What else to do in the ACT when visiting NACAA 2010?

[rogerg]

G’day all,

For several months now I’ve been considering if my wife & I will make the trip from WA over to Canberra for NACAA 2010 in April. With the release of more information on the programme of events I’m a bit more keen than previously to make the journey. But... we’ve never been to NSW, VIC or ACT, so nowhere even close. So I’m a bit at a loss as to where to start with the “things to do, places to stay and places to go” side of things.

My wife’s not interested in the astronomy stuff enough to attend NACAA, so will need daytime stuff to do during NACAA but based at the same accommodation. After or before NACAA we’d have a week or something doing more exploring together. Things that suit both/either of us - National parks, hikes, environment/conservation, landscape & nature photography, some history/museums/culture. She’s going to be hesitant to travel too far on her own while I’m at NACAA so a balance is required between getting out in the landscape and not being too far out. I expect we'll hire a car.

So ... Canberra locals of IIS... Any pointers to start me off??? Recommended websites? Recommended tours or self-drive trips for those environmentally & photographically inclined? Suggested places to stay in the extra week that isn’t in the city its self but gives good access to national parks and other attractions?

Of course I know how to Google, but figure locals or those who have been to the ACT would have recommendations. :)

Thanks :),
Roger.

[norm]

Hi Roger,

I'm not a Canberrian, but there are tonnes of places to see and do:
- Questacon Science Musuem - great for young and old
- National Art Musuem
- Australian Mint
- Mt Stromolo
- Telstra Tower
- National Archives
- Australian War Memorial - you'll need days there.
- Bike ride around Lake Burley Griffin
- Parliment House old and new
- That minature place....
- Botanical Gardens
- Fsyhwick ;)

Heaps of places :P

Cheers Norm

[Ric]

Hi Roger, this might be a good start as well.

http://www.visitcanberra.com.au/

There is a lot of fascinating places in and around Canberra to see and plenty to do.

I live just outside of Canberra now but have lived in the region for most of my life.

Cheers

[iceman]

You have to do Questacon and the War Memorial!!

[that_guy]

what about mount Koziosko?

[toryglen-boy]

'im in Canberra ...


nuff said

;)

[jjjnettie]

I'll more than likely see you there then. I'll be staying with my sister who lives in the ACT.
I'll be the one wearing the IIS Tshirt.

[jjjnettie]

woo hoo, I'll be able to catch up with you too.

[rogerg]

Thanks for the replies so far.

It would be nice to meet people from IIS from the east... great opportunity.

I've just done the maths on the costs. .. $4,500ish for about 10 night trip it seems :( (including a bunch of stuff like accom, car hire, flights, etc), quite a cost which could be saved for future astro gear :rolleyes: so consiering. Think I will get swayed in to going over anyhow as my wife wants more holidays.. but ouch, bit of a cost. Hmm.

[bloodhound31]

The Canberra Deep Space Tracking Station
Tidbinbilla Wildlife reserve
Gibraltar falls up in the mountains
The War Memorial
ASIGN Observatory

[spacezebra]

Im off to NACAA - looking forward to meeting some Iceinspacers!

Cheers Petra d.

[madwayne]

From a born and bred Canberran who visits regularly I would also consider adding to your list the following;

Pochers Pantry, it's a winery and smokehouse on the road out to Yass. The food is exceptional and the wine is pretty good too.
A day trip or overnight to the Snowy Mountains is a must. You could consider extending the trip to a 2 day event do the walk to Mt Kosciuzko from Charlottes Pass and the next day follow the Alpine Way through Thredbo and on to Albury. The drive down from Thredbo to Albury is breathtaking. Tons of photo opportunities of not only nature but also the Snowy Mtns Hydro Electric network of tunnels, dams and power stations are well worth it.
Telestra Tower on Black Mountain.
If you are really hungry for a good home cooked meal visit the Central Cafe in nearby Queanbeyan and go a mixed grill, I dare ya :).
While in Queanbeyan you could visit Molonglo Gorge, off Sutton Road on the way back to Canberra via the Airport Road. A drive out to Bungendore while in Queanbeyan, follow the Coast Road (Kings Highway which is the continuation of the main street in Queanbeya going North) for about 30 minutes to this beautiful village. Magellan Observatory is at Lake Bathurst another 30 minutes North on the Goulburn Road.
On the topic of food, Manuka and Kingston will satisfy your appetite with varying cuisines in restaurants and cafes.
A drive out to Lake George, on the Federal Highway to Sydney, for some photos followed by wine tasting and lunch at the wineries out there make for a good day too.

Plus all the other places others have posted. The War Memorial is a must particularly so close to Anzac Day.

As far as your accommodation goes, I would check parliament sitting days around then and try to get your accommodation away from those days. Varying your travel plans by a day or two could save you a pretty penny, not only in accommodation but car hire as well - its the old supply versus demand pricing model in both industries.

A biased opinion but it really is a beautiful place. Maybe a bit sterile for people who enjoy the hustle and bustle of Sydney or Melbourne.

Wayne

PS - don't forget to pack your GPS if you have one. If you don't have one get one with your rental car. Canberra's road network is first class but it can get confusing with all the roundabouts, particularly if you are not used to them.

[rogerg]

Thanks Wayne, that's excellent info - much appreciated :)

[madwayne]

Not a problem Roger. One of these days I will head West, never been west of Adelaide, and will need similar advice.

Just thinking about the Snowy Mtns idea I have sewn here I think you might need 3 or possibly 4 days to do the lot. If you are interested in some potential ideas for this please let me know and I will get something to you. I love the Snowy Mountains, particularly in Summer as I am not a skier but appreciate how beautiful this part of the country is.

Don't forget with your flights it might also be cheaper to fly to Sydney and then drive to Canberra. Sydney Airport to Canberra is dual carriageway the whole way (3 to 3.5 hours driving time) and apart from half a dozen sets of lights to get on to the M5 motorway and a fair bit of traffic on this poorly designed road but once you clear Campbelltown it is not a bad run. One tip though if you are flying in on Easter Thursday or on any given Friday arrive after lunchtime and the road is a car park so expect delays.

Regards
Wayne