The capital of our nation has a decent share of treasures and interesting attractions and Giaan Rooney paid a visit to some of them. There's the National Library, National Art Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, National Archives and the National Film and Sound Archive for starters. There's also the Australian Institute of Sport, National Museum and the Australian War Memorial. There's also a couple of parliament houses. Questacon is the National Science and Technology Centre and it has lots of hands-on exhibits and is fun and educational.
Lake Burley Griffin was completed in 1963 and is named after Canberra's designer, Walter Burley Griffin. It is the centrepiece of the city and can be enjoyed in many ways. The lake and surrounding areas provide parks for picnics, walking and cycling tracks and there are areas for swimming. The lake itself is busy with people rowing, sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, dragon boating, fishing, paddle boating and model boating.
Mr Spokes Cycle Hire
Mr Spokes Bike Hire has been operating in the heart of Canberra for more than 20 years. They have great bikes for adults and children, and even have nostalgic pedal cars for families. They supply maps, locks, helmets and their local knowledge is backed up with maps. They also provide fantastic coffee and 18 flavours of gelato!
Giaan loved testing herself on the 35km cycle path. Along the way you will take in a large slice of the capital's main attractions and even discover some lesser-known spots.
The Deck at Regatta Point
Here's a rare place in Canberra. A cafe with panoramic views across the lake and Commonwealth Park. Dine al fresco on the massive wooden deck, or indoors and enjoy the views through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Stop by for breakfast before or after a good walk or cycle, a quick snack or a lingering lunch.
Lake Burley Griffin Cruises
After all the cycling and eating, Giaan decided to join the other people on the lake with Jim Paterson from Lake Burley Griffin Cruises.
It's a good idea to start your Canberra visit with a cruise. That way you get the feel of the city and get your bearings — and there are no roundabouts!
Cruises are scheduled to be close to the 110m water jet in the centre of the lake when it's spurting and to pass Aspen Island so you hear the bells of the carillon or Westminster chimes.
You will see the colourful flags of countries with diplomatic missions in Australia, Parliament House from a different angle and even learn interesting bits and pieces from the crew.
Location
Canberra, the capital of Australia.
Cost
Mr Stokes Bike Hire costs $15 an hour for adults and $10 for children. Four-hour rental costs $25-$20, full-day $35-25 and weekly $85-75. Escorted rides are available for groups. Check their website. They operate between 9am-5pm every day except Tuesday, weather permitting. In winter months they operate on weekdays between 10am-4pm. A photo ID of a person over 18 years is required.
The Deck at Regatta Point serves breakfast on weekdays between 9am-11am and from 8am on weekends. Lunch is served every day from 11.30am.
Lake Burley Griffin Cruises cost $15 for adults and $8 for children between 6-12 years. They operate every day between September and May and leave at 10.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm on weekdays plus 11.30am and 3.30pm on weekends and public holidays. Contact them for cruises between May and August.
Prices correct at December 3, 2009.
For further information
The Deck at Regatta Point
Barrine Drive
Parkes 2600
Ph: (02) 6230 7234
www.artisticfood.com.au
Mr Spokes
Barrine Drive
Acton ACT 2601
Ph: (02) 6257 1188
www.mrspokes.com.au
info@mrspokes.com.au
Lake Burley Griffin Cruises
jimbo@lakecruises.com.au
Ph: 0419 418 846
www.lakecruises.com.au
