“I believe that for most of us, most of the time, it is in the everyday experience of beauty, certainly in nature and in music, that we sense a heaven half-revealed and come closest to the true meaning of reality.”
Densey Clyne
Ahhh, Our Nation’s Capital. The Bush Capital. The big city. Treat your lungs to a big gulp of that crisp, Canberra air.
While Canberra hasn’t always had the best name in Sydney, it really does have a lot to offer. The food and nightlife scene are becoming much more diverse and exciting, as more and more people flock to the city. Its most attractive feature is probably its proximity to nature. You can spend 10 minutes in the car and feel like you are in the middle of the bush. In some suburbs, kangaroos sit quietly and observe the residents going about their business. The many local parks are populated with native flora and fauna, and there are countless bush walks and nature parks within minutes of the city. There are certainly more built-up areas of the city, but you are never too far from the warm embrace of a big ol’ gum tree.
During our most recent visit, I went out to Black Mountain Peninsula and the Australian National Botanic Gardens – both perfect examples of the beautiful surrounds that will very soon be on our doorstep. Based on my previous experiences of Botanic Gardens, I would usually expect to find carefully manicured displays of flowers, bursting with colour and perfume. This particular garden was a pleasant surprise. They showcase Australian native flora and cultivate plants that are threatened in the wild. It is rambling and wild and organic, and while well presented, it doesn’t feel manufactured.
One thing I have decided – if Canberra were a shape, it would be a circle. What with the roundabouts and the iconic Canberra bus shelters, I think these fabulous minimal planters dotted throughout the gardens confirm my theory.
Towards the end of the trail, I came through Rainforest Gulley, housing plants from the rainforests of Australia’s eastern coastline. In stark contrast to the dry, muted tones of the rest of the gardens, this area felt all the more lush and refreshing. How amazing is Australia?! Even our plants are diverse – love that for us.
