National Gallery of Australia
The National Portrait Gallery is right next door to the National Art Gallery. These exhibitions showcase famous Australians and their achievements in art. A current exhibit, Prime, explores the prime ministers of Australia, from Bob Hawke to Julia Gillard to John Howard. A portrait of sporting legend Glenn McGrath is impressive. In addition to its impressive portrait collection, the National Portrait Gallery also features an extensive collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. You can visit the gallery in Parkes Pl E, Parkes ACT 2600.
The interior of the building features marble, intricately carved panels, and portraits of past political figures. It blends art and Australian history with impressive decor. While touring the galleries, be sure to check out the Parliamentary Triangle. Its roof, main foyer, and chambers are all impressive sights to see. In the evening, you can even catch a show at the National Gallery’s theater. The National Gallery has free parking, but be sure to purchase tickets ahead of time. Parking is also available in an underground car park in Parkes Place. On weekends and after 5pm, parking is free. You can park on nearby Bowen Drive and in front of the building.
Whether you’re visiting with kids or an entire family, there’s something for everyone at the National Museum. Exhibits cover the history of Australia, including early Australians and the first European settlers. There’s also a permanent exhibition of paintings by the world’s leading artists. There are also many rotating special exhibitions, and some exhibits require an entry fee. For example, the Infinity Room exhibit by Yayoi Kasuma is trippy and incredibly photogenic. Check this out.
If you’re looking for something more educational, check out the Australian War Memorial, a large stone building with impressive views of the city. This museum has a separate Kids Discovery Zone aimed at educating children about war. A Vietnam War helicopter and a World War I style trench can be found here, along with a small submarine. It is worth a visit if you’re in the area.
While at the National Gallery of Australia, make sure to spend some time in the gardens. You’ll find plenty of beautiful gardens here. A visit to this museum is not complete without visiting the ACT Railway Museum. The Museum isn’t a big tourist attraction, but it’s an educational experience. The museum is located on the south-east side of the city and is an excellent choice for families with children.
The vineyards at Mount Majura have grown immensely since their opening. Now they serve more than a dozen varieties of wine. The wines are also affordable and seated. The tastings include fresh fruits and vegetables and a variety of rich cheeses and truffles. The vineyards also offer excellent food. It’s easy to get a filling meal after visiting the vineyards. In fact, you can even get a wine tasting for just a few dollars! More here.