10 Aussie Cheers for Canberra
I’m not a sexy cheerleader, but please, allow me to dance and cheer for Canberra, the lovely Capital City of Australia.
1. Parliament House
This is the focal point of Canberra that makes her so national and so Australian. Looks pretty grand and expensive, huh? But don’t worry, admission is free. And watch out, tight security. Ooo… do they have to scan all the pamphlets and brochures in my sling bag? Mind you, this is the elegant home of Australia’s Parliament. So you know, Julia Gillard and power-minded people are all gathered here. I love the location. Capital Hill. Well capitalized. Well manicured. It’s a symbol of Australia’s history. Designed to link the past. Established to cheer for the future. So yes, I say CHEERS for the Parliament House!
2. Museum of Australian Democracy
No joke. This building was once the home of Australia’s Federal Parliament. It used to be the heart of Australia. But in 1988, it was turned into a living museum and renamed Old Parliament House. No, I would call it Dead Parliament House. Everything is still in their original places, except for people. The haunting paraphernalia are well preserved. Old typewriters. Moldy rooms. Private corners. Nostalgic objects. National stories are written at every corner. It’s a ghost town. A democratic ghost town. It teaches me all about democracy. Very educational. So yes, CHEERS for the Museum of Australian Democracy!
3. Australian War Memorial
Irony is the word here. Behind this quiet and peaceful memorial, there lie the multi-layered stories which are not as quiet and peaceful. The spirits of Australian soldiers are hovering above me as I read their names along the Roll of Honour. Dance with me, they say. So I dance. At the Hall of Memory. At the ANZAC Hall. At this world-class museum. I can sense their fearlessness and courage during all those wars and conflicts. They did what they were supposed to do. We, the Generation of Peace, must hold dear this Peace that we currently enjoy. So yes, CHEERS for the Australian War Memorial!
4. National Museum of Australia
Okay, another museum! But look, the architecture is remarkable. From outside, it is a visual feast of vivid colours and surprising shapes and stimulating angles. From inside, it is a spiritual carnival of fascinating stories and interesting objects and colourful experiences. First Australians celebrate the long surviving years of indigenous heritage on this unique land. Australian Journeys connect me to all these daring people who brought their hope and faith to Australia. Their Australian Dreams are cherished and remembered. I know I’m not alone after all. So yes, CHEERS for the National Museum of Australia!
5. National Gallery of Australia
If the world were about to be destroyed by an alien race, I would recommend this gallery to be at the top of the World Government’s to-save lists. Pack and bury it somewhere in the deep ground and have it labelled: “Human Civilization for Dummies”. Serious. This place is committed to preserving the artistry and creativity and history of a human race. Browse the Southeast Asian art, for example, and be immersed with the eerie tombs and precious ceramics and disturbing sculptures of Hindu images and Buddhist cultures and Islamic textiles. So yes, CHEERS for the National Gallery of Australia!
6. Australian National University
Naturam primum cognoscere rerum. First to learn the nature of things. That’s the motto of this university. Indeed, as I walk through the university’s huge campus and admire more than 10,000 trees lining up at every corner, I begin to understand why this university has the highest ranking for universities in Australia. Relatively younger than the University of Melbourne, the university is unique on its own. It was founded solely on research. Just think of those five Nobel laureates. It is really a centre of excellence. A leader of a nation. So yes, CHEERS for the Australian National University!
7. Australian National Botanic Gardens
I have visited the botanic gardens in Melbourne, Sydney and Hobart. So, what makes this garden any different? Well, I can say it’s more natural. No make-up. No lipstick. No mascara. I suspect it’s designed this way so that it doesn’t have to compete with Melbourne’s or Sydney’s gardens. Fair game. I enjoy hiking the slope of the Black Mountain and exploring the winding bush tracks and encountering Australian native plants. Maybe I should specialise in plant sciences. But I don’t have to study very hard to appreciate the nature. So yes, CHEERS for the Australian National Botanic Gardens!
8. Lake Burley Griffin
If Melbourne and Sydney can boast with their river and ocean, respectively, Canberra can be proud of her lake. I have never seen an artificial lake this big. Walter Burley Griffin was a genius. This American architect won an international contest in 1913 and designed this lake and the whole Canberra. Today, this ornamental lake is a best friend for many Canberrans. Walk. Cycle. Sail. Dance. Wed. Kiss. Do whatever you like and be connected to the most vital form of life – water. If there were a competition to design a Heaven, I would copycat Griffin’s plan. So yes, CHEERS for the Lake Burley Griffin!
9. National Carillon
I’m particularly interested in this object, standing out from any other objects in Canberra. From afar, it looks like a tall building, something like Maybank tower in KL. Maybe it is a memorial. But, surprisingly, it turns out to be a carillon. A musical instrument. A free-standing instrument. Wow. Can a musical instrument be this big? Is it working? Yes, yes. This carillon has 55 bells and chimes every quarter hour. Everyday. In fact, it’s a gift from the British government to Australia to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Canberra. As ABBA says, Thank You for the Music. So yes, CHEERS for the National Carillon!
10. Black Mountain Tower
If there is such a thing called an orgasm for Canberran story, this is it. Standing on the observation deck at the height of 195 metres above the mountain summit, I could enjoy the sweeping views of Canberra skyline. I was here at night, so the feeling was extraordinary, perfectly in-synch with twinkling stars above the sky and glittering lights from the city. This tower does not only heighten my physics, it also boosts up my spirit. At this height, I have finally proven some people wrong about Canberra. Who says there’s nothing to see in Canberra? So yes, CHEERS for the Black Mountain Tower!
And as they all say here – Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, OYE! OYE! OYE!
At the top of Canberra
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Cekmi,
You missed out others like the roundabouts, Red Hill, the mosque and the First Australian parliament tent! Anyways, cheers all around. purrrr…..meow!
Exactly! There’s so much to see in Canberra, right? In fact, I included Red Hill, the mosque and many other places in my itinerary but couldn’t make it. Will do it next time!
Mi, nak cilok gambar lagi ek, tu yg no 8.
Err,chantek la warna biru langit kat Australia (based on all photos in this web).
No worries. Australian sky is always amazing.
Love ur website.
Thanks dear (p.s. your comment sounds like a spammed comment I used to trash hehe)