Located a 40-minute drive from the centre of Canberra, ACT Australia, the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC) is an important part of NASA’s tracking network. Construction at the site in the Tidbinbilla Valley commenced in June 1963 and operations started in December 1964. Chosen due to it’s proximity to Canberra Tidbinbilla’s surrounding valley walls also shield it from stray radio signals.
Since it’s early beginnings, CDSCC has been integral to the success of the moon landings and space probes sent to the outer planets. As these probes travelled further from Earth, antennae have been upgraded and additional ones of greater diameter and therefore able to receive weaker signals added.
How to Get There
Driving is the only real option to get here, as there is no public transport. The complex has a large car park outside the front gate.
What to See
During our visit (February 2024) the visitor centre was closed so access into the site was unavailable. Despite this, the information board around the car park gave a great history of the CDSCC. Relocated near the entrance, several decommissioned tracking dishes are impressive because of their size. These dished are visible from the access road as you drive in.
Deep Space Station 43 (DSS-43)Deep Space Station 46 (DSS-46)Information BoardsDeep Space Stations 43 and 46
What Did We Think?
The setting of the huge dishes in the Australian bush is impressive and a great sight to see. Had the Visitor Centre been open the visit would have been better, but was interesting and education nonetheless. A great place to drop into, especially if you have visited Mount Stromlo or are on your way to the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.
Located on the Tomaree Peninsula, Gan Gan Lookout gives amazing views over Nelson Bay, Tomaree National Park and the Stockton Sand Dunes. There are also great views over the Katich River and out to both Tomaree and Yacaaba Headlands.
Getting there is only a five- minute drive from Nelson Bay where a narrow track takes you to the lookout. At the top of the track, is a small car park. To the right of the car park, a small viewing platform gives views towards Stockton Sand Dunes. The dunes are visible in the distance surrounded by Australian coastal forest.
To the left of the car park, a track leads to the main viewing area with excellent views over the surrounding area. Binoculars mounted at both platforms (which need to be paid for to use), let you get a better view of distant objects.
Because of its elevation, several large communication towers are also here. Although not most people’s idea of an attraction, there are still interesting because of the numerous transmitters and receivers covering them.
Looking towards Tomaree and Yacaaba HeadlandsView towards the Stockton Sand DunesView towards the Stockton Sand DunesTelecommunications Tower on Gan Gan Lookout
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
Completed in 1816 Parliament House in Sydney houses the Government of the state of New South Wales Australia. Originally a hospital, the central section of the façade is a two story Georgian building. When built, no funds were available to Governor Macquarie so he arranged funding via the importation of 60,000 gallons of rum licensed to a group of merchants. In return for the license, they built the hospital.
From 1829, the Legislature occupied the building, which had primarily been used as the residence of the chief surgeon. As the size of the colony of New South Wales expanded, so did the number of parliamentary representatives. As a result, north and south extensions were made for the old Legislative Council (now Legislative Assembly) Chamber in 1843 and the current Legislative Council Chamber in 1856.
Since then numerous additions and modifications have been made to the building. Despite many plans over the years, it remains one of the least grand parliament buildings in Australia, primarily due to its original design as a hospital.
Getting There
Situated in the centre of the Sydney CBD means that getting to Parliament House is quite easy. Several buses stop nearby in Macquarie Street, while the closest station is Martin Place.
We visited during Sydney is Open so access to otherwise closed areas was available. In addition, volunteers were stationed throughout the building answering questions and providing invites into the workings of State Government.
Parliament of New South WalesWaiting room with busts of past parliamentariansMarble staircase
Legislative Assembly
Being modelled on the British Westminster System, the Legislative Assembly is the lower house of government and corresponds to the House of Commons, (or the Australian Federal Government House of Representatives). As such, the colour of the carpet and seats is green.
This chamber of parliament debates legislation before it is sent to the Legislative Council and then the Governor for approval. The Governor is the British Monarch’s representative and is appointed by the NSW Parliament.
Legislative AssemblyLegislative AssemblyThe mace of the Legislative Assembly of New South Wales
Legislative Council
The upper house of the NSW Parliament is the Legislative Council, whose primary colour is red, following the tradition of the British House of Lords.
Legislation passed by the lower house is debated here and either retired to the Legislative Assembly or forwarded to the NSW Governor if approved.
Legislative CouncilLegislative CouncilUsher of the Black Rod
The Library – Now the Jubilee Room
Although now used for meetings and functions, the Jubilee Room holds a significant collection of historical records, along with the only state government archive.
In addition to the amazing collection of books on the shelves, the stained glass ceiling is amazing.
Parliamentary LibraryStain-glass ceiling of the Parliamentary Library
Fountain Courtyard
The Fountain Courtyard is one of the most recent additions to Parliament House, having been added in 1983. Located around the fountain on the surrounding walls is part of the parliamentary art collection as well as temporary displays. A significant portion of the display is by indigenous artists, forming the Reconciliation Wall.
Fountain CourtIndiginous Art on Reconciliation Wall in Fountain CourtReconciliation Wall in Fountain CourtIndiginous Art on Reconciliation Wall in Fountain Court
What Did We Think?
This was a great visit because it was a good way to learn about the history of government in NSW as well as seeing both Chambers of Parliament. If you want to see how our government works, there is no better place to visit.
