Canberra: Where city culture meets scenic wildlife
Canberra is full of delightful surprises. Photo: VisitCanberra and Matt Witcombe
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If you asked around what people believe is the capital of Australia, many would think it’s either dynamic Sydney or brunch central Melbourne. But Canberra is the real political heart for Down Under, and has for years been overlooked for its administrative veneer.
But after being listed as the world’s third best city to visit in 2018 by Lonely Planet, the secret’s out that the capital hides a vibrant personality.
Feel the welcome of spring in the most colourful display, then eat fresh at farmer’s markets. Nature is at the footstep of the city, with a variety of forests, mountains, wetlands and more. It’s not an exaggeration to say that no Australian itinerary is complete without a visit to Canberra.
SMELL THE BLOOMS OF SOUTHERN SPRING
Known as the largest flower festival in the Southern Hemisphere, Floriade is a stunning month-long display that’s happening from Sept 14 to Oct 13 at Canberra’s Commonwealth Park.
Take a break and smell the flowers at Floriade. Photo: VisitCanberra
Thousands and thousands of blooms – think tulips, geraniums, pansies, irises, violets and the like – sweep endlessly across fields in elaborate designs. And if a million flowers aren’t enough of a draw, you can enjoy live music, horticultural workshops and even a gnome knoll competition that lets you unleash your artistic talent on terracotta gnomes to raise money for charity.
Nightfall evokes a different kind of magic, as strung-up carnival lights create a spellbinding effect at the Floriade NightFest. Taking place over four nights from Oct 3 to 6, the gardens will be transformed into an illuminated playground with pop-up performances, stage acts from acclaimed artistes, interactive light and audio installations, and a flood of foodie experiences.
A visual feast awaits at the Floriade NightFest. Photo: VisitCanberra and Martin Ollman
SAVOUR THE DELIGHTS OF LOCAL FARE
Speaking of foodie experiences, market-hopping is an absolute must-do in Canberra.
With more than 100 stalls, Capital Region Farmers Market is one of the largest regional markets in the Southern Tablelands. Photo: VisitCanberra
The Old Bus Depot Markets and Capital Region Farmers Market are excellent options to explore. From savoury cheesy crepes to spicy Ethiopian beef curry and authentic Jordanian fasolia (a rich bean stew with lamb and tomatoes), you’ll be presented with an insane variety of good eats.
The eclectic markets are also where you’ll find the freshest organic produce, beautiful artisanal crafts from local designers as well as quirky souvenirs, all wrapped up in a lively atmosphere. Support the small businesses here and get your taste buds and shopping bags ready for a treat.
Indulge in truffle delights. Photo: VisitCanberra
For those willing to get their hands a little dirty, race with a pack of dogs and pigs for some delectable truffles. The Truffle Farm is a homestead that has been supplying Michelin-star restaurants around the world with the perfumed delicacy.
SEE NATURE AT HER MOST DIVERSE
Canberra’s never short on scenic landscapes and colourful wildlife. Just 45 minutes from the city centre is Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, where emus, wallabies and kangaroos bounce around in 55 sq km of protected bush. Weaved throughout the park are bushwalking trails and biking paths for the adventurous, while others can choose to picnic at breezy spots or partake in some ranger activities.
Be awed by beautiful landscapes at Namadgi National Park. Photo: VisitCanberra and Matt Donovan
There’s also Namadgi National Park, a part of the Australian Alps right next door with 160km of marked walking tracks. Nestled deep within the park is a hidden living gem – the Bendora Arboretum, Canberra’s oldest surviving arboretum, where some of the trees are more than 75 years old.
Don’t forget to take along a pair of binoculars to Jerrabomberra Wetlands, part of the vast Canberra Nature Park, and spot the rich population of bird and wildlife there, including turtles, water dragons and platypuses.
To really feel the wild, get a dose of glamping set against the awe-inspiring Australian Alps. Taking place from Sept 27 to Oct 12 is Wildfest at Tidbinbilla, where you and your loved ones can stay in plush 6m bell tents under the stars and partake in ranger-guided activities designed to offer insights into the culture, wildlife and indigenous history of the Tidbinbilla Valley.
Go on hikes, roast marshmallows while listening to fireside tales, and learn about the unique species conservation and breeding programme for creatures such as the northern Corroboree frogs and the brush-tailed rock wallabies. The day-and-night activities will make for that ultimate immersion with some of these creatures.
For the ultimate sleepover, check out Wildfest at Tidbinbilla. Photo: VisitCanberra and Lean Timms
STAY WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE
Not enough time with the animals? Would a giraffe peering into your balcony work for you? At Canberra’s National Zoo and Aquarium, the Jamala Wildlife Lodge will have you rubbing noses with a tiger in your room – with a safety glass in between of course.
Close encounters of the wild kind. Photo: VisitCanberra
Vehicle safaris are so last millennium. This luxurious lodging – take your pick of treehouses or bungalows – lets you sleep right next to the animal enclosures. During the day, you can go on planned itineraries or the ZooVenture tours, where feeding a bear or patting a rhino will have you feeling like a bona fide zookeeper.
SENSE THE SPIRIT OF CANBERRA FROM A MOUNTAIN
Mount Ainslie Lookout has become one of the most popular vantage points to admire the city of Canberra. If it’s good enough for the great Walter Burley Griffin – Canberra’s famed city designer and planner – then it must be worth a look.
The spectacular view from Mount Ainslie. Photo: VisitCanberra
The panoramic vistas here are not just a great photo opportunity for landmarks such as the Lake Burley Griffin, Capital Hill or Black Mountain, but a chance for the visitor to take in Canberra’s natural beauty in its unadulterated entirety. Hike, bike or drive, experience this with extra awe at sunset or sunrise.
SOAR AMONG CLOUDS ON A BALLOON
Fancy admiring the full extent of Canberra’s architectural complexity from an aerial perspective?
Colourful hot air balloons over the National Arboretum Canberra. Photo: VisitCanberra and Matt Evans
Fly high with Balloon Aloft and take in the unique experience of flying over the city. With Canberra’s sprawling landscape unfolding before you, the sense of calm you experience will only be interrupted by the joy of witnessing such a spectacle. Canberra’s original balloon ride operator offers daily sunrise rides that conclude with an indulgent champagne celebration.
With Singapore Airlines’ promotional fares to Canberra starting at S$518, your next trip to Australia will be unimaginably fulfilling, no matter who you go with. Choose to experience the best of both cities by doing a stopover in dazzling Sydney before plunging into the diverse world of food, fun, flora and fauna in Canberra. Be sure to enjoy award-winning service up in the skies while keeping yourself occupied with more than 1,800 on-demand inflight entertainment options, including movies, TV shows, music albums and interactive games.
Plan your next visit by checking out these promotions from Singapore Airlines.
