The best place to see the layout of Canberra is from the viewing platform at the top of the Telstra Tower.
Rearing 195.2 meters on the summit of Black Mountain which is a small mountain of 812 metres. It is not only a landmark and one of Canberra’s most visited tourist destinations but also offers 360 degree panoramic views of Canberra and its surrounding countryside from an indoor observation deck, two outdoor viewing platforms and the Tower’s revolving restaurant.
From below the structure “towers” above us. Thank goodness there is a very fast lift to whisk us to the top. So for the princely sum of $3, concession price, we could see Canberra spread out below.
In actual fact, because of the wide-spread bush not a lot of the older suburbs could be seen.
From this elevated view it is very obvious why Canberra is called “the Bush City”.
The site for Canberra was chosen and the nation’s capital was a purpose-built city because no decision could be made whether to choose Sydney or Melbourne as the Capital.
“Following the Federation of Australia on 1 January 1901 and the eventual selection of the Australian Capital Territory to accommodate a capital city in 1908, Surveyor Charles Scrivener was responsible for finding the city’s specific site.[13] Scrivener’s selection was guided by instructions to assess sites from “a scenic standpoint, with a view to securing the picturesque, and with the object of beautification”.[14] Hence from the outset, in accordance with Renaissance English fashion, emphasis was placed on the picturesque, that is utilising the intrinsic beauty of the natural world, and affirmed that the future capital’s landscaping and aesthetics would be just as important as its functionality
“Canberra growth over the first few decades was slow, and Canberra was indeed far more a small country town than a capital before World War II. It was noted for being more trees and fields than houses. Cattle grazing near Parliament House was a common occurrence, something which amazed General Macarthur when he visited Canberra during World War II.” (information from Wikipedia)
As I look down on Canberra I can imagine all the bureaucrats and pen pushers busily scheming and planning Australia’s future.
There are many places to visit in Canberra, but the beauty of house sitting takes the urgency of seeing every thing as quickly as possible. We can pace ourselves and enjoy and absorb the detail of this fascinating place.
Stunning views… Thank you for sharing them 🙂
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I’ve just come from Brutalist to this, Pauline, and I know which I prefer 🙂 I’d love to be up there with that view!
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That tower can be seen from all parts of Canberra Jo it is a great land mark.
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not sure if you know this but that view to the west has only become possible as a result of the devastating Canberra bush fires in 2003. That’s a view west over the Canberra Arboretum, which you must go to (take mum!) as it’s incredible and looking towards the Brindabellas. The firestorm came through there, destroying Mt Stromlo and all the pine forests, which completely obscured the view west for years. There’s a great bonsai collection at the Arboretum too (mum belongs to the club so she knows all the gang who volunteer there). Also nice restaurant!!
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I didn’t realize that about the bush fires wiping out that area. I knew there had been fires but wasn’t sure where they’d affected. I have the Arboretum on my list but thought I would wait till spring to visit. I rang your Mum but so far have not made contact. Will try again.
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I was at a shopping Centre once near all the Public Servants, Offices, out they all came dressed in black at lunch time, it was quite weird, wonderful camera work once again
.
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I’ve been in that centre Joan, “Canberra Central” it is huge and I almost got lost in there, and yes a lot of men (and women) in black…
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The view form the tower is awesome. I’ve eaten at the restaurant and it’s hard to find your way back to the table after visiting the restrooms because the entire thing revolves! 😀
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The restaurant was closed when we were there Dianne, but I can imagine the view would be awesome. When I had a meal at the Goldcoast revolving restaurant I put my handbag on the window ledge… Later the waiter came around holding up a bag saying “who owns this?” Silly me!!!!
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Haaaaa! Oh dear 😀
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I’m not seeing the first image PP, when I click I just get 404 — File not found.
Thanks for showing us the views from the tower – I went up there too, and it is amazing – not the glass floor though 😉 I even have a framed photo of the tower taken from below, similar to your second photo.Have you done the Parliament visit? I actually quite enjoyed it, and you get good views there too.
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I have redone that first photo Jude, thanks for letting me know. No glass floor in this tower that would be the Sydney one you are thinking of.
Not been to Parliament yet (we went last time we were in Canberra. It is the best comedy show in town…) I’m planning to go again next week. It is a marvellous work of architecture and the art work inside is out standing. I’m looking forward to the re-visit
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I was convinced it was the Canberra tower – I didn’t get up the Sydney one. Maybe they have removed it – my visit was in 2000.
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I will check it out I don’t think I could’ve missed it!
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Beautiful views from that tower, pauline. Well worth the $3. I have very distant relatives in Canberra, so thanks for showing me what it looks like. 🙂
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We thought it was a good value at $3 too Sylvia
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Great shots and interesting article. 🙂
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Hi, thanks for dropping in.
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It is a great idea to place things in relation to each other-especially in Canberra! I have never known a city to so easily get lost in! PTL for GPS.
Lots to see and enjoy in Canberra and the surrounding area-I know you and jack will make the most of it! Al
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G’day Al good to hear from you. I know what you mean about getting lost it is a major offensive every time we go any where. But slowly getting the lay of the land. We have a GPS in the car we are using but I have to admit we have trouble using that too!!!
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I just love towers Pauline and 3 dollars sounds an absolute bargain too ! Lovely layers of blue in the mist .
As you say … no need to hurry 🙂
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I can see you doing a water colour painting of those hills Poppy.
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I don’t know if you’d be interested Pomme, but if you’re into food some of these Fireside Festival locations might provide some interesting outings: http://thepoachersway.com.au/fireside-festival-events
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I’ve been over to have a look at the web page. My mouth is watering already I think we may be checking some of those out. Thanks for the link Meredith
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So glad it’s proven useful Pauline. It arrived in my in-box not longer after I’d seen your post and I wondered ….
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Here’s a rundown on some Canberra/ACT walks (and hikes) from another WP blogger, Pomme
http://rachellishman.wordpress.com/2014/08/05/hiking-in-canberra/
🙂
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Just been over for a look see Meridith thanks for the link, what an interesting blog and she tells a great story of the places she has been to.
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🙂
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Lovely post, Pauline.
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Thanks Jane
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Beautiful photos Pauline but I have to wonder if it is mist you can see in the sunset or all of the pollies hot air rising.
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Ha ha ha… Love this comment Lyn…
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What lovely views you got. I look forward to seeing more of it.
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Plenty to see here in Canberra. We are here for 3 months so can take our time getting around Patti.
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What fun! Enjoy your new adventure.
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Thank you, will do.. 🙂
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I’ve never been to Canberra and I can’t say it’s ever been on my ‘must see’ list, but maybe I should add it 🙂
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There is a lot to see here. Watch this space… 🙂
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