Designed by Colonial Architect, Mortimer Lewis in the Greek Revival style, Berrima Courthouse is one of the must see buildings in Berrima New South Wales. Completed in 1839, it only operated for seven years. Subsequently the courthouse operated only occasionally as a courthouse. However, as the centre of public administration it was from here that licenses were issued to publicans and hawkers and convicts were assigned as farm workers. It was also a venue for meetings, dances, concerts and church services.
Now a museum, the courthouse contains displays illustrating its past. One room is set up as the judge’s chambers, with portraits of judges. The main attraction though is a re-enactment of a murder trial. Set in the courtroom, with manikins dressed as the judge, jurors and the accused, it details how the trial was run. Running on a 15 minute loop, the multi-media presentation was fun to sit through.
This was a quick fun visit and worth seeing if you are in Berrima. We had only intended on seeing the outside of the building, but as it was open so we saw the interior as well.
Berrima CourthouseThe CourthouseJudges ChambersExhibitsShacklesWhipsOne of many locks on displayThe Demonstration Trial
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
Canberra’s most popular attraction, the Australian War Memorial is an outstanding tribute to the men and women who have served in the Australian Defence Forces since federation. Access to some galleries is currently limited (2022) because the Memorial is undertaking a major renovation. During this period some exhibits are in storage. However, there is still a lot to see here, and a visit is highly recommended.
Outside and the Sculpture Garden
We arrived before opening time, so took the opportunity to look around the Sculpture Garden. There are two distinct areas. a grassed area with memorials and an area closer to the buildings with large military equipment on display.
Armoured vehicles used by the Australian Army on display include a Centurion tank from the Vietnam War, a Bushmaster and LAV armoured personnel carrier. Captured German guns from World War One are nearby.
Not far from here the old bridge of HMAS Brisbane is visible, along with its deck gun. The bridge can be accessed inside the memorial, where you can walk around the interior.
The sculpture garden has memorials to all branches of the Australian Defence Force from most conflicts. There are even memorials to the animals used by the armed forces. One is a memorial to all animals, having hoof and paw prints while another memorialises explosive detection dogs. Located near Poppies Restaurant this last one was our favourite.
LAV-25 Light Armoured VehicleCenturion Tank“Lest we Forget” Memorial originally from Camp Russell in AfghanistanAustralian Merchant Seaman Memorial “Survivors”Animals in War Memorial. with hoof and paw prints“Australian Serviceman” Bomber Command Memorial dedicated to Australian who flew in RAF Bomber Command during WW2Bronze sculpture “War”“Elevation of the senses” Explosives detection dogSir Edward “Weary” Dunlop
Shrine of Remembrance
Central to the whole memorial is the Shrine of Remembrance containing the eternal flame and tomb of the unknown soldier. The cloisters leading to the shrine contain panels engraved with the names of all those who have died fighting for Australia. This is a very sombre area, especially when you realise how many names are there. During our visit many had poppy flowers pinned to them.
Inside the shrine, beautiful stain glass windows represent the fallen, while the eternal flame burns in the pool of reflection.
The Shrine of RemembranceStain glass window in the Shrine of RemembranceOne of the Walls of Remembrance covered in poppies
Inside Australian War Memorial
World War One
From Gallipoli, the North African Desert and the Western Front, the displays here cover them all. A landing boat from the Gallipoli Campaign still filled with bullet holes greets you on entry, highlighting the dangers they faced.
Along with weapons and uniforms, dioramas bring the battlefields to life, showing what they looked like.
Landing boat from the Gallipoli CampaignBritish 4.5 inch howitzerWorld War One trench warfare dioramaDiorama of fighting at GallipoliWorld War 1 AIF Uniform
World War Two
Australians fought in many theatres of the Second World War, each of which is represented here. From Bomber command, where flight crews manned several bomber squadrons, to North Africa, the Atlantic and Pacific.
Captured German and Italian equipment, including a German BMW sidecar and an Italian tankette are on display here. Unfortunately, the larger displays such as the Lancaster bomber and Japanese mini-submarine that attacked Sydney Harbour are currently in storage. However, a Japanese Mitsubishi Zero fighter is there, hanging from the ceiling.
BMW R12 750cc motorcycle and sidecarL.3/33 Italian tankette captured in North AfricaMitsubishi A6M “Zero”Hawker Sea Fury
The Hall of Valour
Displayed in the Hall of Valour, the medals of many Australians tell a story of their bravery. Accompanied by a story and photo, each set shows what the servicemen endured and accomplished. Many of the Victoria Cross (Australia’s highest military award) recipients have their medals here. Many of these were donated by families wishing to have their deeds remembered.
The medals of Warrant Officer Class II Keith Payne
Conflicts 1945 to the Present
These galleries are only open at limited time, which unfortunately did not match our time in Canberra, Having seen some of them before, they are worth visiting if you are there at opening times.
What Did We Think?
Visiting here is a very moving and sombre experience. The Memorial shows the human side of war and how it affects both combatants and civilians. The human toll of war is emphasised rather than glorifying warfare. An amazing experience and rightfully the number one attraction in Canberra.
For other places to visit in the Australian Capital Territory click here
Dedicated to preserving Australia’s social history, the National Museum of Australia contains many unique and significant artefacts. Located in Canberra on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin, its distinctive because of its architecture.
Getting There
We drove and used the large carpark on site, although as with most Canberra parking, there is a fee. Entry to the museum is free, but entrance to any special exhibits incur a fee. During our visit, Ancient Greeks, a large display of ancient Greek artefacts was there, so we paid to visit this too.
Entrance
National Museum of Australia
The Gandel Atrium
This is also the entrance foyer, containing the giftshop and several displays. In the centre is a cast of Australia’s most famous dinosaur, Muttaburrasaurus. Nearby is Australia’s first car, the FJ Holden and a caravan, showing the affluence of the 1950s and the rise of industrialisation.
Situated just off the atrium is the café, where food and drinks can be purchased. We bought morning coffee and snacks here before moving on to other displays.
FJ Holden and Propert Trailaway touring caravanCast of Muttaburrasaurus langdoni
Landmarks Gallery
The Landmarks Gallery traces the social development of Australia from it’s early colonial farming to the current day. Important features such as the windmill used to pump water, harvesters and stagecoaches give way to mining and the stock market. We thought the most interesting item here was the very first Holden Prototype preserved in excellent condition.
Kenya station windmill from the 1920sSunshine HarvesterThoroughbrace Coach used by the Nowland family, 1860–80Backhoe rock shovel bucket from a Terex O&K mining excavator RH-120EHolden Prototype No. 1
First Australians
The First Australians gallery showcases aboriginal society from pre-colonial times to the present day. Artefacts including a full sized outrigger canoe represent Torres Strait Islander culture.
The post-colonial treatment of aboriginal people shows their disenfranchisement, loss of land and persecution. Although attempts have been made to remedy the wrongs of the past, a lot is still required for true equality. The displays here demonstrate the wrongs, often with personal stories from those who suffered.
Hatchet and an adzeBark hut from the Framlingham Kaori settlementMask from the Western Torres StraitDouble outrigger canoe named Kulbasaibai, 2000, from Saibai Island in the Torres Strait,
Special Exhibition Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors and Heroes
Open until 1 May 2022, Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors and Heroes contains many treasures from the British Museum. From statues to tiny coins and jewellery the displays were amazing. If you are in Canberra while this is showing, it is really worth going to. We have been to Greece but still enjoyed this display.
Woman of WealthFrieze from Halikarnossos Greeks vs AmazonsHeroic athlete or athletic heroAmphora depicting the KelesOlympic Discus Thrower
What Did We Think?
We loved the Greek display and would have visited just for that. The rest of the museum has a nationally important collection, which we found interesting. If you want to see the social history of Australia, it’s a great place to visit.
For other places to visit in the Australian Capital Territory click here
