A Weekend In Canberra

Lots of Things To Do In A Weekend In Canberra

Spending a weekend in Canberra is a great way to see the nation's capital. Of course, if you have longer there are plenty of interesting things to do there to keep you occupied for the duration of your stay. Come with me as I show you how we experienced Canberra and also give suggestions for other alternatives as well. This photo of the ornately decorated Australia Fair Organ was taken at The Annual Floriade festival.

Where To Stay In Canberra

Great Family Accommodation Near Canberra 

Perched on a hilltop overlooking grape vines and olive groves is a unique bed and breakfast within easy proximity of Canberra, Australia’s capital city. Last Stop Ambledown Brook is a 40 acre property with guest accommodation. At the top of the hill rests the XBS2162 while down in the valley sit the 4388 & 4786. These converted trains provide a very comfortable option for people looking for something a little different for a place to stay in or near Canberra.

Our family of five stayed in the 2162 which has been lovingly restored from an abandoned derelict to resemble its former glory. With rich timber lining, ornate stainless steel bathroom fittings and numerous reminders of yesteryear scattered throughout the carriages this is a unique and homely destination for a few nights or more.

Hosts Jenny and David welcome guests into their front room for breakfast which consists of breakfast cereals, toast and toppings, and bacon with eggs. As you enjoy an expansive view across the valley of the upper reaches of the Murrumbidgee River you are surrounded by an extensive collection of 50′s, 60′s and 70′s music and movie memorabilia.

Early Morning Visitors - our first morning we awoke to dew covered grass and mist lying in the valley. As I looked out from our front door I saw a family of kangaroos down in the bottom paddock. Over the next half hour they slowly ambled up the hill towards the main house.

Questacon - Australia's National Science And Technology Centre 

One of the Best Things to Do In Canberra

Questacon is located between Old Parliament House and Lake Burley Griffin. This photo of the 'Caged Lightning' exhibit was taken during our visit.
The weekend we spent in Canberra this time around was very hot so we decided to visit an old favourite (because it is air conditioned) Questacon. Questacon is more of a playground than a museum and great for kids of any age (including us big kids). Every exhibit is hands on and invites participation. Based on science concepts our favourite activities include 'Caged Lightning", "The Earthquake House" and a roller coaster simulator known as "Track Attack".

Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex

One of the Best Things To Do In Canberra

Forget "The Dish" and tracking lunar modules. This joint venture between Australia and NASA - JPL exists to listen to deep space chatter. If there really is life out beyond our galaxy these guys will be the first to hear it. Along with two sister sites located in the Mojave Desert in California and near Madrid in Spain, the tracking antennae are constantly watching and listening to the skies.These three sites form the Deep Space Network.

The Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex at Tidbinbilla is open to the public with exhibits and tours. It is worth the drive out just to see the huge dish and it's smaller counterparts. This photo of DSS 43, the largest steerable parabolic antenna in the Southern Hemisphere, was taken during our visit to the CDSCC.

The Old Bus Depot Markets

One Of The Best Markets In Canberra 

This is a great way to spend a Sunday in Canberra, The Old Bus Depot Markets is Canberra's only indoor market and, as the name suggests, is located in a converted bus depot. You will find the market, which is open every Sunday, on Wentworth Avenue in Kingston, just a few kilometres down the road from the museum precinct and parliamentary circle. The Old Bus depot Markets features stalls with artisan foodstuffs, arts, crafts and an assortment of other eclectic items. Many of the foodie stalls offer free samples and the kids delight in returning again and again for another try. Next door to the Old Bus Depot Markets is the Canberra Glassworks a facility where glass artists can gather and utilise the facilities to create beautiful pieces of glass art. Visitors can watch from the gallery as artists work and can even try their hand at creating their own piece to take home. Find out more about the Old Bus Depot Markets and The Canberra Glassworks