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Floriade – a month long festival of activities for the family

Featured, Goes To - Fran - September 17, 2024

Now that you’ve made it to Floriade, walked around the park and marveled at the flowers, what do you do? There are plenty of activities to keep you and your family entertained when you visit Floriade, and that’s in addition to the flowers!

Now that you’ve made it to Floriade, walked around the park and marveled at the flowers, what do you do? There are plenty of activities to keep you and your family entertained when you visit Floriade, and that’s in addition to the flowers!

The Gnome Knoll

As you stroll through Floriade, head west and you will find the Gnome Knoll.  Here you can release your inner child (if you are an adult) and let your creativity flow by painting a gnome.  There are prizes given to the best painted gnome in each age category.  Gnomes are displayed for all to admire and can be collected once Floriade has ended.

The gnome knoll is facilitated and presented by the Rotary Club of Murrumbidgee Canberra, with all funds raised through this activity used to support projects that benefit the Canberra community.

Full details of operating and collection hours can be found here.

Gnome Knoll
The Gnome Knoll raises funds to support projects that benefit the Canberra community

Dog’s day out

This year, Dog’s Day Out is back, allowing our four legged friends to take a stroll (on a leash) through Floriade on the Sunday 13 October 2024.  

Floriade Workshops

There are 15 workshops being held throughout the Floriade festival where you can let your creativity bloom.  From learning how to paint, to wildflower arrangement and photography, nature journalling, this year, there is a Floriade related workshop for all tastes.  Bookings are essential.

Full details of all the workshops including booking details are available from the Floriade website

Heart Foundation Floriade Early Morning Walks

Get in early by joining the Heart Foundation for an early bird walk (8:00am) before Floriade opens to the public on Saturdays. You can see the flower beds without the crowds and get some exercise at the same time – it’s an easy 30 to 40 minute walk. 

You will need to register for the walks and can do so here.

The Kazador Tent, Stage 88 and Tulip Stage

If you are after activities for the kids, Floriade doesn’t disappoint.  The Kazador tent presents the family friendly ‘Dr Hubble’s Bubble Show’, ‘A kind of Magic’ and ‘Circus Extravaganza’, with daytime performances.

Stage 88 and Tulip Stage (presented by Accor) will appeal to people of all ages.  A diverse program has been compiled that includes cultural performances and entertainment by the different territory societies.

Full program details highlighting these and other Floriade venues can be found here.

Things to note

Important information about visiting Floriade

  • Floriade is open every day between September 14 and October 13, 2024.
  • Gates open between 9.30am – 5.30pm daily, with last entry at 5:15pm 

Floriade on social media

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Floriade photography guide for beginners

Featured, Goes To - Fran - September 17, 2024

If you are new to photography or Floriade, we’ve compiled a beginner’s photography guide to the Festival to help you capture it in all its splendor!

Floriade is the epitome of spring in Canberra.  Over 450,000 visitors are expected to walk through the gates this year and wander through the grounds marveling at the flowers and the shapes and designs that have been created. 

The design combinations we’ve put into the park this year have popped more so than in previous years. The palate of plants remains the same, but I am always challenged to come up with more interesting combinations’

Head gardener Tim Howard 

To remember this year’s Floriade, we have come up with our photography guide.

Photography from an observer’s eye view

This point of view refers to you, what you see as you stand.  Most people will hold their camera or phone directly in front of them and take a picture.  Next time, try these tips:

Framing

Use the sculptures around the grounds to frame and to show Floriade as much more than flowers.  You can also use the flowers themselves to highlight certain aspects of Floriade, like the pathways and Ferris Wheel.  What you want to do is to have a ‘looking through’ element to your picture, capturing something in the foreground and background.

Floriade has made it easier to frame your photography
Close up of a open tulip with a Ferris wheel in the background.

People and performers

As you walk through the grounds you will certainly notice the crowds and the performers.  Show them in the act, taking pictures of the flowers, and interacting with each other.

Snail performer
Performers want to be in your pictures
Photograph them mid-act

Photography from a bird’s eye view

Height: this is what you want.  Whether it’s placing your camera or phone over flowers and taking a picture looking down, this point of view is meant to give you a sensation of being over things.

#FromwhereIstand

If you are on Instagram, you may have seen this hashtag.  It refers to looking down and taking a photograph that includes your feet.  You can extend this by lengthening your arm away from your body and pointing your camera or phone down and taking a picture.  The result should be a bird’s eye view (granted one that is flying quite low).

flower from height
Taking pictures from above looking down is instagram’s equivalent of #fromwhereIstand

Ferris Wheel & Canberra Helicopter rides

Take a ride on the Ferris Wheel to see the patterns closest to that area.  This year, you should be able to make out the Yin and Yang flower bed directly in front of the Ferris Wheel, as well as some of the nearby ones.  Canberra Helicopters are providing flights over Floriade for the first time this year to give you a proper bird’s eye view.

Ferris wheel
You can obtain aerial views from the Ferris Wheel and Canberra Helicopter rides. From this angle you can appreciate the patterns.

Photography from a worm’s eye view

Now this is my personal favourite angle.  It does require you getting low (or at least your camera or phone) to the ground and taking a picture looking up or through the flowers.  This point of view reminds me of being a child and feeling that everything was so large, yet so wonderful.

Looking up to the sky

Get your camera as close to the ground as possible and focus on a flower that is nearby that it can fill most of the frame.  Including some blue skies, makes this aspect  particularly striking.

Poppies from below
Portrait format probably works best here as you elongate the flowers and make them look like they are reaching to the sky.

Blurry background to keep the focus clear

Once again, you want one of the flowers in focus and the rest of the image blurry.  You can achieve this by increasing the f stop on your camera (making the f number really small). If using your phone’s camera touch the screen to focus on the closest flower and get in really close.  Everything else should become a little blurrier.

Poppy bud
The subject is the poppy bud. It is sharp and in focus, while the rest of the flowers are blurred and simply provide context.

Contrast

This works with any angle and is one of those photography tips that apply to almost anything. Find what you want to photograph and move your camera until the background is of a different colour.  With flowers, try to place the green leaves behind the heads so that they can pop in contrast.

popping poppy
The bright yellow poppy dominates the picture with the green background providing a contrast for the poppy to pop

Things to note

Things you should know about visiting Floriade

  • Floriade is open every day between the 17th September until the 16th October 2016.
  • Operating hours are 9.00 am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday and 9.00 am – 5.30pm on weekends and Public Holidays

Floriade on social media

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Swimming with whales & seals in Shoalhaven warms your winter

Goes To, Travels - Fran - July 6, 2021

A Shoalhaven winter is full of activities, particularly since it is whale migration season and the wineries in the area are releasing their latest vintages. And let’s face it, who doesn’t love wine and whales?

A Shoalhaven winter is full of activities, particularly since it is whale migration season and the wineries in the area are releasing their latest vintages. And let’s face it, who doesn’t love wine and whales?

There are only a handful of places around Australia that are accredited to swim with whales and Dive Jervis Bay is one of them – in fact; the only one in the Shoalhaven area.  Located in Huskisson, they run Scuba Diving and PADI courses alongside their boat trips and are a Sea Shepherd approved dive partner. 

Their swim with whales and seals trip encompasses whale and seal watching and then takes it up a notch.  They stress the fact that the encounter is up to the whales; their role is to safely get us within 100 metres and in their path to maximise the opportunity to swim with them.  Having said that; when I asked how often the whales purposely avoided the groups, they could not think of any occasions.

The trip starts as a normal mid-winter snorkelling trip; you get fitted for a wet suit and snorkelling gear,  you head to the pier and climb onto the boat, and then head out of the bay, along the Point Perpendicular cliffs, towards the open sea.

It is hard to describe this experience; I smile when I think about it though.  

Jumping in the water without thinking and with zero fear – we are after all in good hands – swimming towards our divemaster and trusting that the whales will approach.  

We alternate between dunking our heads in the water and searching for them above as the waves gently rock us from side to side.  We have been told that we need to be ‘interesting’ and quiet – something to catch the whales’ eyes without seeming threatening.  Ten pairs of legs with flippers closely bunched together should be interesting, right?

Two of the three jumps into the water are a bust.  On one occasion the whales decided to steer clear and on the second they swam under the boat which was a good 30m away from us.  When they did eventually approach, it was magical.  Any fear, apprehension, or worried thoughts anyone may have had, completely disappeared and all you could think of was how spectacular they were.   The snorkelling gear provided gives you a feeling of intimacy as the whales swim past below your feet.  We estimated that the two whales we saw were about 15 metres below us and that the one closest was a calf from last year’s season, making the trip North to warmer waters.

I can still picture the perfectly shaped tail fin of the humpback whale, gracefully and playfully swimming below us.

Maree Clout, Jervis Bay, Humpback Whale

If this was not exciting enough, we then head towards the Drum & Drumsticks; a dive and snorkelling site that is home to a permanent fur seal colony. This area is well-known for diving to the locals, with 5 sites to explore, the best-known one is the ‘Lion’s Den’: a huge open underwater cavern within one of the islands.

Unlike the instructions we received to swim with the whales, we are told that we need to be playful, animated, and vocal to ‘entertain’ the seals and tempt them to swim with us.  No sooner than we had jumped in the water, the fur seals began zipping past us checking us out.  They are fast!  Visibility is great in this area; the water is clear and blue, which encourages some of our group to free dive towards the seals who playfully come to meet them halfway.

As we head back towards Huskisson, I can’t help but wonder what it would be like to swim with the whales on their return through these waters as Dive Jervis Bay operates the Swim with whales and seals experience until the end of November. 

What you need to know

Dive Jervis Bay operates year-round, with the Swim with Whales and seals experience between June and November. It costs $199 per person and goes for around five hours, with all necessary gear provided and light refreshments are provided on board.

You can book the Swim with Whales and experience here.

The Shoalhaven Tourism website has details on how you can plan your whales and winery itinerary in Shoalhaven

video credit to Cassarn Monroe

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Canberra’s Balloon Spectacular – a visitor’s guide

Goes To - Fran - March 1, 2020

The Canberra Balloon Spectacular returns in 2020. If you are a visitor to Canberra this is your must read guide to the festival.

If you ask a Canberran what their favourite month of the year is, they will sit and ponder for a few minutes before answering ‘March’.

Indeed, Canberra in March is just starting to cool down, the foliage on our tree adorned streets is starting to turn all hues of red and we all look forward to a week of early mornings followed by our skies being peppered by hot air balloons from across the globe.

This year, 2020, the Skywhale will be returning to Australia and doing its maiden voyage as part of the National Gallery of Australia collection.  She will be tethered on the 7th of March and will launch (weather dependent) on the morning of the 9th March.

If you are planning your visit to Canberra around the Balloon Spectacular we have a few ‘local’ tips to make the most of your time here.

Canberra Balloon Spectacular
Skywhale returns to the Canberra skies

Plan your trip for the first weekend of the Balloon Spectacular

The first weekend overlaps with the Enlighten Festival and the Good food Night Noodle markets.  If you arrive in Canberra on Friday night and stay the weekend you can be part of the night and early morning festivities.  On Friday night some of the balloons will tether on the lawns of Reconciliation Place. 

Check the Enlighten social media channels at 6am before heading out

Balloon flights are weather dependent, and as such there are mornings when they will begin their flights from locations other than Reconciliation place or not fly at all.  The Enlighten website, Facebook page and twitter account will post each morning whether flights will occur. You can also contact Access Canberra on 132281 from 6:15am. Most balloons have launched by 7:30am so plan to arrive by 6:30am to catch them and the sunrise.

Balloons will only launch if the conditions are right
Balloons will only launch if the conditions are right

Work out your travel arrangements to get to the launch site

There is limited parking and road closures around Reconciliation Place (the main launch site).   We don’t recommend parking at the National Library as it can get very congested, instead try the car park closest to the Australian Heritage Council off Dorothy Tangney Place and near the National Archives of Australia. There are several hotels in the area that are within walking distance and at this time of the year, the weather is pleasant enough to walk.

Get breakfast after the balloons have launched

Don’t miss the balloons launching by standing in the queue for coffee or breakfast.  Instead, enjoy the magic as they lift and float off and then head out for food. There are various stalls at the launch site that will be serving hot breakfasts.  Make sure you bring some cash with you as they don’t always take cards and the ATM on site has sometimes had technical difficulties. Canberra is a progresive city and we recommend bringing a keep cup to cut down on waste.

Questacon’s cafe ‘Atomic’ is also open from 8:30am and serving hot breakfasts.

Balloon Spectacular and Telstra Tower
Telstra tower looks impressive as a backdrop to the Balloon Spectacular

Stick around for sunrise and explore the Parliamentary Triangle

Once the balloons have launched, see the sunrise and then head out to the National institutions within the Parliamentary Triangle.  Within walking distance is the National Gallery of Australia, the National Portrait Gallery, The Museum of Democracy (Old Parliament House), The National Library, The National Archives of Australia and Parliament House.

What you need to know

  • The Canberra Balloon Spectacular is on from the 7th until the 15th March 2020
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National Gallery’s ‘Francesco 2017’ by Urs Fischer – See it before it melts away

Goes To, Lifestyle - Fran - March 15, 2019

The National Gallery of Australia has unveiled its latest major acquisition, Francesco 2017, a wax sculpture by Swiss artist Urs Fischer, funded through their acquisition budget and philanthropic donations.

In 2018, the gallery revealed Yayoi Kusama’s infinity room ‘The Spirits of the Pumpkins Descended into the Heavens 2015’ – an immersive installation that saturates your sense of sight as you peer into the endless reflections of black dotted yellow pumpkins. Today, Nick Mitzevich, gallery director, lit up our sense of touch (even though you can’t actually touch the artwork) as he set alight the 4 metre wax sculpture of the acclaimed Italian art curator, Francesco Bonami.

Nick Mitzevich, gallery director, gives life to 'Francesco' as he lights the sculpture

Nick Mitzevich, gallery director, gives life to ‘Francesco’ as he lights it up

The sculpture, created by Urs Fischer, will melt away for six months, at which point it will be recast to its original form and lit again.  Mitzevich described this process as ‘the birth, the life and the death of an artwork’.

‘Life is one long decay, no? There’s a lot of beauty in it.’ Urs Fischer

‘Life is one long decay, no? There’s a lot of beauty in it.’ Urs Fischer

Mitzevich also states that through his works, Fischer ‘defines the moment we are in’ and goes on to describe the work as ‘Like life itself, this work emulates the things that play out around us, the birth of things, the life of things, the way things change and ultimately the death of things and their destruction’.

Interestingly, Fischer does not depict his friend and model Francesco looking at art or reviewing an art book; instead, he is portrayed captivated by and holding a mobile phone – ‘a device that is emblematic of the world we live in today’.

‘Modern life is continually changing and I think this sculpture is a great metaphor for the fact that if you don’t look carefully, things will change and pass you by. Life isn’t static and we are used to artworks that are relatively static and this work is certainly not static. It has a process and a life of itself and in some ways [it’s] just like the lives we all lead. I think it’s a really beautiful, poignant, but at times macabre metaphor for the world we are in right now’ said Mitzevich when asked about the ways in which the artwork reflected the anxieties of modern life.

'[this] is a great spark to demonstrate where the National collection is going - bold works that define the times we live in.' Nick Mitzevich

‘[this] is a great spark to demonstrate where the National collection is going – bold works that define the times we live in.’ Nick Mitzevich

The artwork will be on display for all Australians and visitors to enjoy, and I can already see myself spending weekends staring at its transformation and ultimate demise.  And even though the artwork will be recast, I know that like life, no two will burn and melt in the same way.

'[this is] a reflection on our own personal mortality.' Nick Mitzevich

‘[this is] a reflection on our own personal mortality.’ Nick Mitzevich

Things to know:

The artwork is currently on display at the National Gallery of Australia and is a permanent addition to their national collection.  Entry is free and photography is permitted.

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Some of Australia’s best winemakers coming to Canberra

Goes To - Sophia - April 13, 2018

The annual Cellarmasters’ Canberra Meet the Makers wine tasting event is taking place at QT in the city’s CBD on the evening of Friday 18 May, and wine lovers can sample up to 60 prized wines and meet their makers!

“This is a great opportunity to meet the winemakers behind your favourite wines, and a unique chance to taste wines you might never have tried otherwise. Who knows, you might even find a couple of new favourites,” said Christine Rickets, Cellar Director at Cellarmasters.

Celebrity chef Stefano de Pieri of Mildura Grand Hotel fame will be serving wines from his namesake trophy-winning alternative varieties range, which includes a Nero d’Avola, Fiano and Shiraz Sangiovese.

Celebrity chef Stefano de Pieri

Celebrity chef Stefano de Pieri

“Italian varieties have become popular because wine drinkers are looking for diversity, and there is a high demand for textural whites and light-bodied reds, which happens to be a fitting description for many Italian varieties,” he explained.

In 2001, Stefano co-founded the first Australian Alternative Varieties Wine Show in Mildura. Only 27 wines were submitted in 2001. Last year, over 800 wines competed for the coveted wine awards – a testament to the increase in popularity of alternative varieties.

“I’m looking forward to meeting Canberra customers and getting their feedback on my wine range, and I’m more than happy to help them pronounce the more unusual wine varieties,” he laughed.

Some of the wine makers at the Canberra Meet the Makers event include: Nick Badrice, Krondorf, Barossa Valley, Ian and Wendy Roberts, Riversdale Estate, Tasmania and Gwyn Olsen, BriarRidge and Pepper Tree Wines, Hunter Valley

What you need to know:

Event: Cellarmasters Meet the Makers, Annual Wine Tasting Event – Canberra

Where: QT Canberra, 1 London Circuit, Canberra, ACT 2601

Date: Friday May 18

Time: 6:00pm – 8:30pm

Cost: $40 + booking fee (includes a glass of sparkling on arrival, cheese and canapés, and tastings of over 60 different wines)

For tickets and more information, head to https://www.cellarmasters.com.au/events

 

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The Enlighten Festival 2018

Goes To - Sophia - February 28, 2018

The Enlighten Festival is back in 2018 bigger, brighter and longer than ever!

Our beloved Canberra will transform into a hive of activity with an extended program of free and ticketed events and activities, plus two new and exciting event precincts – Canberra city and the Australian National University (ANU).

The showstopper for the festival is still the ever enchanting Enlighten Illuminations – stunning large-scale architectural projections and installations that transform some of the capital’s most loved and iconic buildings including the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Portrait Gallery, National Library of Australia and Questacon, as the Parliamentary Triangle becomes a vibrant canvas showcasing Australian talent, roving entertainers, art installations, live music and enchanting performances.

The festival this year has been extended to include some of Canberra’s other most popular autumn events – the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, Symphony in the Park, Lights! Canberra! Action!, Canberra Day and Hit 104.7 Skyfire.

Foodies will love the sizzling, bustling Enlighten Night Noodle Markets on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin; it is still the ultimate food and drink precinct featuring local and interstate street food and family activities. Plus the capital’s major attractions are waiting to be explored as they open their doors to host an array of exclusive after-dark ticketed events at the National Film and Sound Archives, National Zoo and Aquarium, the Australian National Botanic Gardens, Australian Parliament House, National Arboretum Canberra, the Royal Australian Mint, National Archives and more.  

With so much to do, here are our top tips for the festival:

Enlighten Night Noodle Markets

Enlighten Night Noodle Markets

  • Have a feast at the Enlighten Night Noodle Markets

http://enlightencanberra.com/program/enlighten-night-noodle-markets/

ANU – Enlighten Minds

ANU – Enlighten Minds

  • Visit the new precinct at ANU – Enlighten Minds. The ANU campus will have vibrant projections, fire-side chats and special Saturday night market. There will also be public lectures, exhibitions and more

http://enlightencanberra.com/program/anu-enlighten-minds/

  • Party with the National Library of Australia as they celebrate 50 years with a 60s themed party

http://enlightencanberra.com/program/get-groovy-national-library/

Neon Circus

Neon Circus

  • Experience the strange, beautiful and unexpected aftercare at Neon Circus at the National Gallery of Australia – this is a free event but bookings are essential  

http://enlightencanberra.com/program/neon-circus/

flashing fairy floss

flashing fairy floss

  • For the kids (big and little) flashing fairy floss at Questacon is a must

http://enlightencanberra.com/program/flashing-fairy-floss/

For more information, the full Enlighten 2018 program and ticketing information, visit www.enlightencanberra.com

What:                   Enlighten Festival 2018, Canberra

When:                  2-18 March 2018

 

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Canberra Good Food Month

Eats, Goes To - Sophia - January 19, 2018

Canberra Good Food Month, presented by Citi, has announced its talent-filled programme for March 2018. International and home-grown chefs, esteemed restaurants and flavour-packed collaborations will further ignite Canberra’s thriving food scene over 31 days.

Here are some of our picks for the month:

Enlighten Night Noodle Markets, Reconciliation Place | 2-11 March | Free Entry | Dog friendly

The buzzing, atmospheric open-air Asian hawker market, with delicious food stalls will be back this year. Featuring:  What The Pho, Grill’d & Spice, Kusina, KorBQ, Hoy Pinoy, Mr Bao, Waffleland, Twistto, Shallot Thai, Donburi Station, Sambal Kampung and Teppanyaki Noodles. More stallholders and menus to be announced soon.

The buzzing Night Noodle Markets

The buzzing Night Noodle Markets

The Pasta Battle presented by Brand’s Laira, Mezzalira | Saturday 3 March, 7pm | Tickets $85

The gloves will come off as Francesco Petrillo (Italian & Sons) and two other notable chefs soon to be announced will compete to prove who reigns supreme as they battle it out to serve up an indulgent dinner of the freshest pasta this side of Sicily. Each decadent course will be introduced by the defending Chef, and served with a matching glass of equally delicious vino from the Brand’s Laira wine portfolio.

Young Chefs Lunch presented by Citi, Aubergine | Sunday 4 March, 12.30pm | Tickets $150

Culinary heavyweight Ben Willis, Head Chef of the two-hatted restaurant Aubergine, will be lending his expertise to the latest alumni of talented chefs for Good Food Month’s Young Chefs Lunch presented by Citi. Willis and these culinary rising stars from restaurants Aubergine, Monster, XO, Eightysix & Temporada will prepare five courses, each dish served with a matching wine. Following the lunch, there will be an inspiring Q&A with Willis and the Young Chefs.

Young Chefs Lunch - Aubergine

Young Chefs Lunch – Aubergine

The Beautiful Dinner presented by James Squire, The Social Club | Friday 9 March, 7pm | Tickets $85

The Beautiful Dinner presented James Squire will be set amongst a sea of stunning florals at The Social Club, an architecturally designed space that melds elements of mid-century design with Palm Springs. Guests will enjoy a drink on arrival and heavenly canape, followed by a three-course shared dinner by acclaimed Chef James Viles. James Squire will match a carefully chosen beer to each delicious course, all while listening to the beats of the best DJ in town.

An Evening with Marco Pierre White, National Portrait Gallery | Sunday 11 March, 7pm | Tickets $290

Culinary great and the world’s first ever celebrity chef, Marco Pierre White, comes together with Head Chef Ben Willis of the two-hatted Aubergine restaurant for one night only at the National Portrait Gallery. Willis will recreate some of his favourite White recipes – with his very own twist. Chef Ben will introduce each course and explain the inspiration behind his 3 course menu. Each course will be paired with matching wines.

An Evening with Marco Pierre White

An Evening with Marco Pierre White

Friends of Good Food Month: 1-31 March across Canberra

Good Food Month invites their Canberra friends of culinary excellence to curate and host their own special and truly memorable occasions. Experiences include: A Champagne and Caviar Masterclass at The QT Lounge; A Fine Marriage of Seafood and Champagne at Capitol Bar and Grill; Chef’s Tasting Menu at Vincent Restaurant and The Ultimate Picnic Feast curated by Eat Canberra, held at a secret location.

To view the full programme & buy tickets, visit www.goodfoodmonth.com

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Sculpture in the Paddock: Yass’ very own sculpture festival

Goes To - Sophia - October 6, 2017

Sydney & Perth may play host to the famous annual outdoor Sculpture by the Sea exhibitions but did you know the Canberra region is currently host to our very own spring outdoor sculpture festival? And it is magnificent!

Set in the rolling hills of the historic National Trust property, ‘Cooma Cottage’ in Yass,  Sculpture in the Paddock allows visitors to wander through the grounds and interact with the installations at their own pace at a truly unique event. Featuring a variety of sculptures that are fun, whimsical and sympathetic to the landscape, the festival boasts work from both local & interstate sculptors of national and international standing.

Sculpture in the Paddock’ allows visitors to interact with the installations

Sculpture in the Paddock’ allows visitors to interact with the installations

Why Yass?

Sculpture in the Paddock was conceived by local sculptors Al Phemister and Duncan Waugh as part of the 2013 YASSarts arts weekend.

Part of the impetus behind the project was the fact that the Yass Valley boasts an unusually high proportion of sculptors. Veteran sculptor Rosemary Madigan, whose work features in state gallery collections; Michael le Grand, past head of Sculpture at ANU; Wendy Teakel, current head of Sculpture at ANU; David Jenz and Phil Spelman, whose work can be found in public spaces throughout Canberra and beyond, and Lee Tunks who runs ‘Man of Steel’ a company that specializes in contemporary architectural and sculptural metalwork – to name just a few. On top of this, the town of Yass boasts no less than four sculptures by iconic Australian sculptor, the late Tom Bass.

The hope is to now develop the project and to include a scholarship program for young up and coming sculptors in the region.

Sculpture in the Paddock

Sculpture in the Paddock

What you need to know

This is the last weekend of the festival!

When: 16 September – 8 October 2017 – open 10am-4pm

Where: Cooma Cottage, 756 Yass Valley Way, Yass.

More information: www.sculptureinthepaddock.com.au

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Family Day Out: Close Encounters at National Zoo & Aquarium

Goes To - Sophia - September 29, 2017

A trip to the National Zoo & Aquarium just got even better! With the recent launch of the open range section, it has increased to almost double its former size.

The expansion, is now home to a host of animals including white rhinos, maned wolves, zebras, cheetahs, giraffes and elks to name a few. As well as the new animals, the extension features stunning themed landscapes including waterfalls, a vast fern gully and beautiful picnic and BB areas.

Along with creating improved habitats for the animals, the zoo and the attached Jamala Wildlife Lodge aims to inspire care for the natural world by offering an immersive and unforgettable experience for guests. Owner Richard Tindale says “Anything that you can do that enhances the education of the emerging generation and persuades them to take better care of our planet than our generations, and previous generations have done, is very very important and is one of the integral parts of what a zoo is all about.”

National Zoo & Aquarium

National Zoo & Aquarium

As part of the education and immersive ethos, the National Zoo & Aquarium have created a number of “Close Encounters” where you can get up close and very personal with some of the worlds most amazing creatures. The So Frank team recently had an opportunity to experience a few of the close encounters – feeding the giraffes to patting the majestic white rhino and were left in awe of being so near such fascinating animals.

National Zoo & Aquarium

National Zoo & Aquarium

What you need to know 

Bookings are essential for Close Encounters – learn more http://nationalzoo.com.au/close-encounters/

Age restrictions do apply, so it is a perfect experience to share with older children & teens

*Sophia enjoyed the Close Encounters as a guest of Visit Canberra & National Zoo and Aquarium

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