It's not fashionable to like Canberra but we in the EasternMax clan like to buck this trend. And so with our bikes firmly attached to the Volvo we headed off to our capital city this weekend just past.
Canberra is a bike-lover's city. There are dedicated bike paths everywhere. Even the police at Parliament House were on bikes. In the picture above we are cycling past the parade of former Australians of the Year. These bollards lie in waiting for future awardees.
After crossing Commonwealth Avenue Bridge we cycled around to the the point where the Australian War Memorial lines up with Old and New Parliament Houses.
After crossing back over the Kings Avenue Bridge we cycled around the Parliamentary Triangle. We've seen the standard Canberra sights a few times but checking out the Parliamentary Triangle by bike is definitely the best.
Looking from Old Parliament House towards the Australian War Memorial via the Aboriginal Tent Embassy.
While Blossom and Firegazer lay on the grass with our bikes Padawan Learner and I went into Parliament House. The kids have been here twice before but PL was only 5 last time and doesn't really remember it. Last week he gave a talk at school about Parliament House and was keen to see if his 'talk was right'. I think this time he will remember it - he took great interest and was most pleased to run around on the grass roof under the flagpole.
Some may beg to differ but this building takes my breath away. I love every element of its design from the forecourt mosaic to the bespoke furniture. Finished just over 20 years ago this building is a feel-good place no matter your political views.
16 comments:
I've only done the Canberra thing once. I'd love to go back, there was so much to see in such a small radius. Thanks for implanting the idea, I may have to work on that one!
Master A got his new mountain bike on Sunday so next time you make it down I know there would be at least 2 more junior cyclists wanting to join you.
That looks like an excellent way to spend a day. The views are stunning and I, for one, am always up for a history lesson. Very glad that PL "got his talk right." :-)
I grew up there, lived nearly 1/2 my life there and I loved it. Mr Brown & I used to cycle by the lake, and plot daring sausage raids on the bbq-ing families we used to pass. Never carried a single raid out, fear of burned fingers :)
I haven't been there since I was a kid, but it does look great for biking. Being so flat and all.
Lovely photos.
Canberra is very beautiful in Autumn. I'm quite at home in Parliament House, my Mum used to work there. I have quite a fondness for it.
(PS I don't dislike Canberra as fashion, I used to live there and although there are many fine things about the city, including bike tracks, I have a slight sense of claustrophobia every time I go back)
What a great day out for you all.
It has been many a year since I have visited our capital city - I'd like to visit again one day down the track. My parents like Canberra, especially my dad. He is a bit of a World War buff and appreciates all that stuff. Canberra is right up his alley.
Canberra is actually quite a fun place to visit once in a while. It's just so cold though...
Queenie's school camp this year is to Canberra!
They have just announced direct flights from t'ville to c'berra (no reason for that abbreviation, I'm just trying to be cool)We are considering taking a trip there. I doubt they'll let us hook our bikes to the back of the virgin plane though...
Hope his talk was fantastic and informative.
When I saw the pillars for the australians of the year, this thought popped into my head "Is the Marcus Einfeld one chained up?"
Then of course I realised that he was not an australian of the year, just a "treasure".
FYI peppermintpatcher, you can hire bikes on the lakeside from Mr Spokes Bike Hire
Amazing M.
I cycled around about Canberra once - actually on my way home from Melbourne ... to Sydney .
I almost gave up at Canberra (after cycling over the Snowy Mountains bitterly cold wind/rain ,sleet in mid December)
It was bicentennial bike ride and we had 2100 riders.
I'd love to be fit enough to take my little guys on a great bike ride one day.
What a lovely way to spend the day!
Those bikes are certainly getting a work out :) I can't wait to see where those bikes (and you) end up next
I'm embarrassed that I know so very little of our capital.
It looks wonderful in your pics.
I never knew it was fashionable to deride Canberra. Must be an Eastern State thing.
Thanks for dropping by and for all your comments since I got back. I'm so enjoying catching up with everyone now we're back on the net.
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