Page 6 - CR Summer Newsletter 2023

6 RESIDENCES REVIEW, SUMMER 2023
HOLIDAY REVIEW

Our Canberra Getaway

By Ross Clay and Michael Kennedy

Twenty-six residents joined a four-day trip to Canberra A new day and a visit to old Parliament House The
on 25th October. Our first stop was at Trappers bakery architect of this would be surprised to find this building
Goulburn for morning tea which included the normal is still standing as it was originally designed as a
healthy snacks of Custard tarts, Vanilla Slices, pies and temporary home for Parliament. It now houses the
sausage rolls. Our accommodation in Canberra was the Museum of Australian Democracy. The highlights
Canberra Rex Hotel. Built in 1959 and known at that time included a visit to the Prime Ministers Office, the
as “The Luxury Hotel” in the National Capital and has Speakers dining room, the Senate meeting room and
stood as an iconic landmark for over 55 years. It was John Howard‘s Gallery where you learn about each of the
enjoyed by Royalty, Foreign dignitaries, Prime Ministers Prime Ministers. A beautiful morning tea in the
and USA Presidents but of course no one to rival the visit courtyard was followed by a walk in the Rose Garden.
of the Cranbrook Residences Social Group! Unfortunately, we were unable to meet our Prime
Minister as he considered his USA visit more important
On arrival in Canberra, we had lovely bistro lunch at the than ours!
Hellenic Club situated in the Woden Valley. A very busy
place with lots of buildings and road works. We then
proceeded to the National Gallery of Australia. Lots of
paintings including Sidney Nolan’s Ned Kelly series,
Jackson Pollock’s Blue Poles [worth $500m] and a great
indigenous art collection. A short trip followed to
Questacon the National Science and Technology Centre
with interactive exhibits to relive memories and as
learning experience for us about scientific advances in
today’s world including the challenges of Gene Therapy
and Artificial Intelligence. Day 2 commenced with a
hearty breakfast and then short trip to The National
Arboretum. An Arboretum is a Botanical Garden
devoted to growing trees for conservation research and Lunch at the Canberra Yacht Club followed by a cruise
educational purposes. on Lake Burley Griffin. We walked expectantly towards
the large two deck ferry ”Southern Cross” moored at the
We also visited the highest point called Dairy Farm Hill wharf but suddenly a smaller boat appeared. Yes! this
to gain spectacular views of outer suburbs and hear was our vessel!! The cruise joined the Dots on the
about the irrigation system for the Arboretum. After our buildings we had seen during our bus trip. The boat ride
informative tour we enjoyed a coffee at the award- was a highlight of our trip!
winning Village Centre and visited the world-class
National Bonsai and Penjing Collection. We then Our final day, bags packed and off to Cockington Green
boarded the bus to travel across town to the War Gardens. We ventured into this delightful and
Memorial: Australia’s National Memorial to its Armed fascinating display of meticulously handcrafted
Forces and Supporting Organisations. The War Memorial miniature buildings surrounded by exquisite gardens
is undergoing major renovations and new buildings due with spring flowering annuals. Our final stop of the day
for completion in 2028. After lunch at Poppy’s was the Lake George Winery on the highway to
Restaurant, we all entered the War Memorial and some Goulburn overlooking Lake George which to everyone’s
of us were lucky to join a guided tour by Rear Admiral surprise was full of water! After the wine tasting and
Mark Campbell who for 80 minutes explained the hearty lunch, we boarded the bus the trip back to
memorial to 304,000 troops who died in active service at Cranbrook Residences. BUT ALAS! We were persuaded
various wars and actions. We visited the Shrine of against our better judgement to finish where we started
Remembrance and the tomb of the unknown soldier. with custard Tarts, Vanilla Slices, Pies and Sausage rolls
Mark gave a history of the Gallipoli Campaign. It was a from the Heatherbrae Pie shop at Marulan.
very educational tour with an enlightening tour leader. We arrive safely at Cranbrook Residences and thanked
Although you come away from this memorial with a our coach driver Steve for a safe trip and also a well-
sense of sadness, the bravery mateship exhibited by deserved thank you to the trip organisers - Sandra
these women and men is hard to comprehend. and Ann.