This weekend hubby and I flew up to Canberra to celebrate his Aunty's 90th birthday. We met up with hubby's two sisters and their husbands who had also traveled to Canberra and were able to enjoy some time together. Yesterday morning we went to Canberra's Floriade Spring festival.
Floriade started in 1988 as a wonderful commemoration of Australia's
Bicentenary and Canberra's 75th birthday. Beautiful floral displays of exotic bulbs and annuals are grown and they certainly thrive in Canberra's climate. As the first Floriade festival was such a huge success, the community decided to make it and annual event and is held in Commonweath Park. Here are some photos from our meanderings.
Commonweath Park is gorgeous with lakes, streams, beautiful trees and shrubs.
These bird sculptures are beautiful.
We saw these gorgeous black swans, one being happy to commune with me and the other was nesting.
We enjoyed walking around some of Lake Burley Griffin's shores and took a cruise around the lake.
'The National Carillon is a striking 50 metre tall architectural landmark. It is also an impressive musical instrument with 55 bronze bells, each weighing between seven kilograms and six tonnes. The Carillon was a gift of the British Government to the people of Australia in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the national capital.
Aspen Island is the perfect place to enjoy one of the regular carillon recitals and have a picnic.'
Information found here.
After our cruise we headed into the city for some lunch and came across some interesting sculptures.
While on the subject of sculptures, this one is at the Canberra Airport. I loved it so much and couldn't resist taking photos from a number of different angles.
After our lovely morning and lunch, we spent some time with hubby's Aunty's extended family before celebrating with the birthday girl at a restaurant in the evening. We had a wonderful time together with many laughs, enjoying stories of Aunty's childhood.
My next post will be about our visit to the Australian War Memorial which was a very moving experience it deserves a post all of it's own.
Anne xx
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| The National Library of Australia |
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| Australian Houses of Parliament, the old building in the foreground and the new building in the background. |
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| The Australian War Memorial with Mt. Ainslie in the background. |
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| The National Carillon |
'The National Carillon is a striking 50 metre tall architectural landmark. It is also an impressive musical instrument with 55 bronze bells, each weighing between seven kilograms and six tonnes. The Carillon was a gift of the British Government to the people of Australia in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the national capital.
Aspen Island is the perfect place to enjoy one of the regular carillon recitals and have a picnic.'
Information found here.
After our cruise we headed into the city for some lunch and came across some interesting sculptures.
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| This ram doesn't look too happy or comfortable. |
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| Detail about the above sculpture. |
After our lovely morning and lunch, we spent some time with hubby's Aunty's extended family before celebrating with the birthday girl at a restaurant in the evening. We had a wonderful time together with many laughs, enjoying stories of Aunty's childhood.
My next post will be about our visit to the Australian War Memorial which was a very moving experience it deserves a post all of it's own.
Anne xx
A lovely time of year for a visit I would think Anne. I was there recently too, and it's a great spot. I would like to see the Floriade one day though. cheers Wendy
ReplyDeleteHi Anne, what gorgeous tulips ....I especially love the last one with the mixed colours and spring trees.
ReplyDeleteInteresting sculptures too.
Jacquie x
Floriade is spectacular isn't it?.....love all the Tulips.
ReplyDeleteGreat sculptures you photographed Anne. I'm with you on the one at the airport and I would love to know what the ram sculpture is all about!!
Sounds like you had a great family get together and i bet the birthday girl had some great stories to tell.....
Claire x
Floriade is spectacular isn't it?.....love all the Tulips.
ReplyDeleteGreat sculptures you photographed Anne. I'm with you on the one at the airport and I would love to know what the ram sculpture is all about!!
Sounds like you had a great family get together and i bet the birthday girl had some great stories to tell.....
Claire x
The flowers are gorgeous, I really love Tulips. Some very interesting sculptures, the ram was an 'interesting' one :) x
ReplyDeleteLooks like you both had a beautiful weekend enjoying all the beautiful gardens and wonderful moments with family. :)
ReplyDeleteAnne, what a beautiful place and special occasion. So funny to see spring as all the leaves are falling here. Thank you for your kinds words, they mean a tremendous amount.
ReplyDeleteCanberra's a great place to visit and we haven't been there for many years. Of course when the flowers are out is the best time to go isn't it ... and it doesn't matter if it's a bit chilly either. Looks like you had a good time.
ReplyDeleteCheers