Koto has been designed to protect the legacy of The Lobby building and continue the hospitality history in the 50-year-old pavilion. The Kare Sansui dry gravel garden was designed to symbolise Lake Burley Griffin, while the international lighting which frames the building and walkways emulates a stone lantern and traditional Japanese garden. Shinya Nakano is a Sushi Master who trained in Kyoto with a fifth-generation Sushi Master. There’s a contemporary Japanese menu offering new-style sushi, tempura and grills as you bask in the grandeur of the grounds at Old Parliament House.
Ovolo Nishi is an award-winning sustainable building in Canberra’s New Acton design precinct. Designed by world-renowned architects Suppose Design Office (Tokyo) and Fender Katsalidis Architects (Melbourne), the Nishi Building was awarded the International Project of the Year award at the 2015 Building Awards in London.
Can’t see the forest? The National Arboretum Canberra is a mosaic of 94 rare, endangered and symbolic forests with breathtaking views across the city. At the heart of the Arboretum is the Village Centre, an award-winning spacious light-filled building with soaring ceilings. The kids will love Pod Playground, where giant acorn and banksia cubbies are linked by a labyrinth of slides and climbing nets.
Art in motion is an evolving collection of more than 155,000 works of art, created by over 15,000 artists. The National Gallery of Australia includes the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. The gallery sits on the southern shore of Lake Burley Griffin, on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples.
A hidden gem is tucked away in one of the capital’s oldest buildings, the Melbourne Building. Bar Rochford is all about fine food and exciting wine producers. They pull records, sling sharp spirits and offer great service. It’s the place to go with family and friends whether you are a Canberra local or just cruising by for a visit.
Leyla Bar is an enticing rooftop bar that offers an exclusive lounge experience. It’s the place for cocktails and light bites after a day spent exploring all that Canberra has to offer. Put your feet up and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere as you drink in the sweeping views of the city.
The Australian War Memorial is a place to pay homage and respect to all Australians who died during war. Entry to the Australian War Memorial and Last Post Ceremony is free. Commencing at approximately 4.30pm AEDT, the memorial farewells visitors with its moving Last Post Ceremony in the Commemorative Courtyard. Each night the ceremony shares the story behind one of the names on the Roll of Honour.
Artisan craft and design The CRAFT + DESIGN CANBERRA Festival celebrates Canberra as a creative capital and a global city of design by showcasing the city’s cultural diversity and innovation. From Indigenous art to modernist architecture, the festival highlights Canberra’s vibrant craft and design industries. Now in its 10th year, the event offers a diverse program including symposiums, exhibitions and workshops for all ages, fostering community engagement and creative exploration. Find out more at craftandesigncanberra.org