern tip of Namadgi National Park bodes well for anyone keen to do some serious hiking, camping, climbing or bird-watching, the countryside in and around the Territory also holds plenty of reward for those in search of great food.

If you’re keen to take things upmarket, Biota Dining should be top of your list.

Celebrated as one of the finest regional eateries in Australia, this Bowral restaurant celebrates Southern Highlands produce in a way that is anything but traditional.

Owner and chef James Viles’ menus can seem provocative in their wording — what, for instance, might “fish scrap rillettes” mean? — but the questions surrounding “naked millet sourdough-smoked butter”, “slow-cooked celeriac-fermented garlic-roast chook” and “cow’s milk yoghurt and salted whey caramel” are resolved in consistently interesting ways. And should the frankly outstanding wine list work its magic, there’s also the promise of nicely appointed rooms on site to stay the evening.

Or you could choose to stay at the historic Berida Manor, barely a minute away, which is home to another great restaurant. At Bistro Officina, chef Nicola Coccia combines his love of Italian tradition with the warmth of a wood-fired oven and more than a little dash of magic. He uses creme fraiche, preserved radish and broccoli juice as a foil to snapper, matches the freshness of West Australian marron with blood orange and seaweed, and makes a ragu of rooster to sauce fusilli pasta — all against the backdrop of a buzzy bistro.

PACK A PICNIC Canberra loves a picnic. And what could be more fitting than taking the air in the heart of the Parliamentary Triangle? It doesn’t get more capitolcasual than unrolling a rug in the rose gardens at Old Parliament House, which were first planted in 1932.

For a bit more culture with your sandwiches and tea look no further than the Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Australia, on the

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Grazing at Gundaroo, photo by VisitCanberra

But there are more culinary attractions to the highlands than just fine dining. Bernie’s Diner, in Moss Vale, combines the welcome of an old-fashioned Greek-owned Australian country cafe with house-made pastrami and corned beef, Russian dressing, dill pickles and slaw, all on caraway rye, or settle in for a feast, with double cheeseburgers, chilli dogs, Philly cheese steaks, po’boys, all chased with shakes, flips, floats and — yes indeed — a slice of pie.

If you were to head northwest out of the capital rather than northeast, your travels might bring you to Clementine, in Yass. In this pretty timber house and on its verandah you’ll enjoy country hospitality and honest, intelligent flavours from Adam Bantock, a chef with experience at Temporada and A Baker under his belt. Free-range pork, perhaps, with smoked apple, peas, bacon and roasted onions, or a nice piece of beef short-rib with baby carrots, potato puree and red wine sauce. And it’d be churlish not to fortify yourself with dessert before

shores of Lake Burley Griffin, where you can lunch amidst Tiwi pukumani poles and works by Bert Flugelman, Antony Gormley, Henry Moore and Auguste Rodin.

Combine art and nature together at the National Arboretum, get out of town at Gibraltar Falls, get a taste for space at Tidbinbilla, or wander down to the landmark Carillon on the lake, and make the most of Boundless, the new all-abilities playground adjoining the splendid Commonwealth Park.

hitting the road again, not least when there’s mango semifreddo with coconut pannacotta on the menu.

Closer to home, Grazing, which stands in a restored 19th-century hotel in the town of Gundaroo, half an hour from the city, offers a version of the pub lunch raised to rare heights. Want a pie? How about one brimming with scallops, mussels, snapper, creamed leek and smoked oyster emulsion?

Roast chicken? Have your organic hen boned and rolled with chestnuts, cabbage, bacon and parsnip. And how about a Black Angus flank, beer pickled onions, heirloom carrots, kale and smoked bone marrow cream.

And what the team at Some Cafe in the no-traffic-light-town of Collector may lack in terms of branding skills, they more than make up for in charm. Their little eatery is casual to the core, but there’s a considered quality to the food (and the coffee), whether it’s beef braised in Collector Wines’ shiraz (the cellar door adjoins the cafe) or a roll filled with Boxgum Grazing bacon and eggs from the chooks out the back, that makes it every bit worthy of a detour.

In the riverside village of Jugiong, about 120km northwest of Canberra, a lovely historic property has been transformed into The Sir George restaurant, boutique bar and artisan bakery. Produce sourced from the local Riverina area is transformed into daily dishes such as pork cutlet with crushed potatoes, German slaw and horseradish; house-made sausages with Paris mash and caramelised onion jus, or spiced pumpkin salad with quinoa, greens, sumac, dates, toasted seeds and yoghurt.

Find a comfortable perch in the beer garden during the summer months and while away an afternoon.

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AND BEST PRODUCER GOES TO...

You could be forgiven sometimes, as you read the papers or watch the news, for confusing what goes on at Parliament House with the hard yakka done by people who live in and around the Territory permanently — many of whom are from families who’ve been working this land since before the house (or even the one before it) was built.

This is fertile country, and over its varied terrain, from mountain and forest to field and stream, the land produces much that’s good to eat.

If you were to judge it by cost per gram, the region’s most valuable foodstuff is almost certainly the black truffle. The exotic fungus loves nothing more than a good frost, which means it’s very happy at truffle farms such as Terra Preta at Braidwood, and La Truffiere at Bungendore.

For something a little more affordable, consider the dry-cured bacon from Pialligo Estate Traditional Smokehouse, which has repeatedly been named the nation’s best.

And while lots of Canberra food comes from the region rather than the city itself, Canberra Urban Honey, which offers jars sourced specifically from Ainslie, Belconnen and Tuggeranong, is all about keeping it hyper-local. It’s also the only urban honey to be awarded a medal of excellence at the National Honey Show.

It’s no secret that Canberra wine is outstanding, but did you know the capital was ahead of the craft-brewing curve?

Master brewer Richard Watkins wowed beer lovers at the Wig & Pen brewpub in the city before upping sticks to BentSpoke, a Braddon beer bar and brewery with no fewer than 18 reasons on tap to get to grips with the local hops scene. We’ll drink to that.

The Hamlet, photo by VisitCanberra

BEST CHEAP EATS Who doesn’t love a big night out with crystal, damask and all the trimmings?

But not every occasion (or budget) calls for the whole shebang, and in the Territory some of the tastiest treats come without a white tablecloth. In fact, some of them don’t even come with a table.

At The Hamlet in Braddon you’ll find a wonderfully varied range of stalls under one convivial roof. The ever-popular Broddogs is one of the keystone tenants; the Brod team, though, got its start in burgers; check out its HQ, Brodburger at the Canberra Glassworks in Kingston.

Speaking of tasty things on bread, should you get a hankering for a really well-made banh mi, Saigon Foodies, also in Kingston, is the perfect place to sate your Vietnamese pork-roll

cravings. If you prefer your Vietnamese hit in the form of beef noodle soup, Pho Phu Quoc in Dickson, Canberra’s mini-Chinatown, is your go-to. And while we’re talking noodles, it would be remiss not to mention new Japanese soup specialists Ramentic, bringing their take on tonkotsu to Lonsdale Street. Want something with a bit of spice? When we want Malaysian snacks, the first place we go looking is Roti House, between the CBD and the ANU (love that char kway teow).

What about something from the Philippines? It’s a toss-up between Kusina, at Cooleman Court in Weston Creek, and their new Woden offshoot, Kanin Filipino Rice Bar. The guys from Mezzalira and Italian & Sons have been the capital’s leading purveyors of good things from Italy for many a year, meanwhile, but not all their goodies will cost you serious lire, as their excellent pasta-bar hole-in-the-wall Da Rosario in Civic neatly demonstrates.

Photo by VisitCanberra

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ABODE HOTELS

Balloon Package Hot air ballooning is one of the best ways to take in Canberra’s stunning landscape.

So we’re offering our guests a thrilling opportunity to go on a sightseeing tour in our Abode balloon.

Feel the magic as you soar over a changing landscape at sunrise, suspended in a basket under a glorious hot air balloon.

Prices from $630 per night in a Premium Studio or $660 per night in an Executive Studio for 2 adults (includes flights).

Call 1300 1 ABODE (22633) today to check availability and take the flight of your life.

Take in the panoramic view below; from the lush greenery of Lake Burley Griffin and its famed landmarks to the rugged Australian landscape over the Arboretum. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.

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*Bookings must be made minimum 7 days in advance. If the flight is cancelled it can be either rebooked A+ or refunded. All flights include champagne and fruit juice. Offer only available at Abode Woden.

WHAT'S ON IN THE CAPITAL

While anytime is a great time to visit Canberra, timing your trip with one of the city's myriad events will ensure you'll get the most out of your experience.

Photo by VisitCanberra

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WHAT'S ON

Floriade, Photos by VisitCanberra

One million bulbs, night-time entertainment, amusement rides and a gnome knoll — there’s much more to Floriade 2017 than a just bunch of flowers.

And it’s high time for a party too. Australia’s biggest celebration of Spring is returning to Canberra this September for its 30th year with a nostalgic “best of” theme. Visitors will see design variations of the bestperforming and favourite flower beds in the history of Floriade.

Held from mid-September to midOctober, Floriade 2017 will take root in Commonwealth Park alongside the capital’s famed Lake Burley Griffin, also the main water supply for Canberra’s flagship event.

A lot has changed in the three decades since the first seeds of Floriade were sown by horticulturalist Peter Sutton and landscape designer Chris Slotemaker De Bruine. The pair put their heads together to develop a colourful concept for Australia’s Bicentenary and Canberra’s 75th birthday.

However, today the month-long festival of flowers is not all about the blooms, it is also a springtime celebration of music, art and culture, with a number of horticultural workshops thrown in for serious greenthumb pilgrims. Attendees can also explore the Floral Emporium and take part in posy making workshops, try their hand at creating flower crowns, or design the perfect signature spring scent.

Happy snappers will have the opportunity to be the early bird that beats the crowds thanks to the Canon Collective

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photography workshop and kids of all ages will be thrilled to discover the Ferris Wheel, giant slide and jumping castle.

After the sun sets, NightFest will return to Floriade over two weekends where sound and light displays along with comedic performances and an aerial fire show will turn the city into a nocturnal playground.

But the quirkiest ingredient at Floriade just might be the Gnome Knoll, a monthlong holiday home for garden gnomes.

Creative types can discover their inner artist and decorate a gnarly gnome to be ‘planted’ on the knoll and maybe win an award. The craftiest little guys and gnome owners can even reclaim their little friends after the event.

Floriade lives up to its name as the largest flower show in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting more than 480,000 visitors from home and around the globe.

Floriade 2017 will run from September 16 to October 15 in Commonwealth Park, Canberra between 10am and 7pm daily.

Visit: www.floriadeaustralia.com

Book your Floriade package with us today and receive an Abode picnic rug, 20% discount voucher for Abode Pantry Online, free Wi-Fi, free cancellation and free parking, where available.

For more information, head to abodehotels.com.au

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WHAT'S ON

Summernats, Photos by VisitCanberra

Way-out street machines and the colourful characters who build them with precision and drive them with pride fascinate teens and adults alike.

Throw in screaming noise, billowing smoke, fireworks and huge crowds, and what’s not to like about Summernats for wide-eyed youngsters, too?

It was 1987 when Canberran Chic Henry built a burnout track at what is now known as Exhibition Park in Canberra. A year later the car enthusiast staged the first Summernats motor festival, bringing in cars such as the heavily-modified Pontiac J2000 from the United States for 100 per cent wow-factor.

Back then the event was aimed squarely at car enthusiasts. Today, Australia’s biggest horsepower party has something for everyone.

In January 2017, Summernats saw 119,000 people enjoy Australia’s biggest automotive festival, which played host to more than 2500 elite machines.

People travel from around the globe for the Canberra event, and family entertainment is high on the organisers' agenda.

Kids Club is a staple component of the festival, offering rides and sideshows for youngsters of all ages, and an everevolving range of food vendors to keep energy levels up. Lots of rewards are on offer for little tackers with creative flair.

Summernats gives four prizes for the presentation of a creative portrayal of the

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event. This could be the clothes children dress up in, a hat they’ve made, shoes modelled on their favourite bike, pedal car, trike or billy cart. There is plenty of inspiration to inspire creative expression.

Of all the exhilarating events, the most outrageous are the three burnout competitions, in which warriors (drivers) battle it out in their well worked-over steel machines to make the final 50 on the Sunday. This is serious grunt. From here, the Burnout Master is chosen. Instant and constant smoke and finely honed driver skills are essential. In the quest for noise and fun, entrants leave nothing in the tank — reversing or stopping costs points.

Aside from all the family events, meet-andgreet opportunities are available with some of the biggest names in the automotive universe. Last year Farmtruck and Azn, stars of the Discovery Channel hit TV show Street Outlaws, were on hand to sign autographs and have their photos taken.

Accompanied children are allowed at Summernats at night and the Saturday night Supercruise and fireworks show are always a hit with families.

The four-day Summernats festival kicks off on Thursday, January 4. Family passes begin at $92 on the Thursday, $162 for the Friday, $187 for the Saturday and $109 for the Sunday.

Visit: summernats.com.au

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WHAT'S ON

Enlighten, Photos by VisitCanberra

When the sun sets on Canberra in early March, the capital’s most celebrated buildings will be under the spotlight once again for the eighth annual Enlighten festival.

Over two weeks of bright nights there will be family-friendly events throughout the city, including popular exhibitions, rare films, light installations by The Electric Canvas, live music and even stand-up comedy. As the lights go on across the Parliamentary Triangle visitors can also tuck into some authentic Asian food at the Enlighten Night Noodle Markets, now in its fourth year.

Nicole Warren, who has put on the creative director’s hat for the fourth consecutive year, says Enlighten Canberra 2018 will have one key player.

“This time the lake is a big focus, we really want to use it as an inspiration point. We’re currently working on a performance that’s literally going to use Lake Burley Griffin as a central character,” Ms Warren says.

What started in 2011 as a contained series of impressive light installations has grown into a grand multi-venue experience of architectural projections and unique performances that shine a light on Canberra’s man-made beauty.

“I really love that it’s a planned city, it’s kind of quirky because it’s not organic.

Canberra is a dream, there are huge open spaces and it’s mostly flat, especially in the Parliamentary Triangle. The buildings are stunning and with that huge body of

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water it really is a beautiful place to be, particularly at twilight,” she says.

Ms Warren says Enlighten allows visitors to discover the capital in a way it cannot be seen during the rest of the year.

“You’ve just got these beautiful, big iconic spaces that are really important to Australia and we want to showcase that. A huge part of Enlighten is the national cultural institutions. They open their doors with amazing things happening in their spaces and have great illuminations on their buildings. Sometimes it’s the only time a visitor might experience the Parliamentary Triangle, the zoo or the Botanic Gardens in that way. These locations really step up by creating one-off experiences which you can only have during Enlighten.”

Events such as Enlighten Canberra have helped cement the city as a serious cultural contender, and have attracted local and international guests year after year.

“Enlighten really showcases just how contemporary and innovative Canberra is.

Over the last few years we’ve been able to present really big spectacular works and invite international artists that only come to Enlighten, so you can only see their work in Canberra. We want to create a unique experience, these participants aren’t just jumping aboard the tour train, you literally need to go to Canberra if you want to experience their work,” Ms Warren says.

And although Enlighten last year attracted almost 300,000 visitors, she says there are plenty of spaces to avoid the masses.

“There are places where you can step away from crowds and have a more intimate experience and then pop back into that lively festival atmosphere. We design works that have a limited capacity on purpose,” she says.

While the projections run all 11 nights, there is even more to see when the sun sets on the weekends.

“It’s on the Fridays and Saturdays we really crank up the volume. But then during the middle of the week it’s a great time to walk around and just experience the projections,” she adds.

Enlighten 2018 March 2, 2018 to March 17, 2018 For more information, head to: enlightencanberra.com.au A+

WHAT'S ON

Canberra Balloon Spectacular, Photos by VisitCanberra

If you see a giant Darth Vader head, Simba the lion or a spectacular peacock floating past in the sky, don’t run screaming for the hills.

Just sit back and enjoy the latest Canberra Balloon Spectacular, which brings the world’s most ardent hot air balloon enthusiasts to the Australian capital each year.

The festival kicked off in 1988 when 50 hot air balloons were cast aloft to celebrate Canberra’s 75th birthday — the largest gathering of hot air balloons in the nation’s history, according to the Canberra Times.

Nearly 30 years later the Balloon Spectacular remains a staple on Canberra’s events calendar, attracting participants — and balloons — from around the globe.

As silent as a wisp of mist (with the occasional burst of gas for increased hot air and height), these brilliantly coloured craft revive the old magic and romance of ballooning. In the late 1700s pilots in France carried Champagne with them, to reassure onlookers on the ground they were friends, not foe, and to thank them for safe landing.

Next year’s event will run from March 10 — 18, weather permitting, with the balloons taking off at 6.15am daily from the lawns of Old Parliament House. Surrounded by iconic parliamentary buildings and national attractions, the launch site offers the perfect Canberra backdrop.

Get there early for pole position as a spectator (admission is free) as the crowds of enthusiastic onlookers can be large. Hot breakfast, tea and coffee from the Belconnen Lions Club is available each morning, with live music and entertainment scheduled at weekends.

Canberra Balloon Spectacular 2018 launches on March 10 and continues until March 18. Visit: balloonspectacular.com.au

Take the ride of your life in the Abode Hot Air Balloon. With packages starting from $630 per night in a Premium Studio for 2 adults (includes flights), there's never been a better time to experience the magic of Canberra from above. For more information, head to: abodehotels.com.au

The Champagne may not be needed to ensure safe landing these days, but in early autumn each year balloon pilots from around the globe (plus their friends and family) descend on Canberra, bringing with them giant wicker baskets and bright balloon fabrics to join in the fun.

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WHAT'S ON

BURNELEE EXCURSIONS ON HORSEBACK: TWILIGHT RIDES Experience the beauty of the Australian countryside with a horseback ride through a 3500-acre property on the outskirts of Canberra.

This summer, Burnelee Excursions on Horseback has teamed up with Poacher’s Pantry cafe and cellar door and Eden Road Wines for twilight horseback rides followed by a tasting of smoked meats and wine.

All levels of rider are catered for.

November — December 2017 320 Dicks Creek Rd, Nanima NSW Details: burnelee.com.au

Burnelee Twilight Ride, Photo by VisitCanberra

DESIGN CANBERRA FESTIVAL Creative types should plan a trip to Canberra in November, when DESIGN Canberra showcases why the Australian capital deserves its place on the global design stage.

Throughout the month, the city will form the creative backdrop for exhibitions, talks, tours, activations, markets, collaborations, artists’ studios and open homes. This year’s inspiration is the spirit of modernism. Most events are free.

The Journey by Robert Foster, Photo by VisitCanberra

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7 — 26 November 2017 Various locations Details: designcanberrafestival.com.au

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WHAT'S ON

SPRING RACING There’s something quintessentially Australian about spring racing, and a must-attend event on the local calendar is the tab.com.au Melbourne Cup Race Day. The event, held at Canberra’s Thoroughbred Park, is one of the biggest social occasions of the year for racing fans, socialites and fashionistas alike, who gather to watch the Flemington race on the big screen amidst the atmosphere and excitement of local race events.

7 November 2017 Thoroughbred Park 1 Randwick Rd, Lyneham Details: thoroughbredpark.com.au

Race Day at Thoroughbred Park, Photo by VisitCanberra

NATIONAL MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL The three-day National Multicultural Festival in Civic next February will be a celebration of Australia’s diversity.

Dance, music, food and art are the focus of the family friendly festival, which features more than 420 stalls and 150 acts, representing diverse cultural groups. Highlights include the opening concert, the Food and Dance Spectacular, Happy Chinese New Year, Indigenous Showcase and Greek Glendi.

16 — 18 February 2018 Canberra City Details: mutliculturalfestival.com.au

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National Multicultural Festival, photo by VisitCanberra

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WHAT'S ON

CANBERRA NARA CANDLE FESTIVAL Enjoy the spectacular sight of 2,000 shimmering candles at the 16th annual Canberra Nara Candle Festival in October.

The event, celebrating the 24th year of the Sister City relationship between Canberra and Nara, Japan, features arts and crafts including calligraphy, lantern making, origami, ikebana and kite flying, as well as Japanese food, markets and stalls.

28 October 2017 Canberra Nara Peace Park & Lennox Gardens, Yarralumla Details: events.act.gov.au/nara

Nara Peace Park, Photo by VisitCanberra

CANBERRA DISTRICT WINE HARVEST FESTIVAL Relax and celebrate the new vintage at the Canberra District Wine Harvest Festival in April.

Meet the makers of the region’s internationally recognised coolclimate wines at their cellar doors and enjoy guided tours of their vineyards.

Food, entertainment and more add to the fun. Don’t forget to book your stay at Abode Murrumbateman, opening in February 2018, which offers in-house wine tastings, communal kitchen and a guest lounge in which to enjoy the local bounty.

Gallagher Wines, Photo by VisitCanberra

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7 — 8 April 2018 Details: canberrawines.com.au A+

WHAT'S ON

CANBERRA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL An 11-day program of acclaimed local and international films, events, industry workshops and special guests will keep film buffs happy at this year’s Canberra International Film Festival.

Set in the stunning art-deco National Film and Sound Archive, the festival — in its 21st year — blends retrospective and contemporary programming, with an emphasis on new works from Australia and Asia.

26 October — 5 November 2017 National Film and Sound Archive, Parkes Details: ciff.com.au

National Film and Sound Archive, photo by VisitCanberra

NATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL Join the celebration of traditional and contemporary folk culture at the National Folk Festival next March.

Local and international headliners will feature among more than 200 acts representing a diversity of styles, including acoustic, blues, roots, bluegrass, world, Celtic, traditional, gypsy and country. The program, across 20 venues, includes music, dance, spoken word, film, circus and traditional crafts, as well as food and market stalls and themed bars.

29 March — 2 April 2018 Exhibition Park, Mitchell Details: folkfestival.org.au A+

National Folk Festival, photo by VisitCanberra

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WHAT'S ON

ART, NOT APART Art, Not Apart is a festival aimed at breaking down boundaries and presenting art that is inclusive and accessible to all.

Representing more than 270 artists and creatives, the program includes exhibitions, performance art, music, interactive installations, cinema, live street art, street food, and a dance party. NewActon is festival HQ, but commissioned works will appear across the city.

17 March 2018 1—7pm (+ After party) NewActon Precinct Details: artnotapart.com

Art, Not Apart, Photo by VisitCanberra

WANDERLUST 108 CANBERRA Wanderlust 108, the world's only mindfulness triathlon, is coming to Canberra in October.

The one-day celebration of mindful movement features a “triathlon” with a difference, including a 5km run, outdoor yoga flow class and guided meditation on the Patrick White Lawns in Parkes. DJs will provide the musical backdrop and organic food and crafts will be available. Tickets are available to purchase online.

21 October 2017 Patrick White Lawns, Parkes Pl West Details: wanderlust.com 32

Wanderlust 108 National Folk Festival, Photo by VisitCanberra

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WHAT'S ON

L - R: Handmade Markets, Questacon, Plus500 Brumbies, Photo by VisitCanberra

FOR THE DIARY

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Yes: The Ongoing Story of the 1967 Referendum

25 May 2017 — 25 May 2018

moadoph.gov.au

Above & Beyond at Questacon

28 March — 8 October 2017

questacon.edu.au

Towers of Tomorrow with Lego®

28 July — 8 October 2017

nma.gov.au

Wallabies v Argentina

16 September 2017

ticketek.com.au

TEDxCanberra

16 September 2017

tedxcanberra.org

Handmade Market Canberra

16 — 17 September, 8 — 10 December 2017

handmadecanberra.com.au

Tina Arena: Greatest Hits Tour

24 September 2017

canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Canberra Colorfest

24 September 2017

colorfest.com.au

FASHFEST

29 — 30 September 2017

fashfest.com.au

Canberra Moon Festival

1 October 2017

canberramoonfestival.com.au

Canberra Park Kookaburra Cup

4 — 6 October 2017

cricketact.com.au

2017/18 Womens League National Cricket League

6 October 2017 — ACT Abode Hotels Meteors v Victorian Spirit 8 October 2017 — ACT Abode Hotels Meteors v Queensland Fire

cricketact.com.au

Bell Shakespeare: The Merchant of Venice

13 — 21 October 2017

canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Oktoberfest Parklands

14 October 2017

oktoberfestparklands.com.au

Canberra Home & Leisure Show

27 —29 October 2017

canberrahomeshow.com.au

Canberra international

Mens: 28 October — 5 November 2017 Womens: 29 October — 5 November 2017

tennis.com.au/tournaments

Rugby League World Cup

29 October 2017 — France v Lebanon 3 November 2017 — Australia v France 10 November 2017 — Fiji v Euro

rlwc2017.com

2017/18 Commonwealth Bank Women's Ashes Series

Second T20: 19 November 2017 — Australia v England Third T20: 21 November 2017 — Australia v England

cricket.com.au

MAMMA MIA! The Musical

24 November — 17 December 2017

canberratheatrecentre.com.au

Spilt Milk Music Festival

25 November 2017

spilt-milk.com.au

New Year's Eve in the City

31 December 2017

events.act.gov.au

Queens Baton Relay

25 — 26 January 2018

gc2018.com.qbr

Australia Day Fireworks Spectacular

26 January 2018

events.act.gov.au

ActewAGL Royal Canberra Show

23 — 25 February 2018

canberrashow.org.au

Lights! Camera! Action! Film Festival

9 March 2018

enlighten.com.au

Symphony in the Park

11 March 2018

events.act.gov.au

Canberra Day

12 March 2018

events.act.gov.au

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Republic FEATURE

AN URBAN OASIS IN THE HEART OF BELCONNEN Canberra's largest mixed-use precinct, coming soon to Belconnen

GEOCON’S Republic is going to be so much more than an apartment complex. With five separate buildings comprising 1300 dwellings, an 180-room Abode hotel as well as restaurants, cafes, shops and office space, the cutting-edge development in Belconnen town centre will be an entire precinct.

“It’s basically the largest mixed-use development ever conceived in Canberra. It’s a big deal,” says GEOCON development manager Tom Stephens, adding that Belconnen was an easy choice of location.

“Belconnen is the next biggest town centre after the city in Canberra. It’s a town centre that has had significant upgrades already with regards to the Westfield, the University of Canberra and now a hospital being built there. There’s quite a lot of urban renewal.”

A mammoth project that will be a decade in the making, Republic’s 1.6ha development site sits on the banks of Lake Ginninderra, a natural canvas that will provide a picturesque backdrop to the dynamic lifestyle hub.

Republic’s ground-floor plaza has been created to maximise waterfront access and views, with expansive north-facing stairs that lead down to the lake, creating a public amphitheatre space.

David Sutherland, architect and director at Fender Katsalidis Architects, the creative minds behind not only Republic but Canberra’s NewActon, Melbourne’s Eureka Tower and Hobart’s MONA, said the brief was for a place where people can live, work or visit.

“A place which is an environment of interaction and enjoyment. One where there is a connection to both the expansive natural surrounds and to the neighbourhood,” he says.

Mr Sutherland says unique multi-use projects such as Republic are “place-making” on a grand scale.

“Freed of the height restrictions of central Canberra, there is the potential to explore the possibilities of high-rise living in a way which is simply not possible in central Canberra,” he says. “When viewed from a distance, Republic will be seen to be a ‘family’ of buildings, rising to the tallest element, a public viewing facility.

That facility means the public will be able to ascend to the very top of the tallest building, and obtain a great perspective of Belconnen and its surrounds. In Canberra those opportunities typically are available only on the tops of the nearby hills.”

Creating a precinct, as opposed to a simple apartment tower, brings with it specific challenges that go beyond bricks and mortar, Mr Sutherland says.

“Designing a precinct, by contrast, is about place-making: creating a place of externals and spaces, interlaced and connected. Designing a precinct is understanding that the spaces between the buildings are just as important as the spaces in buildings, and responding accordingly.”

Not just a multi-use space for Republic’s residents, the whole site will give back to the greater public with a live performance theatre, parklands, a bike hub, bars, restaurants and cafes. A huge local investment, the project will generate about 1,000 jobs during the 10-year construction phases and approximately 100 jobs on an ongoing basis.

Mr Stephens says homebuyers and investors had been eager to buy off the plan within weeks of stage one launching.

“There’s a large mix of apartment types at Republic, and we’re providing affordable apartments — not just one-bedrooms, but really affordable two-bedroom and three-bedrooms too.”

One-bedroom units start at $289,000, while two-bedroom apartments begin at $423,400. Three-bedroom units are priced from $779,900. All come with secure parking and state-of-the-art inclusions such as SMEG appliances and audio systems integrated discreetly into the ceiling.

Thanks to a joint effort with GEOCON and local DJ duo The Aston Shuffle, the official music and nightlife collaborators for the Republic precinct, visitors and residents can always be surrounded by tailor-made sound, from the elevators to the shared lobbies.

Republic will be less than a 10-minute walk to Belconnen Westfield, a quick stroll to Lake Ginninderra, a 15-minute drive to Canberra’s CBD and less than 30 minutes to the airport.

Inquire today Republic.GEOCON.com.au 1300 97 97 57 34

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Republic.GEOCON.com.au

BIKE HUB A BOON FOR BELCONNEN

If ever there was a city perfect for bike riding, it’s Canberra. The national capital, with its wide-open spaces, sweeping, boulevard-style streets and flat topography, is a cyclist’s dream.

Leading Canberra apartment developer GEOCON has tapped into the locals’ love of the great outdoors and making sure its developments encourage residents and visitors alike to get on their bike, whether it’s for a leisurely meander around the lake or an adrenalinepumping ride to work.

A purpose-built “bike hub” is just one of the many features that will make living at Republic in Belconnen a complete lifestyle experience.

The company has been working with Pedal Power ACT, the largest cycling organisation in the Territory, to make the ground-breaking development a bike-friendly precinct.

Q&A: DAVID SUTHERLAND Director of Planning and Design Fender Katsalidis Architects

GEOCON development manager Tom Stephens says residents at Republic, as well as the general public, will be able to enjoy the bike hub.

“It’s going to be down on Emu Bank opposite the Belconnen Skate Park. We see this as an opportunity for a ride-and-share type arrangement so people riding into the Belconnen town centre on a bike could leave it locked up, then go and grab a coffee at the stand that’s in the bike hub. Then they can just walk up and catch a bus to wherever they need to go,” he says.

Mr Stephens added the hub would be connected to the bike paths around Lake Ginninderra which are in turn connected to the rest of Canberra. “It’s just something unique that hasn’t been done in any other development in Canberra before,” Mr Stephens says.

WHAT WAS THE DESIGN INSPIRATION BEHIND REPUBLIC?

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE FEATURES AT REPUBLIC?

From the ground-level plaza to the residential apartments above, the vision for Republic was to create a community.

We wished to create an urbane assembly of buildings through which people can filter and explore, day and night. A welcoming and ever-changing place where the public realm is just as important as private spaces, and where each complement the other. Permeability and accessibility will be compelling, and there will be a great sense of the beyond, something to pique your curiosity to draw you into and through the precinct.

Stage two will see the construction of the tallest residential tower in Canberra, at 27 storeys, proudly topped by a public observation facility, meaning everyone can enjoy the views from this building. That’s going to be very special.

FROM AN ARCHITECTURAL PERSPECTIVE, WHAT MAKES REPUBLIC SPECIAL?

But beyond this there are many possibilities inherent in the design that we’re very proud of. The ground plane creates a fascinating weave of interconnected spaces and uses that effortlessly merge living, working and visiting activities throughout. The amphitheatre-style steps leading down to the waterfront from the plaza not only provide connection, but create places to stop, relax, observe. When experienced with the terraced buildings fronting Emu Bank, the overriding impression will be of being on a balcony to the lake.

It’s a landmark project in many ways. We’re redefining what high-density living can be in Canberra. Republic is the largest mixed-use development in Canberra’s history. It’s a microcosm of a city and, as such, presents a wonderful opportunity to create something meaningful and looking to the future.

The unique topography of the site, sloping dramatically to the serenity of Lake Ginninderra, has been one of the major influences of the design of Republic.

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Midnight FEATURE

As Midnight Strikes.

Tomorrow Beckons.

Savvy investors have long understood the golden rule of real estate — if the hipsters have started moving in, then property prices are heading north.

And just north of Canberra’s CBD, the onetime light industrial suburb of Braddon is becoming just that — a hub for hipsters with new eateries, boutiques and bars popping up everywhere.

With the sun setting on Braddon’s industrial past, local development group GEOCON is about to make its mark on the booming neighbourhood with a cutting-edge, eightstorey apartment block, Midnight.

The designer building will house 241 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, along with a 180-room Abode Hotel for visitors who want a taste of one of Canberra’s newest foodie addresses at their doorstop. Midnight will be conveniently located next to the Lonsdale Street cafe strip and will be an easy fiveminute walk to the CBD. It will also be well serviced by the new Capital Metro Light Rail Network when it opens in 2019.

Tom Stephens, development manager at GEOCON, says Midnight symbolises a new lifestyle for Canberrans, one where apartment living is now highly desirable.

“Over the past 10 years there’s been a massive uptake and swing towards apartments and I think that’s for a number of reasons,” Mr Stephens says. “There’s the affordability factor; in Canberra people can’t afford to buy a house out in the suburbs; they don’t want to drive the long distances into the city for work; they want the convenience and lifestyle of being in a central apartment and a lot of young people don’t want to maintain yards and big properties.”

The Aston Shuffle and even a waterfall in the common internal atrium, a resident gym and 25m pool with an indoor/outdoor recreation lounge.

Unlike Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, the national capital has not been home to generations of apartment dwellers but as Canberra has become more cosmopolitan, those lifestyle choices are evolving.

“Here is a site which is going to be adjacent to a light rail station, on the edge of the polyglot Braddon, and very near the city of Canberra. Within this single building let’s create different opportunities: for people to live there, to work there, to stay there, to linger. Let’s make the public welcome at this building. Let’s help them enjoy the light rail service by providing facilities they can enjoy on the way to or from the light rail,” he says.

“And I think it really comes down to the fact that there’s a variety of apartment types we offer at a range of pricing. For young families in Canberra, it means they aren’t being priced out of the market,” Mr Stephens says.

At a fraction of the cost of buying an apartment in Sydney, a home in Midnight is an affordable option. One-bedroom units are priced from $383,900, two-bedrooms begin at $518,900 and some three-bedroom penthouse apartments start at $904,000 – though the penthouses have all been snapped up by eager buyers.

The designer residences have Sonos audio systems, SMEG appliances in the kitchens and secure parking. Each penthouse has a private rooftop terrace.

In the public spaces there will be audio-visual installations including music specifically created for Midnight by local DJ duo

David Sutherland, architect and director of Fender Katsalidis Architects, says Midnight is set to be more than just an apartment building. He says the design brief was to capture just what the exciting city fringe location had to offer.

Mr Sutherland adds that Midnight differs from other residential developments in Canberra because of its “intensive” mix of uses.

“From the outside it’s seemingly an apartment building, on the inside it is a hotel facing onto an extraordinary public courtyard. On the ground floor — the place where most of us will experience the building — we find there are boutique offices, a cafe, a restaurant, a bar, places to linger and places to rest and relax.”

Mr Sutherland says the unique property will definitely stand out from the crowd.

“In a city typified by single-use buildings the multi-lingual Midnight will be a revelation,” he says.

Inquire today 36

Or see GEOCON.com.au for more opportunities 1300 97 97 57

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National Library of Australia, photo by VisitCanberra

If you fancy casting your eyes over the original Waltzing Matilda manuscript, Ben Chifley’s hand-annotated speech announcing the end of World War II, or Captain James Cook’s Endeavour journal, look no further than The National Library of Australia on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.

The library holds the world’s greatest collection of material relating to Australia and its people, ranging from the earliest European works about the Great Southern Land to digitised historic and contemporary newspapers, photos and music recordings.

The life of writer and bush poet Henry Lawson is given depth and colour through items including his fobwatch and two of his pens, while detailed insights into Cook’s epic voyage are gleaned through his handwritten notes. The Endeavour journal, said to be the only one entirely written by the British explorer, is the library’s most famous acquisition and details Cook’s impressions of Tahiti, New Zealand and NSW between 1769-1770. The 753-page volume, bound in oak and pigskin, was bought by the Australian Government at a Sotheby’s sale in 1923 and entered on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register in 2001.

Another incredible piece of history on display is a playbill dated 30 July 1796, the earliest surviving document printed in Australia. The playbill, advertising a performance at the Theatre, Sydney, was printed in Sydney by convict George Hughes, operator of Australia’s first printing press, which came out on the First Fleet.

The vast collections spread across this iconic institution include some of the most sought-after items of interest from around the world, including maps, rare books, manuscripts, photographs, oil paintings and watercolours.

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THE LAST POST CEREMONY At about 4.55pm daily the Australian War Memorial farewells visitors with its moving Last Post Ceremony, held in the Commemorative courtyard. Each evening the Last Post Ceremony tells the story behind one of the names on the Roll of Honour, which lists more than 102,000 Australians who have given their lives in war and other operations over more than a century.

The ceremony begins with the singing of the Australian National Anthem, followed by the poignant strains of a

Cook’s journal and the Waltzing Matilda manuscript, along with items such as Keith Murdoch’s Gallipoli Letter and a journal doomed explorers Wills and Burke kept in their final hours, are housed in the Treasures Gallery on the ground floor. Entry is free and no booking is required. Get there in time for the daily half-hour tours of the Treasures Gallery, starting at 11.30am.

In the library’s central foyer, visitors can enjoy the Australian Voices audiovisual presentation, compiled from the library’s extensive Oral History and Folklore Collection. The collection comprises about 45,000 hours of recordings, the earliest dating back to the 1950s when the tape recorder became available. More than 1000 hours of interviews, music and accents are added to the collection each year.

The library has been amassing Australian printed ephemera since the early 1960s as a record of Australian life and social customs, popular culture, national events, and issues

lament, played by a piper. Visitors are invited to lay wreaths and floral tributes beside the Pool of Reflection. After the story behind one of Australia's fallen is told, the Ode is recited by men and women of the Australian Defence Force.

The ceremony ends with the sounding of the Last Post.

The Upcoming Ceremonies link on the War Memorial’s website lists the name of the man or woman whose story is being presented on a particular day.

Australian War Memorial Treloar Cres, Campbell awm.gov.au

of national concern. It also selectively collects ephemera from the Asia/Pacific region related to particular events or socio-political groups of significance.

Some of the newer materials include a major display about the 1967 referendum and the campaign for Indigenous rights, as well as a section dedicated to Australian women novelists of the early 20th century.

And of interest to those who want to find out a bit about their own history — and that of their home or neighbourhood — are the collections of street directories, council rates books and Title Office records.

There’s also the unique Maps Collection.

Better make a day of it…

National Library of Australia Parkes Place West, Parkes nla.gov.au

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CANBERRA FOR KIDS 1. Canberra Walk-In Aviary

Observe, photograph and feed more than 500 friendly feathered friends from Australia and around the world. canberrawalkinaviary.com.au

2. Cockington Green Gardens

Venture into this delightful and fascinating display of meticulously crafted miniature buildings. cockingtongreen.com.au

3. National Dinosaur Museum

Dinosaur fans of all ages will completely ‘dig’ this museum, featuring the largest permanent display of dinosaurs and prehistoric life in Australia. nationaldinosaurmuseum.com.au

14. NGA Play

Get creative at the National Gallery of Australia with interactive opportunities to engage with the national collection and exhibitions on display. nga.gov.au

15. Australian War Memorial Discovery Zone

Dodge sniper fire in a First World War trench, take control of an Iroquois helicopter and peer through the periscope of a Cold War submarine. awm.gov.au

16. Kspace at the National Museum of Australia

4. Canberra Reptile Zoo

The Museum’s interactive adventure game for kids. Build your own time-travelling robot then blast off to explore a mystery location in Australia’s past. nma.gov.au

5. Big Splash Water Park

Strap on a helmet! Discover Lake Burley Griffin’s famous landmarks and iconic buildings on a state-of-the-art segway. segglideride.com.au

Come face to face with some of Australia’s largest, deadliest and most colourful reptiles in the Australian Reptile Gallery. reptilesinc.com.au Canberra’s No.1 summer attraction with nine water slides, a kiddies' pool, 50-metre pool, splash Island and pool inflatables to keep you going all day. bigsplashwaterpark.com.au

6. Zone 3 Belconnen

Zone 3 is a totally interactive, laser tag adventure. zone3act.com.au

7. Australian Institute of Sport

Discover where Australia’s sporting champions are created and gain an insight into the life of our leading athletes. ausport.gov.au/ais

8. Pod Playground at National Arboretum

Pod Playground is a unique and adventurous playground featuring giant acorn cubbies, nest swings and banksia pods, surrounded by spectacular views. nationalarboretum.act.gov.au

9. National Zoo & Aquarium

Get up close and personal with some of the world’s most amazing creatures at the National Zoo & Aquarium. nationalzoo.com.au

10. Yarralumla Play Station

With mini-golf, a miniature train and a petting zoo, it’s fun for the whole family at Canberra’s Weston Park. yarraps.com.au

11. Black Mountain Tower

The tower offers 360-degree panoramic views of Canberra and its surrounding areas. telstratower.com.au

12. National Botanic Gardens

Snakes Alive! is held every January. Hold one of the snakes, lizards, frogs, turtles or even a baby crocodile at this fascinating reptile exhibition. parksaustralia.gov.au/botanic-gardens

13. CSIRO Discovery Centre

The Discovery Centre offers an interactive, self-guided journey through CSIRO and Australian science history. csiro.au

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17. Segway Ride by the Lake

18. Questacon

With over 200 educational and interactive exhibits, Questacon seeks to make science fun for all. questacon.edu.auv

19. Cotter Reserve Recreation Area

This is a popular recreation venue ideal for picnics, swimming, fishing, bushwalking and relaxation. environment.act.gov.au

20. Powerkart Raceway

Canberra’s ultimate go-karting experience. Featuring worldclass electric go-karts on a F1-style indoor circuit. Suitable for ages four and up. powerkarts.com.au

21. Flip Out Indoor Trampoline Arena

You’ll be bouncing off the walls, literally, at Flip Out, an indoor trampoline arena with big trampolines, foam pits, and ball games. flipout.net.au

22. Jet Flight Simulator

A truly unforgettable flight in a replica Boeing 737-800 simulator. Choose from more than 22,000 airports around the world, and any weather conditions. jetflightsimulatorcanberra.com.au

23. Royal Australian Mint

Learn the stories behind every Australian coin in your pocket or piggy bank. View fascinating historical coins, see robots make tomorrow’s coins and strike a coin yourself! ramint.gov.au

24. Corin Forest

Experience the thrill of the Southern Hemisphere’s longest bobsled ride through the forest. Take a bush walk, and finish the day with a tasty woodfired pizza. corin.com.au

25. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Kids will have a fun time at the Nature Discovery Playground that takes inspiration from the natural beauty, form and diversity of Tidbinbilla Valley. tidbinbilla.act.gov.au

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MURRUMBATEMAN

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GUNGAHLIN Abode Gungahlin

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WODEN

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TUGGERANONG Abode Tuggeranong

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Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, photos by VisitCanberra

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve in the Australian Alps, which straddle the NSW, Victoria and ACT borders, is full of surprises for visitors.

Just under 25 minutes’ drive from Abode Tuggeranong — or about 40km from Canberra's centre — the reserve features spectacular exposed granite tors, foothill valleys and sheltered streams that are home to many native animals and plants.

You’ll spot wildlife including eastern grey kangaroos, echidnas, wallabies and emus in their natural habitat, and don’t forget to look up as you stroll through the eucalyptus forest to discover koalas in the leafy canopy. There’s also a sheltered enclosure where visitors can check out these iconic creatures up close and learn more about them during talks by rangers.

The Sanctuary at Tidbinbilla offers fabulous opportunities to experience a wetlands ecosystem surrounded by bushland and protected by a predatorproof fence, providing a safe refuge for many animals.

The monthly explorer program of rangerguided activities is well worth investigating, with activities including koala walks, platypus talks and pelican feeding.

Tidbinbilla also offers booked activities such as water bugs, geo journey walks, cubby building, billy tea and damper experiences, plus the chance to learn about and have a go at throwing

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Aboriginal spears and boomerangs. If you want to go it alone, try the adventure obstacle course, a visit to the Historic Rock Valley Homestead or spend some time at the nature adventure playground which has a flying fox and other equipment the kids will love.

For families and friends, Tidbinbilla is an ideal location for a barbecue in designated areas, with plenty of parking, toilets and picnic tables.

species, with profits going towards their conservation.

For those who wish to immerse themselves fully in a nature experience, Tidbinbilla has accommodation on site at Nil Desperandum, a heritage-listed rammedearth European homestead nestled in the mountains. The house has a wood stove and outside fire pit, rainwater tank, solarpowered lights and quality camp beds.

Once you’ve got your energy levels up, set off on one of the 21 marked walking trails, ranging from 15-minute strolls to an eight-hour bush walk. Trails traverse the sanctuary wetlands, forested areas and cascading mountain streams through lyrebird country, or go high into the mountain ridges with spectacular views of the ACT. Take in the diverse vegetation — from woodlands and grasslands to subalpine snow gum and poa grassland — as you go.

Tidbinbilla also plays an important role in biodiversity conservation, with a range of research programs under way to help protect the flora and fauna of the area. A threatened species program focuses on the Northern Corroboree Frog, the Eastern Bettong and the Brush Tailed Rock Wallaby. You can see the corroboree frogs most days in the Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre, along with a number of other animals. It also has some lovely merchandise of these threatened

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Views from Mount Ainslie, photo by VisitCanberra

Canberra is a walker’s paradise, with iconic buildings, natural treasures and waterways at every turn — most within easy reach of the city centre.

Old Parliament House should be first port of call from a history buff’s perspective, with a self-guided stroll through the restored gardens a must-do.

For a view of Anzac Parade, Lake Burley Griffin and the Parliamentary Triangle, park the car at Remembrance Park, Campbell, and take the picturesque 4.2km walk up the trail to Mount Ainslie.

In the south, Coolamon Ridge Nature Trail extends 2.7km from the Bicentennial Equestrian trail, letting you explore woodland and wildlife, including magnificent views of Bullen Range and Mount Coree to the west.

The Centenary Trail is an all-of-Canberra loop that almost crosses the NSW border to the north and includes the Murrumbidgee River in the south. The 145km trail is divided into daily sections, spaced for walkers and bike riders.

Following fire trails and shared paths in urban and natural areas, it is designed for low intensity.

Crossing, through Pine Island and finishing up at Casuarina Sands to the north.

The Centenary Trail’s northern section begins in Hoskins Street, Hall, and offers city views. Another section includes paths through the National Arboretum and begins at Forest Drive, Weston Creek.

For the seriously-fit, the Camel's Hump Trail at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve offers two difficult walks, a 19km, eight-hour trek or a shorter 11.6km, six-hour journey. The trail offers a demanding course through some of the more remote areas of the nature reserve. Travelling along the slopes of Johns Peak to the rocky outcrop of Camel's Hump, walkers are rewarded with the best views across the Tidbinbilla Valley.

For more information and detailed walking maps, visit: canwalk.org.auh

One section, the Murrumbidgee Discovery Track at the southern end, winds through rolling fields and bushland, starting at Stromlo Forest Park. This section runs for 27km and makes it possible to walk the length of the river between Point Hut

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Skydive OZ, photo by Terry Riddle

FRIGHTS FOR SORE EYES: ACTION ADVENTURES There are many ways to get a bird’seye view of Canberra — a leisurely drive through the mountains or a trip up Telstra Tower perhaps? But for those who like a bit of pulse-raising adventure with their sightseeing there are plenty of options.

Royal Australian Airforce-trained pilot Ian Eccles, who flies commercial aircraft for Qantas, will leave you thrilled to the gills with a flight aboard a Russian-made warplane high over the city.

His Yakovlev model 52 aircraft is known as a “pilot maker” because it was designed for aerobatic training, and Eccles is not averse to putting it through its paces with an eager passenger on board.

His Capital Warbirds business offers a number of aeronautical experiences for the adventurous. “Most people opt for the ‘Top Gun’ experience, 45 minutes of aerobatics and sightseeing,’’ Eccles says. “I tailor each flight to the individual to ensure maximum enjoyment. I am also involved in low-level aerobatic displays at airshows, corporate and local events and weddings.’’

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Eccles flies passengers aged from 12 to 75, the only restrictions being a basic level of fitness, the ability to fit into the harness, and a bodyweight of less than 130kg.

“When a client books a flight we arrange a mutually agreeable time with acceptable weather. This could be the next day or in six months as there are no time restrictions on bookings,” he says.

If you’d rather jump out of a plane than cruise around in one, Skydive Oz is five minutes from Parliament House on the Deakin sports oval. Skydive’s Terry ‘Tezza' Riddle says the idea of jumping out of a plane both fascinated and scared him to death for the first few times as he learned to skydive.

“It’s all so much easier now. The sport has come a long way since February 1979 when I did my first jump,’’ he says. He has now completed more than 12,000 jumps.

“There’s a lot that’s great about skydiving... the visuals, the friends, the challenges, and therefore the reward,’’ he says.

Allow one hour for a Skydive Oz jump and wear comfortable clothes — only those older than 12 can jump.

For something more gentle, Balloon Aloft flies every day of the year, weather permitting, except Christmas day.

Take off with the sunrise and drift gently with the breeze, enjoying breathtaking views of the nation's capital coming to life.

and the architectural icons in the Parliamentary Triangle are enchanting.

In spring, the gardens come to life in a blaze of colour, so flights make a fabulous platform for photographers. You’ll be up in the air for about 45 minutes, but allow three to four hours for the full experience.

Canberra Helicopters offers another way to take in the glorious views and offers several experiences, beginning with a flight over Lake Burley Griffin and including a one-hour flight over the city and then Namadgi National Park.

Back on terra firma, action-packed Ford or Holden V8 driving experiences are provided at Wakefield Park Raceway, north east of Canberra. Like a race driver, you attend a driver’s briefing and then suit up in a race suit and helmet before going full throttle.

Capital Warbirds capitalwarbirds.com.au Skydive Oz skydiveoz.com.au Balloon Aloft balloonaloftcanberra.com.au Canberra Helicopters canberraheli.com.au Wakefield Park Raceway wakefieldpark.com.au

Views of Lake Burley Griffin, the parklands

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ON YOUR BIKE: BEST CYCLING ROUTES From easy meanders on hire bikes around Canberra’s picturesque lakes to exhilarating hit-outs on dirt roads through the Brindabella Mountains, the city offers something for cyclists of every level.

If you didn’t bring your own set of wheels, hire a road or mountain bike from the Cyclery, Braddon, or one of the Spinway Canberra outlets in the city, Kingston or Forrest. Many of the Territory’s ACTION buses have dual bike racks, to get you to a starting point.

another good location, along with Majura Pines, off Majura Parkway.

The Cycle Canberra Six Peaks Ride over 118km challenges cyclists to traverse the six peaks of Canberra — Mount Stromlo, Red Hill, Mount Pleasant, Mount Ainslie and Black Mountain and Dairy Farmers Hill (in the National Arboretum).

For a ride with an incredible view, pack some snacks and stop for a picnic at the Lake George lookout for morning tea.

The Pedal Power ACT Country Riders group cycles to the villages of Tharwa, Gundaroo and Bungendore, as well as longer journeys to Goulburn, the South Coast and Young.

These trips are for experienced riders who feel comfortable when a vehicle passes on the road, and consider a 60-90km ride a reasonable morning’s work.

For details on social riding events go to PedalPower.org.au.

Billed as the best half-day cycling route in Australia, the Lake Burley Griffin circuit can be completed in one outing, or over three loops — the 16km western loop, 4.9km central or 9km eastern loop. Take your pick of coffee stops along each. VisitCanberra has a brochure if you’re the type who likes to make a plan in advance.

For mountain bikers, Stromo Forest Park is a 15-minute drive from the city and highly recommended for all skill levels. Kowen Forest, off the Kings Highway, hosts the Mountain Bike Australia Solo 24-hour National Championships in October and is

Stromlo Forest Park, photos by VisitCanberra

FREE FUN IN CANBERRA Visiting some of Canberra’s most popular tourist attractions doesn’t mean you have to break the bank.

Many of the best sites in the city have free entry, including Parliament House, which opens at 9am on sitting and non-sitting days.

The National Arboretum on the western end of Lake Burley Griffin features 94 forests of rare, endangered and symbolic trees. Many are still young but two of the forests are nearly 100 years old. Check it out from 9am daily.

At the foot of Black Mountain, and about a 30-minute walk from the city, is the Australian National Botanic Gardens. The gardens maintain a scientific collection of native plants from all parts of Australia.

Markets at the Old Bus Depot in Kingston on Sundays focus on talented

local and regional designers and craftspeople who show and sell their unique handcrafted wares. While you’re there, pop in to the nearby Canberra Glassworks, which provides access to glassmaking facilities for glass artists, holds glass exhibitions and also features a store where you can pick up a uniquely Canberran souvenir.

A stroll along Anzac Parade will take you past 10 memorials, including one for Vietnam, one for the Rats of Tobruk and the Australian Service Nurses Memorial.

Mount Stromlo Observatory, meanwhile, is the headquarters of the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics. About 18km southwest of the city, it’s open to the public daily from 8am to 6pm.

The Cotter Avenue Recreation Area, below the Cotter Dam wall, is a picturesque retreat with barbecues and swings and grassy areas for picnics 23km from the city centre. There are short walking tracks to the dam.

Old Bus Depot Markets, photo by VisitCanberra

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Manuka Oval, Photo by VisitCanberra

When it comes to sport, there are few cities more passionate than Canberra.

Home-grown internationals from Australian rugby league and rugby union, Ricky Stuart and Steve Larkham, coach the Raiders and Brumbies in Canberra and while they may have a tough gig nationally, there’s no respite for them at home either.

Canberra crowd favouritism swings from season to season between the two codes, but the Viking clap is nurturing a cult following for the Raiders.

World Cup-winning and inaugural Brumbies coach Rod Macqueen gave the ACT side a solid launching pad. The Brumbies train at the University of Canberra and play at Canberra Stadium at Bruce. Larkham will be Wallabies assistant coach in 2018.

Queanbeyan-born Ricky Stuart and the Raiders have their home at Canberra Stadium too.

Female athletes are at the top of their game in Canberra. The Abode Hotels ACT Meteors, based at Manuka Oval, compete in the Women’s National Cricket League and are well represented in teams in the Women’s Big Bash League. Abode Hotels sponsors the Meteors, a boost for those players who travel from outside the national capital.

In top-division women’s soccer, former Matildas assistant coach Heather Garriock will coach Canberra United in Season 10 in the Westfield W-League. Canberra United’s home ground is McKellar Park, and Season 10 kicks off in October. The grand final is in February.

Canberra Capitals, home of global superstar Lauren Jackson, play in the Women’s National Basketball league under head coach Paul Goriss. Home games are due to move to a 1700-seat venue at the National Convention Centre, Civic, in October.

Australian rules football club, the Greater Western Sydney Giants, play four games at Manuka Oval each season and want to develop the oval precinct and code in the national capital.

England in the Prime Minister’s T20 match in Canberra on February 2. This will be an edge-of-your-seat event because the shortest format of the game delivers big hits, big wickets and exciting finishes.

The Canberra Lakers (men) and Strikers (women) represent the ACT in the annual Australian Hockey League competition, the pinnacle of Australian domestic hockey where the best players from each state compete in a round-robin tournament.

The 2017 competition will be held from September 28 to October 8 in Perth.

Canberra Brave contest the Australian Ice Hockey League, an eight-team competition from March to August, and play their home games on Saturdays and Sundays at the Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre.

In the Australian Baseball League, Canberra Cavalry created Australian baseball history in 2013 when the team won the Asian series.

The team is based at Narrabundah Ballpark and play in the Australian Baseball League from November to February.

5 MINUTES WITH MAITLAN BROWN

Maitlan Brown

Don’t-miss sporting event

Bowler Abode Hotels ACT Meteors

I’ll be 100 per cent biased here but you can’t miss the Women’s Ashes at Manuka Oval on November 19 and 21.

C’mon guys — get your tickets now!

Look forward to seeing you there.

Favourite brunch spot

Favourite view

Tough one! Canberra has some fantastic cafes but it would have to be either ONA in Manuka or Eighty Twenty in Braddon. Damn good food and even better coffee.

Mount Ainslie has an unreal view of Canberra and there’s a really cool trail you can hike up to get to the top.

Best place for outdoor exercise There are so many bike tracks and paths all over Canberra, but the prettiest and best place for outdoor exercise would have to be around Lake Burley Griffin.

I've recently got into mountain biking and the place to go is Stromlo Bike Park.

My local secret It is amazing you can be at the coast in an hour and a half and also in the beautiful snowy mountains in about the same time.

A must-do for visitors to Canberra Go on a hot-air balloon ride. Our team went up in one and it was unbelievable!

Canberra is the prettiest place in Australia.

In cricket, the Prime Minister’s XI take on

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Canberra Theatre Centre, photo by VisitCanberra

Had an action-packed day of sightseeing and now thinking about what to do with the evening ahead?

There’s no shortage of entertainment options across the national capital — you just have to know where to look.

Live music, comedy and lots of variety with a distinctive Canberra flavour are the order of the day at Smith's Alternative in Alinga Street, Civic. The packed schedule includes poetry gigs, theatrical performances, burlesque shows and cabaret.

Owner Nigel McRae says Smith’s regularly presents two shows a night, and at weekends will often have up to six events running from 11am 'til 2am.

Musically Smith's leans towards local, original and contemporary, and regularly hosts great touring bands. There are jazz concerts every Thursday, a jazz jam on Sunday afternoons and an old-time jam every second fortnight.

Canberra’s bar scene has undergone dramatic change in the past decade, with

younger newcomers opening up smaller bars, similar to Sydney’s small-bar scene, says Bria Sydney, owner of Parlour, an elegant benchmark at NewActon.

Canberra Theatre Centre, includes the 1,244-seat Canberra Theatre and The Playhouse, which seats 618, plus The Courtyard Studio.

“There’s more variety in our nightlife, more places to go,” Ms Sydney says. And she is emphatic about what her customers want most: atmosphere.

In October at The Playhouse the Bell Shakespeare Company presents The Merchant of Venice. Then for comedy fans in early November The Popular Mechanicals cast of theatrical clowns will bumble their way through rehearsals, misadventures and sheer idiocy in a funny mix of verse, song and dance.

The locations of many of Canberra’s cooler watering holes are intentionally inconspicuous. Two are tucked away on either side of Northbourne Avenue, Civic, in the Sydney and Melbourne buildings.

Japanese-inspired Suke Suke serves up Asahi on tap, Japanese whiskies and sake, as well as Canberra District wines and more than 60 gin varieties. Look for the light box in Verity Lane in the centre of the Sydney Building.

Across the road in the Melbourne Building, the fittingly Melbourne-inspired Bar Rochford wine and cocktail bar features intimate booths, vinyl records and eclectic artworks. The food is good, as is the wide selection of wines, vermouths and ciders.

Canberra’s premier performing arts venue,

The Street Theatre in Canberra presents poetry, parody and contemporary drama, employing creative talent in the region as well as Canberra’s skilled and passionate performers.

Queanbeyan Performing Arts (The Q), a stone’s throw from Canberra, is also well worth checking out for popular live shows and theatre.

The Russian National Ballet Theatre is coming back to The Q on November 30, when they present the world’s greatest classic ballet, Romeo and Juliet.

NEWS AND VIEWS

recordings at Canberra’s galleries and museums, or simply where to find a great spot for brunch.

There can be few information centres with as glorious a view as the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre at Regatta Point, beside Lake Burley Griffin.

Ask about Lake Burley Griffin and the surrounding rivers’ many shady areas to park and walk by the water, or find out how to see the city from a different perspective — by air, on the water, or on a bike, bus or horse.

But it’s not just the picturesque surrounds that make it worth a trip.

The centre is where you’ll find all the info you need to plan your stay in the Australian capital.

Staff can give you the inside run on the best vantage points from which to appreciate the stunning Brindabella Mountains, where to check out rare films, artworks, artefacts or sound

And once you’ve done all this, take the time to soak up the beautiful view across Lake Burley Griffin to Parliament House, the National Library of Australia, the National Gallery of Australia and Questacon.

Canberra and Region Visitors Centre Regatta Point, Barrine Drive, Parkes.

Regatta Point, photo by VisitCanberra

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Capital Region Farmers Markets, Photo by VisitCanberra

Queen of the local farmers markets (and one of the best farmers markets in the country, full-stop), the Capital Region Farmers Market takes place each Saturday from 7.30am to 11.30am at Exhibition Park (aka EPIC) in Mitchell at the north end of the city.

It’s held in an open-sided shed (albeit a very large one) and in winter an early morning visit can certainly prove bracing. But whatever the season, you’re sure to find inspiration in the bounty on show, most of it brought to the market by the same people who made it, picked it, grew it, raised it or caught it.

That could mean South Coast rock oysters, briny and sweet, or the best of the catch hauled straight from the boats at Ulladulla, Narooma and Batemans Bay, the finest stone fruit from Young (hello cherry season), superb pork from Boxgum Grazing, berries from Borenore, Shoalhaven exotic mushrooms, plus silky fresh pasta, local honey, biltong and jerky, flowers and plants, and plenty more besides.

If delayed gratification isn’t your style, there’s also plenty to eat on site. Check out the Italian-style doughnuts filled with custard, jam or cream at Bombolini.

Highlights on the drinks front include fresh apple juice (some of it spiked with ginger), organic kombucha, a variety of teas, chais and coffee, not to mention the occasional bottle of wine from noted local producers.

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Don’t let the cold put you off a visit in winter, either; the chillier months bring some of the region’s most interesting finds, be they chestnuts, quince, or the luxury of black truffles from the acclaimed trufferies near Bungendore and Braidwood.

The Southside Farmers Market, held every Sunday from 8am to 11.30am at Canberra College on the corner of Launceston Street and Yamba Drive in Phillip, provides similar pleasures to those found at EPIC, but in the enclosed surrounds of a school hall.

Depending on the week you might find free-range eggs from Cuppacumbalong, Long Paddock and Hilltops, great dairy from Tilba (the milk is superb, the yoghurt essential), loaves from The Bread Nerds and Dom’s, plenty to graze on, including Marion’s Gozleme, Salvadorian food and the Lions Club barbie, and of course an impressive haul of fresh fruit and vegetables, much of it organically grown.

If you’re less inclined to leave the house early on weekend mornings but still want access to more interesting produce than the supermarkets can offer, have no fear.

Canberra has you covered with not one but two permanent markets.

Established in 1967, the Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets offers a winning blend of old Canberra and new. If you can’t find the fruit and veg you’re after at Wiffens, Trugolds or Ziggys Fresh, chances are it can’t be found at all, such is the quality

and breadth of these veteran operators’ range. The market is equipped with multiple seafood outlets, a variety of poultry suppliers and several butcheries, not least Fyshwick Gourmet Organic, where the excellent selection of lamb, beef and pork is complemented by duck, rabbit, hares, squab, pheasant — even crocodile and possum should you want them.

The Nut Shoppe has all your Middle Eastern food supplies covered, the delicatessen situation, between Mart, Deli Planet and Euro Delicatessen, is impressive, and if there’s a more comprehensive selection of Asian grocery items in Canberra than that offered at T&E Asian Groceries, we’re yet to find it.

Belconnen Fresh Food Markets flies the flag on the other side of town with a similarly impressive range of vendors of both fresh food and specialist grocery.

Like Fyshwick, it’s home to a branch of Plonk, Canberra’s most impressive beer-oriented bottle-shop, but it also has Knead Patisserie, one of the city’s most-liked bakeries, which produces a dizzying array of baguettes, sourdough, and pastries, plus Heng Hing, for all your Chinese roast and barbecue meat needs, the excellent Food Lovers providore, and some serious deli chops.

And should you want to skill up to make the most of your finds, help is at hand at Foodish, which offers classes at the markets’ Smeg cooking school. Game on.

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CANBERRA'S MOST GRAMMABLE ICONS

National Botanic Gardens

Think green, mossy paths, fern canopies, eerie mist, wildflowers and native wildlife. The perfect recipe for a gram amongst nature. @visitcanberra

James Turrell's Skyspace

No trip to the NGA would be complete without a stop at James Turrell’s ‘Within Without’ Skyspace installation. Surrounded by a moat of turquoise water, this domed chamber bathes viewers in intense colour at dawn and dusk. @broadsheet_syd

Lake Burley Griffin

With a shoreline of 40.5 kilometres, you can take your pick of angles to capture a summer sunrise or sunset at this much loved landmark. @visitcanberra

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National Arboretum

This spot surrounds visitors with panoramic views of Canberra, stunning architecture and the natural beauty of trees from Australia and around the world. @barnstormingbruce

Australian War Memorial

Stepping through the front entrance to this historic building, your attention is immediately captured by the Commemorative Courtyard.

This world-class monument is one of our most geo-tagged locations. @rina_tms

Gibraltar Falls

This cascading waterfall is a staple location of any Canberra local's Instagram and a great way to cool down on a hot summer's day. Pack your swimmers and a picnic for after the scenic hike. @tyronboorman

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Ben Edols Glassworks, Photo by Wendy Dawes

If you’re looking for a uniquely Canberran souvenir, look no further than these gems.

F!NK DESIGN Queanbeyan-based studio F!NK + Co has long been the creative hub for Robert Foster and his team of talented designers.

Although Foster passed away late last year, his iconic designs live on through the celebrated brand.

F!NK products are designed by Australian artists and most of the manufacturing is done in-house just outside Canberra in the F!NK studio. Each object is individually handcrafted so no two pieces are exactly the same and they are often produced in small batches of just 20 to 100.

Since 1993, F!NK + Co has not only been a symbol of Foster’s legendary work, it has been a production house for up-andcoming young designers.

While F!NK is essentially a range of jewellery and homewares, there is nothing homely about their wares. Foster always strived to challenge the notion that functional equals boring.

F!NK pieces can be found at a number of ACT retailers. In the collection there are necklaces, brooches, bracelets and brightly coloured kitchenware, including Foster’s signature F!NK Water Jug — a Canberra souvenir with a difference.

For stockists visit: finkdesign.com BISON Anyone digging around the greater Canberra area for a local treasure should consider visiting the Bison flagship store in Pialligo on the rural edge of the capital. Founded in 1997 by Brian Tunks, Bison is inspired by the time he spent on

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archaeological digs in the Middle East and his love of Asian ceramics. The result is a pared-back aesthetic with simple lines and pure colours that characterises Bison design classics.

Fast forward two decades and Bison has evolved from just ceramics to become bisonhome, a lifestyle range with ceramics at its heart. Bisonhome collaborates with studios in the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and India, but all pieces are designed by Brian himself in Canberra. From ceramic vases, jugs and an array of finely crafted tableware to a range of glassware, there is plenty to unearth here.

6/8 Beltana Rd Pialligo, ACT bisonhome.com CANBERRA GLASSWORKS More than just a place to buy beautiful souvenirs, Canberra Glassworks is a cultural centre of learning dedicated to the mentoring of contemporary glass artists.

The space is a working glassworks with facilities and equipment for artists.

As well as providing state-of-the-art tools, intensive workshops taught by leading glass artists, studios and mentorship programs, the centre is a place for visitors to explore the specialised craft and learn about glassmaking. They can meet artists, see glassmaking in action, view exhibitions, take tours and have a hands-on experience with glass.

F!nk Water Jugs, Photo by F!nk + Co

BUNGENDORE WOOD WORKS GALLERY If you were after a great gift to take home from Canberra, would wood do the trick?

Bungendore Wood Works Gallery has been a landmark on the local arts and crafts scene since an opening exhibition in September 1983.

“Bungendore Wood Works Gallery provides a space where wood workers can display their works, where diversity is encouraged, and fine craftsmanship is essential.”

And the quote from the first show flyer still rings true 30 years later.

The Canberra Glassworks shop offers a range of uniquely crafted pieces, jewellery, tableware, vases and objects d’art from a wide range of Australia’s leading glass artists.

There are now works by more than 200 Australian designers at the award-winning gallery and visitors can pick up a genuine piece of local work, but it’s not all about wood. Other unique pieces include original paintings, sculptures, ceramics, glassware, jewellery, photography and textiles.

11 Wentworth Ave Kingston ACT canberraglassworks.com

Kings Highway, Bungendore, NSW bungendorewoodworks.com.au

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FASHION IN THE CAPITAL It’s not just the flowers that are on display in Canberra in spring. September is also when the capital’s fashion scene is in full bloom.

FASHFEST is a glamorous three-day event that cultivates modern design and shows off the best local and international labels on the hottest catwalk in town.

This red-carpet affair was founded by husband-and-wife team Andrea Hutchinson, a Swiss former model (now fashion director), and CEO Clint Hutchison.

Now in its fifth year, FASHFEST 2017 will showcase the new collections of more than 40 designers, and attendees can expect to see more than 140 stunning models, extraordinary hair and makeup, live music and even original short films.

This year’s unique pieces include indigenous textiles from the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, Canberra-based label Jackspoon, the contemporary stylings of Karen Lee and gowns by Naomi Peris Bridal.

The award-winning National Convention Centre Canberra will be transformed into an extraordinary backdrop for the biggest runway event ever seen in the capital.

Supermodel Anneliese Seubert wearing Charly Thorn, Photo by Andrew Donato

FASHFEST 28 — 30 September 2017 fashfest.com.au

My favourite Canberra designer/s

Q&A: FIONA KEARY Image Consultant Style Liberation Canberra What is unique about Canberra fashion?

I think it’s innovative and our local designers are always looking at how to do things better. We have such a wonderful mix in Canberra of high-street fashion, luxury brands and local labels. We also have a really great mix of styles that appeal to every style personality.

Top shopping tip Museum gift shops are a great place to pick up gorgeous homewares and unique pieces.

Best shop for a posh frock David Jones in the Canberra Centre, Soho or Momento Dezigns based in the City and Manuka, and Braddon’s Pink Ink.

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Braddon Tailors for their custom approach, sharp design and wide choice of fabrics. Sash & Belle for their gorgeous bags in a variety of colours. Pure Pod for creating a sustainable label with real fashion appeal.

Favourite shopping strip/area Canberra Centre in the city and Lonsdale Street, Braddon Best shop/s for contemporary cool Rebel Muse and iTrip iSkip, both on Lonsdale Street, Braddon.

Must-visit shop for its great interior design Pink Ink Boutique in Braddon. The clothes are even better!

Best place to pick up a gift Hive in Braddon, the National Portrait Gallery Shop, National Gallery Shop and Bliss Garden & Giftware in Pialligo.

A uniquely Canberra souvenir A Trevor Dickinson limited-edition print

— My favourite is the iconic ACTION bus shelter print.

Don’t leave Canberra without A bottle of Gin from The Canberra Distillery.

You can find it at a variety of outlets including local markets and bottle shops.

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COOKING IN YOUR ABODE: WITH HEAD CHEF DUNCAN WINTER Whether you're cooking for friends or after a quick, healthy meal in the comfort of your Abode apartment, this dish ticks both boxes as well as being simply delicious!

PAN SEARED ATLANTIC SALMON

WHAT TO DO

Served with cherry tomatoes, lemon, zucchini, rocket, pesto, soft ricotta and spaghetti.

2. To make the pesto, shred the basil and rocket on a cutting board and add to a medium kitchen bowl, reserving some small leaves of basil, rocket, and some cherry tomatoes for garnish. Crush the pine nuts with your knife and add to the shredded basil and rocket along with the grated parmesan and oil. Mix all ingredients together with a pinch of salt.

WHAT YOU NEED (SERVES 4) • 1 packet (500g) quality dry spaghetti • 1 tbs salt • 1 bunch of basil • 100g wild rocket • 50g pine nuts • 3 tbs extra virgin olive oil • 50g grated parmesan cheese • 300g Atlantic salmon fillet • 1 tbs extra virgin olive oil • 200g cherry tomatoes • 1 clove garlic diced • 250g soft ricotta • 1 zucchini • 1 lemon

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1. Fill large pot with salted water and place on highest setting for boiling your pasta.

3. Next, we need to prepare some additional garnishes for the pasta. With a peeler make long strips or ribbons of zucchini and set aside. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, grate half the zest of the lemon and squeeze half the juice over the cherry tomatoes.

4. Place the salmon fillet on a small plate and season with salt and pepper.

6. Drop the spaghetti into the boiling, salted water and stir to avoid sticking.

Follow the cooking time noted on the packet minus 1 minute.

7. Once the pasta is cooked, strain and reserve approximately 200ml of the pasta water. Place the pot you cooked the pasta in back onto medium heat.

Add 1 tbs olive oil and 1 clove diced garlic. Then add the cherry tomatoes, zucchini ribbons and cook for a minute.

Now the spaghetti can go in along with the pasta water, pesto and ricotta.

Add freshly ground black pepper and season if necessary with salt.

8. To serve, portion into bowls or on a large platter to share in the centre of the table. Then with a fork gently flake the salmon and scatter over the pasta, garnishing with basil and rocket leaves, cherry tomatoes and extra parmesan on the side. Enjoy!

5. Place a frying pan on medium to high heat. Once the pan is hot, oil the salmon fillet and carefully place it in the pan. It should react with an immediate sizzle. Reduce the pan to medium heat, continue to cook for 2 minutes and then turn for a further 2 minutes on the other side. Remove from the pan and set aside to rest.

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Walking by Lake Burley Griffin, photo by Lean Timms

Canberra is one of Australia’s most dogfriendly cities, with myriad places to enjoy quality time with your four-legged friend.

Pop your pooch on a leash and take in some of the city’s most picturesque spots on a leisurely walk. Numerous excellent walking routes are near our pet-friendly Abode Narrabundah and Abode Gungahlin hotels.

Lake Burley Griffin is a puppy’s playground.

Do as the locals do and enjoy the leisurely 5km ‘bridge-to-bridge’ walk. Once you’re all tuckered out, let your furry friend cool off in the water. Dogs are permitted to swim in most of Canberra's lakes provided they are not within 10 metres of a signposted public swimming area.

At Weston Park, Yarralumla, enjoy spectacular views across the water and beyond to the city and Black Mountain as you walk along this wide, fairly flat path, which follows the outer edge of the Weston Park peninsula. Keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos at sunset.

The Canberra Dog Walks website has helpful updates on dog-friendly cafes and wineries, best walks, swimming spots and more in the city. There are also regular social group dog walks to sign up for. The usual dog owner etiquette applies: only well-socialised, obedient dogs off leash and always pick up after your pet.

For a full list of recreation areas suitable for your furry friend, visit tcss.act.gov.au

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Dog off-leash areas Fenced dog parks are available at the following locations: •

Lake Ginninderra at Diddams Cls, Belconnen

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Lake Tuggeranong at Mortimer Lewis Dr, Greenway

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Weston Park at Yarralumla Parkland

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Forde Parkland at Amy Ackman Dr

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Casey Parkland at Springbank Rise

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O'Connor Parkland at Fairfax St

Top swimming spots for dogs •

Lake Burley Griffin at Barrenjoey Drive, Yarramundi Reach and Lake Burley Griffin near Brown Street, Yarralumla

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Lake Ginninderra at Diddams Close, Belconnen

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Murrumbidgee River at Uriarra Crossing, Uriarra Road and;

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Murrumbidgee River at Point Hut Crossing, Point Hut Crossing Road and;

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Molonglo River at River Road, Oaks Estate

Make sure you check the current water quality advice before letting your pet swim.

Occasionally blue-green algae levels can get to toxic levels — mostly in the lakes.

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As Canberra awakens from a chilly winter, the city comes alive with colour. Boasting warm weather, stunning blue skies, flowers in bloom and clean, fresh air, spring and summer are ideal seasons to explore the outdoors and enjoy the abundance of parks, lakes and reserves. They don’t call us the garden city for nothing!

With so many national attractions and hidden gems on offer in the capital, it’s often hard to know where to begin. That’s why we’ve put together a full day’s itinerary so you can taste and experience the best of this exquisite city in the warmer months.

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The place to be seen for breakfast in the capital is The Cupping Room, in the heart of the city. This trendy concept café is a hit with coffee addicts, foodies, bloggers and everything in between. The Cupping Room elevates the quintessential smashed avo breakkie to new heights, serving it with poached eggs, smoked goats cheese, pomegranate, Shichimi and sourdough. Add a coffee or two, made by the World Barista Champion himself, and you’ve got a great start to the day.

There's no better way to enjoy Lake Burley Griffin and the sites of the Parliamentary Zone than on a segway. Head down to Seg Glide Ride on the water's edge to hire one of these self-balancing personal transportation machines.

No experience is required and safety training is provided by the friendly staff, so all you need to worry about is having fun!

There’s no building more iconic in Canberra than Australia’s Parliament House. Opened in 1988, this impressive landmark is one of the world’s largest stainless-steel structures, topped with a 12.8 metre flagpole.

The form and detailing of the building and its landscape are something to behold. Enter through the mosaic forecourt and make your way to the marble and timber Main Foyer and Great Hall. Take a free guided tour to learn about the rooms from which the country is governed and you can even watch a debate unfold in one of the public galleries.

Be sure to take a stroll up the grassy slopes to get one of the most breathtaking views of the city.

After you’ve worked up an appetite, make your way to Pialligo Estate Farmhouse Restaurant for a paddock-to-plate style lunch. Located just a few minutes’ drive out of the city, this Estate consists of awardwinning market and herb gardens, a vineyard, olive groves and a boutique smokehouse.

The irresistible menu of smoked meats and seafood celebrates the best seasonal produce (and wine) the region has to offer.

Now over to the Canberra Glassworks on the Kingston Foreshore to look at the skilled glass artists at work.

Housed in the Kingston Powerhouse, Canberra’s oldest public building, the Canberra Glassworks is Australia’s only cultural centre wholly dedicated to contemporary glass art. Here, you can take a glass-blowing class, meet local artists, take a guided tour, browse the latest exhibitions and gift shop.

Classes require bookings in advance.

Parliament House, photo by VisitCanberra

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There’s no nicer way to cool down on a hot summer's day than a dip at the historic Manuka Pool. This art-deco style architectural beauty was opened in 1930 and has remained a popular social spot ever since.

For the little ones, there’s “SS Red Duck” pirate ship playground and a toddlers' pool.

It’s Beer O’Clock! Head to BentSpoke Brewing Co. in Braddon for an afternoon brew in the sun. These local legends brew over 18 varieties of award-winning craft beer and cider on the premises, including a hand-crushed apple cider and gluten-friendly ginger beer.

Bentspoke’s secret to achieving exceptional quality brews?

Canberra’s pristine water supply. Watch the team work while you sample the selection and enjoy a few share dishes from their modern pub style menu.

Take a short walk into the city centre to take on a challenge of a mental kind in one of the newest attractions to hit Canberra…

Expedition Escape Rooms. Originating in Japan, this concept engages participants in the ultimate physical adventure game. You'll find yourself locked inside a themed room for 60 minutes and will have to use the clues on hand (and plenty of team work) to solve a series of puzzles to escape. Leave no one behind!

It’s over to Temporada for a laid-back dinner.

Temporada, meaning ‘the season’ in Spanish, is the second venue in Canberra, from acclaimed Chef and restauranteur Ben Willis and ex-Sous Chef Chris Darragh.

This casual eatery has a fresh and seasonal menu of punchy share plates with distinct European, Middle Eastern and Asian influences, paired with a stellar wine list of local and international origin.

It’s not hard to see why this spot snapped up a Hat in the 2017 SMH Good Food Guide.

After a jam-packed day in the capital, it’s time to relax and unwind in your comfortable Abode. Thanks for staying with us!

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WHERE TO FIND US

MURRUMBATEMAN 路 WODEN 路 NARRABUNDAH 路 TUGGERANONG 路 GUNGAHLIN

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NO. 10 RESTAURANT + BAR

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PUBLIC LIBRARY

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Canberra College

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Tradies Club

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Hellenic Club

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Grill’d Flavours of India Thai Spice Chinese Kitchen Nando’s Turkish Pide House Cafe Gaudi

WESTFIELD WODEN SHOPPING CENTRE

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AROUND ABODE TUGGERANONG TUGGERANONG SKATE PARK

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Canberra Southern Cross Club

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AMF Tuggeranong

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Tuggeranong Family Medical Practice

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Little Istanbul

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Our hotel reception is on Anketell Street.

Our carpark entrance is on Cowlishaw Street. *Map not to scale.

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Lemongrass Thai Restaurant

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Limelight cinemas

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Woolworths

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Hyperdome Pharmacy

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Soul Pattinson Chemists

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Fernwood fitness

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Tuggeranong Square Medical Practice

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National Library of Australia Questacon

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National Portrait Gallery

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National Carillon

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Old Parliament House

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New Parliament House

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Canberra Glassworks

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Old Bus Depot Markets

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Canberra Railway Museum

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Kingston Shops

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Manuka Shops

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St Edmund’s College

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Gungahlin Family Healthcare

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Home Timber & Hardware

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Siren Bar & Restaurant

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Raiders Gungahlin

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Woolworths

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Gungahlin Pharmacy Select

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Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar

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Sultans Turkish Pide Takeaway Restaurant

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Gungahlin Community Centre

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Little Siam

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Wokitup Noodle Bar

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Gungahlin General Practice

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Aldi

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Medical Centre

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Gungahlin Chemworld Chemist

AROUND ABODE MURRUMBATEMAN YASS TOWN CENTRE

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Murrumbateman Country Inn

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Shaw Vineyard Estate

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Eden Road Wines

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Murrumbateman Winery

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The Vintner’s Daughter

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Clonakilla Winery

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Dionysus Winery

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Four Winds Vineyard

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Poachers Pantry

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Bridge Wines

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McKellar Ridge Wines

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Yarrh Wines

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Australian Paragliding Centre

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