Photographing the Capital – A Creatives Information to Canberra –


A Creatives Information to Canberra, Australia

Let’s paint an image. Because the solar rises, mild 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 artistic 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.

A Travel Guide to Canberra for Creatives and Photographers

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.

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

Again in 1912, a drawing by architect Marion Mahoney Griffin, on behalf of her husband Walter Burley Griffin, additionally an architect, received 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.

As a result of this design, the lake acts as a central level with every suburb to the north and south appearing like small village facilities. Giant avenues encircle Parliament Home and viewpoints are organized completely to level to one thing of curiosity. Symmetry and linear layouts of streets in locations makes my design centered mind joyful, all it’s essential to do is go to the highest of Mount Ainslie to see what I’m speaking about. The unique drawing is such a formidable piece of design to view!

Under you’ll discover locations to hunt inspiration, {photograph} and discover Canberra’s pure magnificence. Picture samples for every location famous are included and have been captured in early October. As a seasonal metropolis, you’ll discover beautiful autumnal tones in April/Could, snow sprinkles on the encompassing mountains in winter and florals of some type 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 every little thing is. I prefer to assume you may get virtually wherever inside 10minutes, which makes dashing to {photograph} sundown, good and straightforward!

The Pure Wonders –

Rejuvenate, Loosen up 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 Backyard to Authorities Home, you’ll be handled to established timber, parkland and florals of all shapes and shades. If photographing flowers brightens your day, the English Backyard discovered on the finish of Robert Boden Grove ought to be on the high of your record. Assorted species bloom all year long and mix alongside bigger timber and textured trunks.

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

Towards Authorities Home, there’s a bridge providing a stupendous photograph alternative, personally although, I really like a little bit spot by the reeds nearer to the English Backyard. The serenity, smells and surroundings will information to you discover your personal particular spot alongside this path, if you happen to can, go to twice throughout your time in Canberra, as soon as at sundown, as soon as within the morning!

#02 Nationwide Arboretum

For backyard lovers + nice views

Tracks and trails weave between the forests and gardens of this botanical wonderland, simply 10minutes west of Parliament Home.  Masking over 250 hectares, the arboretum is likely one of the world’s largest dwelling collections of endangered, uncommon and important timber. Not solely will it make inexperienced thumbs joyful, it’s perched excessive above town, providing photographers the best alternative to seize some stunning photographs over Canberra and Lake Burley Griffin.

For the most effective angles, first head straight for the Himalayan Cedar Forest for a fantastic vantage level trying towards Authorities Home. Utilizing the Californian Fan Palms, shoot with a large aperture to border the home, certainly one of my favorite methods when working with vegetation!

Cease by the Village Centre to gaze upon the Nationwide Bonsai and Penjing Assortment, full of ornate potted beauties relationship again tons of of years. Subsequent up, enterprise alongside the Dairy Farmers Hill observe (2.3km) or proceed driving alongside Forest Drive and park a little bit 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 observe as a comfortable 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 timber you will discover and the place!

#03 Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

For mountain climbing and wildlife

Expertise 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 because the Nineteen Thirties, an entry charge ensures the reserve is managed and maintained. Seize a map on the customer centre then when you’re by the gate, cruise round to take pleasure in brief 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 stupendous reminder of how beautiful the Australian bush is. Wander by alpine snow gum forests, spy platypus, lyrebirds and wallabies. {Photograph} the reflections of eucalyptus timber at Black Flats Dam whereas listening to a refrain of frogs and crickets.

Additionally preserve your eyes peeled for the Northern Corroboree Frog, whereas they’re now listed as critically endangered, their vivid yellow spots in opposition to black make them stand out a little bit amongst the inexperienced foliage!

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

#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.

Observe your lengthy publicity pictures right here by setting your digital camera with a sluggish shutter velocity to blur the water and permit the rock textures to shine by. Visiting within the afternoon will make this a little bit simpler and keep away from sturdy 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 encompassing mountain peaks.

Picture tip – on the drive as much as Gibraltar Falls, you get a fast glimpse from throughout the valley, I’d recommend taking a artistic shot right here utilizing the colorful leaves to border the falls. Be sure you pack your zoom lens if this angle pursuits you!

Gibraltar Falls, Canberra

#05 Mulligans Flat

The place the (tiny) wild issues roam

Fairly the hidden gem, Mulligans Flat is tucked above the brand new suburb of Throsby in Canberra’s north, simply earlier than the NSW border. Initially farmland, the reserve is residence to a few of Australia’s most susceptible and endangered species together with the Jap 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 a little bit off-putting, however these are in place for the advantage of these tiny creatures that decision Mulligans Flat residence. Learn extra concerning the conservation work right here.

Photographers have a tendency to go for one spot specifically, the wetlands. A set of enormous lifeless timber 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 getting into the reserve) alongside Shingleback Avenue with loads of automobile parking out there. On the drive in, you might discover the road names of Throsby resemble the marsupials dwelling inside the reserve!

For the most effective 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. Relying on the time of yr you go to, you’ll discover they’re both energetic, or dry and crusty…each providing the prospect for a fantastic panorama shot. Simply to notice, if you happen to’ve solely received 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}.

Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve


The Monuments –

Present stoppers and scenic sights

#06 Nationwide Carillon + Kings Park

For a little bit historical past, music and shoreline views

A stunning spot to go to alongside the shores of Lake Burley Griffin is Kings Park. Household pleasant, straightforward to entry and splendid for sundown and dawn it’s additionally residence to the Nationwide Carillon, a musical monument.

The Carillon is discovered on Queen Elizabeth II Island and was gifted by the British Authorities to have fun the 50th anniversary of Canberra. Surprisingly, you might hear it earlier than you see it, with 57 bronze bells carrying music to all corners of the lake.

Alongside the shore of Kings Park you’ll discover my favorite timber of Canberra, the weeping willows. Present in quite a few locations all through the parks and gardens of town, these timber act as stunning foreground topics for photographing monuments just like the Nationwide Carillon. Even higher of the daylight shines by within the late afternoon!

#07 Commonwealth Park

Blooms and the most effective views

Dwelling to Floriade every year, Commonwealth Park is centrally situated and presents unbelievable views in the direction of the primary sights of Canberra. From the park, you’ll be able to see the Nationwide Library of Australia, Nationwide Carillon, throughout to Questacon (a should for science lovers + children!), the Excessive Courtroom of Australia and galleries. In fact, Parliament Home can be peeking above the skyline too! It’s a fantastic place to {photograph} at dawn and sundown.

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

#08 Previous Parliament Home

Step again in time

Situated on Camp Hill, positioned because of the successful design by Walter Burley Griffin in 1912, Previous Parliament Home is certainly one of my favorite buildings in Canberra. From Rond Terrace on the northern facet of Lake Burley Griffin, you’ll be able to see immediately towards the constructing, with the present Parliament Home 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 may the partitions discuss, the development consists of timber from practically each state of Australia to mirror the federal nature and function of the constructing.

If you happen to’re vulnerable to a little bit journey down reminiscence lane, take a stroll by the halls and workplaces of Previous Parliament Home. For anybody older than 34(ish), you might assume all of it appears fairly acquainted at first, then you definately’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 Backyard, and Home of Representatives Backyard. Each function roses, fountains and floral crammed areas which have been superbly designed to supply quiet retreats to sit down and take in the sunshine. By the tennis courts within the Home of Representatives Backyard are wisteria vines in bloom throughout spring and summer time with a vibrant purple color palette. The vines type the right backdrop to the Centenary of Girls’s Suffrage Commemorative Fountain.

Canberra Photography Locations -39 Old Parliament House

#09 Parliament Home

A hidden hive of exercise

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

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

Inside are dazzling columns, you’ll be able to attend Query Time and watch inside the Home of Representatives, or, my desire, stand on the lawns in entrance and {photograph} the shapes, structure, tones and textures of this intriguing construction.

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

Parliament House, Canberra Parliament House, CanberraParliament House, Canberra

#10 The Australian Conflict Memorial

Somber and important

Situated reverse Parliament Home on the northern finish of Anzac Parade, The Australian Conflict Memorial is effectively price a go to. Wander the museum to find out about previous wars and think about the spectacular assortment of memorabilia and dioramas, the element and depth of data is really exceptional!

The Commemorative Space inside the memorial is especially transferring. Wander the Roll of Honour the place vivid pink poppy’s line the partitions above the Pool of Reflection and see the Everlasting Flame.

Australian War Memorial

Exploring the connection between warfare and society and the commemoration of warfare, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a placing and silent house to mirror. Behind the tomb, 4 11m tall pillars symbolize the platonic parts of water, earth, fireplace and air. The partitions are adorned with mosaics and stained-glass home windows, much like the Napier Waller mosaics discovered inside the dome of the Corridor of Reminiscence, 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 Final Put up ceremony and listen to the bugle echo by the halls. The ceremony commences at 4:45pm day by day nevertheless it’s essential 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 prefer 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.  

Whereas the tower is presently closed for restoration, you’ll be able to nonetheless {photograph} it from numerous factors across the metropolis. Seize reflections from Lake Burley Griffin, use vegetation and flowers to border its form from Weston Park or the Nationwide Arboretum!

Telstra Tower, Black Mountain Canberra

Inventive Areas

#12 Nationwide Library of Australia

A quiet house

If you happen to’re in Canberra and must perform a little work, writing or wish to edit your images someplace calm and quiet, I can completely advocate the Nationwide Library of Australia. Canberra presents plenty of fabulous co-working areas within the metropolis, nevertheless I’ve all the time 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 relationship again to the early 1900s and take in inspiration from the art work on show. There are many desks and examine nooks on supply, my tip is to take a stroll round and suss out which spot feels essentially the most snug.

#13 Nationwide Portrait Gallery

Exhibitions and inspiration

Mixing fashionable and conventional art work, the Nationwide Portrait Gallery is a stupendous house to spend a morning absorbing the work of gifted artists. Crammed with a rising assortment of labor consultant of our nation’s previous and current, it’s a beautiful perception into a large spectrum of artistic methods, strategies and kinds.

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.

National Portrait Gallery of Australia, Canberra

#14 Sculpture Backyard – Nationwide Gallery of Australia

One in all my favorite locations to wander is the Sculpture Backyard discovered on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, a part of the Nationwide Gallery of Australia. This open-air house is free to entry and you’ll 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 undoubtedly, 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 specific sculpture is just 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 ‘Inside with out’. Identical to photographers, James works with the medium of sunshine and this ‘Skyspace’ created in 2010, is a viewing chamber that explores the best way we understand the sky. Mild shimmers on the shallow pool, tonal parts and structural heights work collectively to change the sculpture all through the day. It’s prompt the most effective time to expertise the Skyspace is at daybreak and nightfall, when the transition between evening and day is at it’s most dramatic.

The place to Keep in Canberra –

Ovolo Nishi

Discovering someplace to sleep ought to be a part of the artistic course of and I really like searching for 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 inside and outside. Situated within the New Acton precinct on the northern shores of Lake Burley Griffin, it’s the best place to loosen up, dine and base your self within the metropolis, simply 5 minutes from virtually every little thing talked about inside this information.

Ovolo Nishi, Canberra Hotel

Every room presents a dose of artistic character with restored classic furnishings mixing with luxurious décor, unique art work 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 residence to the Monster Kitchen & Bar, a eating expertise it’s essential to have when visiting Canberra. Vegetarian share plates are created with native and seasonal produce to create a infusion of Japanese and Center Jap flavours, it’s a wow sort of dinner!

Select between room kinds that differ in dimension and daylight. If you happen to’re searching for a dimly lit cosy house, go for the Cosy Atrium or go a little bit bigger and take a peek on the Inventive Atrium rooms that overlook an inside atrium forest of reclaimed Tasmanian tree ferns. If you happen to want extra sparkle and sunshine to get up within the mornings, I extremely advocate the Unique or Inventive Solar rooms, my desire for a stupendous view, gentle and large King Mattress!

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.


Notable Extras

Fill your days!

Braddon Murals + City Artwork – This stylish suburb is residence to large murals, cafes and bars. Canberra hosted its first city artwork pageant in March 2022 and this noticed the streets reworked into artworks. Head for Lonsdale Avenue!

Kingston – One in all my favorite areas of Canberra, Kingston presents a beautiful village ambiance and some blocks down, a contemporary lakeside boulevard with cafes and eating places. Ideally suited for morning walks alongside the lake, decide up a espresso from On-Lake Cafe or Bean & Desk and wander by Bowen Park in both route. There’s a beautiful little bookshop in Kingston too known as ‘The Guide Cow Kingston‘.

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

Excessive Tea @ The Hyatt – Step contained in the heritage listed Tea Lounge to bask 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 Earlier than Ten – Maybe 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, additionally they host workshops educating you the best way to brew your personal kombucha, espresso, make cheese or cocktails! Try their areas + cafe particulars right here, my decide is Aranda.

Meet Collect Acquire – Downstairs from Two Earlier than Ten Aranda is that this pretty little present store known as Meet Collect Acquire, such a superbly curated retailer of artistic goodies! Inside you’ll discover customized furnishings, style and presents created by Australian artists, designers and makers.

Namadgi Nationwide Park – Big boulders and mountain climbing trails await at this beautiful nationwide park, bordering Kosciuszko Nationwide Park within the south-west of the ACT. Sadly I wasn’t capable of go to on my latest journey, nevertheless it’s on my to-do record subsequent time and if you happen to go to earlier than me, ship me a photograph! Go to this website for extra particulars.

Scorching Air Ballooning – Final, however definitely not least, if the circumstances are proper, deal with your self to a dawn sizzling air balloon flight over Lake Burley Griffin to see Canberra from above! I’m but to time it effectively, however have seen some beautiful photographs of the balloons hovering above the lake as mist wafts under. There’s additionally an annual balloon pageant, subsequent yr it’ll be held from 12-Twentieth of March, 2023, extra information right here.


Mapped For You

Canberra for Creatives – Google Map

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

Take pleasure in your time in Canberra if you happen to get an opportunity to go to, and if you happen to 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 Go to Canberra web site for extra info.

Please observe, a part of this journey was potential because of the assist of Go to Canberra nevertheless all opinions, suggestions and solutions are my very own.

A Travel Guide to Canberra for Creatives and Photographers

 

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