Getting high in Canberra
Whenever I travel to a new place, I love getting high. And by getting high, I mean getting as high as possible. Luckily, in Canberra, the surrounding forest-covered hills provide the perfect location for such pursuits, far away from the gaze of family and authorities. In fact, Canberra is a veritable Itchycoo Park of opportunities to answer that age old question: “What did you do there?”
Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra
Yep, I’m talking about climbing mountains. Or driving up them. Whatever suits you. Canberra’s impressive, picturesque ‘garden city’ design comes to life from these excellent vintage points.
Mountains around Canberra (Image: Google Maps). Click for larger image, and see where I got high!
Take Mount Ainslie for example, our first stop, which provided a perfect view over the Australia War Memorial and across to Parliament House.
Mount Ainslie panorama
Parliament House and Australian War Memorial from Mount Ainslie, Canberra
Canberra’s CBD (city centre) from Mount Ainslie
Canberra airport from Mount Ainslie
Mount Ainslie was followed by Black Mountain, home of Canberra’s iconic Telstra Tower.
Telstra Tower, Canberra
$7.50 takes you to the viewing platform, which gives you the highest view across Canberra to be had while still on the ground.
Panorama of Canberra from Black Mountain
Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin seen from Black Mountain
Further around to the west is the National Arboretum – basically a tree museum – built on a site (and dedicated to the memory of) large tracts of forest and city lost to the 2003 Canberra bushfires.
Panorama of Canberra from the National Arboretum
National Arboretum function centre
National Arboretum’s bonsai garden
The centre includes a bonsai nursery, an interactive exhibit, function centre and coffee shop, along with great views across the city. It’s also built of some pretty impressive architecture.
View of Canberra and Black Mountain from the National Arboretum
After the National Arboretum, we headed further west to Mount Stromlo, home to Canberra’s observatory. This was the furthest point from Canberra’s city centre on our day of “getting high”.
Panorama from Mount Stromlo
Mount Stromlo observatory
Parts of the observatory complex were destroyed in the 2003 fires, but new telescopes and domes have been built, and the centre is still operational.
Panorama of Canberra from Red Hill
Finally, back near the city centre lies Red Hill, directly behind parliament house, and providing a great spot to eat either as a picnic spot, or in the form of the delightful On Red restaurant.
Interesting concept Tim particularly using the reference to Itchycoo Park! Loved it.
Hahahaha thanks mum – thought you might like that!
its all a bit bare for me. lots of good things i hear about canberra but im just not sold
It really took me a long time to “get it”, but I’m sold! Part of it was getting over the idea of Canberra being the abode of politicians and nothing more.
Happy to assist in changing that opinion Andrew. 🙂
hehe
Tim, Canberra looks so peaceful and relaxing. Have you also found it this way? The view of Canberra and Black Mountain from the National Arboretum – so nice!
Yes, it’s a lovely city! Lot of places to cycle, explore, go hiking 🙂
Ahhhhh bless! I sure do live in a pretty city! 🙂
Next time you come to town, Ill totes get high with you.
Consider it done!! The only thing better than getting high in Canberra is getting high with a friend!!