Christine Salins studied journalism at the University of Southern Queensland and spent a couple of decades working in newspapers before going out on her own to write about food, wine and travel, her great passions in life. Although he has always had a gift with words, Maurie O’Connor spent much of his career helping others lead happy and fulfilling lives, focusing on his writing only in more recent years. Canberra was where they met and fell in love, with each other and with the city that they believe is one of Australia’s most underrated destinations. Today they spend much of their time roaming the globe, seeking out stories for their award-winning website, Food Wine Travel, but they always love coming back to Canberra.
Nowhere is Australia’s journey as a nation better reflected than it is in the National Capital. A number of organisations and institutions within easy distance of each other capture the Australian story from very different angles. Whether it be our sporting obsession, our military history, our entertainment industry, our cultural diversity or our mix of people and characters, Canberra offers...
Enjoy outdoor family adventures when you bring the kids to Canberra. When in Civic, the city centre, shopping, dining or just rambling, it will be hard for little kids (and even the big ones) to go past the old-fashioned merry-go-round in City Walk, the pedestrian mall. This beautiful carousel, over 100 years old, was restored and set up in Canberra...
Canberra has many good indoor family activities to enjoy when you bring the kids. Overlooking Lake Burley Griffin on the Acton Peninsula, The National Museum of Australia is a showcase for Australia’s social history as well as a captivator of kids. It has some great cubbies such as a treehouse (complete with python and mysterious footprints), a tank stand hideaway (shared with...
Sadly, when dining out with kids many people go for the seemingly easy option and head for the usual fast food joints, but with so many good family dining options in Canberra why bother with those places? There are many family-friendly cafés and restaurants in the main dining precincts, in the suburbs and around the lake and parklands, offering kids’...
Anyone with kids will know that it’s all about compromise. Even though, given the choice, kids’ interests may not necessarily be yours, if they’re happy, then you can’t help but be happy yourself. So, how can we keep the kids entertained and interested and still enjoy it ourselves? Do you live in fear of those dreary words, “I’m bored”? But,...
Discover culture in Canberra. If you’re sinful and sexy you hail from Sydney, if you’re bold and brash you come from Brisbane and those being well born come from Melbourne. But if you’re cultured then it’s Canberra. The good news is that for other culture vultures you can have a feast in Canberra and, the even better news is that...
Canberra has a vibrant art and craft scene and for a good taste of what there is on offer, get along the Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston, held every Sunday. If you want something unique or original that’s the place to get it. While there, the Canberra Glass Works is right next door with some very beautiful pieces on...
It’s a good idea to plan your Canberra visit around some of the major festivals, especially Floriade, Australia’s biggest celebration of spring held mid-September to mid-October every year. Apart from the blooms, there are markets, food and drink, exhibitions and the fabulous NightFest program of entertainment. If you happen to be in Canberra in autumn, you’ll be dazzled by the...
It’s a national treasure often overlooked by the overseas visitor, but rich in culture and history and humming with a vibrant modern feel. Being the nation’s capital, Canberra is a city which many people think is sterile and full of public servants and politicians trading insults. These are people who have never been there. As the seat of government, Canberra...
Christine: Floating in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon while the snow was falling all around us on Christmas day.
Maurie: Standing on the rim of an active volcano on the island of Tanna, in Vanuatu.
That people have the same needs the world over. Everyone wants to be fed, clothed and loved, and people are generally kind, decent human beings, regardless of where they come from. Travel brings an understanding of other cultures that is important for world peace – it’s hard to be at war with someone you’ve broken bread with.
Christine: Consult Google.
Maurie: Have a coffee.
Canberra, of course!
It’s a little bit quirky, a little bit hip, a little bit nerdy, and most locals (away from Parliament House) have a social conscience. It’s time Aussies realized how blessed they are to have such a great capital city.