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Thursday 10 June 2010

Spring Escape for Two


Celebrate spring in Canberra, where the city and surrounding region explodes with colour and brilliant blue skies tempt you to get out and discover hidden delights.

Begin your day by visiting the artists, chefs, winemakers and rural retreats along the Poacher’s Way, a collection of 25 businesses whose motto is live life well. Pamper yourself with a day spa experience or visit a gallery. Experience the wonder of a hand-crafted pot from the nine-metre kiln at Old Saint Luke’s Studio in Gundaroo or slumped glass creations by Peter Crisp at Crisp Galleries in Bowning. Book a Burnlee Excursion and experience the unique beauty of the Australian countryside by riding on horseback through a 3500 acre property.

Check into the luxurious Hyatt Hotel Canberra and savour the elegance of this heritage-listed Art Deco building. Relax in the Tea Lounge and enjoy a decadent morning or afternoon high tea.

Take advantage of your close proximity to our world-class national attractions. Drop into the National Gallery of Australia and see works by the first locally trained artist at the Robert Dowling: Tasmanian son of empire (24 July to 3 October) exhibition. Marvel at images of Marlene Dietrich and other stars of stage and screen at In the spotlight: Anton Bruehl photographs 1920s-1950s (23 October to 6 February 2011). Enjoy the beautifully upgraded entry and visit the new Australian Indigenous art galleries.

Visit the Cabinet Room at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House and immerse yourself in a political drama. The Cabinet-in-Confidence experience brings to life historical issues and decisions faced by Cabinet Ministers that resonate with our lives today. This interactive and thought-provoking experience takes you behind closed doors to the Cabinet Room, which was once off limits to everyone except members of Cabinet.

Explore the shores of picturesque Lake Burley Griffin on a nostalgic Italian-style pedal cart. Ride past the Captain Cook Jet and the Carillion and take in the magnificent view of Canberra’s cultural institutions.

Indulge in a unique shopping experience at some of Canberra’s specialty retail outlets. Browse beautiful handmade goods by talented Australian artisans at Shop Handmade, Canberra’s exciting new concept store where you’ll find a vast selection of items from jewellery, homewares, toys and kids wear to chocolate and greeting cards. Head to Lonsdale Street Braddon, on the outskirts of the CBD, for stylish Australian fashion and unusual gifts and homewares. Splurge on international designer labels, exquisite jewellery and beautiful antiques at the 1920s shopping centres of Manuka and Kingston.

Join an overnight adventure tour and discover the leading role that Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve plays in breeding the endangered Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby and the Northern Corroboree Frog. Personally contribute to this important research, assisting wildlife officers with their work. The Tidbinbilla: Discover Our Wild Side tour (commencing September 2010) is a truly unique behind-the-scenes wildlife experience. Spend the night at a wilderness camp hidden away in a tranquil valley and reflect on the days’ unique experiences, whilst being warmed by a camp fire under a stunning canopy of stars.

Treat your taste buds at some of the region’s finest new eateries, such as Italian & Sons Vino e cucina where authentic home-style Italian cuisine and casual chic await, or Onred atop the iconic Red Hill, where superb food, stylish ambience and attentive service are teamed with the finest views in Canberra.

Further afield, you can’t go past the modern international bistro cuisine at Flint in the Vines, situated at the picturesque Shaw Vineyard Estate in Murrumbateman, just 25 minutes north of Canberra. Dine at the iconic Grazing in Gundaroo and explore the kitchen garden that defines the ever-changing menu.

Or take over the reigns and create your own meal. Discover culinary secrets and enjoy the fruits of your labour by joining a fun and hands-on cooking class at the ever popular Podfood at Pialligo Plant Farm or Senso Restaurant & Culinary Studio at Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets. Continue your culinary journey at the Capital Region Farmers Market’s new ‘Market Kitchen’ where four of the region’s most renowned chefs will showcase their culinary expertise cooking with fresh market produce every month.

Celebrate the art of the grape at Wine, Roses and all that Jazz (6 & 7 November). Get out to one of the 25 wineries and local businesses. Sample award-winning reds and whites, indulge in gourmet food, relax to live music in the vineyards and take wine tours and meet Canberra's passionate vignerons.

There’s plenty to see and do in the capital this spring. So come on, see for yourself!

TOURIST INFORMATION
Call 1300 554 114 or go to visitcanberra.com.au for information and great accommodation deals.

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