A day in Canberra (Part I)

It's been a few years since I've been to Canberra, largely for the reason that it gives off the vibe that there's not much to see and do there. However, some vocal friends beg to differ and reckons the capital of our country has more to showcase than just war museums, parliament house, and Questacon. 

That's what led my home girls and I to give it a second chance, spending our day off pre-clinic/work to make the three hour drive down to the quaint little city.

Floriade 2016

No doubt, one of the main events that happen in Canberra every year in Floriade, the annual spring flower festival. The main flowers they showcase is the tulip. Did you know that there are over 3000 registered varieties of that in the world? 

I regret only bringing the kit 18-55mm lens to snap these photos to share, because they definitely don't do them justice. But here are some of my favourites.

There were also some Purple Waterhen on the manmade lake, nesting and feeding their young. Again, I wasn't able to zoom in on them for a clear shot (time to go lens shopping?), but they were interesting to watch.

Overall, Floriade was a visual feast, and we could spend up to 3 hours there, looking at flowers as well as stall vendors at the small market on the side. There's a ferris wheel and a few carnival rides for kids. Live entertainment like string quartets and jazz music was around. Greyhound Rescue ACT brought out some hounds for a meet and greet. Promotion for adoption around the country has been quite heavy since NSW put the ban on dog racing. My family are also in the process of getting a pair as we do love having animals around.

Location: Commonwealth Park
Cost: Free entry and parking (but hard to find parking, so brace yourself)
Who: Flower lovers, families, couples, friends, it's also wheelchair friendly... basically anyone who wants a relaxing, lazy day.
Event dates: 17th September to 16th October 2016
More information: Floriade Website

Canberra Walk In Aviary

Now this one is not for the faint hearted or bird fearing. If you aren't, I absolutely recommend you go check it out if you're on your way in or out of town from Sydney. It's on the more northern end of Canberra rather than the town centre.

Species range from flashy golden pheasants to rainbow lorikeets to rather docile doves. You pay a small entry fee and the staff give you a bowl of apples and live mealworms to feed the birds.

The lorikeets were the most responsive and will perch on you to eat and interact. Be aware to not wear bobby pins and earrings though! My friend Helena wore some and a lorikeet landed on her head to play with her pins.

We stayed there for a little less than an hour to feed and observe the birds. It's rare birds are so social with humans but I suppose these see people day in and day out so it was heaps cool. Personalities ranged from curious to shy to friendly to bullying.

Where: Unit 13, 26 O'Hanlon Place, Federation Square, Gold Creek Village, Nicholls ACT 2913
Who: Newly wed to nearly dead and all in between, kids, people curious about birds
Cost for single admission: $12 adults, $11 concession, $9 children 4-16y.o. For full list, see website
Opening hours: September to April 10am-5pm all week, May-August 10am-4pm week round
Website: Canberra Walk In Aviary