This is a great, relaxing way to see the sights of Canberra while you cruise around Lake Burley Griffin.
We parked in the Questacon carpark, only a short walk from the jetty on Queen Elizabeth Terrace where we boarded the “Gull”. Conveniently located near a coffee shop, you can get a snack and coffee if you arrive early.
The boat takes you past many of the attractions of Australia’s capital while giving you a different view of them. The tour guide was very informative, going through the history of Canberra and most of the places we looked at.
Depending on the tour time, the Captain Cook Memorial Fountain may be operating, so you will get a close-up look of the water jet.
This was a fun, informative tour and would be a great introduction for anyone new to Canberra.
The GullWaterloo BridgeCaptain Cook Memorial JetAustralian Merchant Navy MemorialNational CarillonAngel of the NorthParliament House
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Driving through Bathurst on our way to the Newnes Industrial ruins we discovered the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum. Surprised to find such an important collection located in regional New South Wales.
The Somerville Collection
Containing over 5,000 objects, the collection was the life’s work of Warren Somerville AM. It features some of the finest and rarest specimens of mineral crystals and fossils from around the world. Somerville donated the collection to the Australian Museum to ensure it remained intact. It is now on permanent display in Bathurst not far from his residence in Orange.
The mineral collection contains samples from over 100 Australian mines as well as international locations. Somerville traded samples from Australia to obtain the best available overseas. The minerals on display are amazing with spectacular crystals and colours.
MalachiteCrocoite Calcite and Carbonate Mineral DisplayUranocircite – Uranium MineralAzurite with ChrysocollaScoleciteCrocoite
Fossils
Also part of the Somerville Collection, the fossil collection contains three dinosaurs, unique Australian opalized fossils and numerous examples from every stage of life on Earth. Dominating the collection is the Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton because of its size. You are able to get up close to the display, because a small mezzanine floor is at T-Rex skull height.
The most unique fossils there are two plesiosaurs because their bones have been opalized. This is very unusual and was great to see.
Crinoid FossilFish FossilsAmmonitesAmmonites CollectionTrilobite FossilOpalized Plesiosaur SkeletonTyrannosaurus Rex SkeletonAlbertosaurus SkeletonTyrannosaurus Rex Skull
Albert Chapman Collection
Temporarily housed in Bathurst while the Australian Museum in Sydney is refurbished, the Albert Chapman Collection is a great addition to the Sommerville Collection. Considered one of the top ten collections in the world, it was purchased by the NSW Government in 1988.
Not only are there minerals from many Australian mines, but many important international specimens are included.
It was great to be able to see the collection in Bathurst, but will be even better when housed in its new display at the Australian Museum.
MalachiteRhodochrosite Display
What Did We Think Of the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum ?
A great place to see two world-class collections, especially if you are interested in geology. Even if you just want to marvel at how some of the crystals could have formed, it’s worth going to. Of course, the T-Rex and dinosaur skeletons are a big drawcard and really make the visit interesting.
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Driving from Mittagong to the Mount Gibraltar Lookouts takes you past some spectacular houses, although if you’re driving you may not see much of them. This is because the road is narrow and windy, so you need to pay attention to the road.
At the top of the hill, one of the residences has an old cart outside, so we stopped to take a photo of it. Further around, Mittagong lookout provides views over the town. Parking is on the road and limited, so you may need to drive around until you can find a spot. From the road, a stone path leads to the lookout. Here, a sandstone shelter and viewing platform overlook the valley below.
Not far from the first lookout, Jellore overlooks more of the valley. Again, parking is at a premium. At the lookout trees have grown, blocking most of the view.
The final stop (or first if you came from Bowral) is the Bowral Lookout. By far the largest, with picnic tables, garbage bins and a toilet it is the easiest to get to.
We didn’t find any of the views to be particularly special, although if you are in Mittagong, it’s something you can do to fill in time. The lack of parking and narrow roads are also a significant issue.
Old cart on Oxley DriveWeather Shelter at Jellore LookoutView from Mount GibraltarMittagong From the LookoutView over Mittagong
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
