Things to do in Canberra - day trip to see snow?

W

wylie

We are tossing up where to go in the first two weeks of July. We love Katoomba and the Blue Mountains but wonder whether we should see Canberra.

We will have our 16 year old with us, so any ideas on how long we would take to see the "must see" things in Canberra would be great.

Also, if we did visit Canberra, is it an easy thing to get to the snow for a day or is it silly to try to do that in a day. I will not ski due to an old ski injury but the 16 year old would love to see snow, and he could probably manage a day on the slopes if we stayed one night or even just if we do a day trip. Hubby and I could watch him from somewhere warm and dry :D.

Is it too far to do a day trip?

Friends just returned from Canberra and said there is a fantastic gallery that is a "must see". What else? I'll google, but often first hand knowledge is helpful.
 
I only know then majors, but can recommend:

Portrait gallery, and national gallery. Good for all ages.

Go up Black Mountain, atop the Telecom tower

Stay in the train carriage B&B just out of town

The National Museum a very, very cool place.

Lakes around Kambah

I hear there is boat hire on Lake Burley Griffin.

Autumn is also the best time.

there are agricultural shows from time to time, never been to one


And wineries of course, for the grown ups.
 
My must sees:

Parliament House - try and go on a sitting day. Aside from the politics, it is a beautiful must see building. Allow an hour or two

War Memorial - allow half a day.


My maybe sees:
National Gallery of Australia and portrait gallery (both next to each other)

Museum of Australian Democracy (Old Parliament House) - is interesting to walk through the old building, including the PM's office.

National Museum - have been there for many events and functions, but have never looked through. Have heard conflicting reports.



Jindabyne is about 2.5hrs from Canberra. Can do a day trip but might be a bit tired to drive after a day at the snow. Other options include staying overnight at the snow or taking a bus. The bus trip is awesome and works out to be good value as you get ski hire and your lift ticket included.

http://www.murrays.com.au/Timetable.aspx?RouteCode=7

If you wanted to stay at the snow can highly recommend Lake Crackenback Resort - we've stayed there a few times. It is right next to the skitube. It is a bit expensive though.

http://www.lakecrackenback.com.au

If you are driving, there is an awesome Schnapps distillery on the Alpine Road just before you get to the skitube.

http://www.wildbrumby.com/
 
You can do a day trip to the snow. You can also do a day trip to the coast.

The yacht club in Yarralumla has one hour cruises of Lake Burley Griffin most afternoons. It's a good way to see the sites around the lake and have an afternoon beverage or two - http://www.cscc.com.au/location/yacht-club/

There are a few good winery type places on the outskirts where you can enjoy a nice lunch or cheese platter and try some local wine. The poachers pantry in Hall is always good - especially if the weather is nice - http://www.poacherspantry.com.au/

If you're here on a Sunday, the bus depot markets in Kingston are worth a look - http://www.obdm.com.au/

Cheers

Jamie
 
Thanks everyone. That gives me some food for thought.

The name Crackenback brought back memories... My first time skiing, second day, I was convinced to ski down the black run from the top of Mt Crackenback. Made it down in one piece without falling over. I was pretty impressed with myself :D.
 
Go check out Questacon.

If you want snow, check online to see if Corin Forest has snow (it doesn't always), as it is less than an hour's drive from the city centre.
 
VYBerlinaV8 said:
Go check out Questacon.

If you want snow, check online to see if Corin Forest has snow (it doesn't always), as it is less than an hour's drive from the city centre.
Click to expand...

The teens will like Questacon which is the National science and technology cetre and very hands on. Also has a big coffee shop for the adults.

Teens will also like the war memorial and choice of two coffee shops.
 
VYBerlinaV8 said:
OK, I'll let you in on a secret. The Central Cafe in Gungahlin. Order the mixed grill. Trust me on this.

:D:D:D
Click to expand...
Do they serve the same novelty size portions as the one in Queanbeyan? I remember going to the Queanbeyan one about 10 years ago and it was BYO. It was the first (and last) time I've seen so many people rock up to a restaurant with 750ml bottles of Jim Beam.

Cheers

Jamie
 
The same people. I heard a story that they sold the business in Queanbeyan complete with trade restraint clause, then opened Gungahlin coz the restraint didn't apply in ACT. Or maybe that distance away. All much to the annoyance of the Qbn people.

Both serve huge portions.
 
Jamie M said:
Do they serve the same novelty size portions as the one in Queanbeyan? I remember going to the Queanbeyan one about 10 years ago and it was BYO. It was the first (and last) time I've seen so many people rock up to a restaurant with 750ml bottles of Jim Beam.

Cheers

Jamie
Click to expand...

LOL...

But seriously, the AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL is world class. Actually the best in the world. I know I've been to most of them!:cool:
 
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