See what Canberra has in store to commemorate and celebrate this momentous centenary and throughout autumn.
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As we remember Australians who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations, this year the Australian War Memorial has some special things planned on 25 April and throughout the year.
In the week leading up to Anzac Day, images from the Memorial’s rich archive will be projected onto the front of the Memorial.
“At the going down of the sun and in the morning” …. Be there to remember them
On the day, be part of the traditional Dawn Service and National Anzac Day Ceremony and stay for the moving Last Post Ceremony.
After the main service, head to the Aboriginal Memorial plaque on the side of Mount Ainslie for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commemorative Ceremony.
Names Projected
Starting last August and running until November 2018, is this special commemoration projection. Over three years, the name of each of the 62,000 Australians who gave their lives in the First World War will be projected onto the façade of the Hall of Memory at the Memorial around 30 times each.
Starting at sunset each evening and running to sunrise the following morning, the projection can be seen from the memorial’s grounds. Each name will be visible for 30 seconds.
The role of honor can help you find out when a particular person’s name will be projected. See the site below for the estimated date and time at which the name will be displayed.
An exhibition not to be missed - Australia in the Great War
Immerse yourself in the spirit of Anzac at Australia in the Great War, new permanent exhibition on display in the First World War Galleries, Australian War Memorial.
Be among the first to check out this exhibition which showcases more than 2000 relics. It is one of the most significant displays of its kind in the world. The collection tells the story of the war through a unique collection of artefacts, uniforms, medals, photographs, film and personal items such as letters and diaries.
Contemporary audiences will be thrilled with the integration of technology and a chronological approach in the new presentation of the war.
Personal to public - Keepsakes: Australians and the Great War
The Keepsakes exhibition explores the diaries, photographs, letters and mementos kept and treasured as reminders of the Great War. Discover how the very personal, as experienced by soldiers, nurses, politicians, artists, writers and families on the home front, becomes our public memory.
Sourced entirely from the National Library of Australia’s collections, this exhibition highlights the private experience of war and the objects that evoke our memories.
View Norman Lindsay’s original artwork for his most famous propaganda posters, Prime Minister Billy Hughes’ handwritten notes from the Paris Peace Conference and Stan Cross’ cartoons of wartime Australia.
Le Noir – The dark side of Cirque
The Canberra Theatre will transform to give audiences a 360-degree view of 24 of the most incredible acrobatic acts on earth, executing mind blowing displays of balance, contortion, stamina and aerial artistry.
Le Noir — The dark side of Cirque is designed to make the audience feel like they are viewing the action from on stage. This heart pounding show features former stars of Cirque du Soleil who perform only inches away from where you are sitting.
May 6-10
For the love of music - Canberra International Music Festival
While in town music lovers should check out the Canberra International Music Festival. While the festival’s early focus was on chamber music and it remains true to this, its scope has broadened to include classical, jazz, contemporary and world music. Exploring the relationship between music and science, music and mathematics as well as the time and motion equation this program is a must for all music enthusiasts.
The festival will be at various locations around Canberra and tickets start from $50 per person. May 1-10
Three codes so little time - Football
With three codes to choose from – Rugby Union, National Rugby League and Australian Football League – football is definitely on the autumn agenda.
Cheer on your favourite teams and football heroes as they compete at the capital’s first class sporting venues. Pick your poison with the Brumbies, Raiders and Canberra’s adopted team, the Giants, all set to play in Canberra in the coming months.
Some dates and times:
UC Brumbies v Waratahs 1 May GIO Stadium
Raiders v Titans 9 May GIO Stadium
Raiders V Bulldogs 24 May GIO Stadium
Giants v Gold Coast Suns 25 April StarTrack Oval Manuka
Giants v Geelong 25 July StarTrack Oval Manuka
Young and fun - Groovin’ the Moo
Get your groove on at the annual Groovin’ the Moo music festival at the University of Canberra. With winter closing in, Groovin’ the Moo will again provide a place for those seeking warmth, a space for like-minded people to gather and open their ears to both new and familiar sounds. See acts from around the world including the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and United Kingdom all with a generous measure of home-grown talent.
3 May
A Celebration of Wool - Old Bus Depot Markets
Meet and speak to wool producers, craftspeople and artists, view hand spinning, learn about hand felting and watch people weaving. This day pays homage to everything you can create with wool.
The Old Bus Depot Markets are also the place for lovers of fine hand crafted wares, clothing collectors, food fanatics and jewellery junkies all set in a fabulous old industrial building, in Canberra’s Old Bus Depot on the Kingston Foreshore.
17 May
Do you have a sweet tooth that needs satiating? Then try these Canberra sweet specials.
The ice-cream alchemist - Frugii Dessert Laboratory
New to the trendy Ori complex with its hipster barber shop and homewares, is the Frugii Dessert Laboratory. Known around town as the ice-cream alchemist, John Marshall’s desserts now have a home base.
Canberra’s answer to Zumbo, John, has been whipping up ice-cream in flavours such as Tim Tam, candied orange, cardamom, musk stick, popcorn, black licorice and Sambuca. John can always be found pushing the boundaries of the traditional ice-cream experience.
At the new headquarters find favourites; salted caramel, lemon myrtle, cookies and cream, chocolate, vanilla ice-cream and the blood orange and lemon sorbets for which he is famous. But don’t stop at the frozen stuff. Try some of the alchemist’s other creations such as his lemon lime and bitter choux pastries, fruity verines, trifles and layer cakes.
The delicate and beautiful treats are all made in-house, using the best natural fresh ingredients.
30 Lonsdale Street, Braddon
Tantalising cakes - Ricardo’s at Jamison
With arguably the most amazing display of cakes of all shapes and sizes in Canberra, Ricardo’s Café is a must get to treat haven. Established over eight years ago the café is located in Jamison Plaza and offers high tea. All sweet treats are made on the premises. Ricardo’s is the perfect place for a casual brunch, a cake and coffee or just a fun outing to explore the incredible range of macaroons.
Vegan delight - Sweet Bones
Fancy something different for brekkie or lunch? Sweet Bones Bakery Café in Braddon offers vegan cupcakes, brownies, granola, sandwiches, wraps as well as salad. Established in 2011, the café has already achieved a reputation as one of the best in Braddon.
The feel is rustic, rock’n’roll with a friendly local vibe, while the food is inventive, cruelty free and most of all, delicious. The most popular items are the wholesome green smoothie, nachos, burritos, and the chocolate-peanut butter cupcakes which are always on the menu.
High Tea - Hyatt Hotel Canberra
Designed for indulgence,is the famous afternoon tea buffet at the Hyatt Hotel. High tea runs from Friday to Sunday with an array of savouries, finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, jam and cream, and a selection of tempting cakes and slices on offer. Taking high tea in the heritage listed Tea Lounge is an established tradition at Hyatt Hotel Canberra and something not to be missed.
Burbury Hotel roof top terrace
The Burbury Hotel is a contemporary, multi award-winning hotel that echoes the prestige of Barton and the Parliamentary Triangle. Here high tea really lives up to its name and you get much more than a three-tiered platter of dainty delights. You also get the views. High tea takes place on the Burbury’s sunlit rooftop terrace which offers spectacular views overlooking Lake Burley Griffin, Black Mountain, leafy Barton, and Canberra’s iconic landmarks.
Grapes are harvested and turned into wine during this beautiful autumnal time of year. Visit the Canberra District Wineries to see the vineyards at their best.
Sweep in before you sweep out
Mount Majura Vineyard is located close to Canberra airport so if you have a few minutes to spare before your flight pick up a little capital liquid to take home. The winery is located on the eastern slopes of Mount Majura where the vines are grown in red volcanic soil containing limestone. The unique site produces wines of real character. Cellar Door is open every day except Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 10am to 5pm.
Vineyard day tour
These three wineries are all in close proximity to each other. Take a day and discover the individual delights of each.
Four Winds Vineyard
At Four Winds Vineyard the simple things are the best. Go for the vineyards fine wine and wood-fired pizza. Bask in the oasis of gardens, orchards and roses while you savour the wide range of wine available here.
Find them at 9 Patemans Lane, just off Murrumbateman Road in Murrumbateman
Helm Wines
Helm Wines strives to produce premium quality wines that reflect the characteristics of the grape and the land in which they have been grown. The cool climate near Canberra has assisted Helm Wines in developing their own unique style of wine that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Find them at 19 Butts Road, Murrumbateman
Clonakilla
Clonakilla is best known for its flagship wine Shiraz Viognier, which is considered one of the best of its type in the country. It is no surprise then that Clonakilla’s winemaker Tim Kirk was named Gourmet Traveller Wine magazine’s Australian Winemaker of the Year in 2013. Clonakilla is one of Australia’s most revered small wineries.
Find them at Crisps Lane, Murrumbateman
Restaurant with its own winery
Flint at Shaw Vineyard
Unwind over a glass of wine and treat yourself to a delicious meal at Flint at Shaw Vineyard whilst gazing over the vineyard. Flint is ideally situated on the picturesque and historic property, Ollyville, at Shaw Vineyard Estate wines which has already been recognised with 10 trophies and a swag of gold, silver and bronze medals from various Australian and International wine shows.
Find them at Barton Highway, Murrumbateman