A Creatives Information to Canberra, Australia
Let’s paint an image. Because the solar rises, light ripples begin to sparkle as they hit the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. The day forward will likely be stuffed with gallery hopping, historical past, cafes and nature walks, ending with a sundown stroll alongside a path lined with blossoms and birdsong.
Welcome to Canberra, Australia’s capital.
For photographers, Canberra is a inventive hub mixing pure wonders with architectural areas celebrating our nations skills, each previous and current. The peaks of the snowy mountains rise to the south, coastal coves and exquisite seashores 90mins to the east and there’s beautiful countryside and vineyards in all instructions.
My household is from Canberra and the close by South Coast, so I assumed it solely becoming after so many visits over time, to compile a information to my favorite locations to {photograph} and get impressed.
Earlier than we get began, I wished to say one factor that enhances my love for Canberra. It’s deliberate.
Again in 1912, a drawing by architect Marion Mahoney Griffin, on behalf of her husband Walter Burley Griffin, additionally an architect, gained a world competitors to design town. The design was based mostly on the pure topography of the positioning, proposing to position town between three mountains, Black Mountain, Mount Ainslie and Mugga Mugga.
Attributable to this design, the lake acts as a central level with every suburb to the north and south performing like small village facilities. Massive avenues encircle Parliament Home and viewpoints are organized completely to level to one thing of curiosity. Symmetry and linear layouts of streets in locations makes my design targeted mind glad, all it’s worthwhile to do is go to the highest of Mount Ainslie to see what I’m speaking about. The unique drawing is such a powerful piece of design to view!
Under you’ll discover locations to hunt inspiration, {photograph} and discover Canberra’s pure magnificence. Picture samples for every location famous are included and had been captured in early October. As a seasonal metropolis, you’ll discover beautiful autumnal tones in April/Could, snow sprinkles on the encircling mountains in winter and florals of some variety are seen year-round, notably in Spring when the Floriade is underway!
A map on the finish of this information will share simply how accessible every thing is. I prefer to suppose you may get nearly anyplace inside 10minutes, which makes dashing to {photograph} sundown, good and straightforward!
The Pure Wonders –
Rejuvenate, Chill out and {Photograph} Landscapes
#01 Weston Park
For sundown strolls or morning walks
Take within the contemporary air with a stroll alongside the shores of the Molonglo River. From the English Backyard to Authorities Home, you’ll be handled to established timber, parkland and florals of all shapes and shades. If photographing flowers brightens your day, the English Backyard discovered on the finish of Robert Boden Grove needs to be on the high of your listing. Assorted species bloom all year long and mix alongside bigger timber and textured trunks.
Time your stroll for an hour earlier than sundown to take pleasure in a wander with loads of time to position your self within the good place for sundown. Proceed alongside the trail which runs between the shoreline and Royal Canberra Golf Membership. Kangaroos are commonly sighted on the greens whereas birds offers you loads of probabilities to listen to their tune and seize their feathered brilliance.
Towards Authorities Home, there’s a bridge providing an exquisite photograph alternative, personally although, I like a bit of spot via the reeds nearer to the English Backyard. The serenity, smells and surroundings will information to you discover your personal particular spot alongside this path, in case you can, go to twice throughout your time in Canberra, as soon as at sundown, as soon as within the morning!
#02 Nationwide Arboretum
For backyard lovers + nice views
Tracks and trails weave between the forests and gardens of this botanical wonderland, simply 10minutes west of Parliament Home. Protecting over 250 hectares, the arboretum is likely one of the world’s largest dwelling collections of endangered, uncommon and vital timber. Not solely will it make inexperienced thumbs glad, it’s perched excessive above town, providing photographers the perfect alternative to seize some lovely pictures over Canberra and Lake Burley Griffin.
For the very best angles, first head straight for the Himalayan Cedar Forest for an amazing vantage level wanting towards Authorities Home. Utilizing the Californian Fan Palms, shoot with a large aperture to border the home, one in every of my favorite methods when working with crops!
Cease by the Village Centre to gaze upon the Nationwide Bonsai and Penjing Assortment, stuffed with ornate potted beauties courting again a whole bunch of years. Subsequent up, enterprise alongside the Dairy Farmers Hill monitor (2.3km) or proceed driving alongside Forest Drive and park a bit of nearer to {photograph} from this beautiful vantage level. From the hill, look out towards Black Mountain and Telstra Tower and body them creatively utilizing the rock options and flora. Time your go to for sundown to look at as a gentle glow falls upon town and surrounding mountain ranges to the south and west.
See the map of tracks and trails right here, plus there’s an interactive map with all of the timber yow will discover and the place!
#03 Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
For climbing and wildlife
Expertise the Ngunnawal tradition and heritage whereas exploring the character trails, wildlife and viewpoints of the Tidbinbilla Valley.
With conservation and heritage on the forefront of this reserve because the Thirties, an entry charge ensures the reserve is managed and maintained. Seize a map on the customer centre then when you’re via the gate, cruise round to take pleasure in brief hikes, longer walks and take within the full calm of this space, simply 30minutes from town.
From the Eucalypt Forest, to wetlands, cascades and vital boulders and rocky outcrops, this reserve is an exquisite reminder of how beautiful the Australian bush is. Wander via alpine snow gum forests, spy platypus, lyrebirds and wallabies. {Photograph} the reflections of eucalyptus timber at Black Flats Dam whereas listening to a refrain of frogs and crickets.
Additionally hold your eyes peeled for the Northern Corroboree Frog, whereas they’re now listed as critically endangered, their shiny yellow spots in opposition to black make them stand out a bit of amongst the inexperienced foliage!
#04 Gibraltar Falls
Cascading magnificence
Nestled in a ruggedly scenic valley south of town, Gibraltar Falls are a sight to see after a good rain. Tumbling down a rocky cliff, the falls drop roughly 50m and could be seen from a platform a brief stroll from the automobile park.
Observe your lengthy publicity pictures right here by setting your digital camera with a sluggish shutter velocity to blur the water and permit the rock textures to shine via. Visiting within the afternoon will make this a bit of simpler and keep away from robust daylight over the water. If nevertheless you’re hoping to see the scene all lit underneath broad daylight, time your journey for earlier within the day earlier than the solar dips behind the encircling mountain peaks.
Photograph tip – on the drive as much as Gibraltar Falls, you get a fast glimpse from throughout the valley, I’d recommend taking a inventive shot right here utilizing the colorful leaves to border the falls. Remember to pack your zoom lens if this angle pursuits you!
#05 Mulligans Flat
The place the (tiny) wild issues roam
Fairly the hidden gem, Mulligans Flat is tucked above the brand new suburb of Throsby in Canberra’s north, simply earlier than the NSW border. Initially farmland, the reserve is residence to a few of Australia’s most susceptible and endangered species together with the Jap Bettong, as soon as pushed to extinction on the mainland earlier than it’s reintroduction at Mulligan’s Flat in 2012.
The reserve is free from predators akin to foxes, rabbits and deers, offering a secure house for the wildlife to thrive and regenerate. At first look, the fences and gates might seem a bit of off-putting, however these are in place for the advantage of these tiny creatures that decision Mulligans Flat residence. Learn extra concerning the conservation work right here.
Photographers have a tendency to go for one spot particularly, the wetlands. A set of huge lifeless timber kind beautiful shapes throughout the wetlands space of the reserve, a brief stroll north from the automobile park on the new ‘Wildbark at Mulligans Flat’ customer centre. Alternatively, there are two additional gates (flip left upon coming into the reserve) alongside Shingleback Road with loads of automobile parking accessible. On the drive in, you might discover the road names of Throsby resemble the marsupials dwelling inside the reserve!
For the very best pictures, take a wander alongside the boardwalk towards the wetlands near sundown. Kangaroos will likely be out and about, the sky will illuminate and reveal photograph alternatives throughout the wetlands. Relying on the time of yr you go to, you’ll discover they’re both vigorous, or dry and crusty…each providing the prospect for an amazing panorama shot. Simply to notice, in case you’ve solely obtained a brief keep in Canberra, I’d go for Gibraltar Falls and Tidbinbilla as an alternative as they provide a wider vary of experiences and landscapes to {photograph}.
The Monuments –
Present stoppers and scenic sights
#06 Nationwide Carillon + Kings Park
For a bit of historical past, music and shoreline views
A stunning spot to go to alongside the shores of Lake Burley Griffin is Kings Park. Household pleasant, simple to entry and splendid for sundown and dawn it’s additionally residence to the Nationwide Carillon, a musical monument.
The Carillon is discovered on Queen Elizabeth II Island and was gifted by the British Authorities to have a good time the 50th anniversary of Canberra. Surprisingly, you might hear it earlier than you see it, with 57 bronze bells carrying music to all corners of the lake.
Alongside the shore of Kings Park you’ll discover my favorite timber of Canberra, the weeping willows. Present in quite a few locations all through the parks and gardens of town, these timber act as lovely foreground topics for photographing monuments just like the Nationwide Carillon. Even higher of the daylight shines via within the late afternoon!
#07 Commonwealth Park
Blooms and the very best views
House to Floriade annually, Commonwealth Park is centrally positioned and gives unimaginable views in the direction of the primary sights of Canberra. From the park, you possibly can see the Nationwide Library of Australia, Nationwide Carillon, throughout to Questacon (a should for science lovers + children!), the Excessive Courtroom of Australia and galleries. In fact, Parliament Home can also be peeking above the skyline too! It’s an amazing place to {photograph} at dawn and sundown.
The Captain Prepare dinner Memorial Jet blasts water as much as 152m above the lake and in case you’re standing at Regatta Level, you’ll be sure you get a bit of spray if the wind is blowing, very welcome on a summers day! The memorial was formally inaugurated in 1970 by Queen Elizabeth.
#08 Outdated Parliament Home
Step again in time
Situated on Camp Hill, positioned because of the profitable design by Walter Burley Griffin in 1912, Outdated Parliament Home is one in every of my favorite buildings in Canberra. From Rond Terrace on the northern facet of Lake Burley Griffin, you possibly can see straight towards the constructing, with the present Parliament Home peeking out from behind and above.
The putting white exterior holds a few of Australia’s most fascinating tales and historic moments inside its partitions. Not solely might the partitions discuss, the development consists of timber from practically each state of Australia to replicate the federal nature and goal of the constructing.
If you happen to’re susceptible to a bit of journey down reminiscence lane, take a stroll via the halls and workplaces of Outdated Parliament Home. For anybody older than 34(ish), you might suppose all of it appears fairly acquainted at first, then you definitely’ll discover the tv, the submitting cupboards and clothes, all seemingly frozen in 1988.
On both facet of the constructing, you’ll discover the beautiful Senate Backyard, and Home of Representatives Backyard. Each characteristic roses, fountains and floral stuffed areas which were fantastically designed to supply quiet retreats to sit down and take in the sunshine. By the tennis courts within the Home of Representatives Backyard are wisteria vines in bloom throughout spring and summer time with a vibrant purple color palette. The vines kind the proper backdrop to the Centenary of Girls’s Suffrage Commemorative Fountain.
#09 Parliament Home
A hidden hive of exercise
From afar you’ll seemingly see the big spire and Australian flag earlier than you see any of the particular constructing. It may possibly truly be fairly a sport to attempt to spot the spire from all corners of Canberra!
Parliament Home feels illusive and hidden, and it’s considerably invisible from above with a grassy roof high. Nonetheless, when you’re driving throughout Waterloo Bridge, you’ll begin to see it showing.
Inside are dazzling columns, you possibly can attend Query Time and watch inside the Home of Representatives, or, my desire, stand on the lawns in entrance and {photograph} the shapes, structure, tones and textures of this intriguing construction.
Quite a lot of small automobile parking areas exist alongside Federation Mall, permitting you to shortly entry the lawns and seize pictures of the outside and entrance façade. Enterprise up the mall to the entrance forecourt to make use of the small pebbles and central fountain for foreground components in your photographs too!
#10 The Australian Struggle Memorial
Somber and vital
Situated reverse Parliament Home on the northern finish of Anzac Parade, The Australian Struggle Memorial is nicely value a go to. Wander the museum to find out about previous wars and consider the spectacular assortment of memorabilia and dioramas, the element and depth of data is really outstanding!
The Commemorative Space inside the memorial is especially shifting. Wander the Roll of Honour the place shiny pink poppy’s line the partitions above the Pool of Reflection and see the Everlasting Flame.
Exploring the connection between struggle and society and the commemoration of struggle, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a putting and silent house to replicate. Behind the tomb, 4 11m tall pillars characterize the platonic components of water, earth, fireplace and air. The partitions are adorned with mosaics and stained-glass home windows, just like the Napier Waller mosaics discovered inside the dome of the Corridor of Reminiscence, designed in 1937.
Open every day from 10-4pm, time your go to to allowed time to browse the museum then join with the Final Publish ceremony and listen to the bugle echo via the halls. The ceremony commences at 4:45pm every day nevertheless it’s worthwhile to enter previous to 4:20pm to achieve admission.
#11 Telstra Tower
An iconic imaginative and prescient
Sitting atop Black Mountain, Telstra Tower is seen from all around the metropolis. I prefer to suppose it’s Canberra’s model of the Eiffel Tower, even glowing within the evenings from it’s perch above the Botanic Gardens and Nature Reserve.
Whereas the tower is at the moment closed for restoration, you possibly can nonetheless {photograph} it from varied factors across the metropolis. Seize reflections from Lake Burley Griffin, use crops and flowers to border its form from Weston Park or the Nationwide Arboretum!
Artistic Areas
#12 Nationwide Library of Australia
A quiet house
If you happen to’re in Canberra and must do some work, writing or wish to edit your images someplace calm and quiet, I can completely suggest the Nationwide Library of Australia. Canberra gives plenty of fabulous co-working areas within the metropolis, nevertheless I’ve all the time discovered there’s one thing so peaceable about sitting in a library, even when it’s with a laptop computer!
Sit amongst heritage collections, browse cupboards of newspapers courting again to the early 1900s and take in inspiration from the art work on show. There are many desks and research nooks on provide, my tip is to take a stroll round and suss out which spot feels essentially the most comfy.
#13 Nationwide Portrait Gallery
Exhibitions and inspiration
Mixing fashionable and conventional art work, the Nationwide Portrait Gallery is an exquisite house to spend a morning absorbing the work of proficient artists. Crammed with a rising assortment of labor consultant of our nation’s previous and current, it’s an exquisite perception into a large spectrum of inventive methods, strategies and types.
I used to be drawn to William Yang’s work and the photographic portraits of Robert Fielding, a recent artist of Pakistani, Afghan and Western Arrente and Yankunytjatjara descent.
On my latest go to, I wandered the rooms till I discovered the portrait of HRH Crown Princess Mary of Denmark by Jiawei Shen, commissioned in 2005.
#14 Sculpture Backyard – Nationwide Gallery of Australia
Considered one of my favorite locations to wander is the Sculpture Backyard discovered on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, a part of the Nationwide Gallery of Australia. This open-air house is free to entry and you’ll cross via as a part of a stroll across the lake, or mix it with a go to to the inside gallery and exhibitions additionally.
A spotlight of the backyard is surely, Fujiko Nakaya’s fog sculpture ‘Foggy wake in a desert: An ecosphere’. Stand amongst the backyard as fog wafts via, making a whimsical scene like a fairytale. This explicit sculpture is simply in operation between 12:30-2pm every day, a must-see when visiting Canberra!
On the southern facet of the gallery you’ll discover one other out of doors exhibition, the work of James Turrell’s ‘Inside with out’. Identical to photographers, James works with the medium of sunshine and this ‘Skyspace’ created in 2010, is a viewing chamber that explores the best way we understand the sky. Gentle shimmers on the shallow pool, tonal components and structural heights work collectively to change the sculpture all through the day. It’s steered the very best time to expertise the Skyspace is at daybreak and nightfall, when the transition between night time and day is at it’s most dramatic.
The place to Keep in Canberra –
Ovolo Nishi
Discovering someplace to sleep needs to be a part of the inventive course of and I like in search of out these particular areas that assist to refresh and ignite your vitality for exploring every day. In Canberra, look no additional than the Ovolo Nishi.
This constructing is artsy and imaginative inside and outside. Situated within the New Acton precinct on the northern shores of Lake Burley Griffin, it’s the perfect place to calm down, dine and base your self within the metropolis, simply 5 minutes from nearly every thing talked about inside this information.
Every room gives a dose of inventive character with restored classic furnishings mixing with luxurious décor, authentic art work and a few snazzy fashionable fixtures. There’s little treats and goody luggage upon arrival, complimentary drinks within the foyer every night and it’s residence to the Monster Kitchen & Bar, a eating expertise it’s worthwhile to have when visiting Canberra. Vegetarian share plates are created with native and seasonal produce to create a infusion of Japanese and Center Jap flavours, it’s a wow type of dinner!
Select between room types that differ in dimension and daylight. If you happen to’re in search of a dimly lit comfortable house, go for the Cosy Atrium or go a bit of bigger and take a peek on the Artistic Atrium rooms that overlook an inside atrium forest of reclaimed Tasmanian tree ferns. If you happen to want extra sparkle and sunshine to get up within the mornings, I extremely suggest the Unique or Artistic Solar rooms, my desire for an exquisite view, mild and large King Mattress!
Oh and don’t miss out on the staircase, it’s beautiful.
Reserve a room at Ovolo Nishi right here, or take a peek on the menu of Monster Bar + Kitchen right here.
Notable Extras
Fill your days!
Braddon Murals + City Artwork – This stylish suburb is residence to massive murals, cafes and bars. Canberra hosted its first city artwork pageant in March 2022 and this noticed the streets reworked into artistic endeavors. Head for Lonsdale Road!
Kingston – Considered one of my favorite areas of Canberra, Kingston gives a beautiful village ambiance and some blocks down, a contemporary lakeside boulevard with cafes and eating places. Ultimate for morning walks alongside the lake, choose up a espresso from On-Lake Cafe or Bean & Desk and wander via Bowen Park in both route. There’s a beautiful little bookshop in Kingston too referred to as ‘The Guide Cow Kingston‘.
Muse Canberra – A superb mix of books, meals and wine with common occasions, e-book launches and creator in-conversations. You’ll discover this gem in Griffith, a brief stroll from Kingston. Take a peek at their menu, retailer and occasions calendar right here.
Excessive Tea @ The Hyatt – Step contained in the heritage listed Tea Lounge to take pleasure in a decadent afternoon tea. Not solely are the towers of savoury and candy goodies worthy of a go to, the constructing and interiors are very photo-worthy!
Two Earlier than Ten – Maybe my favorite place for breakfast or brunch in Canberra, the idea right here is so inspiring and each meal is deliciously contemporary. With a number of cafes, a roastery and concrete farm, in addition they host workshops instructing you brew your personal kombucha, espresso, make cheese or cocktails! Take a look at their places + cafe particulars right here, my choose is Aranda.
Meet Collect Acquire – Downstairs from Two Earlier than Ten Aranda is that this beautiful little present store referred to as Meet Collect Acquire, such a fantastically curated retailer of inventive goodies! Inside you’ll discover customized furnishings, trend and presents created by Australian artists, designers and makers.
Namadgi Nationwide Park – Big boulders and climbing trails await at this beautiful nationwide park, bordering Kosciuszko Nationwide Park within the south-west of the ACT. Sadly I wasn’t in a position to go to on my latest journey, nevertheless it’s on my to-do listing subsequent time and in case you go to earlier than me, ship me a photograph! Go to this web site for extra particulars.
Sizzling Air Ballooning – Final, however definitely not least, if the situations are proper, deal with your self to a dawn scorching air balloon flight over Lake Burley Griffin to see Canberra from above! I’m but to time it nicely, however have seen some beautiful pictures of the balloons hovering above the lake as mist wafts beneath. There’s additionally an annual balloon pageant, subsequent yr it’ll be held from 12-Twentieth of March, 2023, extra data right here.
Mapped For You
Canberra for Creatives – Google Map
If you happen to’re a daily reader of The Wandering Lens, you realize very nicely how a lot I like a great map. Under you’ll discover an interactive Google Map the place I’ve famous all of the spots talked about inside this information to Canberra. You’ll be able to open it up within the Google Maps app for straightforward entry whilst you’re travelling round.
Get pleasure from your time in Canberra in case you get an opportunity to go to, and in case you uncover anyplace not talked about inside this information, please notice it within the feedback beneath!
To learn extra about what Canberra can provide, go to the Go to Canberra web site for extra info.
Please notice, a part of this journey was attainable because of the help of Go to Canberra nevertheless all opinions, suggestions and options are my very own.
Whats up! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens.
With 17+yrs expertise as knowledgeable journey and panorama photographer, all recommendation discovered on this web site is from my private expertise on the highway. I hope it’s helpful in your personal travels and would love to listen to within the feedback about your journeys and experiences around the globe.
