Canberra For Beginners

Canberra by balloon

Most people don’t see Canberra as a tourist destination, but when I was recently asked by a friend for some recommendations for a few days in the the Nation’s Capital, I couldn’t decide where to start. So here are my top picks and advice for discovering Canberra for the first time.… Read the rest

Murrumbateman Escape

Murrumbateman Escape

A romantic escape to Murrumbateman is exactly what we need to get our spark back. Situated in the heart of Canberra’s cool country wine region, Murrumbateman is a short 30 minute drive from the Capital. Wining, dining and a little country New South Wales charm are most certainly on the cards.… Read the rest

Paradise

Paradise

This is my happy place. Surfers Paradise. We started the morning with a meeting in a Broadbeach cafe that left me wishing I had not already eaten breakfast. The two coffees that I ordered were the best I have had in months, maybe even longer.… Read the rest

Pialligo Estate

Pialligo Estate

The day started out frosty but the sun is shining and mum and I are headed to lunch. We have chosen the Garden Pavillions at Pialligo Estate for a little mother daughter indulgence.

I remember coming to Pialligo as a child.… Read the rest

Questacon

Questacon – boy vs machine, Jasper takes on the robot at air hockey

Questacon, Australia’s National Science and Technology Centre is a science and learning centre in Canberra. Located along Lake Burley Griffin between the National Library and the High Court, it’s for big and small kids alike and can easily amuse the little ones for a day’s outing.… Read the rest

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

The Tidbinbilla landscape is real bush. At the foot of the Brindabella mountain range on the outskirts of Canberra, the Nation’s Capital, this area is on the brink of the Australian highlands, leading to the snowy mountains.

Today, however, it is the hight of summer.… Read the rest

Love & Desire – Portraits and Romance

Portrait – Aurelia (Fazio’s mistress), Dante Gabriel Rossetti, 1863-73

A rare mother and daughter’s day. I am meeting mum and Michelle here at the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) to see the Pre Raphaelites exhibition – Love & Desire. I arrive early though and before they arrive too, I park the car and wander through the sculpture garden.… Read the rest

Love & Desire – Faith

The shadow of death, William Holman Hunt, 1870-73

A rare mother and daughter’s day. I am meeting mum and Michelle here at the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) to discover Faith, part of the Love & Desire exhibition. I arrive early though and before they arrive too, I park the car and wander through the sculpture garden.… Read the rest

Love & Desire – Truth to Nature

Anstey’s Cove, Devon, John William Inchbold, 1854

A rare mother and daughter’s day. I am meeting mum and Michelle here at the National Gallery of Australia (NGA). I arrive early though and before they arrive too, I park the car and wander through the sculpture garden.… Read the rest

Love & Desire – Modern Life

Work, oil on canvas, Ford Madox Brown, 1852-65

Modern Life: Love & Desire. A rare mother and daughter’s day. I am meeting mum and Michelle here at the National Gallery of Australia (NGA). I arrive early though and before they arrive too, I park the car and wander through the sculpture garden.… Read the rest