Top 21 ACT Hotspots Continued
by JENNY BREWER
11. Brindabella Ranges
One of Canberra's most well known parks, the Brindabella Ranges are only accesible by 4WD. There are day trips available which allow you to experience incredible animal and bird life, alpine mountainous scenery and rare vegetation such as the alpine tea tree. Covering over twenty thousand square kilometres stretching to the Snowy Mountains, this hidden treasure is screaming to be explored.
12. Snowy Mountains
The Snowy Mountains are a relatively short drive from Canberra, and worth every kilometre. Mount Kosciusko, Australia's highest peak, towers above the range which has been made famous by a number of great Australian movies. Breath taking panoramic views are complemented by a wide range of activities, such as horse riding, fishing, bush walking and snow skiing. The wild brumbies that roam the mountain slopes will make you feel completely detached from civilisation.
13. Wee Jasper Valley
Known for its limestone cave systems, Wee Jasper is rural Australia at its best, and is close enough to Canberra to make a day trip of it. Pass your morning fishing for trout or taking dips in the river before heading into the village for lunch. If you are after some adventure, make sure you join one of the many tours into Wee Jasper Caves. There is cave to cave abseiling involved, which is well worth the adrenaline rush to find some incredible underground caves.
14. Lake Burley Griffin
Canberra's most well known lake is surrounded by some of Australia's most famous landmarks. Bikes and skates are available on hire to enjoy the 35km shoreline with. Those interested on getting water bound can hire a boat from the Acton Park Ferry Terminal just north of the lake, and thrillseekers can go for a ride on the Captain Cook Memorial Jet. For a walk down history lane, Blundell's Cottage is found further east and is open to tourists all week. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the expansive beauty of this lake.
15. Cockington Green Gardens
Perfect for all ages, you will not find an experience such as Cockington Green Gardens anywhere else. This is a display of miniature buildings carefully constructed within landscaped miniature gardens. The whole family will be mesmerised by the attention to detail and architectural genius involved in building these unique, tiny gardens. Enjoy the English Village, Dolls House, Steam Train Ride, Garden Caf�� and International Display. Who knows, you may be inspired to start your own miniature designs!
16. CSIRO Discovery Centre
Focusing on science and technology, this centre has over 18 interesting and stimulating exhibits. There is an energy exhibit, biodiversity display focusing on conservation, 3D presentations, face recognition exhibits, haptic workbench, research into gene technology and an interactive laboratory. You will look at science in a new way after visiting this impacting attraction, and your kids are sure to benefit from its educational impact.
17. Tidbinilla Nature Reserve
With plenty of walking tracks, activities and rolling hills, Tidbinilla is only forty five minutes from Canberra. Wildlife such as wallabies and emus run wild, and there are beautiful views, especially from the popular Mt Stromlo. Make sure you visit the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex, located in the Murrumbidgee River Valley. This complex is a part of the NASA's Deep Space Project and is open to tourists year round. There is everything for the space lover - movies, interactive displays, and even a piece of moon rock. This is the ideal destination for a day trip.
18. Namadgi National Park
A fantastic getaway location, Namadgi can be found north of the Australian Alps. There are plenty of well marked trails for all fitness levels, and you can pack a meal and enjoy the tranquility of the mountains at one of the picnic spots. Horse riding, fishing, snow skiing and abseiling are popular activities, and there are a number of peaceful camping grounds if you want to stay a few extra days. The Namadgi Visitor Centre Visit offers theatre productions, and is a wealth of information about the park.
19. The National Portrait Gallery
You have the choice of two locations to visit at this unique attraction, Commonwealth Place or Old Parliament House. As they are only five minutes away from each other it is easy to see both if you wish. It is very inexpensive to visit ($5 for a family) and you will discover some of Australia's most historical portrait and photographic collections here, including Ned Kelly's famous mask! There are many international and national exhibitions held here so check before you arrive to time your visit well.
20. Old Bus Depot Markets
What is a trip to any city without a trip to the local markets? These are Canberra's most popular, visited by just as many locals as visitors and held every Sunday. You will find all selections of local produce, handcrafts, jewellery, toys, books and much more, and the uniquely local artists always draw a crowd. To reach the markets just find Wentworth Ave which is very close to central Canberra.
