Highlights of Canberra

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[{"address":"Parliament House","placeId":"ChIJmTzEjt9MFmsRSaLaJvVDeVY","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.17395040838896975,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-35.306864011246724,"longitude":149.12587340000005},"media":[{"type":"place","content":{"place_id":"ChIJmTzEjt9MFmsRSaLaJvVDeVY"}},{"type":"link","title":"Parliament House","content":"https://www.aph.gov.au/"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FRAA9RESJyuTLSlC5n5fs%2Fparliament.webp?alt=media&token=5f402769-b5ad-436b-8843-739f84f6dc62"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FRAA9RESJyuTLSlC5n5fs%2Fparliament%201.jpeg?alt=media&token=370bbbcb-03cb-4ca8-b4bd-2b1f880bd42c"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FRAA9RESJyuTLSlC5n5fs%2Fparliament%202.webp?alt=media&token=f6371374-9e61-4cff-9ae0-242a9540fed0"},{"type":"text","content":"G'day, everyone! Welcome to the iconic Parliament House, the pulsing heart of Australian politics and a marvel of modern architecture. This grand structure, opened in 1988 by Queen Elizabeth II, represents the seat of our nation's democracy, embodying the spirit and values of Australia​​​​.\n\nNotice the impressive 81-metre flagpole towering above us? It's one of the largest flags in Australia, a shining symbol of our government, visible both day and night, reminding us of the nation's unity and pride​​.\n\nAs we step inside, prepare to be awed by the sprawling marble Foyer, a tranquil space contrasting with the bustling Forecourt. The Foyer's walls are adorned with marquetry panels featuring Australian flora, linking us to the nation's rich natural heritage​​.\n\nThe building's design, featuring two massive curved walls, ingeniously separates the Senate and the House of Representatives, reflecting Australia's bicameral parliamentary system. The colours of these chambers – green for the House and red for the Senate – are not just traditional; they echo the hues of the Australian landscape​​.\n\nAnd the Forecourt – it's more than an entrance. It's a welcoming space, highlighted by a stunning granite mosaic by Indigenous artist Michael Nelson Jagamara. This artwork tells a story of creation and ceremony, deeply rooted in Indigenous culture, and symbolises the inclusive spirit of this place​​.\n\nParliament House is not just a building; it's a living, breathing part of Canberra's landscape and history. So, as we explore, let's soak in the significance of each space and the stories they hold. Ready to discover the heart of Australian democracy?\n\n"},{"ttsForStop":true,"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FRAA9RESJyuTLSlC5n5fs%2FElevenLabs_2023-11-17T11_35_30_Charlie_pre_s50_sb75_e1.mp3?alt=media&token=494bcfee-98bb-4021-8048-1d8ceaff2f0d"}]},{"address":"National Gallery of Australia","placeId":"ChIJG7ZqeRdNFmsRK1ZmolWslHE","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.17395040838896975,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-35.300803011244206,"longitude":149.13588400000003},"media":[{"type":"place","content":{"place_id":"ChIJG7ZqeRdNFmsRK1ZmolWslHE"}},{"type":"link","title":"National Gallery of Australia","content":"https://nga.gov.au/"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FRAA9RESJyuTLSlC5n5fs%2Fnational%20gallery.webp?alt=media&token=a90a971a-a0e4-43df-b61a-85bbce2bd19c"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FRAA9RESJyuTLSlC5n5fs%2Fnational%20gallery%201.jpeg?alt=media&token=3795bfb4-dfc9-41c6-9977-7fb0a3deb0b2"},{"type":"text","content":"G'day, art enthusiasts! We've arrived at one of Canberra's cultural jewels, the National Gallery of Australia. This architectural wonder, wrapped in the bold lines of late 20th-century Brutalist style, stands as a testament to the nation's artistic spirit. Established in 1967, the Gallery is an art sanctuary housing over 166,000 works, making it one of Australia's largest and most significant art museums​​​​.\n\nAs we step inside, you'll be enthralled by the expansive 23,000 square meters of gallery space, creatively designed to showcase a myriad of art forms. From the large principal floor galleries displaying Indigenous Australian and international collections to the intimate upper-level galleries dedicated to Australian art, there's a world of creativity to explore here. Each gallery offers a unique experience, illuminated by natural light that subtly enhances the beauty of the art on display​​.\n\nDon't miss the iconic 'Blue Poles' by Jackson Pollock and the compelling Ned Kelly series by Sidney Nolan, among the many treasures here. And outside, the sculpture gardens, adorned with Australian native plants, invite you to continue your artistic journey in the embrace of nature​​.\n\nThis visit to the National Gallery is more than just an art tour; it's a journey through the heart of Australian creativity and expression. So, let's immerse ourselves in the rich tapestry of art that awaits us!\n\n"},{"ttsForStop":true,"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FRAA9RESJyuTLSlC5n5fs%2FElevenLabs_2023-11-17T11_36_54_Charlie_pre_s50_sb75_e1.mp3?alt=media&token=08a66a87-c38e-48b8-88a3-6e22ca932e8e"}]},{"address":"Australian War Memorial","placeId":"ChIJ7wRAy3ZNFmsR5izUOK6G70E","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.17395040838896975,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-35.28167336637116,"longitude":149.14903545},"media":[{"type":"place","content":{"place_id":"ChIJ7wRAy3ZNFmsR5izUOK6G70E"}},{"type":"link","title":"Australian War Memorial","content":"https://www.awm.gov.au/"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FRAA9RESJyuTLSlC5n5fs%2Fawm.jpeg?alt=media&token=66b979fe-82c8-45e9-bf7d-c96d54099e54"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FRAA9RESJyuTLSlC5n5fs%2Fawm%202.avif?alt=media&token=44779ec5-8f96-4a30-947c-f518e2cb1dfb"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FRAA9RESJyuTLSlC5n5fs%2Fawm%2011.webp?alt=media&token=f2d3e168-6e3b-4394-9b84-aca90a5d95b1"},{"type":"text","content":"Welcome history enthusiasts to the jewel in the crown of our city - the cherished Australian War Memorial. Bearing the names of over 102,000 courageous souls upon its Roll of Honour, this iconic landmark is as much a part of our cultural fabric as Vegemite on toast. The legacy it upholds tells stories not only of wartime but also of the transformation our society underwent, thus asserting its place as an enduring symbol of resilience.\n\nFrom the million-piece mosaic in the Hall of Memory to the affectionate missives of Major Benjamin and Olive, these hidden gems of our memorial speak to the dedication, love, and spirit that have shaped us.\n\nThe Eternal Flame in the Commemorative Courtyard symbolises life prevailing over adversity, a reminder of the perennial spirit of our soldiers. Soak in the rich tapestry of our heritage encapsulated within this remarkable monument before we voyage to our next local treasure.\n\nAfter all, the true magic of Canberra lies in the numerous untold stories awaiting discovery in every nook and cranny.\n\n"},{"ttsForStop":true,"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FRAA9RESJyuTLSlC5n5fs%2FElevenLabs_2023-11-17T11_37_58_Charlie_pre_s50_sb75_e1.mp3?alt=media&token=32900e86-0a5a-4221-bdfb-43558cab33b4"}]}]