Inspired Living Magazine │ WINTER 2023 CANBERRA EDITION

Front Cover Image - 60 National Circuit, Deakin

In one of Canberra’s premier locations, this graceful home featured in Home Beautiful magazine in 1955 where its façade was lauded for elegant neo-Georgian detailing.

The mature garden here is also magazine-worthy. Taking its cues from that of the family’s Eryldene Historic House and Gardens on Sydney’s North shore, the previous owners described the 1562m2 Canberra block as presenting ‘100 shades of tranquillity in an evergreen display’ courtesy of 100 camellias planted throughout.

Sold Autumn 2023

Welcome

Welcome to the Winter 2023 issue of the Inspired Living Magazine. Brought to our community by Blackshaw to showcase and guide readers on current trends and topics surrounding homes, from the nation’s capital to the south coast region of Batemans Bay.

Inspired Living is all about discovering possibilities. Being inspired in life and in your home, and gaining insights into local causes and topics that matter. Providing our readers with a unique perspective from property enthusiasts and local talents. We are always on the look out to present collections from local designers, artists and more.

Our Winter 2023 issue covers a range of topics including, our top pick of Canberra spas to relax this winter, as well as tips to making your rental property feel like home, and our recommendation for must visit markets across Canberra and the south Coast region. In Batemans Bay, read up on the top things to see and do this winter.

In this issue we also tackle the ‘newcomers guide to surviving the Canberra winter’ where our experts share some insights into keeping warm in the colder months, and we also asked our most experienced agents what their most memorable sale was and why?

We invite you to take this home with you, share our stories, and find endless possibilities for your own inspired living.

Belinda Chamberlain, Managing Principal Blackshaw Real Estate

Photography by Daniel Morton

Make your rental property feel like home

Just because you’re renting, doesn’t mean you should have to compromise on comfort and style. As a tenant, there are many ways you can breathe new life into your home, making it look and feel cosy and personal, without losing your deposit. Here are some great ideas to inspire your rental home makeover.

Photography by SpaceJoy

LIGHTING

Lighting plays an important role in setting the tone of your home by creating instant ambience and atmosphere. Investing in inexpensive, modern light fittings can create a statement in any room, plus it’s also a great way to add personality and a personal touch to your interior. If you want to make the lighting in your rental property a little more homely and to your taste, then consider a new light fitting for your living room, dining space or kitchen – it could be a modern ceiling light, a stylish pendant, or a statement chandelier. For something a little simpler, introduce floor and table lamps into your living area and bedroom. They will not only set the mood, but are easy and affordable ways to add personality, depth and style.

FIXTURES AND FITTINGS

When you move into a new rental, oftentimes people think the hardware is permanent, but you can in fact change it. One of the most effective and affordable ways to transform the look of your rental property is to update the fixtures and fittings in your kitchen or bathroom. This could be replacing the shower head in the bathroom, buying some new handles and knobs for doors, drawers and cupboards, or installing new tapware in the kitchen. For high impact, coordinate handles and tapware by using the same colour, style and material in each space. Remember, anything that you remove must be put back on at the end of your lease.

WINDOWS

Window treatments play a pivotal role in your home’s aesthetics and can instantly elevate the look and feel of a property. If your rental property’s window furnishings aren’t really your style or detract from what may otherwise be a very warm and homely interior, then buying new window furnishings may be your best option. If your budget allows, you could consider roman or wooden blinds, plantation shutters, bamboo shades or lined drapery to create the aesthetic you’re after. An update to your windows can make a world of difference to your interior but be sure to put the original treatments back on before you move out.

ARTWORK

There’s not a lot of change that can be made to the walls of a rental property, but it can be surprising how much a piece of artwork can impact your space. Transform an empty wall with a striking painting, a print, a canvas, a statement mirror, or a gallery wall of photos. Art is a great way to attract the eye and add your own touch to an interior, and mirrors help make a room look more spacious by adding depth and reflecting light.

Photography by Crew

Photography by Mike Cox

Photography by Tina Witherspoon

FINISHING TOUCHES

An easy and budget-friendly way to spruce up your interior decor and truly make your rental property feel more homely is to decorate with pieces that reflect your style and personality. For instance, give your living room a makeover with new cushions, a textured throw, a vibrant statement rug or a modern vase or clock. Likewise, inject your personality into your bedroom with new bedding and soft furnishings, and don’t be afraid to layer and mix and match different patterns and textures to really bring your room to life.

ADD A TOUCH OF NATURE

When it comes to sprucing up your rental property, houseplants and flowers are perfect for giving rooms an instant facelift for little cost, and help to make your interior feel bright, fresh and homely. If you have a garden, consider planting new flowers in existing garden beds to add some colour, texture and contrast. If you only have a balcony or patio, you could buy some pots, planters or hanging baskets to scatter around and make the space your own.

KNOW THE LAW

In 2019, reforms to the ACT Residential Tenancies Act gave tenants greater freedoms to make basic modifications to rental properties in order to make them more homely and comfortable to live in. The change to the law has meant that thousands of tenants in the ACT have been able to seek approval to make minor and special alterations to their rental properties. This means any renovation, alteration or addition that can be removed or undone at the end of the tenancy so that, except for fair wear and tear, the property is returned to substantially the same condition as when the tenancy commenced. Be sure to check with your property manager before making any changes, just to make sure you and your deposit are protected.

Photography by Freey

Photography by Bernie Almanzer

Ask the agents: Our most memorable sales

We asked some of the Blackshaw network’s most experienced agents to share the most memorable property sale of their career and why. Here are their stories.

CASEY HOUSE, 27 FORSTER ROAD, YARRALUMLA ANDREW CHAMBERLAIN, CORPORATE

There have been many memorable sales over the years, and I believe that one of the key reasons that many agents have such long careers in property is that we are constantly encountering new challenges – it’s an industry that really keeps you ‘on your toes’!

Perhaps my most memorable was the sale of Casey House in Yarralumla in 1998. Firstly, the sellers made his initial contact with me in response to a rather quirky marketing pamphlet that I was distributing at the time. He said, “You look like you think out of the box and I’m definitely going to need a lateral thinking agent to sell this property!”

Casey House was built in 1938 for the Federal Treasurer RG Casey amongst considerable controversy. The construction was considered extravagant at a time when the nation was still recovering from the Great Depression with finances and materials scarce. Casey would live at the property for less than a year. Subsequent residents included the Canadian High Commission and the Australian Heritage Commission. Our client for the sale was the Australian Society for Environmental Education.

The home itself occupies a prime Yarralumla site overlooking the lake and next to the Commonwealth Club. The land area exceeds 9100m2, and the stately residence was described as “of the Georgian Revival period with influences of Art Deco”.

The property was offered for Sale by Tender, closing on 18 June 1998, some 25 years ago. The purchase was keenly contested by a number of prominent buyers for a range of proposed uses including an art gallery and high-end restaurant. The eventual purchaser was a local medical specialist for use as a private residence. The price? The princely sum of $750,000.

55 SUE GEH CIRCUIT, NICHOLLS MICHAEL BRADDON, GUNGAHLIN

I sold this property back in 2015. The sellers were good friends of mine whom I had sold for previously and this home was honestly the most amazing property I have had the privilege of marketing. The reason being that it was the one of the most unique homes to hit the market in the region, and as described in our marketing, it was ‘First Class Resort Style Living’ inspired by luxury holiday homes on the Noosa waterways. It is positioned on a private block backing the Gold Creek Country Club with amazing sunset views towards the Brindabellas. We had a videographer film the auction in front of a huge crowd, and we achieved the first ever $2 million sale in the Gungahlin region. The buyer had also bought a home from us previously, which made the day even more special.

SURFSIDE PAT JAMESON, COASTAL

One of my most memorable sales came a few days before settlement when the property’s elderly owners called to say they were unwell and could not come to their holiday house to clear out their belongings. I arranged to go to the property and call them upon my arrival so they could advise which items they would like to keep or donate to charity. Near the end of the call, when I asked if they wanted to keep the chest at the end of their bed, they asked me to open it to check its contents. I told them I had found a blanket and they said that they wished they had known about this on cold nights! “What else is in the chest,” they asked. I lifted the blanket and to my astonishment I found some gold bars. “Where did they come from?” they asked, and said they had no recollection of owning or being given gold bars. They then asked if there was anything further in the chest and I pushed the gold bars to one side and told them that there was another blanket at the bottom. “Two blankets!” they exclaimed. “Oh how we wish we had known we had them!” As they say, value is in the eye of the beholder.

“One of the key reasons that many agents have such long careers in property is that we are constantly encountering new challenges.”

Photography by Jingming Pan

WESTRIDGE HOUSE, 55 BANKS STREET, YARRALUMLA

MARIO SANFRANCESCO, MANUKA

I consider the sale of this property as one of my most memorable and significant for a variety of reasons. At the time, it was the highest sale by auction in the ACT and the record for Yarralumla. In November 2017, I sold Westridge House for $6,050,000 to an undisclosed Canberra resident.

Westridge House is simply an outstanding residence, backing on to the Royal Canberra Golf Course. It is one of Canberra’s most notable historic addresses, being an estate within the central region of Yarralumla close to the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.

The marketing campaign itself was targeted and buyers were managed discreetly. The property was advertised widely and attracted many people Australia wide. This involved private viewings and interstate buyers inspecting the property, with one buyer in particular very well known within Australia who flew into Canberra via private jet just for a viewing.

During the marketing campaign, high teas were held in the gardens for the privately arranged inspections – a pleasure to hold in such a delightful setting.

The property stands out as a rare home of distinction, unique in design with old world charm but more the fact that it is a staggering 19,210m2 of rolling green estate, the largest privately owned residential block in Canberra’s inner south. Nearly five acres of exceptional Yarralumla earth, offering the ultimate lifestyle.

The residence was built in 1928 for Charles Lane-Poole, then the Inspector-General of Forests and Principal of the Australian Forestry School. Substantial in size, the property sits proud on an exquisitely landscaped estate. In 1975, CSIRO became the new tenant of Westridge House and it was used as the residence for the chief officer. For the last several years it has been in private hands and the expansive grounds have been beautifully restored.

The interiors are neutral, with a formal lounge, or reception room of about 50 square metres with an original antique fireplace, solid timber floors, classic high ceilings and French double doors opening onto a sandstone paved terrace. The heart of the residence being the central family, living and dining region, also has access to the paved terrace with northerly views over magnificent entertaining areas and the breathtaking grounds of the estate. There’s also a study or fifth bedroom with a two-way bathroom. Upstairs are four bedrooms including the master, the family bathroom and two further sitting rooms. The master bedroom is serviced by an elevator, has walk-in robes and a generous ensuite.

A highlight upstairs is access to a balcony, which provides the ideal sunny spot to take advantage of views over the estate toward the lake and Black Mountain Tower. Additionally, there is a four-car garage, a four-car carport, and a three-car sized workshop.

5 things to see and do in Batemans Bay this winter

The South Coast is best known for being one of the go-to destinations during summer, especially for Canberrans. With its pristine beaches, stunning mountains, fresh food and great weather attracting the crowds. Unfortunately, the area can be forgotten in the wintertime despite offering a range of activities to keep visitors busy, entertained and warm, even on the coldest of days. Here’s our pick of what to see and do in the region this winter.

Photography by Aleksandra Bog

BATEMANS BAY CYCLEWAY

Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors, so jump on your bike, head for the Batemans Bay Cycleway and soak up the beautiful surroundings. This mainly flat, 18km scenic route connects the thriving town with stunning nature. The best place to begin this family friendly bike ride is in Batehaven at Corrigans Beach where it travels into Batemans Bay, over the bridge and then onto the Cullendulla Boardwalk. You’ll enjoy views of the Clyde River foreshore and wetlands, pass by the Birdland Animal Park, and have the opportunity to stop at one of the many waterfront cafes or restaurants along the way. You can also take a break at one of the route’s great picnic spots with barbecue facilities or a park for the kids to play.

EUROBODALLA REGIONAL BOTANIC GARDEN

Take advantage of a crisp winter’s day and immerse yourself in nature at the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden. Situated 5km south of Batemans Bay, this 100-acre site is brimming with native flora, green lawns, ponds, an arboretum, electric barbeques, 8km of walking trails, as well as picnic tables peppered throughout the grounds. There’s also a fantastic play space for children to get creative with the unique and interactive play equipment. The gardens offer free, all-weather barbeques with lots of tables and seating, as well as ample green space to spread out a picnic blanket and relax with friends and family.

BATEMANS BAY HERITAGE MUSEUM

The Batemans Bay Heritage Museum, previously known as the Old Courthouse Museum, opened in 1985 when a new courthouse was built in the area. The museum’s vast collection has grown considerably over the last 37 years and includes historic photographs, antique machinery and tools, rural technology, costume, dolls, as well as memorabilia spanning maritime, military, education, geology, crime, gold, timber, domestic life, and the local community history. You won’t be disappointed with this culturally rich museum, so add it to your bucket list this winter.

Photography by Gryffn M

Photography by Viviana Riche

BIRDLAND ANIMAL PARK

Get up close and personal with the natural world at the Birdland Animal Park in Batemans Bay. Start your visit by wandering through the forest paths as they weave around this eight-acre waterfront location, then head to see over 100 species of native animals, birds and reptiles. For a hands-on experience this winter, try to catch the koala at feeding time, or get the adrenalin pumping as you hold a snake around your neck. There’s a fun train ride for the whole family to enjoy, then you can relax by the picnic and barbecue facilities while you watch the children have fun at the playground.

OYSTER TASTING

Batemans Bay is synonymous for its fresh seafood, and if you don’t mind an oyster (or two), then you’re in luck. A selection of reputable oyster farms are peppered along the banks of the Clyde River and offer some of the freshest and tastiest oysters you’ll find in all of the country. Most of the farms in the region grow what’s known as the Sydney Rock Oyster as well as the Angasi, also known as the Native Flat Oyster. Some of the local family-run businesses include Pearly Oyster Bar and Farm, The Wray Street Oyster Shed, Ralston Bros Oysters, and Pinnacle Oysters, so be sure to pay them a visit and feed your soul – and your stomach – with a taste of the local cuisine this winter.

“You won’t be disappointed with this culturally rich coast”

Photography by Bruce Chapman

Photography by Trinadh Tata

5 of Canberra’s best day spas

Relax, unwind and melt away your worries this winter at one of Canberra’s best and most luxurious day spas. From massages and facials, to nail treatments and body scrubs, you’re sure to find a spa that delivers peace, tranquility and a whole lot of pampering to get you through the cold days ahead. Luckily, there are so many excellent spas to choose from in the capital, so here’s a list of some of our favourites to get you started.

Photography by Engin Akyurt

ENDOTA SPA

Located in the city centre, the renowned endota spa is one of the most tranquil settings in the capital. This popular spa offers an impressive range of services including relaxation, remedial, pregnancy and hot rock massage, high-quality organic and antiageing facials including LED light therapy, hydro-microdermabrasion, body wraps and scrubs, manicures, pedicures, waxing, and a long list of beauty services. Head here this winter to relax, escape and unwind, warm up over a calming herbal tea, and be pampered by experienced therapists.

CANBERRA DAY SPA

Canberra Day Spa is one of the most popular and renowned spa facilities in the territory, having been in operation for well over a decade. Tucked away in the city centre, this little piece of paradise offers a wide range of services from massages, facials, holistic therapies and luxurious treatments to rejuvenate and reinvigorate your mind, body and soul. This winter, choose one of their spa journeys, or a range of face and body packages for the ultimate pampering experience, enjoyed on your own or with a friend or partner.

H2O MEDI SPA

Nestled in the heart of the Kingston Foreshore, H2O Medi Spa has over 17 years’ experience in the beauty and wellness industry. This multi-award winning spa is best known for combining science and wellness in all of their face and body treatments, offering an extensive range of services that include facials, massages, nail treatments, tanning, waxing, tinting, as well as some of the most luxurious and carefully designed spa experience packages in the capital. Their skin and body experts are also qualified in LED light therapy, non-invasive performance facials, and cellulite body treatments.

Photography by Yoann Boyer

Photography by Mediamodifier

ESSENCE BEAUTY

With two elegant salons in both Griffith and Woden, Essence Beauty has become one of Canberra’s leaders in face and body care, servicing the capital for over 22 years. This locally owned business offers premium wellness services so you look and feel your very best, including technologically advanced facial treatments, LED light therapy, radio frequency, skin needling, IPL, cosmeceutical peels and microdermabrasion, as well as waxing, tinting, teeth whitening, spray tanning, body wraps, massages, as well as nail services. No matter what you are after, this day spa and wellness retreat offers a treatment or experience to suit absolutely everybody.

THE SKYN LOUNGE

The Skyn Lounge, positioned in Bruce, offers some of the capital’s top skin care treatments and products in a super luxe environment. The experienced and highly skilled team at this expert day spa know exactly how to look after your skin, offering a personalised and holistic approach across their range of services, including hydrafacials, clinical peels, LED light therapy, skin tightening, infrared sauna, laser hair removal, and an extensive list of beauty treatments that includes waxing, tinting, henna and tanning. If you’re looking for some well-deserved pampering this winter, then be sure to visit this tranquil haven in the north of Canberra.

“Each spa offers a wide range of services from massages, facials, holistic therapies and luxurious treatments to rejuvenate and reinvigorate your mind, body and soul.”

Photography by Rune Enstad

Photography by Ale Romo

AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL EVENTS, AUCTIONS, AND OPEN FOR INSPECTIONS

Book the Blackshaw Cafe for your next sporting event, auction or open for inspection. It’s sure to draw a crowd with the aroma of freshy ground coffee beans and crafted coffee, expertly prepared by our Blackshaw barista.

Must visit markets in Canberra and the South Coast

The ACT and NSW South Coast are home to a fabulous array of markets, from fresh produce, fashion and jewellery to arts and crafts, and so much more. Luckily, there’s no shortage of markets on the winter calendar so you can shop (and eat) to your heart’s content. Here are our top picks of the best this season.

Photography by Didier Provost

CANBERRA

HANDMADE MARKET

The Handmade Market is the capital’s favourite handmade food and design market and has been a local institution since 2008. This winter, on 29–30 July, the market will return and host over 250 stalls of Australian made, handcrafted artisan products, homewares, crafts, fashion and gifts. After shopping up a storm and supporting your local artisans, head to the much-loved gourmet food hall for a drink and a bite to eat, or pick up some local produce to take home and enjoy.

CAPITAL REGION FARMERS MARKET

Be sure to make your way to Canberra’s original and biggest farmers market this winter, attracting visitors from near and far each and every week. Expect to find over 100 stalls showcasing the region’s freshest produce including fruit, vegetables, seafood, meat, bread, wine, cheese, and more. Located at Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) and held on most Saturday mornings of the year from 7am to 11.30am.

Photography by Andy Wang

OLD BUS DEPOT MARKETS

Canberra’s famous Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston has been a local icon since 1994. Open every Sunday from 9.30–2.30pm, the markets are held in an old industrial building brimming with fine handcrafted wares, clothing, food and jewellery. The themed Sundays are a real treat and shouldn’t be missed. Each month, the markets hold a multicultural, collectible and fashion theme on rotating weekends, and throughout winter there are other special events on the calendar, such as Kids in the Shed on the 11th of June, the Creative Fibre Textile Showcase on the 10th of July, and the London-inspired Portobello Road on the 9th of August.

FASHION MARKETS

There are two great fashion markets in Canberra that you simply can’t miss this winter, and what’s more, they both focus on sustainability by encouraging the reuse and recycling of high-quality clothing and goods. Firstly, be sure to check out the Three Sixty Fashion Market, a fantastic spot to browse a quality range of high-end designer and vintage clothing and accessories. Their next market day is Sunday the 9th of July at the Fitters Workshop in Kingston. Also at the same location is the Canberra Fashion Market, known for new and quality pre-loved items, including brand names, designer labels and collectibles. Lucky for you there are two winter dates in the diary – Sunday the 25th of June and Sunday the 27th of August. All market days run from 10am to 3pm.

HARTLEY HALL MARKETS

The Hartley Hall Markets, located at the Hall Village showgrounds, offer over 200 fantastic stalls filled with local products and fresh produce including fruits and vegetables, smoked meats, baked goods, metal art, plants, furniture, clothing, pottery, children’s toys, arts and crafts, unique gifts, and so much more. There’s also live music and children’s activities. Run by Hartley Lifecare since 1987, this great market has become a well-loved local icon, so if you haven’t been yet, then make sure it’s at the top of your list this winter.

Photography by Renate Vanaga

Photography by Dane Deaner

SOUTH COAST

SAGE FARMERS MARKET, MORUYA

The award-winning Sage Farmers Market is held every Tuesday from 3pm at Riverside Park in Moruya. This hugely popular marketplace is where you’ll find locally grown and harvested food from the region’s farmers and producers, including fresh meat, fish, vegetables, bread, honey, and milk. Despite crowds often gathering before the 3pm start time, no one is served until the bell rings, but you can head down a little early to choose your favourite stallholders ready for when the clock strikes three.

BATEMANS BAY SUNDAY MARKET

The Batemans Bay Sunday Market is held twice a month beside the sea at Corrigans Beach Reserve in Batehaven. Two organisations are responsible for organising this fantastic event, with Marine Rescue Batemans Bay hosting the first Sunday of the month, and Rotary Batemans Bay on the third Sunday of the month. Expect to find up to 60 stalls selling fresh food and baked goods, coffee, plants, gifts, antiques, and handcrafted woodwork. You might also be lucky enough to hear some local musicians performing while you browse the stalls.

Photography by Annie Spratt

Photography by Dave Takisaki

DALMENY ‘MEET THE MAKERS’ MARKETS

This winter, head to the Dalmeny ‘Meet the Makers’ Markets for all things new, homegrown and handmade, including fresh produce, hot food, arts and crafts, plants, and great gift ideas. Organised by the Narooma Lions Club, this family-friendly market is a lovely spot to meet the locals, enjoy a spot of shopping and taste-test your way through the local produce. It’s held on the second Sunday of the month at Dalmeny Community Hall from 8am until noon.

NAROOMA ROTARY MARKETS

Held on the fourth Sunday of the month, the Narooma Rotary Markets offer an abundance of stalls selling plants, fresh produce, clothing, jewellery, crafts, timber products, handbags, preserves, spices, art, tools, antiques, collectables, bric-a-brac, and more. You can mosey through the market stalls and chat to the locals, or taste the fare with your choice of pizza, barbecued meats, coffee, pastries, smoothies and juices, just to name a few. The markets are held from 8.30am until 1pm and are located at NATA Oval Narooma (behind the Narooma Visitor Information Centre).

ULLADULLA WHARF MARKETS

The Ulladulla Harbour Markets are usually held on the second Sunday of the month and feature a huge range of stalls selling fresh produce, craft, plants and specialty items. The markets are run by the volunteers of the local unit of Marine Rescue NSW and have become an institution for locals and families in the region. This winter, be sure to pencil it in your calendar as it shouldn’t be missed.

Photography by Cindy Chan

Essential elements when marketing

LOOKING TO SELL OR LEASE YOUR PROPERTY?

There are a range of advertising platforms and tools to consider when showcasing your property’s finest features, to ensure it makes an impact in the real estate market. Experience our professional perspective and see what we do in the essential elements behind a successful property marketing campaign.

Newcomer’s guide to surviving Canberra this winter

Canberra is known for its award-winning facilities and national attractions, impressive cultural institutions and entertainment precincts, a thriving food, coffee and wine scene, world-class sporting teams, and stunning natural landscapes at its doorstep, but it’s also synonymous for freezing cold winters and the frostiest of mornings. If you’re new to town this winter no need to fear, there’s so much to do and see in the capital to keep you busy, entertained and warm, even on the coldest of days. Here’s our survival guide to help get you through.

Photography by Daniel Morton

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

Whether your move to Canberra is temporary or permanent, it’s important to make the most of your time in the nation’s capital and see everything this great city has to offer, even if it’s super chilly outside. Head to the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, the city’s official tourism centre located at Regatta Point to find everything you need to know about the area’s award-winning attractions, museums, galleries, markets, restaurants and tours, as well as where to watch Canberra’s amazing sporting teams in action. For some great online sources that will keep you well-informed, look up Visit Canberra, Out In Canberra, Her Canberra, and Canberra.com.au.

BRAVE THE COLD

Don’t let the cold get you down, but instead get yourself outdoors and embrace the weather. A great spot to get out and about on a crisp winter’s day in the territory is Corin Forest, situated in the Tidbinbilla mountain ranges. This alpine adventure playground offers fun and adventure for all ages. Take a ski or snowboard lesson with one of their experienced instructors, ride on the 1.2km alpine slide through the forest, try some tobogganing, or simply play around in the snow. If you‘re keen to hit the slopes and really immerse yourself in the alpine region, then take the 2.5-hour drive to the NSW Snowy Mountains and the Kosciuszko National Park where you’ll find fantastic ski resorts and stunning mountain views.

Photography by Andy Wang

INDOOR FUN

If you’re looking for some indoor fun this winter, then get your skates on and head to the Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre. This Canberra institution has offered locals an indoor skating experience on an Olympicsize rink for over four decades. Every Friday night there’s an ice skating disco, plus you can watch or participate in ice hockey, figure skating, and Broomball throughout the year. For even more indoor fun, you could try Vertikal Indoor Snow Sports in Fyshwick where you can ski and snowboard to your heart’s content. They also offer lessons if you’re a beginner or if you simply want to brush up on your skills.

FOR THE FOODIES

Over the years, Canberra has forged itself a great reputation for its thriving food and wine scene, and there are countless restaurants, bars, cafes, markets, and food events to enjoy and indulge in this winter. The ACT and surrounding region is home to over 140 vineyards and more than 40 wineries, providing endless opportunities to taste some fine wine and meet the local makers. One of the most notable foodie milestones on the winter calendar is truffle season. Up until early September, The Truffle Farm in Majura will host a range of truffleinspired events, including a truffle hunt and a decadent, six-course degustation menu. If you want to taste some of the region’s locally grown black gold, then don’t forget to add this one to your list.

“When the weather gets a bit dismal, try some some indoor sport or relaxing activities to boost your spirits.”

Photography by Dan Gold

STAY WELL

While there’s loads of activities to do and fun to have in Canberra this winter, the region can also be one of the coldest spots in the country and the season can bring its fair share of colds, flus, viruses, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Keep yourself happy and healthy by getting enough rest, eating well and staying active. Take advantage of crisp sunny days and get your endorphins pumping by going for a walk, jog or cycle around Lake Burley Griffin, or when the weather gets a bit dismal, head to the gym or play some indoor sport to boost your spirits.

Photography by Matt Seymour

Photography by Chester Toh

Celebrating 35 years of service.

FROM CANBERRA, QUEANBEYAN AND SURROUNDS, TO THE SOUTH COAST REGION

Blackshaw has been leading in real estate in this region since 1988. As the largest and most respected locally grown brand, our reputation is to serve the needs of our clients, to push the industry with solutions in marketing and technology, and to address the growing demand for information, choice and transparency.

Australia’s Parliament House celebrates 35 years alongside Blackshaw. We’ve been part of the fibres of this region and we’ve helped it grow. Our history demonstrates the development and expansion of communities.

We’re about more than just property, we’re in the business of people.

1st Canberra Office opens in Barker St, Griffith

SOLD $1M HOME

Blackshaw sells Canberra’s first Million dollar home

Moved to current office in Bougainville St

Establishment of first franchise office - South Canberra

BELCONNEN

First North Canberra office

Blackshaw develops first regional real estate portal

Blackshaw sells Canberra’s first Two Million dollar home

QUE ANBEYAN & JE RRABOMBERRA

2011

2012

NATIONAL AGENCY OF THE YEAR - REIA

Manuka awarded Australia’s leading ‘Large’ Real Estate agency, two years in a row

2014 ALLHOMES IS ACQUIRED

Allhomes is sold to Domain

Coastal office opens, strengthening our ties with the bustling coastal communities

2021

WESTON CREEK & MOLONGLO

2022 NATIONAL AGENCY OF THE YEAR - REIA

1988 2023

Queanbeyan team awarded Australia’s leading ‘Small’ real estate agency

CELEBRATING 35 YEARS

With 100 passionate, humble property experts, driven to serve our thriving region