Saturday, October 20, 2018

Suburb #109 Throsby

Suburb 109 was Throsby in Gungahlin.

Throsby is named after Charles Throsby, an Australian explorer, pioneer and parliamentarian. He is known for opening up the lands beyond the Blue Mountains for colonial settlement.

The street names here are awesome and are named after local fauna.


As often with the newer Gungahlin suburbs, Throsby definitely has a sign and a sign on sterroids at that!  In fact, overall there are probably a lot more signs in general than other suburbs...I certainly don't think I have explored a suburb with a slogan before :p




When first entering Throsby I was amazed at the feeling of space despite the incredibly large houses - unlike other parts of Gungahlin where the houses feel somewhat crowded into a small space...


What I didn't expect, was what was at the back of the suburb....which first looked a little like a detention centre...



But it turned out to be a wildlife sanctuary...


As Mum and I wandered the odd raised white walkways, we were a bit unsure of what wildlife was being kept in or out however....





Nevertheless, we continued a little way....and came across a somewhat creepy waterhole...it felt quite odd walking around what once was underwater....with not a bird in sight...








Feeling a bit like we were on the Australian version of one of our crime shows we headed back...




But we did meet a new friend on the way....


Then it was off to explore the rest of the suburb with its fabulous street names :)

 


Some potentially less fabulous architecture...


But an absolutely fabulous local park :)







Clearly, there is still a lot more to come in Throsby...

But overall, I got a really good vibe about this suburb already - it has the great planning of other parts of Gungahlin, but with great views, a much more open feeling and so much close to civic! Be keen to come back when the building/design has been completed.


Saturday, October 13, 2018

Suburb #108 Jacka

Next up was the suburb of Jacka in Gungahlin...a long 16km from  the town centre.

Jacka is named after Albert Jacka. He was the first Australian to be decorated with the Victoria Cross during the first world war for his actions during the Gallipoli Campaign.

I believe the streets are named after individuals given awards for bravery.



This suburb when finished is apparently expected to accommodate approximately 1500 blocks. At the moment, its basically about five streets only! If you lived here, I think you would know absolutely all your neighbours.





There is still a cute park and gorgeous blossoms though...




Most of the suburb is, however, covered by the Horse Park wetlands and the Horse Park homestead property - one of the oldest continually occupied and worked rural properties in the ACT. The property dates from 1853. Behind Horse Park is also Elm Grove estate, which James Gillepsie built next to his parents Horse Park estate. 

  
The properties are surrounded by lots and lots of fencing....so it is all a bit of a mystery...




But the views are pretty amazing...






Be interested to come back to Jacka sometime in the future and see what has changed...

Saturday, October 6, 2018

Suburb #107 Capital Hill

So apparently Capital Hill in Canberra is a suburb....I am not convinced...but Parliament House open day seemed like a pretty good day to explore this part of my city so what the hell! And I certainly  was not disappointed...particularly on such a perfect Canberra spring day.

Capital Hill is where Parliament House (the new one) is located. This place was supposed to be named the Capitol according to Walter Burley Griffin's plans, but it was renamed as Capital Hill - after a period as Kurrajong Hill. The streets here are named after Australian capitals.

Alas again no suburb sign...not that I could find anyway, admittedly as I was on foot for this particular adventure I didn't check right around Capital Circle.

I started my journey on the Barton side and began my walk up the hill..

 



Unsure of quite where I was going, other than up towards the Parliament House flag pole...I continued up the hill and came upon the most gorgeous unexpected park, full of blossoms...







Up another staircase and the surprises kept on coming...






Such a gorgeous place - a little solemn given the numerous memorials - to those that died in Bali, on MH17 and while serving in Parliament - but nevertheless peaceful and beautiful.

But it was time to approach 'the house'!





Its not every day that you get greeted by smiling people and the Po Boys on the way in the door here....far superior an experience to when I come for work full of nerves....


Then it was through security into the foyer, which I have to admit is not to my taste...


But today was Open Day and there were so many other things to see...


Ever wondered how big the flags are from the flag pole!...large!


I could handle this being my dinner table...


The Cabinet room....shhhhh :p


A new friend...


Under the flag pole...


The House of Reps....


 Its amazing whose names you see around this place :p


Next stop was the Prime Minister's wing - which looks quite different since I last saw it (the Rudd era) - but alas no photos were allowed....

Then it was past the Press room and on to the numerous gorgeous courtyards around the building....



Before it was up to the roof for the amazing view!


Then it was a final stop at the Senate for a bit of pink...


Before leaving past the lego parliament house...


And grabbing a cupcake on the way :)


And then wandering back down the hill. What an epic day :)