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 shall be crammed 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 artistic hub mixing pure wonders with architectural areas celebrating our nations abilities, each previous and current. The peaks of the snowy mountains rise to the south, coastal coves and delightful 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 needed 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, received a world competitors to design town. The design was primarily based on the pure topography of the location, proposing to position town between three mountains, Black Mountain, Mount Ainslie and Mugga Mugga.
On account of this design, the lake acts as a central level with every suburb to the north and south appearing like small village facilities. Giant 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 centered mind blissful, all it’s good to do is go to the highest of Mount Ainslie to see what I’m speaking about. The unique drawing is such a formidable 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 attractive autumnal tones in April/Might, snow sprinkles on the encircling mountains in winter and florals of some form are seen year-round, significantly in Spring when the Floriade is underway!
A map on the finish of this information will share simply how accessible all the things is. I wish to assume you may get virtually anyplace inside 10minutes, which makes dashing to {photograph} sundown, good and simple!
The Pure Wonders –
Rejuvenate, Calm down 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 bushes, 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 must be on the high of your record. Diverse species bloom all year long and mix alongside bigger bushes 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 excellent place for sundown. Proceed alongside the trail which runs between the shoreline and Royal Canberra Golf Membership. Kangaroos are often sighted on the greens whereas birds will provide you with loads of probabilities to listen to their music and seize their feathered brilliance.
Towards Authorities Home, there’s a bridge providing a fantastic picture alternative, personally although, I like slightly spot by way of 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 the event 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. Masking over 250 hectares, the arboretum is without doubt one of the world’s largest dwelling collections of endangered, uncommon and important bushes. Not solely will it make inexperienced thumbs blissful, it’s perched excessive above town, providing photographers the best alternative to seize some stunning pictures over Canberra and Lake Burley Griffin.
For one of the best angles, first head straight for the Himalayan Cedar Forest for an ideal 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 vegetation!
Cease by the Village Centre to gaze upon the Nationwide Bonsai and Penjing Assortment, crammed with ornate potted beauties relationship again a whole lot of years. Subsequent up, enterprise alongside the Dairy Farmers Hill monitor (2.3km) or proceed driving alongside Forest Drive and park slightly 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 observe as a comfortable 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 bushes 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 for the reason that Thirties, an entry payment ensures the reserve is managed and maintained. Seize a map on the customer centre then when you’re by way of the gate, cruise round to take pleasure in quick hikes, longer walks and take within the full calm of this space, simply 30minutes from town.
From the Eucalypt Forest, to wetlands, cascades and important boulders and rocky outcrops, this reserve is a fantastic reminder of how beautiful the Australian bush is. Wander by way of alpine snow gum forests, spy platypus, lyrebirds and wallabies. {Photograph} the reflections of eucalyptus bushes 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 brilliant yellow spots in opposition to black make them stand out slightly 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 an honest rain. Tumbling down a rocky cliff, the falls drop roughly 50m and might be considered from a platform a brief stroll from the automotive park.
Follow your lengthy publicity pictures right here by setting your digicam with a gradual shutter pace to blur the water and permit the rock textures to shine by way of. Visiting within the afternoon will make this slightly simpler and keep away from robust daylight over the water. If nevertheless you’re hoping to see the scene all lit beneath 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 counsel taking a artistic 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 reminiscent of foxes, rabbits and deers, offering a secure area for the wildlife to thrive and regenerate. At first look, the fences and gates might seem slightly 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 specifically, the wetlands. A group of huge useless bushes kind beautiful shapes throughout the wetlands space of the reserve, a brief stroll north from the automotive 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 Avenue with loads of automotive parking accessible. On the drive in, it’s possible you’ll discover the road names of Throsby resemble the marsupials dwelling inside the reserve!
For one of the best pictures, take a wander alongside the boardwalk towards the wetlands near sundown. Kangaroos shall be out and about, the sky will illuminate and reveal picture alternatives throughout the wetlands. Relying on the time of 12 months you go to, you’ll discover they’re both energetic, or dry and crusty…each providing the possibility for an ideal panorama shot. Simply to notice, in the event you’ve solely bought 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 slightly historical past, music and shoreline views
A beautiful spot to go to alongside the shores of Lake Burley Griffin is Kings Park. Household pleasant, straightforward to entry and perfect 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, it’s possible you’ll 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 bushes of Canberra, the weeping willows. Present in quite a few locations all through the parks and gardens of town, these bushes act as stunning foreground topics for photographing monuments just like the Nationwide Carillon. Even higher of the daylight shines by way of within the late afternoon!
#07 Commonwealth Park
Blooms and one of the best views
Dwelling to Floriade annually, Commonwealth Park is centrally situated and provides unbelievable 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 + youngsters!), the Excessive Court docket of Australia and galleries. After all, Parliament Home can be peeking above the skyline too! It’s an ideal place to {photograph} at dawn and sundown.
The Captain Prepare dinner Memorial Jet blasts water as much as 152m above the lake and in the event you’re standing at Regatta Level, you’ll you’ll want to get slightly spray if the wind is blowing, very welcome on a summers day! The memorial was formally inaugurated in 1970 by Queen Elizabeth.
#08 Previous Parliament Home
Step again in time
Positioned on Camp Hill, positioned as a result of successful design by Walter Burley Griffin in 1912, Previous Parliament Home is one in every of my favorite buildings in Canberra. From Rond Terrace on the northern aspect of Lake Burley Griffin, you possibly can see instantly towards the constructing, with the present Parliament Home peeking out from behind and above.
The hanging white exterior holds a few of Australia’s most fascinating tales and historic moments inside its partitions. Not solely may the partitions speak, the development contains timber from practically each state of Australia to mirror the federal nature and goal of the constructing.
Should you’re susceptible to slightly journey down reminiscence lane, take a stroll by way of the halls and workplaces of Previous Parliament Home. For anybody older than 34(ish), it’s possible you’ll assume all of it appears fairly acquainted at first, you then’ll discover the tv, the submitting cupboards and clothes, all seemingly frozen in 1988.
On both aspect of the constructing, you’ll discover the beautiful Senate Backyard, and Home of Representatives Backyard. Each characteristic roses, fountains and floral crammed areas which have been fantastically designed to offer quiet retreats to take a seat and absorb 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 Ladies’s Suffrage Commemorative Fountain.
#09 Parliament Home
A hidden hive of exercise
From afar you’ll probably see the big spire and Australian flag earlier than you see any of the particular constructing. It may really be fairly a recreation to try 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 choice, stand on the lawns in entrance and {photograph} the shapes, structure, tones and textures of this intriguing construction.
Quite a few small automotive 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 pictures too!
#10 The Australian Battle Memorial
Somber and important
Positioned reverse Parliament Home on the northern finish of Anzac Parade, The Australian Battle Memorial is properly price a go to. Wander the museum to study previous wars and examine the spectacular assortment of memorabilia and dioramas, the element and depth of information is really exceptional!
The Commemorative Space inside the memorial is especially transferring. Wander the Roll of Honour the place brilliant crimson poppy’s line the partitions above the Pool of Reflection and see the Everlasting Flame.
Exploring the connection between battle and society and the commemoration of battle, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a hanging and silent area to mirror. Behind the tomb, 4 11m tall pillars signify the platonic components of water, earth, hearth and air. The partitions are adorned with mosaics and stained-glass home windows, much like the Napier Waller mosaics discovered inside the dome of the Corridor of Reminiscence, designed in 1937.
Open day by day from 10-4pm, time your go to to allowed time to browse the museum then join with the Final Put up ceremony and listen to the bugle echo by way of the halls. The ceremony commences at 4:45pm day by day nevertheless it’s good 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 everywhere in the metropolis. I wish to assume 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 vegetation and flowers to border its form from Weston Park or the Nationwide Arboretum!
Inventive Areas
#12 Nationwide Library of Australia
A quiet area
Should you’re in Canberra and must perform a little work, writing or wish to edit your images someplace calm and quiet, I can completely suggest the Nationwide Library of Australia. Canberra provides various 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 relationship again to the early 1900s and absorb inspiration from the paintings on show. There are many desks and examine nooks on supply, 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 trendy and conventional paintings, the Nationwide Portrait Gallery is a fantastic area to spend a morning absorbing the work of gifted artists. Crammed with a rising assortment of labor consultant of our nation’s previous and current, it’s a beautiful perception into a large spectrum of artistic methods, strategies and kinds.
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
One in all 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 area is free to entry and you’ll cross by way of 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 certainly, Fujiko Nakaya’s fog sculpture ‘Foggy wake in a desert: An ecosphere’. Stand amongst the backyard as fog wafts by way of, making a whimsical scene like a fairytale. This explicit sculpture is barely in operation between 12:30-2pm day by day, a must-see when visiting Canberra!
On the southern aspect of the gallery you’ll discover one other outside 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 recommended one of the 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 must be a part of the artistic course of and I like searching for 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 in and out. Positioned within the New Acton precinct on the northern shores of Lake Burley Griffin, it’s the best place to calm down, dine and base your self within the metropolis, simply 5 minutes from virtually all the things talked about inside this information.
Every room provides a dose of artistic character with restored classic furnishings mixing with luxurious décor, authentic paintings and a few snazzy trendy fixtures. There’s little treats and goody baggage upon arrival, complimentary drinks within the foyer every night and it’s residence to the Monster Kitchen & Bar, a eating expertise it’s good 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 form of dinner!
Select between room kinds that differ in dimension and daylight. Should you’re searching for a dimly lit cosy area, go for the Cosy Atrium or go slightly bigger and take a peek on the Inventive Atrium rooms that overlook an inner atrium forest of reclaimed Tasmanian tree ferns. Should you want extra sparkle and sunshine to get up within the mornings, I extremely suggest the Unique or Inventive Solar rooms, my choice for a fantastic view, gentle 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 fashionable suburb is residence to large 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 Avenue!
Kingston – One in all my favorite areas of Canberra, Kingston provides a beautiful village ambiance and some blocks down, a contemporary lakeside boulevard with cafes and eating places. Preferrred for morning walks alongside the lake, choose up a espresso from On-Lake Cafe or Bean & Desk and wander by way of Bowen Park in both course. There’s a beautiful little bookshop in Kingston too referred to as ‘The Ebook Cow Kingston‘.
Muse Canberra – A wonderful 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, additionally they host workshops educating you find out how to brew your personal kombucha, espresso, make cheese or cocktails! Try 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 artistic goodies! Inside you’ll discover customized furnishings, trend and items created by Australian artists, designers and makers.
Namadgi Nationwide Park – Large boulders and climbing trails await at this attractive 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 record subsequent time and in the event you go to earlier than me, ship me a photograph! Go to this web site for extra particulars.
Scorching Air Ballooning – Final, however actually not least, if the circumstances 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 properly, however have seen some beautiful photographs of the balloons hovering above the lake as mist wafts under. There’s additionally an annual balloon pageant, subsequent 12 months it’ll be held from 12-Twentieth of March, 2023, extra information right here.
Mapped For You
Canberra for Creatives – Google Map
Should you’re a daily reader of The Wandering Lens, you recognize very properly how a lot I like a superb 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 possibly can open it up within the Google Maps app for simple entry when you’re travelling round.
Take pleasure in your time in Canberra in the event you get an opportunity to go to, and in the event you uncover anyplace not talked about inside this information, please observe it within the feedback under!
To learn extra about what Canberra can supply, go to the Go to Canberra web site for extra data.
Please observe, a part of this journey was doable as a result of assist of Go to Canberra nevertheless all opinions, suggestions and ideas are my very own.
Good day! 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.