Photographing the Capital – A Creatives Guide to Canberra –

A Creatives Guide to Canberra, Australia

Let’s paint an image. As the solar rises, light ripples begin to sparkle as they hit the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. The day forward will probably be full of 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 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.

Before we get began, I wished to say one factor that enhances my love for Canberra. It’s deliberate.

Back 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 location, proposing to put town between three mountains, Black Mountain, Mount Ainslie and Mugga Mugga.

Due to this design, the lake acts as a central level with every suburb to the north and south performing like small village facilities. Large avenues encircle Parliament House 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 comfortable, all you have 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!

Below you’ll discover locations to hunt inspiration, {photograph} and discover Canberra’s pure magnificence. Image samples for every location famous are included and have been captured in early October. As a seasonal metropolis, you’ll discover attractive autumnal tones in April/May, snow sprinkles on the encircling mountains in winter and florals of some form 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 all the things is. I wish to assume you may get nearly wherever inside 10minutes, which makes dashing to {photograph} sundown, good and straightforward!

The Natural Wonders –

Rejuvenate, Relax 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 Garden to Government House, you’ll be handled to established bushes, parkland and florals of all shapes and shades. If photographing flowers brightens your day, the English Garden discovered on the finish of Robert Boden Grove must be on the high of your checklist. Varied species bloom all year long and mix alongside bigger bushes and textured trunks.

Time your stroll for an hour earlier than sundown to get pleasure from a wander with loads of time to put your self within the excellent place for sundown. Continue alongside the trail which runs between the shoreline and Royal Canberra Golf Club. Kangaroos are often sighted on the greens whereas birds will provide you with loads of possibilities to listen to their track and seize their feathered brilliance.

Toward Government House, there’s a bridge providing a phenomenal photograph alternative, personally although, I really like somewhat spot by the reeds nearer to the English Garden. 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 National Arboretum

For backyard lovers + nice views

Tracks and trails weave between the forests and gardens of this botanical wonderland, simply 10minutes west of Parliament House.  Covering over 250 hectares, the arboretum is among the world’s largest residing collections of endangered, uncommon and important bushes. Not solely will it make inexperienced thumbs comfortable, it’s perched excessive above town, providing photographers the perfect alternative to seize some stunning photographs over Canberra and Lake Burley Griffin.

For the very best angles, first head straight for the Himalayan Cedar Forest for an amazing vantage level trying towards Government House. Using the Californian Fan Palms, shoot with a large aperture to border the home, one among my favorite strategies when working with crops!

Stop by the Village Centre to gaze upon the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection, full of ornate potted beauties courting again lots of of years. Next up, enterprise alongside the Dairy Farmers Hill monitor (2.3km) or proceed driving alongside Forest Drive and park somewhat 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 tender 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 mountaineering and wildlife

Experience 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. Grab a map on the customer centre then when you’re by the gate, cruise round to get pleasure from 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 phenomenal reminder of how beautiful the Australian bush is. Wander by 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.

Also preserve 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 somewhat 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 may be seen from a platform a brief stroll from the automobile park.

Practice your lengthy publicity images right here by setting your digital camera with a gradual shutter pace to blur the water and permit the rock textures to shine by. Visiting within the afternoon will make this somewhat simpler and keep away from robust daylight over the water. If nevertheless you’re hoping to see the scene all lit below broad daylight, time your journey for earlier within the day earlier than the solar dips behind the encircling mountain peaks.

Photo 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. Be positive to pack your zoom lens if this angle pursuits you!

#05 Mulligans Flat

Where the (tiny) wild issues roam

Quite the hidden gem, Mulligans Flat is tucked above the brand new suburb of Throsby in Canberra’s north, simply earlier than the NSW border. Originally farmland, the reserve is house to a few of Australia’s most susceptible and endangered species together with the Eastern 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 corresponding to foxes, rabbits and deers, offering a protected house for the wildlife to thrive and regenerate. At first look, the fences and gates could seem somewhat off-putting, however these are in place for the good thing about these tiny creatures that decision Mulligans Flat house. Read extra in regards to the conservation work right here.

Photographers have a tendency to go for one spot particularly, the wetlands. A group of enormous useless bushes type 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 Street with loads of automobile parking out there. On the drive in, it’s possible you’ll discover the road names of Throsby resemble the marsupials residing inside the reserve!

For the very best photographs, take a wander alongside the boardwalk towards the wetlands near sundown. Kangaroos will probably be out and about, the sky will illuminate and reveal photograph alternatives throughout the wetlands. Depending on the time of yr you go to, you’ll discover they’re both vigorous, or dry and crusty…each providing the possibility for an amazing panorama shot. Just to notice, in the event you’ve solely acquired 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}.

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The Monuments –

Show stoppers and scenic sights

#06 National Carillon + Kings Park

For somewhat historical past, music and shoreline views

A stunning spot to go to alongside the shores of Lake Burley Griffin is Kings Park. Family pleasant, straightforward to entry and very best for sundown and dawn it’s additionally house to the National Carillon, a musical monument.

The Carillon is discovered on Queen Elizabeth II Island and was gifted by the British Government to rejoice the 50^th 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.

Along the shore of Kings Park you’ll discover my favorite bushes of Canberra, the weeping willows. Found 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 National Carillon. Even higher of the daylight shines by within the late afternoon!

#07 Commonwealth Park

Blooms and the very best views

Home to Floriade annually, Commonwealth Park is centrally positioned and provides unbelievable views in direction of the principle sights of Canberra. From the park, you may see the National Library of Australia, National Carillon, throughout to Questacon (a should for science lovers + youngsters!), the High Court of Australia and galleries. Of course, Parliament House can also be peeking above the skyline too! It’s an amazing place to {photograph} at dawn and sundown.

The Captain Cook Memorial Jet blasts water as much as 152m above the lake and in the event you’re standing at Regatta Point, you’ll you’ll want to get somewhat spray if the wind is blowing, very welcome on a summers day! The memorial was formally inaugurated in 1970 by Queen Elizabeth.

#08 Old Parliament House

Step again in time

Located on Camp Hill, positioned as a result of successful design by Walter Burley Griffin in 1912, Old Parliament House is one among my favorite buildings in Canberra. From Rond Terrace on the northern facet of Lake Burley Griffin, you may see immediately towards the constructing, with the present Parliament House peeking out from behind and above.

The placing white exterior holds a few of Australia’s most fascinating tales and historic moments inside its partitions. Not solely might the partitions speak, the development contains timber from almost each state of Australia to mirror the federal nature and goal of the constructing.

If you’re liable to somewhat journey down reminiscence lane, take a stroll by the halls and workplaces of Old Parliament House. For anybody older than 34(ish), it’s possible you’ll assume all of it seems 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 Garden, and House of Representatives Garden. Both function roses, fountains and floral stuffed areas which were superbly designed to offer quiet retreats to sit down and take in the sunshine. By the tennis courts within the House of Representatives Garden are wisteria vines in bloom throughout spring and summer season with a vibrant purple color palette. The vines type the right backdrop to the Centenary of Women’s Suffrage Commemorative Fountain.

#09 Parliament House

A hidden hive of exercise

From afar you’ll possible see the massive spire and Australian flag earlier than you see any of the particular constructing. It can truly be fairly a sport to try to spot the spire from all corners of Canberra!

Parliament House feels illusive and hidden, and it’s considerably invisible from above with a grassy roof high. However, when you’re driving throughout Waterloo Bridge, you’ll begin to see it showing.

Inside are dazzling columns, you may attend Question Time and watch inside the House of Representatives, or, my choice, stand on the lawns in entrance and {photograph} the shapes, structure, tones and textures of this intriguing construction.

A variety of small automobile parking areas exist alongside Federation Mall, permitting you to shortly entry the lawns and seize photographs of the outside and entrance façade. Venture up the mall to the entrance forecourt to make use of the small pebbles and central fountain for foreground parts in your pictures too!

#10 The Australian War Memorial

Somber and important

Located reverse Parliament House on the northern finish of Anzac Parade, The Australian War Memorial is properly price a go to. Wander the museum to study previous wars and look at the spectacular assortment of memorabilia and dioramas, the element and depth of information is really exceptional!

The Commemorative Area inside the memorial is especially transferring. Wander the Roll of Honour the place brilliant purple poppy’s line the partitions above the Pool of Reflection and see the Eternal Flame.

Exploring the connection between battle and society and the commemoration of battle, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a placing and silent house to mirror. Behind the tomb, 4 11m tall pillars signify the platonic parts 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 Hall of Memory, 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 Last Post ceremony and listen to the bugle echo by the halls. The ceremony commences at 4:45pm day by day nevertheless you have 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 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.  

While the tower is presently closed for restoration, you may nonetheless {photograph} it from numerous factors across the metropolis. Capture reflections from Lake Burley Griffin, use crops and flowers to border its form from Weston Park or the National Arboretum!

Creative Spaces

#12 National Library of Australia

A quiet house

If you’re in Canberra and have to perform a little work, writing or wish to edit your pictures someplace calm and quiet, I can completely suggest the National Library of Australia. Canberra provides a variety of fabulous co-working areas within the metropolis, nevertheless I’ve at all times 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 paintings on show. There are loads of desks and research nooks on supply, my tip is to take a stroll round and suss out which spot feels probably the most comfy.

#13 National Portrait Gallery

Exhibitions and inspiration

Blending fashionable and conventional paintings, the National Portrait Gallery is a phenomenal house to spend a morning absorbing the work of proficient artists. Filled 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 strategies, strategies and types.

I used to be drawn to William Yang’s work and the photographic portraits of Robert Fielding, a up to date 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 Garden – National Gallery of Australia

One of my favorite locations to wander is the Sculpture Garden discovered on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, a part of the National Gallery of Australia. This open-air house is free to entry and you may go by 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 indisputably, Fujiko Nakaya’s fog sculpture ‘Foggy wake in a desert: An ecosphere’. Stand amongst the backyard as fog wafts by, making a whimsical scene like a fairytale. This explicit sculpture is simply in operation between 12:30-2pm day by 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 ‘Within without’. Just like photographers, James works with the medium of sunshine and this ‘Skyspace’ created in 2010, is a viewing chamber that explores the way in which we understand the sky. Light shimmers on the shallow pool, tonal parts 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 evening and day is at it’s most dramatic.

Where to Stay in Canberra –

Ovolo Nishi

Finding someplace to sleep must be a part of the inventive course of and I really 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 in and out. Located within the New Acton precinct on the northern shores of Lake Burley Griffin, it’s the perfect place to chill out, dine and base your self within the metropolis, simply 5 minutes from nearly all the things talked about inside this information.

Each room provides a dose of inventive character with restored classic furnishings mixing with luxurious décor, unique paintings 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 house to the Monster Kitchen & Bar, a eating expertise you have to have when visiting Canberra. Vegetarian share plates are created with native and seasonal produce to create a infusion of Japanese and Middle Eastern flavours, it’s a wow form of dinner!

Choose between room types that differ in dimension and daylight. If you’re in search of a dimly lit cosy house, go for the Cosy Atrium or go somewhat bigger and take a peek on the Creative Atrium rooms that overlook an inner atrium forest of reclaimed Tasmanian tree ferns. If you want extra sparkle and sunshine to get up within the mornings, I extremely suggest the Original or Creative Sun rooms, my choice for a phenomenal view, gentle and large King Bed!

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.

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Notable Extras

Fill your days!

Braddon Murals + Urban Art – This stylish suburb is house to large murals, cafes and bars. Canberra hosted its first city artwork competition in March 2022 and this noticed the streets remodeled into artworks. Head for Lonsdale Street!

Kingston – One of my favorite areas of Canberra, Kingston provides a stunning village ambiance and some blocks down, a contemporary lakeside boulevard with cafes and eating places. Ideal for morning walks alongside the lake, decide up a espresso from On-Lake Cafe or Bean & Table and wander by Bowen Park in both path. There’s a stunning little bookshop in Kingston too referred to as ‘The Book Cow Kingston‘.

Muse Canberra – A wonderful mix of books, meals and wine with common occasions, guide launches and writer 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.

High 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 Before Ten – Perhaps 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 find out how to brew your personal kombucha, espresso, make cheese or cocktails! Check out their areas + cafe particulars right here, my decide is Aranda.

Meet Gather Collect – Downstairs from Two Before Ten Aranda is that this beautiful little reward store referred to as Meet Gather Collect, such a superbly curated retailer of inventive goodies! Inside you’ll discover customized furnishings, vogue and presents created by Australian artists, designers and makers.

Namadgi National Park – Giant boulders and mountaineering trails await at this attractive nationwide park, bordering Kosciuszko National Park within the south-west of the ACT. Unfortunately I wasn’t in a position to go to on my latest journey, nevertheless it’s on my to-do checklist subsequent time and in the event you go to earlier than me, ship me a photograph! Visit this web site for extra particulars.

Hot Air Ballooning – Last, 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 photos of the balloons hovering above the lake as mist wafts under. There’s additionally an annual balloon competition, subsequent yr it’ll be held from 12-Twentieth of March, 2023, extra data right here.

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Mapped For You

Canberra for Creatives – Google Map

If you’re a daily reader of The Wandering Lens, you realize very properly how a lot I really like a superb map. Below you’ll discover an interactive Google Map the place I’ve famous all of the spots talked about inside this information to Canberra. You can open it up within the Google Maps app for simple entry when you’re travelling round.

Enjoy your time in Canberra in the event you get an opportunity to go to, and in the event you uncover wherever not talked about inside this information, please observe it within the feedback under!

To learn extra about what Canberra can supply, go to the Visit Canberra web site for extra data.

Please observe, a part of this journey was attainable as a result of help of Visit Canberra nevertheless all opinions, suggestions and recommendations are my very own.

 

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