Canberra's best instagramming spots
As a planned city, Canberra is full of artfully designed views that produce lovely postcard-perfect images.
But in its centenary year, the city is coming of age and finding its creative side.
Funky, art-filled areas are rapidly growing and the quest for more interesting photos of the nation's capital is on.
Here are some ideas for the best ways to see Canberra through your phone's camera.
SUNRISE OVER LAKE BURLEY GRIFFIN
Canberrans are the most physically active in the nation (something to do with the short commutes) and for many, that means running around Lake Burley Griffin. An added bonus is the glorious sunrise as you look east towards the The National Carillon and Russell. Sunset over the Brindabellas with Black Mountain Tower silhouetted is also pretty spectacular. #lookhowvirtuousiamrunningatthecrackofdawn #nofilter
ANYWHERE WITH SKYWHALE
The controversial hot air balloon artwork by Patricia Piccinini, part of Canberra's centenary celebrations, is a photographer's delight. The benevolent smile. The unexpected movements. The 10 mammaries. Check out www.theskywhale.com to find out where she's appearing. #skywhale #boobs
PARLIAMENT HOUSE
The "new" Parliament House turns 25 this year and its interesting architecture offers endless angles for IGers. Try heading up to the roof for shots under the flagpole or look out for dramatic, portentous skies. #projectAPH
COFFEE SHOPS
Ah, latte – the Instagram cliche. But sometimes you just need sustenance so you can keep on snapping photos. And Brendan Nelson, former defence minister and ambassador to the EU, reckons Canberra's coffee offerings rival those of Europe. Try Mocan and Green Grout in New Acton (go for the coffee, stay for the art), Lonsdale Street Roasters in Braddon (hipster heaven) or Penny University in Kingston (new kid on the block). #java #latteart
FLORIADE
Canberra's annual flower festival has always attracted photographers. First thing in the morning is usually quietest while the Nightfest give a chance to capture interesting lighting. Whether you're there for the flowers or the people-watching, it's definitely gram-worthy. #allthetulips #floriade
AIRPORT
For politicians, staffers, lobbyists and business people, Canberra is a fly-in fly-out city. The revamped airport has lots of opportunities for perfect shots, whether it's of the water funnel, the UFO tree, the inexplicable shard or the classic over-the-wing pic. #leavingonajetplane
WITHIN WITHOUT AT NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA
This beautiful landscape installation offers a peaceful space to contemplate life, the universe and everything. The skyspace chamber changes colour depending on the weather conditions and time of day (or night – it's accessible 24 hours). It's also perfect for video Instagrams of the cloud movements. Once you're done there, head around the other side of the gallery to the sculpture garden for the mist and the heads in a pond. #art #cloudporn
NATIONAL ARBORETUM
Many Canberrans were sceptical about the "tree park" when it was first proposed as a way to use pine plantation land burnt out in the 2003 bushfires. Now the arboretum is opened to the public it has won over critics – and photographers. There are interesting views of the city from the top of the hill and the sculptures and giant acorns in the Pod Playground offer more visual opportunities. #arboretum #giantacorns
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