Influenced by the grandeur of the North American 'City Beautiful' movement, Walter Burley Griffin's vision for a city of wide boulevards and sprawling parks won the Federal Capital Design Competition of 1911. Canberra is now regarded as much for its intellectualism as for its aesthetic symmetry. It has played host to Australia's most eloquent, in Don Watson; most analytically adept, in Annabel Crabb; and most visionary, in Gough Whitlam and Malcolm Fraser. At The National Film and Sound Archive, the sights and sounds of Australia's history are chronicled in a collection of over 1.6 million items. After a macchiato at Silo, take Alasdair McGregor's hardback biography of Griffin, Grand Obsessions, find a plot of grass in the National Gallery of Australia's Sculpture Gardens, breathe in and see what the capital really has to offer.
A
Australian National Botanic Gardens
Clunies Ross Street
Acton 2601
+61 2 6250 9540
Rivalling the beauty of the Australian flora on display are the sixty species of birds that share the gardens. Illustrator Frances McMahon spent two years perfecting the detail of each bird's portrait for the gardens' bird brochure. The result is an example of artistic diligence and dedication to capturing the finest details of one's subjects to faultless effect.
B
Books from Paperchain
34 Franklin Street
Manuka 2603
+61 2 6295 6723
Staff at this independent store, established in 1982, are knowledgeable and quietly attentive in the way that all good literary conversation partners should be. A selection of over 16,000 titles is complemented by an efficient ordering service for those items not immediately at hand. Open until 8.00pm on weekdays and 9.00pm on weekends.
C
Canberra Contemporary Art Space
Gorman House Arts Centre
55 Ainslie Avenue
Braddon 2608
+61 2 6247 0188
A gallery for emerging artists. To lend balance to the artistic experience of Canberra – which tends to slant towards famous works exhibited in 'National-something' spaces – a visit to this intimate exhibition space in Manuka is a must. As is a walk through the central shopping district of this leafy suburb afterwards.
D
Shine Dome
Ian Potter House
Gordon Street
Canberra 2601
+61 2 6201 9400
A spectacular piece of post-war architecture, Roy Ground's steadfast confidence in his design eventually triumphed over the innumerable doubts and concerns that clouded its construction. Behind this technical and structural marvel are the combined effort, expertise and unwavering belief of the project's many architects, engineers and acoustic experts.
E
Exquisite Pastries at Silo Bakery
36 Giles St
Kingston 2604
+61 2 6260 6060
Supreme baked goods which summon a small collective to queue outside the doors each morning. Visit for bread warm from the oven – the Silo sourdough light rye is perfect for thick morning toast. Pastry-loving claustrophobics will not be at ease here later in the day as, elbow to elbow, it's a rather tight squeeze and are advised to find a nearby park in which to best enjoy their purchases.
F
Fog Sculpture
National Gallery Sculpture Garden
Parkes Place
Parkes 2600
+61 2 6240 6411
A way to become wonderfully disoriented in the National Gallery's Sculpture Gardens. Fujiko Nakaya describes her fog sculptures as inspired by the human inability to fully comprehend the laws of nature. We may not understand nature's power, but we can weave our mystification into hauntingly beautiful art.
G
Gallery of Australian Design
44 Parkes Place
Parkes 2600
+ 61 2 6273 1313
An intelligently considered, lakeside building that hosts regular international design exhibitions. In March and April 2012, the gallery will celebrate the works of Glenn Murcutt, one of Australia's best-known architects.
H
The Great Hall
Parliament House
Canberra 2600
+61 2 6277 5399
An excursion to Canberra is lacking a certain something without a visit Old Parliament House and, once there, a viewing of the building's Great Hall is essential. See also Arthur Boyd's 1984 tapestry, Untitled (Shoalhaven Landscape) which, in its depiction of the dense eucalyptus forests on the banks of the Shoalhaven River, reflects the artist's great affection for the Australian landscape.
I
Itrip Iskip
30 Lonsdale Street
Braddon 2612
+61 2 6257 9950
A clothier carrying a selection of locally designed pieces accented by Melissa shoes and grounded by simply cut and comfortable Dr Denim jeans. Run by sisters Ana and Diana, the shop has amassed an allegiant following of Canberrans.
J
Jewish Memorial Centre
National Circuit
Forrest 2603
+61 2 6295 1052
The Jewish Memorial Centre opened in 1971 to serve as a memorial for the Australian Jewish soldiers of World Wars I and II. The synagogue serves both the Jewish Orthodox and Liberal communities and those visiting the Jewish Embassy.
K
Kingston Old Bus Depot Markets
Old Depot Building
Wentworth Avenue
Kinston 2604
+61 2 6295 3331
In the seventeen years since its establishment the Kingston Markets have grown to host over 200 stalls each week, supporting local and regional artists and craftspeople from the region. Visit the Prime Gourmet stall to collect some Pukara Olive Oil from the Hunter Valley. The depot trades every Sunday, and Saturdays through December.
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National Library of Australia
Canberra 2600
+61 2 6262 1111
Twenty-six million is quite an incomprehensible number, but that is how many pieces are stored in the National Library's manuscript collection. Inquisitive visitors can gain access to Captain James Cook's journal, written during the voyage of the Endeavour, or the diaries of explorers Burke and Wills. If you wish to view these items of historical note, the Manuscript Librarian considers it a wonderful display of good manners to phone ahead.
M
Manuka Swimming Pool
New South Wales Crescent
Manuka 2603
+61 2 6295 1349
An Art Deco pool that has witnessed the evolution of swimsuit fashion over its 81 summer seasons. Little else has changed since it was built; save for the unfortunate invention of the men's snugly fitting Speedo. Canberrans that paddled as children in the pool's fledgling years still swim laps today, known around town as the Conehead Society. Join them from October until the autumn sun signals it's time to hop out of the water.
N
National Portrait Gallery
King Edward Terrace
Parkes 2600
+61 2 6102 7000
So much Australian history – renowned or little-known – can be traced back to a face and, painted, photographed, sculpted or drawn, many are here on display. The gallery offers programs and workshops for all ages, encouraging involvement in exhibitions and the acquisition of portraits by private collectors. Other than consistent artistic stimulation, an annual membership brings multiple perks, including a subscription to the quarterly Portrait magazine.
O
OPH, Double Happiness
King George Terrace
Canberra 2600
+61 2 6270 8156
If there's one thing that's best served doubled, it's happiness. In the summer months this functions as an evening bar installed in Old Parliament House. Negronis with a side of wood-fired pizza are mandatory.
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Podfood
12 Beltana Road
Pialligo Plant Farm
Adjacent to Canberra Airport
+61 2 6257 3388
The word 'pod' may have been commandeered by the technologically fanatical, but here it's still reserved for nature's use. In the gardens of Pialligo Plant Farm - a pocket of dense greenery in the middle of the city - tables are set among the flowers and trees. Weekend breakfasts favour early risers, served only until 10am.
Q
The Q
Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre
Rear, 253 Crawford Street
Queanbeyan 2620
+61 2 6285 6290
The political presence in Canberra lends a certain squareness to the city, but only to those unaware of its thriving arts scene. The Q offers hundreds of seats as an invitation to experience performances, dance and artistic exhibitions as well as the impressive architecture that surrounds.
R
Refined designs, Design Craft
Corner of Monaro Highway and Sheppard Street
Hume 2620
+61 2 6290 4900
To visit Design Craft is an exercise in both pleasure and pain: joyous in that so many objects borne of perfected skill, sharp attention to the finest detail, and a diligent process of refinement are found in one space; frustration in that unless you reside in the showroom, you cannot possess them all.
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Southside Farmers Market
Woden CIT Campus
Corner Hindmarsh Drive and Ainsworth Street
Philip 2606
+61 432 024 281
Why do supermarkets when you can do Southside? Stone fruits, macarons, take-home African dishes, free-range eggs and a decent seafood selection are all available on the one basketball court. The sought-after Capra Goat's Cheese from Bairnsdale appears on the first Sunday of the month.
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Tilley's Devine Café and Gallery
Corner Brigalow and Wattle Streets
Lyneham 2602
+61 2 6247 7753
One the best spots to enjoy live music in the capital, this venue, established in 1984, now consumes an entire block of Lyneham. And the hostess' rules: no smoking, no children, no raucous behaviour.
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Urban Pantry
5 Bougainville Street
Griffith 2603
+ 61 2 6162 3556
Visiting Melburnians may find solace here in an honest cup of coffee and the grounded, well-informed staff. Secure an outdoor table and order from the large blackboard of produce-driven daily specials, before browsing the selection of local products on offer inside.
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Vineyard Majura
Mount Majura Wines
RMB 314 Majura Road
Majura 2609
+61 2 6262 3070
This vineyard's Tempranillo is a fine example of the Spanish varietal's delicious balance between piquant minerality and a heady, berry bouquet. Fitting, as the site was first identified by Edgar Riek, who noted the abundant presence of limestone on the property.
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War Memorial
Treloar Crescent
Campbell 2612
+61 2 6243 4211
An unrivalled account of, and monument to, Australia's role in the wars of the twentieth century. Gallipoli, Kokoda and Changi are undoubtedly Australia's best-known war tales; however, the memorial assists in filling in the significant blanks that exist in many people's knowledge of Australia's pivotal part in other world conflicts.
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Exhibitions at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Galleries
Parkes Place
Canberra 2601
+61 2 6240 6411
Bear witness to some of the oldest and most distinguished pieces of art from Australia's indigenous inhabitants. As the gallery's website notes, in spite of significant change and diversity in contemporary Australia, Aboriginal art retains a fundamental unity of inspiration, grounded in the symbiotic relationship between people and the land they inhabit.
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Yarralumla
Government House Canberra
Dunrossil Drive
Yarralumla ACT 2600
+61 2 6283 3533
The official residence of the Governor General which, at present, is home to the diminutive former lawyer, Her Excellency Quentin Bryce. It was in the study of Yarralumla in 1975 that Sir John Kerr dismissed then-Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam. The Governor's residence is open to the public on selected days during the year, it's advisable to phone ahead.
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Australia-New Zealand War Memorial
Treloar Crescent
Campbell 2612
+61 2 6243 4211
Made from materials native to Australia and New Zealand, the War Memorial is an embodiment of the unified peace efforts of Australian and New Zealand soldiers who have fought together on foreign soil. The paving under the western handle of the memorial was designed by Arnhem Land artist, Daisy Nadjungdanga, while the eastern side was completed by New Zealand's Toi Te Rito Maihi and Allen Wihongi.