Located on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin, Lennox Gardens in the Australian capital Canberra has several distinct areas gifted to Australia by foreign governments. Additionally it contains several memorials while being a beautiful place to relax.
Nara Peace Park
Gifted to the people of Canberra by the Japanese city of Nara, this small garden contains many traditional elements particularly the large number of decorative trees. Throughout the park, are two stone lanterns and other sculptures.
The tranquility of the garden is wonderful and a great place to wander through.
Traditional wooden gate entrance to the Japanese GardensKasuga lantern in the Canberra Nara Peace Park
Beijing Garden
The Canberra Beijing Garden was a gift from the Beijing Municipal Council. Designed in the style of the Qing Dynasty it has a traditional Chinese gate to welcome visitors while meandering paths lead past sculptures and a pavilion.
Traditional Chinese gate to welcome visitors to the Canberra Beijing Garden Reverse side of the Chinese gate Replica statue of the Bronze Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying SwallowAzure Dragon representing east and spring
JNF Israel Garden
Memorial to the Centenary of Australia and the Centenary of the Jewish National Fund
Spanish Civil War Memorial
This is a small memorial to Australians who fought in the Spanish Civil War from 1936 to 139.
Spanish Civil War Memorial
Canberra Rotary Peace Bell
The Rotary Club of Canberra undertook a fund raising exercise to install a peace bell within the Nara Peace Park precinct. This was done in partnership with the World Peace Bell Association.
Located at Corlette in Port Stephens NSW Australia the Anchorage Marina and its associated luxury hotel overlook the beautiful Karuah River while only being a short walk or drive to Nelson Bay.
We stopped here to look at the sculptures on display and see the views over the river.
Public parking is available next to the hotel and adjacent to a playground. If you have young children this is a great place to let them burn off some energy after a car ride.
Although access to the hotel is restricted to guests, the water front and break walls are open to the public.
The first sculpture is an amazing sail fish, which is next to the playground. Scattered along the marina five sculptures by Gillie and Marc, featuring their Rabbit Woman and Dog Man can be found. Two are interactive, allowing you to sit on the bike or bench for a photo.
People were fishing on both break walls during our visit and seemed to be doing well. Several young families were enjoying themselves on Corlette Beach which is next to the marina.
This was a quick stop for us to see the artwork, but families could make a day of it fishing and relaxing on the beach.
Boats in the marinaLooking over the Karuah RiverSailfish sculptureTandem Lovers by Gillie and MarcThe Friendship Bench by Gillie and MarcCoffee Friends by Gillie and MarcPaparazzi Pack by Gillie and MarcThey would swim until they couldn’t stop by Gillie and Marc
Children’s playground
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
Completed in 1816 Parliament House in Sydney houses the Government of the state of New South Wales Australia. Originally a hospital, the central section of the façade is a two story Georgian building. When built, no funds were available to Governor Macquarie so he arranged funding via the importation of 60,000 gallons of rum licensed to a group of merchants. In return for the license, they built the hospital.
From 1829, the Legislature occupied the building, which had primarily been used as the residence of the chief surgeon. As the size of the colony of New South Wales expanded, so did the number of parliamentary representatives. As a result, north and south extensions were made for the old Legislative Council (now Legislative Assembly) Chamber in 1843 and the current Legislative Council Chamber in 1856.
Since then numerous additions and modifications have been made to the building. Despite many plans over the years, it remains one of the least grand parliament buildings in Australia, primarily due to its original design as a hospital.
Getting There
Situated in the centre of the Sydney CBD means that getting to Parliament House is quite easy. Several buses stop nearby in Macquarie Street, while the closest station is Martin Place.
We visited during Sydney is Open so access to otherwise closed areas was available. In addition, volunteers were stationed throughout the building answering questions and providing invites into the workings of State Government.
Parliament of New South WalesWaiting room with busts of past parliamentariansMarble staircase
Legislative Assembly
Being modelled on the British Westminster System, the Legislative Assembly is the lower house of government and corresponds to the House of Commons, (or the Australian Federal Government House of Representatives). As such, the colour of the carpet and seats is green.
This chamber of parliament debates legislation before it is sent to the Legislative Council and then the Governor for approval. The Governor is the British Monarch’s representative and is appointed by the NSW Parliament.
Legislative AssemblyLegislative AssemblyThe mace of the Legislative Assembly of New South Wales
Legislative Council
The upper house of the NSW Parliament is the Legislative Council, whose primary colour is red, following the tradition of the British House of Lords.
Legislation passed by the lower house is debated here and either retired to the Legislative Assembly or forwarded to the NSW Governor if approved.
Legislative CouncilLegislative CouncilUsher of the Black Rod
The Library – Now the Jubilee Room
Although now used for meetings and functions, the Jubilee Room holds a significant collection of historical records, along with the only state government archive.
In addition to the amazing collection of books on the shelves, the stained glass ceiling is amazing.
Parliamentary LibraryStain-glass ceiling of the Parliamentary Library
Fountain Courtyard
The Fountain Courtyard is one of the most recent additions to Parliament House, having been added in 1983. Located around the fountain on the surrounding walls is part of the parliamentary art collection as well as temporary displays. A significant portion of the display is by indigenous artists, forming the Reconciliation Wall.
Fountain CourtIndiginous Art on Reconciliation Wall in Fountain CourtReconciliation Wall in Fountain CourtIndiginous Art on Reconciliation Wall in Fountain Court
What Did We Think?
This was a great visit because it was a good way to learn about the history of government in NSW as well as seeing both Chambers of Parliament. If you want to see how our government works, there is no better place to visit.
