Canberra in fall

[parsonstrish]

Covid19 permitting, I’m thinking of going to Canberra to see the beautiful foliage trees. My dates would be week 1 in May. Going on average, would trees still be in foliage?
TIA

 

[Lynda2475]

I'm heading down to Canberra Anzac weekend for Botticelli to Van Gogh exhibit. I'm not particularly interested in foliage but was looking for suggestions as to if there is anything else interesting (Anzac Day celebrations aside) happening this time of year?

 

[Drakecula]

It's the weekend when Canberrans are officially allowed to turn the heater on
I'm not across what's on at other places, but we have A Nation Imagined and a Rivers collection in focus exhibition on at the Library at the moment.

In terms of trees turning, they're starting to look pretty good, though my golden ash is halfway to nude after the wind last weekend. Gotta get out and rake again this weekend. There's usually a good lot of colour down by Lake Burley Griffin - looking out the window now there's some turning a bit red and yellow now.

 

[Lynda2475]

t's the weekend when Canberrans are officially allowed to turn the heater on

I'll be packing a coat for sure, not good at cold weather. Thanks for the heads up on the exhibits.

Is there a food truck or food market scene to check out?

 

[Drakecula]

Is there a food truck or food market scene to check out?

Not really. There used to be a great spot in Braddon called the Hamlet, but it's not there anymore. Braddon in general has good food though.

 

[Seat0B]

I'll be packing a coat for sure, not good at cold weather. Thanks for the heads up on the exhibits.

Is there a food truck or food market scene to check out?

Head to Lonsdale St Braddon for a great selection of small restaurants with top notch coffee and food. It used to be an industrial area of car yards and mechanics, but over the last 10 years has morphed into a trendy eating place with a number of cute small boutiques selling clothes, jewellery, homewares etc.

Also, the National Arboretum should look beautiful in autumn colours if the winds don't blow all the leaves off. There is an excellent pavillion at the top of the hill selling coffee and bistro food with a totally amazing view.

Another foodie place is the new Kingston Foreshore.

 

[Lynda2475]

Thanks @Seat0B will check out Lonsdale St.

I'm going to be solo more than planned as main friend I was meeting up with was unexpectedly admitted to hospital with Leukemia yesterday (still waiting to be advised what type). Means i need to pack more masks for a hospital visit.

 

[Seat0B]

All photos taken in my front and back yards today Wed 21 April for you @parsonstrish and @Lynda2475.

From left to right: Beautiful red maple, fully turned, just starting to lose the leaves. Manchurian Pear trees about 30% through turning colour. Sunburst Gleditsia about half turned to golden yellow



On the other hand, our Prunus trees are all but bare. And my neighbour's trees (not sure what they are, some type of fruit tree, maybe plum) are also bare.



Windy weather is not your friend for autumn colour. Also, pack warm clothes - the beautiful clear blue days can be deceiving. it was 13 degrees when I took these photos this morning. We have already had a sub-zero night and quite a few around 0 or 1 degree. They days are in the range of 17-20 at the moment. Perfect autumn weather. Enjoy your visits!

 

[parsonstrish]

Many thanks @seat02b, I’m hoping there are still some trees in colour, still 13 days away. I live in fnq, enjoy moments of cold weather, change to tropical weather year round.

 

[Lynda2475]

My observations having been in Canberra over Anzac weekend were that the Japanese maples were all deep oranges and reds, other maple varieties had started to turn and other trees just starting to yellow.

I ended up spending more time at hospital visiting than planned so not too much sight seeing. I do find Canberra very walkable though.

The weather was lovely, i enjoyed the 30 mins walk form QT to National Gallery. The Botticelli to Van Gogh exhibit was a little underwhelming I enjoyed the Australian Love Stories exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery much much more.

I also have a new favorite for a quick take-out lunch/dinner in the CBD and that is Baby Su.

Stayed at QT, found rooms there much more comfortable than Peppers (where I stayed for AFF meet in December) and loved that they have Chromecast in the rooms so you can watch any streaming service from your own device on the big tv. Small glitch with no hot water on Sunday morning, cold shower not an option when its 8 degrees, but was given a late check out to allow for the hot water to come back on.

 

[Lynda2475]

Some Autumn Colour

 

[parsonstrish]

Thank you @Lynda2475, looks great, 8 days now. Not familiar with Canberra, where were the red trees in a row? Actually if you remember, the other areas would also be appreciated. Fingers continue to be crossed no covid, no lockdowns.

 

[Lynda2475]

The red trees all in a row are along the lake front starting just before the National Library (the white building you can see jutting up above the tree line) and heading towards the National Gallery. I took that from the foot bridge heading back into the CBD.

There were prettier little Japanese maples peppered all about the city, just forgot to take photos. Lots of other colour spotted form uber on way to/from airport and hospital too.

Should all still be in good form for you.

 

[Lynda2475]

Oh and to keep vaguely related to flying here is Charles Kingsford Smith's portrait from the National Portrait Gallery