In my opinion Canberra is underrated. Because it is the capital of Australia, I decided to visit and am glad we did. In 1908 the site was chosen as the nation’s capital as a compromise between the rival cities Sydney and Melbourne. It was to be a wholly planned city. It is Australia’s largest inland city and is filled with green spaces.
We stayed in the Hyatt Hotel Canberra. The hotel was built by the government as the capital’s first lodging and official residence of the Commonwealth to house members of Parliament and government officials. In 1950 a brewing company took a lease on the hotel but closed it in 1974 when the government did not renew the lease ending an era as for 50 years. The building had been the heart of the political and social life of the capital. From 1976 to 1984 it was overflow office space. In 1984 renovation began with the buildings restored and the gardens reconstructed from early plans and sketches. It was reopened in July 1988 as the Hyatt Hotel Canberra. Our room was spacious and elegant, as is the entire hotel as are the grounds.
There is also a private coquet club on the hotel grounds. A couple happened to be playing so I snapped a photo, admittedly not a good photo, but you can read Canberra Coquet Club on the building.
After our flights from Hobart to Canberra, we were tired. Our first flight was at 8:00 am, so we were up early. At the Melbourne airport we had to collect our luggage and recheck it and go back through security, which would not have been an issue except that we arrived in Terminal 4 and had to leave from Terminal 1 with walking that very long distance was our only option. So we could have been forgiven if we had opted for an easy afternoon, but, fortunately, we didn’t.
In Canberra each Sunday at 4:30 pm the Last Post ceremony is held at the Australian War Memorial. The ceremony commemorates more than 102,000 Australians who have given their lives in war and other operations. The ceremony begins with the Australian national anthem followed by the piper’s lament. The ceremony shares the story behind one of the names on the Roll of Honour. The ceremony ends with the sounding of the Last Post. It is truly a moving ceremony and has become an increasingly popular event.
Following the ceremony and keeping in “government mode,” we went to the Department of Pizza for dinner. I will note that we had limited options on Sunday night, but it was a good choice. It was busy, and the pizza was great. But what made it interesting was what happened after we left in our Uber.
As we were leaving the restaurant I realized I had left my coat on the chair (this is the third time on this trip) and started walking back when Steve came out the door carrying it and saying “you forgot your coat again,” which was true. So I wisely said nothing. So we’re in the Uber and on our way when Steve panics as he realizes he doesn’t have his phone. Logically assuming it was left in the restaurant, we turn around, and we’re almost back when I check for my phone. I discover I have two phones in my purse. In my defense I am always being reminded to put my phone in my purse and keep it zipped, and, besides that, he should have kept tract of his phone. So we’re still arguing about who is the bigger idiot. Votes?
The next morning I walked the hotel grounds, which were extensive and through to a park before we went to the National Gallery of Australia, which was amazing. The building itself is a work of art, and the varied exhibits were educational and interesting.
And to add a bit of color just because I thought the flowers were so pretty, I include this photo.
To continue with our bar hopping, we found our way to Volstead Repeal, which was well hidden but worth the effort to find. As usual, the bar staff was knowledgeable and charming.
We ended our evening with dinner at The Meat & Wine Co. with one of the best steaks we’ve eaten.
The next morning we left Canberra via train, which was a pleasant change. Oh, and to add to my coat saga, when we got to train station about to board, I realized I had left my coat for the last time either in the Uber or at the hotel, and there was no retrieving it. But the show, or rather, the trip must go on, so we boarded the train and were on our way to Sydney,
You need to get a strap for phone there’s no loosing it or dropping in a lake as my granddaughter did. They attach behind the camera case loop it around your neck and put phone in a pocket or your purse. It’s never left behind.
Good idea, but we’d never do it!
Adventures are a great thing. I had forgotten that Canberra is the capitol.
Adventures certainly add an exciting dimension!
I we had known there was a Department of Pizza we would have met you there!
Jeff and Sheryl
The name alone was enough to convince me to eat there!
That was funny about the coat left behind, until it wasn’t and you decided it was mean to be. I give my vote on the phones as a tie. Steve forgot it, but you put in your purse so he couldn’t see it. Hope you didn’t walk all the way back before you discovered in your purse.
True, the art gallery was a piece of art in itself.
That was funny about the coat left behind, until it wasn’t and you decided it was mean to be. I give my vote on the phones as a tie. Steve forgot it, but you put in your purse so he couldn’t see it. Hope you didn’t walk all the way back before you discovered in your purse.
True, the art gallery was a piece of art in itself.
I think you’re a diplomat with giving us tie votes!