Summer short-breaks await in Canberra

Transcription

1 Summer

2 Summer short-breaks await in Canberra Plan your summer escape to Canberra, Lonely Planet s third best city in travel and discover what you have been missing. Front Cover: The Commons returns to fill up hungry visitors. Image: The Commons Street Feast/Victor Tawagi. This page: Welcome in 2018 in the capital.

3 LONELY PLANET S 72 HOURS IN CANBERRA Criminally overlooked Canberra packs a big punch for such a small city. That s what Lonely Planet thinks. Named #3 best city to visit in Lonely Planet s Best in Travel 2018 ranking higher than any Australian city has ever been ranked before it s time to visit Canberra to find out for yourself what a hot destination Canberra has become. We ve created an itinerary inspired by the Best in Travel chapter. DAY ONE The perfect Canberra day starts with perfect coffee at The Cupping Room. The cafe s owner, former world barista champion Sasa Sectic, knows a thing or two about creating a splendid brew and his passion is shared by the team here. Hire a bike and pedal across to Parkes in the Parliamentary Triangle, taking in the views along Canberra s majestic Lake Burley Griffin, before getting a culture fix at Canberra s iconic national galleries and museums that hold the Australian story a must for any first time visitor to Canberra. For art lovers, a must-see is the quirky National Gallery of Australia exhibition Hyper Real (closing 18 Feb 2018). Keep on pedalling over to the Kingston Foreshore where hunger is sure to strike. Grab a burger from much-loved Brodburger at the Canberra Glassworks, or get deliciously crafted healthy wholefood dishes from Local Press Cafe, right on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin. Once refuelled, explore the Canberra Glassworks and see the beauty and versatility of glass in a new light. Housed in the historic Kingston Power House, take a self-guided tour or take an introductory glass course from experts and make your very own paperweight creation. If visiting on a Sunday, you can pop into the nearby Old Bus Depot Markets. Return your bike to the trendy hub of NewActon, then sort out your dinner-time hunger at A.Baker, where you won t think twice about tucking into the five-course Just Feed Me and Just Wine Me selections, offering a perfect array of locally sourced produce and wine. Afterwards, step underground to Black Market a slick bar with touches of sparkle, reminiscent of 1970s New York. Parlour Wine Room is another firm favourite to try also just a few steps from A.Baker, it s perfect for a nightcap and one of their classic yet obscure cocktails. Spend your night at the deliciously decorated Hotel Hotel in NewActon, the epitome of new Canberra style where nothing is ordinary.

4 Enjoy all the Canberra district wine region has to offer. DAY TWO After breakfast at Hotel Hotel s Monster Kitchen + Bar, allow Canberra Winery Tours to whisk you away to explore Canberra s liquid geography (aka wine region). With more than 30 cellar doors within 30 minutes drive of the city centre, you can see the vineyards, taste the wine and learn a thing or two about how a good drop is cultivated. Try Lerida Estate, Four Winds Vineyard, Clonakilla, Murrumbateman Winery and Mount Majura Vineyard to name a handful. After your day exploring the surrounding wine regions, return to Canberra and stop by the brilliant blend of pop up shops and lively cafes and restaurants that are sprinkled along Lonsdale Street in boutique Braddon. Shop your way through the Ori Building Treasure Trove including Handsome Pretty, AGENCY, Assemblage Project and Rebel Muse and more, then grab a coffee from one of the many cafes along the strip Lonsdale Street Roasters is especially on point. Sweet toothed humans must squeeze in a visit to Frugii Dessert Laboratory, where ice-cream alchemist John Marshall has gone bonkers with wacky ice cream, gelato and sorbet creations like Tim Tam, salted butter caramel and even peanut butter and bacon. Prepare to feast at consistently excellent eightysix where you d be mad if you didn t save room for their highly photogenic caramel popcorn sundae. If you choose to leg it back to Hotel Hotel (it s an easy 15 minutes walk from Braddon to NewActon), it would be sinful to bypass Bar Rochford, winner of Gourmet Traveller s 2018 Bar of the Year, hidden upstairs in one of the capital s oldest buildings.

5 DAY THREE Start your day by soaring over Canberra in a hot air balloon, the only city in the world where you can fly over a house of parliament in a balloon. You ll experience Canberra s breathtaking beauty and crisp early morning glow, then finish in style with a traditional champagne celebration at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra. Spend the rest of the morning discovering the Australian War Memorial, voted as the number one landmark in Australia by travellers in the 2016 TripAdvisor awards. The Memorial brings together a world-class museum, a shrine and an extensive archive, delivering a moving and insightful experience for all. Later in 2018, the Memorial will take centre stage as it hosts the 100th anniversary of the WW1 Armistice. After digesting all that history, head to long held Canberra institution Silo Bakery and Café for some of Australia s finest breads and pastries. Or choose from their a la carte menu which features simple yet elegant European bistro food. After re-fuelling, drive just 10 minutes to the National Arboretum Canberra, a 250-hectare home to a whopping 94 forests of rare, endangered and symbolic Australian flora criss-crossed with walking and cycling trails. Confused? You need to visit this place. The Arboretum has spectacular views over Canberra, as well as one of Australia s quirkiest playgrounds, featuring massive acorns on stilts and play areas shaped like banksia pods. Kids of all ages will have reached playground nirvana. For good ol fashioned, yet decidedly new-age beers and burgers, head to Capital Brewing Co. + Brodburger in the new Dairy Road, Fyshwick area for a casual feed. Here, Canberra household favourites have partnered to deliver a taphouse, a beer garden, brewery games plus mouth-watering burgers. Fur babies and kids are all welcome with a specially made (non-alcoholic) beer for pets with paws and a cubby house and outdoor games for the kids. Make the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre your one stop shop for all your booking, shopping and information needs. Head to Regatta Point, Barrine Drive to organise your short-break in Canberra.

6 What s on throughout summer Discover the hidden side of Australia s Special Forces in From the Shadows at the Australian War Memorial. SIDNEY NOLAN FOUNDATION COLLECTION CANBERRA MUSEUM AND GALLERY Catch these works on display from the Nolan Collection by eminent Australian artist Sidney Nolan. This significant collection was donated by the artist to the people of Australia in 1974 and includes works from the Kelly series, Burke and Wills expedition, Under the pier and more. cmag.com.au FROM THE SHADOWS: AUSTRALIA S SPECIAL FORCES AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL Their activities are secret. Their missions classified. Their identities protected. More than 600 objects, rarely seen by the public, tell the story of how Australia s Special Forces operate in secrecy to protect our national interests. awm.gov.au AIS TOURS AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF SPORT Discover where our top athletes train in Australia s premier elite sports precinct. Go behind the scenes and challenge yourself in Sportex, an engaging sport experience where you can try wheelchair basketball, virtual downhill skiing and more for yourself. experienceais.com.au/ visit-ais/tours

7 Spectators at the opening of Old Parliament House, 9 May Photo: Ed Carnall, Museum of Australian Democracy Collection. YES: THE ONGOING STORY OF THE REFERENDUM MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRACY AT OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE Discover the historic events and strong relationships involved in making the referendum happen and explore the significance of the referendum today. moadoph.gov.au ROLL OF HONOUR PROJECTIONS AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL Explore the First World War galleries. At night see the names of those who gave their lives projected onto the Memorial. Check the website for the name schedule. awm.gov.au THE OPENING DAY: 9 MAY 1927 MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRACY AT OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE Old Parliament House was once brand new. What was it like to be a spectator at the opening ceremony? Follow this exhibition through the corridors to discover the pomp and pageantry, humour and tragedy of this historic day. moadoph.gov.au

8 Attend the Last Post Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial each day. FINDERS KEEPERS: COLLECTORS AND THEIR STORIES MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRACY AT OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE Peek into the collections of five fascinating Australians. From mementoes of political careers, to well-worn protest T-shirts, each collection tells extraordinary stories about the ideas, individuals and events that have shaped the nation. moadoph.gov.au BECOME THE PRIME MINISTER OF FUN! MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRACY AT OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE From imaginative play spaces to inquisitive trails, the Museum offers a range of family activities that poke their tongue out at the idea that museums are hands off. Embark on the ultimate Museum adventure with a super-hero action pack or inspire young minds in the interactive PLAY UP space. moadoph.gov.au LAST POST CEREMONY AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL The Last Post Ceremony is held at the end of each day at 4.55pm. In this moving ceremony, a member of the Australian Defence Force shares the story of one person listed on the Roll of Honour. awm.gov.au

9 Abbie Cornish as Candy and Heath Ledger as Dan on the Gravitron by Hugh Hartshorne, Candy, 2006, Courtesy Candy Productions, National Film and Sound Archive of Australia. RANGER GUIDED WALKS TIDBINBILLA NATURE RESERVE Don t miss your chance to see Australian wildlife, including kangaroos, platypus, wombats and more in their beautiful natural environment. Check out the website for the Explore Program for school holiday programs. tidbinbilla.act.gov.au THE GIFT: ART, ARTEFACTS AND ARRIVALS MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRACY AT OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE This new contemporary art exhibition explores the role migrants have played in enriching the fabric of Australian life, and the gift of democracy they have received in return. moadoph.gov.au STARSTRUCK: AUSTRALIAN MOVIE PORTRAITS NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY A collaboration between the National Portrait Gallery and the National Film and Sound Archive, Starstruck explores the striking portraiture from 100 years of Australian movies. The show features imagery of beloved Australian films, as well as highlighting the early years of our film industry. portrait.gov.au

10 Take a walk on the wild side at the National Dinosaur Museum. COLOUR QUESTACON THE NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CENTRE Turn a blue butterfly green or visit the Room of Missing Colours. Discover Colour at Questacon, and see the world in a new light. questacon.edu.au MUSEUM TOURS NATIONAL DINOSAUR MUSEUM Bring your camera, your friends and those burning dinosaur questions for a fun and educational journey back in time. Tours run every weekend and during the ACT/NSW school holidays. nationaldinosaurmuseum. com.au FILMS AT THE NATIONAL FILM AND SOUND ARCHIVE NATIONAL FILM AND SOUND ARCHIVE Check the website for an extensive screening program and a range of special events throughout the year. nfsa.gov.au

11 Catch a film at the historic National Film and Sound Archive. 1 DECEMBER & 2 FEBRUARY VINYL LOUNGE NATIONAL FILM AND SOUND ARCHIVE Bring along your favourite records, share your music stories and hear what s spinning on the NFSA s turntables. The ultimate listening party for vinyl aficionados. nfsa.gov.au/events & 7 DECEMBER, 9 FEBRUARY NFSA GHOST TOUR NATIONAL FILM AND SOUND ARCHIVE Join Tim the Yowie Man for a rare look behind the spooky history of the NFSA s headquarters. nfsa.gov.au/events UNTIL 17 DECEMBER MAMMA MIA! CANBERRA THEATRE The smash hit feel-good musical featuring ABBA songs kicks off its new Australian tour in Canberra. Join the party atmosphere as the theatre transforms into a Greek island paradise. mammamiathemusical. com.au

12 The Sunset Cinema in the Australian National Botanic Gardens offers a unique experience for all ages. UNTIL 23 DECEMBER IMB BANK SUNSET CINEMA AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS This memorable outdoor cinema experience is back with a whole new look and feel. sunsetcinema.com.au/ canberra UNTIL 30 JANUARY DOMBROVSKIS: JOURNEYS INTO THE WILD NATIONAL LIBRARY OF AUSTRALIA Discover the beautiful, powerful and reflective photography of the unique Tasmanian wilderness by Peter Dombrovskis, whose images changed the way Australians think about their environment. nla.gov.au UNTIL 30 JANUARY A CHANGE IS GONNA COME NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA Inspired by the 1964 civil rights song of the same name, this exhibition invites visitors to consider the 1967 referendum and the 1992 Mabo decision within the context of their time, through events that led to and followed these significant moments. nma.gov.au

13 Change the way you think about your environment at the National Library of Australia. Image: Peter Dombrovskis ( ), Cushion plants, Mount Anne, southwest Tasmania, 1984, 2, UNTIL 31 JANUARY FACING TWO FRONTS: THE FIGHT FOR RESPECT NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF AUSTRALIA Through the lens of military service and the stories of those who served, learn about Indigenous soldiers struggle for social justice. naa.gov.au UNTIL 31 JANUARY TREASURES ROYAL AUSTRALIAN MINT See the treasures of the Royal Australian Mint! From a 1 kilogram gold coin to the accidental treasures of One in a Million. ramint.gov.au UNTIL 2 FEBRUARY WAVING THE RED FLAG: CHINESE POSTERS NATIONAL LIBRARY OF AUSTRALIA Full of officially sanctioned ideals for Chinese citizens in a communist world, these bright and colourful posters depict notable events and campaigns in China s history. nla.gov.au

14 Inverso mundus 2015, HD video installation AES+F ARS New York. Courtesy the artists, MAMM Anna Schwarz Gallery and Triumph Gallery. UNTIL 4 FEBRUARY SPEAKING VOLUMES EXHIBITION PARLIAMENT HOUSE Parliament House, in association with DESIGN Canberra, presents Speaking Volumes. Featuring objects produced by three local designers tasked with reusing incredibly evocative leather-bound parliamentary volumes. aph.gov.au/visitparliament UNTIL 18 FEBRUARY HYPER REAL NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA See astonishing lifelike sculptures and cutting-edge digital art at Canberra s summer blockbuster Hyper Real, exclusive to the NGA. nga.gov.au UNTIL 18 FEBRUARY MIDAWARR HARVEST: THE ART OF MULKUN WIRRPANDA AND JOHN WOLSELEY NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA A tale of two senior artists, their friendship and their incredible cross-cultural collaboration in documenting the food plants of Arnhem Land through their art. nma.gov.au

15 Montage photograph by Sarah Kenderdine, Peter Morse and Paul Bourke. Seven Sisters rock art with permission of Walinynga (Cave Hill) custodians. UNTIL 24 FEBRUARY ONETOEIGHT: AUSTRALIA S FIRST PRIME MINISTERS MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRACY AT OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE Visually arresting, humorous and thoughtful, Canberrabased artist Alison Alder reinterprets and reinvigorates portraits of the first eight prime ministers in onetoeight, a contemporary art exhibition. moadoph.gov.au UNTIL 25 FEBRUARY SONGLINES: TRACKING THE SEVEN SISTERS NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA Take a journey into the heart of Australia with intrigue, desire, drama, passion and beauty and connect with the songlines of the Seven Sisters. This Aboriginal-led exhibition shares an ancient way of holding culture and telling stories written in the land. nma.gov.au/exhibitions/ songlines UNTIL 25 FEBRUARY EIRENE MORT: A LIVELIHOOD CANBERRA MUSEUM AND GALLERY The story at the heart of this exhibition is that of Eirene Mort; a prolific artist, collaborator, teacher, writer, family historian and a new woman pursuing a profession in the arts at the beginning of the 20th Century. cmag.com.au

16 December The Commons takes over Commonwealth Park 30 November 10 December. UNTIL 18 MARCH CROSSING THREADS: 50 YEARS OF THE CANBERRA SPINNERS AND WEAVERS CANBERRA MUSEUM AND GALLERY See one of the group s two exhibitions at CMAG which will include textiles gathered from many private and public collections spanning many years of practice: rugs and wall hangings, silk shawls to samplers, and placemats to ponchos. cmag.com.au NOVEMBER 8 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS IN THE HOUSE AUSTRALIAN PARLIAMENT HOUSE Enjoy the dulcet tones of talented youngsters performing at Parliament House in the lead-up to Christmas. Get into the Christmas spirit make a donation to the giving tree and lend your voice to the carolling! aph.gov.au/visitparliament NOVEMBER 10 DECEMBER THE COMMONS STREET FEAST 2017 COMMONWEALTH PARK Returning for its second year, The Commons brings more than 20 of Australia s most mouthwatering food trucks, dedicated craft beer and wine bars, the completely insta-worthy Pimms Garden, plus a whole host of events, entertainment and installations. Free entry. thecommonsstreetfeast. com.au

17 Swing by the Museum of Australian Democracy for a Friday Night Drink. 1, 8, 15 DECEMBER FRIDAY NIGHT DRINKS AT OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRACY AT OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE Each week will see a different themed event brought to the courtyard of one of Australia s most iconic buildings. Think Salsa and Sangria, Aperol Sunset Sessions and a Pimms Garden Party. moadoph.gov.au DECEMBER CHRISTMAS DOG PARTY MURRUMBATEMAN WINERY Murrumbateman Winery s wine dogs, Mollie and Tannin, are hosting a Christmas Dog Day. They re inviting friendly canines and their human companions to join in the festive fun and have their photo taken with Santa. murrumbatemanwinery. com.au DECEMBER GRAPEST 5K RUN... SIP HAPPENS LAKE GEORGE WINERY Whether you re a running enthusiast, a lover of fine wines, or just love a great time out, the Grapest 5k Run is a race like no other. centauroutdoorevents. com.au/grapest5krun

18 Head along to Capital Brewing Co. s inaugural Christmas Night Markets. 5 DECEMBER AUSTRALIA S ROLE IN LOOKING FOR LIFE ON MARS SHINE DOME Don t miss this exceptional opportunity to listen to some of Australia s leading scientific minds and experience the heritage-listed Canberra icon, the Shine Dome, while you re in the nation s capital. science.org.au/ news-and-events/ DECEMBER CAPITAL CHRISTMAS NIGHT MARKETS CAPITAL BREWING CO. Capital Brewing Co. is hosting a Christmas Night Market complete with live music, tasty food, and even a special Christmas beer, made right here. capitalbrewing.co DECEMBER CHRISTMAS BELLES DINNER NATIONAL ARBORETUM CANBERRA Christmas Belles dinner celebrates fresh summer harvest and the festive season under the stars at the National Arboretum Canberra. Bookings essential. gingercatering.com.au

19 Indigenous art work will be available for purchase from the AIATSIS Indigenous Art Market (8 9 December). 8 DECEMBER BEHIND THE LINES 2017: THE YEAR S BEST POLITICAL CARTOONS MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRACY AT OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE Roll up, roll up! Marvel at the political cartooning spectacle that is The Three-Ring Circus showcasing Australian cartoonists best takes on 2017, a tumultuous year under the Big Top of politics. moadoph.gov.au/btl DECEMBER INDIGENOUS ART MARKET ACTON PENINSULA Buy authentic Aboriginal art, crafts, fashion and jewellery from some of Australia s most remote regions and support the artists and their communities. aiatsis.gov.au/ artmarket DECEMBER CHRISTMAS IN GLEBE PARK GLEBE PARK Celebrate Christmas with light displays, a Christmas forest, food and drink options, and a schedule entertainment for kids and adults. events.act.gov.au

20 Venture into outer space at the National Museum of Australia. Science Museum Group 16 DECEMBER CHRISTMAS CAROLS AND PICNIC LANYON HOMESTEAD Bring your own picnic to enjoy in the beautiful Lanyon gardens. Sing-a-long with the Sing Australia Choir and Tuggeranong Valley Band as the sun sets over the Brindabellas. The homestead is lit by candles and decorated for a 19th Century Christmas. historicplaces.com.au/ lanyon-homestead DECEMBER A REALLY WILD CHRISTMAS NATIONAL ZOO & AQUARIUM Enjoy the exciting build-up to Christmas with themed activities and special talks, there s lots to celebrate! nationalzoo.com.au FROM 26 DECEMBER SPACE DESCENT VR WITH TIM PEAKE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA Experience the thrill of being an astronaut inside a Russian space capsule using the latest 360 VR technology. Take the pilot s seat to make a breathtaking 400km descent to Earth from the International Space Station. This awe-inspiring VR experience is narrated by British astronaut Tim Peake. Costs apply. nma.gov.au

21 Head into the city for a free and fun celebration to welcome in DECEMBER NEW YEAR S EVE IN THE CITY CANBERRA CITY Ring in the New Year in Canberra with a fantastic line-up of free entertainment including two live music celebrations and state of the art fireworks on New Year s Eve. events.act.gov.au DECEMBER NEW YEARS EVE BUSHDANCE BY MONARO FOLK SOCIETY CAREYS CAVES The New Year s Eve Bushdance is held every year at the Yarralumla Woolshed by the Monaro Folk Society which conducts regular dance events in Canberra. monarofolk.org.au JANUARY CLASSIC AUSSIE CAR FILMS NATIONAL FILM AND SOUND ARCHIVE In honour of Summernats, the NFSA presents an 8-cylinder afternoon of tyre-squealing fun featuring FJ Holden (1977), The Big Steal (1990) and Love the Beast (2009). nfsa.gov.au/events

22 January The Arboretum promises to draw a crowd after hours in January. 4 7 JANUARY SUMMERNATS EXHIBITION PARK The annual Street Machine Summernats Car Festival is Australia s biggest horse power party where more than 200 elite street machines descend on Canberra. Coming from around the world, entrants display to a crowd of more than 100,000 people. summernats.com.au , 12, 19 JANUARY ARBORETUM AFTER HOURS NATIONAL ARBORETUM CANBERRA Enjoy delicious food, great music and some of the best views across Canberra. The Curatoreum gift shop, Bonsai Collection and Pod open til late. Free parking. nationalarboretum.act.gov.au JANUARY WOMEN OF EMPIRE EXHIBITION NATIONAL FILM AND SOUND ARCHIVES Seen by over half-a-million people in Australia and overseas Women of Empire is the only touring WWI exhibition telling the stories of the women whose lives (and fashions) were transformed by their experiences of this cataclysmic event. womenofempirecanberra.com

23 Summernats serves up Australia s most epic auto action this January JANUARY FASHION AND COSTUME WEEK NATIONAL FILM AND SOUND ARCHIVE This week-long exploration of fashion and costume includes a pop up exhibition, screenings of iconic films, in conversation events and a vintage fashion rumble. nfsa.gov.au/events , 14, 26 JANUARY AND 12 FEBRUARY NFSA RESTORES NATIONAL FILM AND SOUND ARCHIVE Restores is an exciting ongoing program to digitise, restore and preserve, at the highest archival standards, cult and classic Australian films so they can be enjoyed in today s digital cinemas. nfsa.gov.au JANUARY 25 FEBRUARY AMERICAN EXPRESS OPENAIR CINEMAS NATIONAL LIBRARY OF AUSTRALIA Make a night of it under the stars. Bringing a season of good times to Canberra, experience summer at its best with live music, sunset drinks, food, fun and flicks. openaircinemas.com.au

24 Celebrate Australia Day in the capital at Commonwealth Park. 26 JANUARY AUSTRALIA DAY IN THE CAPITAL COMMONWEALTH PARK There s something for everyone to enjoy this Australia Day in the capital, including an Aussie Day BBQ breakfast, kids entertainment, the National Flag Raising and Citizenship Ceremony and an evening concert with a fireworks finale. events.act.gov.au JANUARY AUSTRALIA DAY IN YASS VALLEY CORONATION PARK, YASS Celebrate Australia s National Day with celebrations in the Yass Coronation Park. The Rotary Club of Yass provide breakfast in the park from 7am. yassvalley.nsw.gov.au JANUARY OPEN HOUSE: AUSTRALIA DAY PICNIC LANYON HOMESTEAD Celebrate Australia Day at Lanyon. Cool down in the stunning gardens; bring your picnic and rug and relax on the lawns, or enjoy lunch at The Barracks Espresso Bar and Eating House. Discover Canberra s rural history with a free tour of the homestead. historicplaces.com.au/ lanyon-homestead

25 February Venture out into the region and explore Lanyon Homestead JANUARY FOUR WHEEL DRIVE SPECTACULAR QUEANBEYAN SHOWGROUND This biannual event encourages responsible and recreational use of 4WD vehicles in the Australian environment. 4wdspectacular.org.au FEBRUARY BUNGENDORE COUNTRY MUSIC MUSTER BUNGENDORE SHOWGROUND The 33rd Annual Bungendore Country Music Muster is a leading Australian music festival. Held in the country surrounds of historic Bungendore, the festival showcases over 24 Australian Country Music artists accompanied by well-known bands in a perfect open air setting. bungendorecountrymusicmuster. com.au FEBRUARY CANBERRA FOOD & WINE EXPO NATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE An annual three-day event dedicated to celebrity chefs, food and wine, cheese, cocktails and everyday gourmets. foodandwineexpo.com.au

26 Enjoy the tastes of flavours from across the globe at the Multicultural Festival. 11 FEBRUARY WEET-BIX TRYATHLON 2018 AIS PRECINCT The Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra will come alive with hundreds of Weet-Bix Kids TRYathletes will swim, ride and run using the very same facilities where many great Australian sporting careers have begun. tryathlon.com.au/ locations/canberra FEBRUARY NATIONAL MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL VARIOUS CITY VENUES Eat, drink, laugh and dance your way around the world at this much loved annual festival. Celebrate difference, share traditions and see performances from all parts of the world throughout the festival. multiculturalfestival.com.au FEBRUARY ACTEWAGL ROYAL CANBERRA SHOW EXHIBITION PARK IN CANBERRA Get ready to be entertained, excited and educated! The award-winning Show features more than 150 attractions, 5000 animals, 450 trade displays and 1500 competitors. canberrashow.org.au

27 Sport xmanuka Oval is home to cricket this summer. BASKETBALL NATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE 7, 17, 21, 29 DECEMBER UC Capitals v Sydney (7), Adelaide (17), Townsville (21), Perth (29). TRIATHLON ROND TERRACE 3 FEBRUARY Canberra Triathlon Festival CRICKET MANUKA OVAL REBEL BIG BASH LEAGUE 24 JANUARY Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Renegades KFC BIG BASH LEAGUE 24 JANUARY Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Renegades T20 2 FEBRUARY T20 PM s XI v England WHEELCHAIR RACING AIS JANUARY Summer Down Under Series Canberra International Track Meet FUTSAL AIS 8 12 FEBRUARY FFA National Futsal Championship

28 Markets The Old Bus Depot Markets is the perfect spot to pick up a unique gift DECEMBER HANDMADE MARKET EXHIBITION PARK IN CANBERRA 10am 4pm 16 DECEMBER, 20 JANUARY MEETING PLACE AND DIVERSITY ACT COMMUNITY MARKET DIVERSITY ACT, KAMBAH 2 8pm FRIDAYS KINGSTON NIGHT MARKETS WENTWORTH AVENUE, KINGSTON 10am 1pm SATURDAYS CAPITAL REGION FARMERS MARKET EXHIBITION PARK IN CANBERRA 7.30am 11.30am Capital Region Farmers Market will be closed 30 December & 6 January. SUNDAYS OLD BUS DEPOT MARKETS OLD BUS DEPOT, KINGSTON 10am 4pm SPECIAL THEMES 2, 9 10, 16, 23 December Christmas 3 December, 7 Jan Multicultural Sunday 17 December Designer Sunday Old Bus Depot Markets will be closed 31st December & 7 January.

29 Head to the Capital Region Farmers Market for seasonal food options on Saturday mornings. 1ST SATURDAY CAPTAINS FLAT COUNTRY MARKETS 9.30am 1.30pm 1ST SUNDAY HARTLEY HALL MARKETS HALL 10am 3pm 3RD SUNDAY BUNGENDORE MARKETS BUNGENDORE 9am 3pm 1ST AND 3RD SATURDAY YASS COMMUNITY MARKET 10am 1pm 1ST AND 3RD SATURDAY BRAIDWOOD MARKETS BRAIDWOOD 8am 12.30pm 2ND AND 4TH SATURDAY MURRUMBATEMAN VILLAGE MARKET MURRUMBATEMAN 9am 1pm

30 Theatre and music Beloved musical MAMMA MIA! comes to town. AIS ARENA 6 DECEMBER Culture Club THE STREET THEATRE 2 DECEMBER The Idea of North Yule. Love It 3 DECEMBER Lucy Sugerman 7 8 DECEMBER Sparrow-Folk: A Very Nestie Christmas 22 FEBRUARY The Grigoryan Brothers CANBERRA THEATRE 24 NOVEMBER 17 DECEMBER Mamma Mia! The Musical DECEMBER Wiggly Christmas Big Show 14 JANUARY Alice in Wonderland 23 JANUARY An Evening with David Sedaris 24 JANUARY The 78-Storey Treehouse JANUARY The Gruffalo 31 JANUARY 1 FEBRUARY Shen Yun 2 FEBRUARY The Empire Strips Back 15 FEBRUARY 2018 National Multicultural Festival Opening Concert

31 Oh! What a Lovely War arrives to Theatre 3. THE PLAYHOUSE, CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE 13 DECEMBER A Very Kransky Christmas 6 FEBRUARY Courtney ACT Under the Covers THEATRE 3 16 NOVEMBER 2 DECEMBER Australia Day by Jonathan Biggins 22 FEBRUARY 10 MARCH Oh, What A Lovely War! GORMAN ARTS CENTRE 28 NOVEMBER 3 DECEMBER Tristan: A Song for a Superior Man LLEWELLYN HALL, ANU 2 DECEMBER A Very Canberra Comedy Festival Christmas FEBRUARY ActewAGL Llewellyn One HIGH COURT OF AUSTRALIA 3 DECEMBER Canberra Recorder and Early Music Society: The Recorder Sings 10 DECEMBER Special Christmas Concert

32 Visitor information done differently Make the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre your first stop when you visit Lonely Planet s third best city in travel. CANBERRA AND REGION VISITORS CENTRE LOCAL MERCHANDISE TOURS AND TICKETS ACCOMMODATION DEALS Regatta Point, Barrine Drive, Parkes, ACT visitcanberra.com.au Open 9am-4pm weekends & public holidays Closed Christmas Day.