To get to Canberra I had to travel on the train back to Sydney where I caught my bus. Chris was leaving Katoomba on the same day, heading north. We left the Blue Mountains together, had lunch in Sydney and then went our separate ways. Hopefully we’ll be able to keep in touch.

I’m becoming an old pro at this Greyhound Bus business. I got to Canberra early evening and managed to have a short walk around before turning in for the night.

The next day was my only full day in Canberra and it started early. Despite being the capital of Australia it’s a rather non-descript city but it is famous for its museums and sights. First I went to Parliamentary House, both the geographical and social centre of the city. I have to admit that it wasn’t really my kind of thing but I guess it’s something I had to see while I’m here.

I next went to the National Library where there is an exhibition of the work and diaries by the Australian artist Donald Friend. I only knew a little about Friend beforehand but I learnt so much more from what I read and saw. I found that I especially liked the work he produced during the time he served in the armed forces and from the years he lived in Bali.

After lunch I spent the afternoon at the National Museum of Australia. A few people had told me that this is a “must see” while I’m in Oz so it’s the main reason I came to Canberra. There were a number of different exhibits dealing with numerous aspects of Australian culture, life and history. All of which were well written and superbly presented. It was a really interesting and informative day.

Canberra is not a pretty city by any stretch of the imagination but it definitely had a number of redeeming qualities.

Tomorrow I move on to Melbourne, my last destination before I leave for New Zealand.