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National Portrait Gallery Canberra

Photographic Portraits National Portrait Gallery

National Portrait Gallery Canberra

Opened in 2008, the National Portrait Gallery houses portraits of prominent Australians who are important in their field of endeavour or whose life sets them apart as an individual of long-term public interest.

Located next o the High Court of Australia and across the road from the National Gallery of Australia, it’s easy to find. We parked at the Questacon Car Park, because we intended to see other attractions in the area. This is a paid car park, but there are usually spaces available, and it’s centrally located. Parking is available at the National Gallery, but this fills quickly.

On entering the gallery, you are met by the sculpture Geo Face Distributor, popularly known as the orange blob. Apparently you can see different faces depending on how you look at it, but we could only see a blob.

Walking around the galleries, we could identify many of the portraits, without reading the descriptions. Obvious Government officials (Quentin Bryce the Governor General) and Justice Michael Kirby were present, but not walls full of ex-Prime Ministers, which we were pleased about.

It was great to see actors like Deborah Mailman, Hugh Jackman and Ruth Cracknell along with cricketer Shane Warne. Important indigenous leaders like Pat Dodson and Richard Walley were also present.

What Did We Think?

This was an interesting gallery to visit because of the variety of people represented. Entry is free, unless you want to go to any special exhibits that are on. After finishing, we went next door to the National Gallery of Australia.

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National Arboretum Canberra Australia

Tree plantings National Arboretum

National Arboretum Canberra

"Wide Brown Land" sign
“Wide Brown Land” sign. From the Dorothea Mackellar poem

Devastating bushfires in 2001 and 2003, burnt huge areas around Canberra. A recovery project to heal some of the damage included The National Arboretum, which now covers 250 hectares(618 acres in the old measurement). Although very much in its infancy, with plantings still taking pace, it’s a great place to visit.

The trees selected for inclusion are either of national significance, or endangered. Not only Australian trees, but species from overseas, such as the giant sequoia are included, although these are still saplings. One species in particular caught our attention – the Wollemi Pine which, up until 1994 was only known from fossils. A small stand was discovered in the Wollemi National Park and extensive efforts have ensured its survival. A planting of seedlings at the arboretum is part of that effort.

A large carpark caters to a large number of visitors. However, parking is not free and you pay for a ticket at the machines in the carpark. On arrival, our first stop was the information desk, where we received a map and some ideas of what to see. Within this same area is a café and restaurant where you can look over the trees while you eat.

Main Entrance National Arboretum
Main Entrance

National Bonsai and Penjing Collection

Located next to the entrance is the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection containing over 100 miniature trees. The quality of the collection and the time that must have been spent growing them is amazing. We walked around admiring the collection and taking photos.

The Discovery Garden

Situated next to the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection, the Discovery Garden explains how to maintain a garden in Canberra’s dry climate.

Cactus
Cactus

Margaret Whitlam Pavilion

Overlooking the National Arboretum, the Margaret Whitlam Pavilion offers magnificent views over Canberra. Because it’s only open for functions, we were only able to view it from the outside.

Margaret Whitlam Pavilion
Margaret Whitlam Pavilion

Himalayan Cedar Forest

One of the few areas to avoid devastation in the 2001 and 2003 bushfires was the Himalayan Cedar forest. Originally planted from 1911 to 1930 it has since been extended with additional plantings in 2010. Walking through the mature trees is a relaxing experience, giving an idea of how the remainder of the Arboretum will look as it grows.

Hidden away in the trees just off the path is a metal sculpture of a tree stump.

Forests and Trees

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Commonwealth Park Canberra

Commonwealth Park walking tracks

Commonwealth Park Canberra

Located in the centre of Canberra, Commonwealth Park is full of walking tracks, memorials and sculptures. With Lake Burley Griffin as a backdrop, it’s an excellent place for a relaxing stroll, picnic or simply sit and admire the views.

Car parks within the park make access easy, but if you want to walk from the city, there are several overpasses crossing Parks Ways to avoid the traffic.

Lake Burley Griffin

With Lake Burley Griffin as a backdrop, there are some great sights to see from Commonwealth Park. The most spectacular is the Captain Cook Memorial Jet, a giant fountain shooting water up to 147m high. Check its operating times, as it only operates at certain period during the day.

Across the water, you get some great views of Parliament house (old and new) as well as the National Library, Art Gallery, Portrait Gallery, and High Court.

Tracks and Walks

The best way to enjoy the park is to walk along its many tracks. We walked along the lake shore because we wanted to see the sights across the water. The tracks take you past most of the sculptures and memorials, so you can structure your walk to see them all.

With plenty of trees, shade, and seating there are opportunities to stop, relax and take in the scenery.

Memorials in Commonwealth Park Canberra

Scattered throughout the park, memorials to famous Australians and groups such as the Police and Emergency Services commemorate their memory. Some are not strictly within the park itself, but further east in Kings Park.

A special memorial dedicated to HMAS Canberra, a heavy cruiser which sunk during World War Two sits on the shoreline.

Overall, a great place to visit with plenty to keep you busy, while providing places to sit and relax.