I have seen some great art works before in many galleries and museums around the world, but it was nice to see such master pieces in the NGA.
Whilst in Canberra we stayed at the YHA, I'm a big fan of the YHA in Australia. They are cheap, clean, there is one located nearly everywhere, the staff are great and it's a great way to meet new people and fellow travellers!
The YHA in Canberra is located on Akuna Street, which is literally in the heart of the city. If you love food, then there are plenty of restaurants spread around the building. If you love shopping, then Canberra City Centre (the shopping mall) is a 2 min walk. All the major attractions are very close by, and if you feel like it, you can hire a bicycle for the day and ride around (which it appears most people do)!
You can pick up a bed for around $28-$35 a night (depending on the circumstances – dorm, share, twin etc…). There is a bar connected to the YHA, underneath it, called the Transit Bar. Great Cocktails and good shots, both of which are reasonably priced! The bar staff are incredibly friendly and love to have a chat! Ask them to make you a special cocktail – They are great at it!
All the 'big' tourist places are located locally around each other. If you find you can’t find a specific building or venue that you want to visit, I found that... you can just spin around and look down a main road, chances are you will be facing some type of tourist hot spot. Canberra should be called the ‘City of circles and other round things’. The traffic is non-existent, it’s the myriad of round-a-bouts and one way streets the gets me confused!
YES, I FOUND IT DIFFICULT TO DRIVE IN CANBERRA!
Why, GPS...without the GPS I was fine, with it, a nightmare! As mentioned, there are a lot of round-a-bouts in Canberra, which aren't an issue, unless your GPS tells you to go down a 'one-way' street or directs you down the wrong turn off. Turn it off and follow the signs!
The NGA is an amazing place, full of incredible artworks. As mentioned we went for the Renaissance exhibit, which was beautiful. I think we spent a good 2-3 hours wondering through the halls, I could have spent another 3 hours there, but with only 2 days in Canberra, I had to get a move on.
It is also worth noting the Old Bus Depot Markets - These are what markets use to be like in Sydney. Fresh food, artisan produce, craft and home-wares, all made by the vendors. The markets are located in Kingston which is a little drive (5-10min) from the city centre, but worth it. Next door to the markets you will find Canberra Glassworks, so many amazing intricate pieces. There are also free tours that you can join that take you through the workshop and explain all thing 'glass'.
Things to check out...
- National Library of Australia
- Questacon
- Canberra Museum and Gallery
- National Portrait Gallery
- Canberra Glassworks
- Old Bus Depot Markets
- Capital Hill/Parliament House
- Black Mountain Tower (commonly known as Telecom Tower)
