Day 6 - Canberra

The Australian Capitol Territory was created after much debate was had, over Where the Federal Capitol of Australia should be sited.  

Many wanted Melbourne while Others preferred Sydney.

Eventually it was decided that a new Capitol should be built. On the proviso that it be at least 100 Miles from Sydney.  

It also was to have "Clean Air, A good Water Supply and an Invigorating Climate".

With no direct trainline to Canberra we disembarked at Yass Junction and drove the 70 km trip by Coach.

(Returning by Coach, at the end of the day to Goulburn Station)

We could have Toured Parliament House or Paid our respects at the National War Museum but we chose to Visit The National Portrait Gallery.

This is not the place for Past Prime Ministers. (Their Gallery is in Parliament House).  

This is the Gallery for Australians that have made an Impact on or for Our Country.

From all the Faces staring out at me - This one held me the longest.

A Commissioned piece,  Play On - Portrait of Neale Daniher.  

Well known to those of us from Melbourne.

Football player and Coach. 

Diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease in 2013 and Co-Founder of the Fight MND Organisation.

We could have spent a lot longer perusing the portraits but Lunch awaited us at Old Parliament House.

(Roasted Murray Cod, Sauce Vierge, Smoked Mussels & Sautéed Kale)

Dessert was a Silky Pana cotta.

And it was AFTER Lunch that my Day got a Little bit more .... Interesting!

I was pulled aside by our Tour Guide and asked if I could 

"Help them Out - Give them a Hand"

Of Course said I, 

and then next thing I knew I was being Kitted out as Queen Elizabeth and handed a Script for a Skit!

No one (Not even DH) knew anything about it until we walked in!  It was so much fun and I was still being ragged about it hours later.

Leaving my 'alter ego' back in the Cloak Room we were given a Guided Tour of Old Parliament House

Our trip back to the Train included an unscheduled stop at Lake George.  

Lake George is an Endorheic Lake and thought to be one of the Worlds Oldest Lakes.

It has been mainly dry for the last 10 years and to see it full was worth the stop.

Once back on the Train - all I could do was "Smile and Wave" as others recounted our Adventures in Canberra.