Canberra

I’m going to be completely honest. If someone had asked me what the capital of Australia was, I probably would have said Sydney. Or Melbourne. I only learned it was Canberra while working on my travel itinerary.

Much like D.C., the Capital Hill area is where you can visit Parliament (even sit in on a session!), the National Library (where I did a Behind-the-Scenes tour), and multiple museums, all within a pleasant walk from each other. Every museum also does free tours following certain themes or focusing on specific exhibits, so check their websites before you go for times and days.

The National Gallery of Australia reminded me a lot of the MOMA in New York, just based on the variety of art they had on display covering almost every time period, and the artists who held pieces there. Most of the museums I visited while in Australia had a lot of indigenous inspired exhibits, and this one was no different. I think between the National Gallery and the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney, this one had a larger collection of contemporary, and post-modern art. Warhol, Pollock, Holzer, Kruger, Rauschenberg, Sherman… these names may or may not mean anything to you, but these were all artists I learned about in one of my favorite classes in college. While I’ve seen some of each of their pieces before, I’m never any the less stoked to see their work.

I wish I had taken more photos of the Frank Stella prints they had on exhibit. I had that whole area of the museum to myself for a bit. So colorful, and so fun. I can’t not mention James Turrell as well. He plays with light and space, and most of his pieces are site-specific installations that are really meant to immerse the audience. I’ve experienced his work in New York, Japan, Las Vegas, and now Australia. He had one of his “Skyspace” piece in Canberra. It actually took me a little while to find it… let’s just say I ended up taking the scenic route through the Sculpture Garden. No regretz, though. It ended up being a really peaceful stroll, as there was a really nice view of the lake.

The sky was mostly clear that day, but I saw a bird every now and then fly by through the skyspace. The viewing chamber is surrounded by the sounds of running water, and if you are lucky enough to enjoy one of his skyspaces by yourself… just enjoy it. I found it to be a very meditative experience.

An acquaintance of mine, Lean, lives in Canberra, and she sent along a list of recommended places to dine at that I took full advantage of! Avo toast is a really common breakfast food, and I had a really great start to my day at Barrio.

For dinner one night, Pizza Gusto served a super yummy thin-crust pie, with Frugii for dessert. My last day in Canberra, I actually had Frugii three times. Can’t stop, won’t stop this sweet tooth! I mean, they also had really unique seasonal flavors I just had to take advantage of (blue cheese, and black truffle anyone??!)

En route to Canberra, I was seated next to a delightful lady by the name of Linette. We chatted and clicked really well, and we ended up staying at the same hostel. To Lean’s recommendation, we got dinner and drinks at “THE BEST” place in town, Bar Rochford. Like a speakeasy, it was a bit difficult to find, but once you’re there, it does not disappoint. I’m still thinking about their pumpkin and miso! Yum.

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After a few days in Canberra, I headed back to Sydney for my last weekend where I reconnected with my host, Hang. While I do wish I could have stayed longer and made it over to New Zealand, and after receiving the same reaction from all the locals who learned I was only there for a couple of weeks (“you’re only here for TWO weeks?!?”), I absolutely have to come back. There’s a whole lotta outback just waiting to be explored. C;