FARMS CANBERRA CITY

Visit St John's Schoolhouse, Canberra's first school and school master's residence. It opened in 1845, to provide an elementary education for workers’ children from the Campbell Family estate of “Duntroon”, as well as surrounding farms. Many of the family names of these pioneers are to be found in the Church graveyard. In 1969 the Schoolhouse re- opened as a museum of early district education. It displays many nineteenth and early twentieth-century photographs relating to Canberra's schools, churches, rural history and the beginnings of our city.

The little Anglican Church of St John the Baptist, standing on the Limestone Plains since 1845, was a notable district landmark when Canberra was named as the site for the Federal Capital in 1913.  After the outbreak of the Great War in 1914, the small church and its surrounding graveyard came to provide a much needed focus for a community’s grief. The Schoolhouse Museum is currently featuring displays relating to World War I. The only soldier whose body was returned to Australia during the Great War was the first commandant of the Royal Military College, Duntroon, Major-General Sir William Throsby Bridges, who died of wounds at Gallipoli. He was buried from St John’s Church, which bears an impressive memorial plaque to Bridges on its northern wall. Out in the graveyard is a much simpler memorial to a young private who died on the Western Front- the name of W. W. B. (Bruce) Reid is recorded on his sister’s newly placed gravestone- they died a month apart, in the year of 1917. These and other stories illustrate the contribution of this area to the Great War.

Opening Hours

The Church is open daily. Visitors are most welcome, unless a service is in progress.

The Schoolhouse Museum opens on Wednesdays from 10am-12, and on weekend afternoons from 2-4pm. (During the ACT Heritage Festival in April opening hours are extended.) A gold coin donation is appreciated. 

Group Excursions

Group excursions can be arranged of the Schoolhouse and Church, and currently, we are offering a special excursion outlining the role of St John’s Parish in the Great War.

School bookings are also welcome. A modest charge per head applies for excursions

Enquiries

Enquiries can be made on 0262496839. Leave a message if the phone is unattended. 

Captions for supplied photos

1. One of a pair of windows assembled from stained glass shards gathered from shattered churches on the Somme. (Church of St John the Baptist, Canberra)

2. A grave in St John’s Churchyard, also recording the name of a young soldier from the district, W.W.B. Reid, who was killed on the Western Front.

3. A brass plaque commemorating Major-General W.T. Bridges, first Commandant of the RMC, who died of wounds at Gallipoli. The only soldier whose body was returned to Australia at the time of the Great War.

Visit St John's Schoolhouse, Canberra's first school and school master's residence. It opened in 1845, to provide an elementary education for workers’ children from the Campbell Family estate of “Duntroon”, as well as surrounding farms. Many of the family names of these pioneers are to be found in the Church graveyard. In 1969 the Schoolhouse re- opened as a museum of early district education. It displays many nineteenth and early twentieth-century photographs relating to Canberra's schools, churches, rural history and the beginnings of our city.

The little Anglican Church of St John the Baptist, standing on the Limestone Plains since 1845, was a notable district landmark when Canberra was named as the site for the Federal Capital in 1913.  After the outbreak of the Great War in 1914, the small church and its surrounding graveyard came to provide a much needed focus for a community’s grief. The Schoolhouse Museum is currently featuring displays relating to World War I. The only soldier whose body was returned to Australia during the Great War was the first commandant of the Royal Military College, Duntroon, Major-General Sir William Throsby Bridges, who died of wounds at Gallipoli. He was buried from St John’s Church, which bears an impressive memorial plaque to Bridges on its northern wall. Out in the graveyard is a much simpler memorial to a young private who died on the Western Front- the name of W. W. B. (Bruce) Reid is recorded on his sister’s newly placed gravestone- they died a month apart, in the year of 1917. These and other stories illustrate the contribution of this area to the Great War.

Opening Hours

The Church is open daily. Visitors are most welcome, unless a service is in progress.

The Schoolhouse Museum opens on Wednesdays from 10am-12, and on weekend afternoons from 2-4pm. (During the ACT Heritage Festival in April opening hours are extended.) A gold coin donation is appreciated. 

Group Excursions

Group excursions can be arranged of the Schoolhouse and Church, and currently, we are offering a special excursion outlining the role of St John’s Parish in the Great War.

School bookings are also welcome. A modest charge per head applies for excursions

Enquiries

Enquiries can be made on 0262496839. Leave a message if the phone is unattended. 

Captions for supplied photos

1. One of a pair of windows assembled from stained glass shards gathered from shattered churches on the Somme. (Church of St John the Baptist, Canberra)

2. A grave in St John’s Churchyard, also recording the name of a young soldier from the district, W.W.B. Reid, who was killed on the Western Front.

3. A brass plaque commemorating Major-General W.T. Bridges, first Commandant of the RMC, who died of wounds at Gallipoli. The only soldier whose body was returned to Australia at the time of the Great War.

See the beautiful, the rare and the unexpected at the National Library of Australia on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Enjoy unparalleled access to Australia's documentary heritage. Australian print materials include books, serials, maps, newspapers, music and ephemera. Search for online publications and unpublished material such as manuscripts, pictures and oral history. You can also find considerable general overseas and rare book materials, and world-class Asian and Pacific collections. Discover fine food and places to relax at their cafés. The bookshop has Australia's best authors on offer and perfect gifts.

See the beautiful, the rare and the unexpected at the National Library of Australia on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Enjoy unparalleled access to Australia's documentary heritage. Australian print materials include books, serials, maps, newspapers, music and ephemera. Search for online publications and unpublished material such as manuscripts, pictures and oral history. You can also find considerable general overseas and rare book materials, and world-class Asian and Pacific collections. Discover fine food and places to relax at their cafés. The bookshop has Australia's best authors on offer and perfect gifts.

Civic Library is located in the heart of the city close to transport and amenities. Make use of a wide range of services. Computing services offered including free internet, free word processing, and free desktop publishing. The library has a great range of international and local magazines and newspapers. The library offers regular English conversation classes and IELTs training.

Civic Library is located in the heart of the city close to transport and amenities. Make use of a wide range of services. Computing services offered including free internet, free word processing, and free desktop publishing. The library has a great range of international and local magazines and newspapers. The library offers regular English conversation classes and IELTs training.

This memorial is a 73-metre column topped with an 11-metre eagle and sphere. Located in front of Defence Headquarters Russell, it was paid for with donations from the Australian public in thanks for American involvement in the Pacific region during World War II. Russell is at one corner of the National Triangle central to Walter Burley Griffin's design for Canberra and the location is a key element in that design.

This memorial is a 73-metre column topped with an 11-metre eagle and sphere. Located in front of Defence Headquarters Russell, it was paid for with donations from the Australian public in thanks for American involvement in the Pacific region during World War II. Russell is at one corner of the National Triangle central to Walter Burley Griffin's design for Canberra and the location is a key element in that design.

Visit the Northside Farmers Market on Saturday afternoons. Learn more about the food you are buying by talking to the food producers on site. Drop in from 2.30 to 5.30pm and have a look around. Over 25 stalls with a great range of seasonal, regional produce, including seasonal fruit and vegetables, organic beef, goat, sheep and cow cheese, seafood, mushrooms, olive oils and finishing sauces, milk, garlic, poultry, goat, pork, local bakery treats and much more.

Drive up through Duntroon to the top of Mount Pleasant for beautiful views over Lake Burley Griffin, the Duntroon Royal Military College and Jerrabomberra Wetlands. Canberra Tracks signposting has wonderful historical facts about the areas below. Visit the grave of General Bridges, Australia's highest ranking soldier in World War I. General Bridges was the only Australian soldier killed at Gallipoli to be buried in Australia.

Drive up through Duntroon to the top of Mount Pleasant for beautiful views over Lake Burley Griffin, the Duntroon Royal Military College and Jerrabomberra Wetlands. Canberra Tracks signposting has wonderful historical facts about the areas below. Visit the grave of General Bridges, Australia's highest ranking soldier in World War I. General Bridges was the only Australian soldier killed at Gallipoli to be buried in Australia.

See Walter Burley Griffin's grove of majestic Redwood trees. Take the self-guided tour along the three kilometre walking track or just relax and enjoy a picnic. The redwoods were planted against the advice of Canberra's Arborist, Thomas Charles Weston. Only 3,000 of the original 122,000 planted survived. Despite this, the forest holds the important title of Australia's largest stand of mature Redwood species. The Pialligo Redwood Forest is registered on the Commonwealth Heritage List. In order to protect the Redwoods' shallow root systems, bicycles are not allowed in the forest. Dogs on leads allowed.

See Walter Burley Griffin's grove of majestic Redwood trees. Take the self-guided tour along the three kilometre walking track or just relax and enjoy a picnic. The redwoods were planted against the advice of Canberra's Arborist, Thomas Charles Weston. Only 3,000 of the original 122,000 planted survived. Despite this, the forest holds the important title of Australia's largest stand of mature Redwood species. The Pialligo Redwood Forest is registered on the Commonwealth Heritage List. In order to protect the Redwoods' shallow root systems, bicycles are not allowed in the forest. Dogs on leads allowed.

Reconciliation Place reaffirms Australia's shared history and commitment to Reconciliation as an important national priority. Wander down pathways among public artworks and explore the themes of Indigenous achievements, partnerships, belonging and connection to the land and waters. The location of Reconciliation Place in the Parliamentary Zone places the Reconciliation process physically and symbolically at the heart of Australia's democratic life and institutions. Reconciliation Place is constructed on the traditional land of the Ngunnawal people.

Reconciliation Place reaffirms Australia's shared history and commitment to Reconciliation as an important national priority. Wander down pathways among public artworks and explore the themes of Indigenous achievements, partnerships, belonging and connection to the land and waters. The location of Reconciliation Place in the Parliamentary Zone places the Reconciliation process physically and symbolically at the heart of Australia's democratic life and institutions. Reconciliation Place is constructed on the traditional land of the Ngunnawal people.

The Royal Australian Mint is one of Canberra's real gems. See where every coin in the pockets of millions of Aussies is originally made. Check out the coin production factory and the Mint's family of robots as they help out with the heavy lifting. Discover the National Coin Collection, two 'holey-dollars' are just a couple of the rare, valuable and historically significant coins on display. Mint your own collectable one dollar coin, and browse the Mint Coin Shop for great gifts, collectables and mementos made right here at the Mint. Join a free guided tour 10am and 2pm weekdays. .

The Royal Australian Mint is one of Canberra's real gems. See where every coin in the pockets of millions of Aussies is originally made. Check out the coin production factory and the Mint's family of robots as they help out with the heavy lifting. Discover the National Coin Collection, two 'holey-dollars' are just a couple of the rare, valuable and historically significant coins on display. Mint your own collectable one dollar coin, and browse the Mint Coin Shop for great gifts, collectables and mementos made right here at the Mint. Join a free guided tour 10am and 2pm weekdays. .

A great place to start your tour of Canberra -explore the people, events, history and design that contributed to the development of this unique city. The National Capital Exhibition illustrates Canberra's vital role as a symbol of Federation through interactive displays and multi-media models. Take a virtual tour of the National Capital Exhibition at their website. The National Capital Exhibition is also home to Brick By Brick: Build Your Own Capital. Please visit the National Capital Authority website for session times. Note:LEGO and DUPLO are trademarks of the LEGO Group, which does not sponsor, authorise or endorse this exhibition.

A great place to start your tour of Canberra -explore the people, events, history and design that contributed to the development of this unique city. The National Capital Exhibition illustrates Canberra's vital role as a symbol of Federation through interactive displays and multi-media models. Take a virtual tour of the National Capital Exhibition at their website. The National Capital Exhibition is also home to Brick By Brick: Build Your Own Capital. Please visit the National Capital Authority website for session times. Note:LEGO and DUPLO are trademarks of the LEGO Group, which does not sponsor, authorise or endorse this exhibition.

These gardens offer a pleasant, rose filled place to pause in the heart of the Parliamentary Zone. Located on either side of Old Parliament House are the House of Representatives Garden and Senate Garden. Soon after parliament opened in 1927, sporting facilities for members within the gardens were created but the roses were not planted until the Great Depression. When parliament moved, the gardens were opened to the public. They were restored in 2004 to their current beauty.

These gardens offer a pleasant, rose filled place to pause in the heart of the Parliamentary Zone. Located on either side of Old Parliament House are the House of Representatives Garden and Senate Garden. Soon after parliament opened in 1927, sporting facilities for members within the gardens were created but the roses were not planted until the Great Depression. When parliament moved, the gardens were opened to the public. They were restored in 2004 to their current beauty.

Play golf in the heritage surrounds and old trees at the public course in Duntroon. The course offers challenges and caters to players of all skill levels. Access available nearly every day of the year. Carts and buggies available to hire. Contact the Club anytime to make a booking.

Play golf in the heritage surrounds and old trees at the public course in Duntroon. The course offers challenges and caters to players of all skill levels. Access available nearly every day of the year. Carts and buggies available to hire. Contact the Club anytime to make a booking.

The 27 hole layout at the private Royal Canberra Golf Club is one of the best in the country; rated 12th in Australia by Australian Golf Digest. Pines, birch, cedar and Australian natives give a truly sensory experience. The local mob of kangaroos and fantastic views of Lake Burley Griffin add to the occasion. The Royal Canberra Golf Club is a private members' club. Access for play is restricted almost exclusively to members and members of reciprocal clubs and their guests. Consideration can be given to requests from interstate or overseas visitors. Check their website for details.

The 27 hole layout at the private Royal Canberra Golf Club is one of the best in the country; rated 12th in Australia by Australian Golf Digest. Pines, birch, cedar and Australian natives give a truly sensory experience. The local mob of kangaroos and fantastic views of Lake Burley Griffin add to the occasion. The Royal Canberra Golf Club is a private members' club. Access for play is restricted almost exclusively to members and members of reciprocal clubs and their guests. Consideration can be given to requests from interstate or overseas visitors. Check their website for details.

Allow 2 to 2.5 hours for this 3.5 km walk with sandy river banks and views. It's mostly flat and easy. Watch out for the steep rocky section along the Molonglo River before the track leaves the river. Make use of toilets, picnic tables and wood-fired BBQs at Uriarra East and West Picnic areas. The walking trail is marked by a series of totems. Signage is being upgraded to provide more information. Dogs are allowed off lead at Uriarra East and West picnic areas but not on walking tracks, except from Stockdill Drive to Shepherds Lookout.

Allow 2 to 2.5 hours for this 3.5 km walk with sandy river banks and views. It's mostly flat and easy. Watch out for the steep rocky section along the Molonglo River before the track leaves the river. Make use of toilets, picnic tables and wood-fired BBQs at Uriarra East and West Picnic areas. The walking trail is marked by a series of totems. Signage is being upgraded to provide more information. Dogs are allowed off lead at Uriarra East and West picnic areas but not on walking tracks, except from Stockdill Drive to Shepherds Lookout.

Beaver Galleries is Canberra's largest privately owned commercial gallery. This well established and highly regarded gallery features outstanding pieces by contemporary Australian artists. Works include painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics and glass. All artwork is for sale. Do not miss their courtyard sculpture garden. The gallery shop has beautiful products from leading Australian craft artists and jewellers. The award-winning, fully licensed Palette Café, with indoor and courtyard dining areas, offers morning and afternoon tea, a la carte lunch and a relaxed all-day brunch on weekends. Enjoy the atmosphere, innovative cuisine and excellent coffee. Lunch bookings recommended on 6282 8416.

Beaver Galleries is Canberra's largest privately owned commercial gallery. This well established and highly regarded gallery features outstanding pieces by contemporary Australian artists. Works include painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics and glass. All artwork is for sale. Do not miss their courtyard sculpture garden. The gallery shop has beautiful products from leading Australian craft artists and jewellers. The award-winning, fully licensed Palette Café, with indoor and courtyard dining areas, offers morning and afternoon tea, a la carte lunch and a relaxed all-day brunch on weekends. Enjoy the atmosphere, innovative cuisine and excellent coffee. Lunch bookings recommended on 6282 8416.

The National Workers Memorial honours Australians who have lost their lives to work-related accidents, incidents or disease and celebrates the vital contribution of Australian workers to building this nation. The Workers' Glade design of the Memorial comprises eight stone columns positioned to reflect the outline of Australia. Concentric ripples radiate from the columns to form a public plaza. This ripple effect acknowledges the profound impact work-related loss has on communities and families. The Memorial provides an important focal point for Workers' Memorial Day, recognised internationally on 28 April each year.

The National Workers Memorial honours Australians who have lost their lives to work-related accidents, incidents or disease and celebrates the vital contribution of Australian workers to building this nation. The Workers' Glade design of the Memorial comprises eight stone columns positioned to reflect the outline of Australia. Concentric ripples radiate from the columns to form a public plaza. This ripple effect acknowledges the profound impact work-related loss has on communities and families. The Memorial provides an important focal point for Workers' Memorial Day, recognised internationally on 28 April each year.

This small stone cottage was built about 1860 as a home for workers on the Duntroon Estate. A number of families lived in the Cottage over the hundred years it was occupied. The first occupant, William Ginn, was a ploughman for the Campbells. The second, George Blundell, was a bullock driver for the estate. The third, Harry Oldfield, worked from the Cottage as a shepherd. His wife Alice ran the Cottage as a boarding house after his death. The Cottage is now a remnant of the National Capital's rural past almost in the heart of the city.

This small stone cottage was built about 1860 as a home for workers on the Duntroon Estate. A number of families lived in the Cottage over the hundred years it was occupied. The first occupant, William Ginn, was a ploughman for the Campbells. The second, George Blundell, was a bullock driver for the estate. The third, Harry Oldfield, worked from the Cottage as a shepherd. His wife Alice ran the Cottage as a boarding house after his death. The Cottage is now a remnant of the National Capital's rural past almost in the heart of the city.

Changi chapel was originally constructed by prisoners of war in Changi Camp, Singapore Island, in 1944. After the war, it was returned to Australia, erected in the grounds of the Royal Military College and dedicated as a national memorial to all Australian prisoners of war. Visit the chapel and experience the little that is left. Lest we forget.

Changi chapel was originally constructed by prisoners of war in Changi Camp, Singapore Island, in 1944. After the war, it was returned to Australia, erected in the grounds of the Royal Military College and dedicated as a national memorial to all Australian prisoners of war. Visit the chapel and experience the little that is left. Lest we forget.

Walk the marked trail from Pine Island through open grassland to Point Hut Reserve. Enjoy flat ground that's ideal for walking and lovely views of the Murrumbidgee River. Pine Island is a popular barbeque and summer swimming area alongside the beautiful Murrumbidgee River. Point Hit Reserve has a nice shady picnic area and areas your dog can run on the lead. Allow two hours return for the walk. Pick up a pamphlet a short way along the trail.

Walk the marked trail from Pine Island through open grassland to Point Hut Reserve. Enjoy flat ground that's ideal for walking and lovely views of the Murrumbidgee River. Pine Island is a popular barbeque and summer swimming area alongside the beautiful Murrumbidgee River. Point Hit Reserve has a nice shady picnic area and areas your dog can run on the lead. Allow two hours return for the walk. Pick up a pamphlet a short way along the trail.

Weston Park is a popular spot. Head to the beach and swimming area on the eastern shore. Ride your bikes on the cycle track that runs through the park. There's plenty of room and facilities for picnicking with picnic tables, electric barbecues and public toilets. Children will love the large scale adventure playground with climbing facilities and a tree house. Take a ride on the miniature train. Weston Park has plenty of parking.

Weston Park is a popular spot. Head to the beach and swimming area on the eastern shore. Ride your bikes on the cycle track that runs through the park. There's plenty of room and facilities for picnicking with picnic tables, electric barbecues and public toilets. Children will love the large scale adventure playground with climbing facilities and a tree house. Take a ride on the miniature train. Weston Park has plenty of parking.

See the portraits of over 400 people who've shaped the nation at the National Portrait Gallery. Be amazed at the works of art reflecting Australia's history, diversity and culture. Portraits include artists, musicians, entertainers, politicians, sports people and royalty. Favourites include Ned Kelly's death mask and Howard Arkley's portrait of Nick Cave. Enjoy the natural light, wood and stone in the National Portrait Gallery's design. Make great use of their cafe, shop, function room, theatrette, basement car park, education and school group areas. Visit between 5pm - 9pm on the last Friday of every month for viewings, entertainment and drinks.

See the portraits of over 400 people who've shaped the nation at the National Portrait Gallery. Be amazed at the works of art reflecting Australia's history, diversity and culture. Portraits include artists, musicians, entertainers, politicians, sports people and royalty. Favourites include Ned Kelly's death mask and Howard Arkley's portrait of Nick Cave. Enjoy the natural light, wood and stone in the National Portrait Gallery's design. Make great use of their cafe, shop, function room, theatrette, basement car park, education and school group areas. Visit between 5pm - 9pm on the last Friday of every month for viewings, entertainment and drinks.

The International Flag Display colourfully acknowledges the United Nations and those that maintain a diplomatic presence in the National Capital. The 90 plus flags fly from two offset rows of flagpoles along the promenade between the High Court and the National Library on the southern shore of Lake Burley Griffin. The International Flag Display flies continuously and is lit at night. Each flag pole has a plaque at its base identifying the nation the flag represents.

The International Flag Display colourfully acknowledges the United Nations and those that maintain a diplomatic presence in the National Capital. The 90 plus flags fly from two offset rows of flagpoles along the promenade between the High Court and the National Library on the southern shore of Lake Burley Griffin. The International Flag Display flies continuously and is lit at night. Each flag pole has a plaque at its base identifying the nation the flag represents.

The National Police Memorial pays tribute to Australian Police Officers who have been killed on duty or have died as a result of their duties since the start of policing in Australia. The Memorial, dedicated on National Police Remembrance Day on 29 September 2006, recognises the unique nature of police service and the dangers that police face in their daily pursuits. Subdued lighting adds atmosphere every evening from dusk. See each of the 700+ touchstones individually lit. The rear of the wall is lit with an image of St Michael, the Patron Saint of Policing.

The National Police Memorial pays tribute to Australian Police Officers who have been killed on duty or have died as a result of their duties since the start of policing in Australia. The Memorial, dedicated on National Police Remembrance Day on 29 September 2006, recognises the unique nature of police service and the dangers that police face in their daily pursuits. Subdued lighting adds atmosphere every evening from dusk. See each of the 700+ touchstones individually lit. The rear of the wall is lit with an image of St Michael, the Patron Saint of Policing.

The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House is the first and only museum dedicated to telling the story of Australian democracy. Be inspired by amazing real life stories of ordinary people who actively fought to shape today's society. Discover where Australia has come from. Get involved in where the country is headed. Old Parliament House's heritage and history remains. See the difference for yourself.