Matt Palmer

Recently i travelled to our Nations Capital to visit a long time mate and confidant who i regularly communicate with!!! With my new found passion for photography, and motto of “capturing moments in time”, i set out to visit 2 very important icons that are tourism and informational gems of Canberra. New Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial, both of which i have had the pleasure of visiting on numerous occasions on past visits. My first stop was at New Parliament House, nestled majestically in the heart of Canberra with all roads leading to and from. I never fail to be amazed how this modern day structure was built into an actual HILL, hence it getting its title Capital Hill, and impressed by the reasonings behind doing so, being that, all Australians can have the ability to walk from one side to the other, over the grassed area which in effect covers the roof of the building, and highlighted by a towering central flagpole proudly adorning an impressive Australian Flag which marks the central position of the complex.

With its external appearance being most impressive, walking inside the public entrance to Parliament House opens the door to many of Australia’s political icons, the history and daily working mecca of Australian Politics. This is the engine room of Australian political decision making, and its interior design, architectural displays, and comprehensive educational journey prove a “not to be missed” attraction for both Australians and foreigners wanting to experience the day to day workings of our Political system.

The Grand Entrance Foyer is adorned with towering marble pillars, and staircases leading off on either side to various chambers and rooms of interest throughout the building. The impressive GRAND BALLROOM can be entered from the main foyer and has laid host to many functions involving the worlds highest dignatories, and political leaders.

Exploring further, you can enter into the decision making hotspots such as the House of Representatives and the Senate and on associated days you can see Australia’s political leaders “in the flesh” sitting in parliamentary session, and you are able to join the public gallery to spectate.

In the area occupying the building between the House of Reps and The Senate, a large museum like open gallery displaying artworks and historical memorabilia can be viewed with portraits of every Australian Prime Minister adorning the walls, and a running history lesson on the development of the Australian Parliament from its inception.

On leaving the front entrance, the view you are faced with just highlights the precise planning that went into placement of this building in relation to Canberra’s other iconic attractions. Looking ahead, your eyes are directed along a straight parade of perfectly aligned flag poles and trees, which is half way along occupied by Old Parliament House and then leading up towards the hills in the distance, the Australian War Memorial. This far reaching parade is appropriately named ANZAC parade and along its extremeties, has many monuments and memorials honouring the many wars and lives lost fighting for Australia by Australians.

The view is of perfect symmetry and is a credit to the urban planners of Canberra who have managed to capture 3 of the Nations most integral iconic places and link them with such a powerful avenue of history and reflection. A definate photo opportunity and something to just take a minute and savour.

This leads to my next place of call, the Australian War Memorial, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. For anyone interested in the history of Australia’s wartime efforts and a fully comprehensive and amazing adventure through the educational and memorable artifacts and material relating to our wartime involvement, this is a MUST see!!!

The War Memorial is presented with endless amazing rooms complete with educational displays, actual items and life size re-creations (planes, tanks, vehicles), interactive material, film and audio footage, and re-enactments of war time moments, that overall provide an educational centre like no other! Anyone from school aged children to the elderly get a fully comprehensive insight into Australia and Australians involvement in defending our great country at war and in peace time.

For those who have been touched or affected by family members, friends, and associates that have served for our great country, this is one experience that no-one should miss if they go to Canberra. You can most certainly spend a full day here, and still leave having not seen it all!

If anyone is planning on visiting Canberra, Australia’s Capital, i recommend that you make the time to visit both of these Australian icons, and enjoy the amazing experience that both present as educational and informative places of interest.

Images of both New Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial can be viewed in my “Nations Capital” album here on Redbubble.

Written by Matt Palmer
SNAP Photographic
Freelance Photographer – Travel Writer