Destination Intravention #15 - Canberra
INDIGENOUS: Canberra lays in the heart of Ngunnawal country. The name Canberra is believed to have been derived from the word Kambera, which translates to "meeting place" in Ngunnawal language. An appropriate name for our nation’s capital, although it is also known simply as “the bush capital” and with good reason. 1st June is Reconciliation Day, a special day designed to evoke conversation and nurture a deeper understanding of our country and our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. No matter where you are in Australia, you and the whole family can be involved. Muster the kids and make a pledge for reconciliation using the theme: “In This Together”. Share a photo of your pledge postcard or a video of your pledge using #ReconciliationDayCBR.
INTRODUCTION: We know parliament house is here, the National Gallery, the Carillion amongst other architectural masterpieces, many of which have been gracing Canberra postcards since the 60s and 70s. But today I want to show you a side of Canberra lesser known and some of the characteristics that make this meeting place unique.
INSIDER: My husband Julian, and I are no strangers to Canberra, visiting multiple times each year to see my brother in law Bryan Siu and his partner Ryan Erlandsen. Every time we visit, we discover something new. Despite our self-proclaimed expert status on Canberra, I called on Bryan and Ryan to share their best kept local secrets.
INDULGE: Canberra has exploded in recent years with speakeasy bars and gourmet cuisine experiences, each hailing their own signature flavour and flare. A taste for the senses night out in Canberra starts with elegant espresso martinis at The White Rabbit, followed by the freshest Japanese fusion at Raku, sumptuous sweet creations at Frugii Dessert Laboratory (I will have a Roasted Beetroot and Paprika ice cream please) and capped off with coveted cocktails at Molly's. And that is just in the city, Canberra’s suburbs are all within easy reach and reveal many more infamous dining precincts including: New Acton, the Kingston Foreshore and buzzing Braddon. The paddock to plate culture thrives in Canberra and Pialligo Estate is a fine example of where you’d think you are on a remote farm somewhere when in reality you are still in the city. When I asked the guys for what’s hot right now, expecting a fine dining suggestion I was told to take the light rail (Canberrans call these things a tram) to Gungahlin for Canberra's newest laneway burgers at Grease Monkey. (Image courtesy of Pialligo Estate).
INCLUSIVE: If you think exploring the city aboard your own private boat is only for the rich, think again. Canberra's Go Boat enables you to view Canberra's icons from a new perspective and you are the captain. With the highest standards of safety, you can relax as you cruise around Lake Burley Griffin in your environmentally friendly electric picnic boat. Starting your voyage from the Kingston Foreshore, pack your own picnic, or have a beautifully curated hamper of goodies delivered for you and your crew to enjoy on the water. (Image courtesy of GoBoat Canberra).
INSTA-WORTHY: You will think you have been dropped into a real-life game of Jumanji when you wake up next to a grizzly bed-fellow. By the way, I hope you don’t mind being watched when you take your bath. Jamala Wildlife Lodge is a luxury safari on steroids and I am sure this is where the wildlife come to see humans in their natural habitat. Embrace the thrill of close encounters with some of the world’s most dangerous and endangered animals in your private deluxe bungalow. uShaka Lodge even features its own private shark tank and the Reef Room is, well it is exactly what it sounds like. Guests can also meet the friendly zookeepers, enjoy private behind the scenes tours and an intimate animal feeding encounter. (Image courtesy of Business Insider and yes the bear is real).
INTIMATE: Think luxury glamping with a twist. Pack light as you will only need the bare essentials. Forget technology and wifi and disappear off of the grid. Naked Cubby Collective is situated amongst the vines of one of Canberra's renowned wineries. Reconnect with the important things including great food and wine and the invigoration that comes with not having to be clothed. Don’t worry this is private and secluded so it is just you and nature. I dare you, switch off the mobile phone and leave it in your bag, you won't need it here.
INTREPID: Canberra’s Dairy Road precinct offers cycling and pedestrian trails that run lakeside and through the Jerrabomberra Wetlands. But wait, Canberrans are an intrepid bunch and here is where they play hard. BlocHaus offers up some boulder sized challenges that will soon have you climbing the walls. For an alpine thrill seeker experience, VertiKal serves up a winter white adventure. After working up a sweat, Canberra's own brewery, Capital Brewing, will restore the “ahhhhh” after just one sip of ale. If its a hit of caffeine you need, the best coffee around can be found at ONA Coffee House. For those after some real powder, the NSW ski slopes are just an easy 2.5-hour drive away, which makes Canberra the perfect launchpad for your next ski adventure.
INSPIRATION: Remember what I said about Canberra being known as “the bush capital”? Bryan and Ryan, explain why. Bushland, wildlife and spectacular vistas are your neighbours wherever you venture in Canberra. Every corner has a nearby park to wander and the National Arboretum offers up one of the most panoramic views of nature you will find. Through Canberra's northern suburbs is Mulligan's Flat Woodland Sanctuary, where you can walk with kangaroos, wallabies and echidnas, and even search for the Sanctuary's reintroduced endangered species. Canberra is also home base for some incredible walks through Namadji National Park or Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Both will allow you to leave the city behind and experience the rugged and natural beauty that surrounds Canberra. (Image courtesy of Bryan Siu and Ryan Erlandsen).
INVITATION: Canberra is about a seven-hour drive north of Melbourne, or three hours drive southwest of Sydney. But why drive when you can fly direct with Qantas. Find out how you can earn points now on the ground and fly later. For more information see VisitCanberra