Canberra 23/11 to 28/11

We journeyed inland for the first time with a 280km trip to Queanbeyan which is just outside the purpose built capital Canberra. The weather was very warm during the 5 days we spent there and although only about two hours from the coast the landscape changed dramatically and became a dry light brown colour.



The camp site was close to the town centre of Queanbeyan, which meant at night it was noisy with the local girls fighting with each other whilst the boys drag raced each other around the block. We must have got about one full peaceful night’s sleep out of five.

We did a bit of Christmas shopping which felt very unusual as the temperature outside was 35 degrees and the sun was shining through the mall roof onto the hanging Santa and Reindeer’s inside.



Canberra itself was very nice and spacious with lots of free attractions, which suited us as we have to find some cheap entertainment on our budget. Of course whilst we visited these indoor attractions the sun shone and it was warmer than anywhere else we have been so far. The city is based on a large lake, which is populated by black swans.





Highlights on day one included the National Museum of Australia, the War Memorial and Museum and the Old Parliament building.







The old parliament building with the war memorial in the distance.



On our second day to Canberra we visited the National Archives and the New Parliament Building. We managed to sit in on the daily Question Time session with Prime Minister John Howard. It was very entertaining and animated with several members being warned and one being asked to leave. They enjoyed taking the ‘rip’ out of each other and trying to outdo their opposition as much as possible. It looked like the highlight of their day was their chance to bring each other down in public.



The Old Parliament Bulding with the new one behind it.



Even though we saw the PM we weren't allowed to take his photo so the inside of the new parliament building had to do.


Here is our dry and dusty camp site in Queanbeyan.



David studying where to go next. Notice the reappearance of the beer bottle in the background.