Top Ten Summer Activities

The weather’s warming up, and I’m beginning to feel a bit excited about the arrival of summer. Last summer was a massive wash out so I have decided to maximise the good times by preparing a summer bucket list. My top ten must-do things for in and around Canberra are:

 1.       Swimming at Uriarra Crossing

I remember back in the 1980s-1990s when you used to be able to ride lilos along the rapids at Uriarra Crossing. Granted I was only a bubba but I’m pretty sure you could move pretty quickly down the river. With the rain this year I am hoping for some water which does more than just create a stagnant pool. So with this in mind I’m going to retrieve the twenty year old lilos from my parent’s shed and hit the water. A bbq and some beers and I’ve got a perfect day out.

 2.       Batman Street Brasserie

Sage restaurant have launched a garden bar, Mint bar, and the two entities have been combined under the name Batman Street Brasserie. I have been to Sage restaurant before and I know to expect sophisticated dining with excellent food and wine. But it’s Mint Bar that I am super excited about. I went to opening night this week and I thoroughly enjoyed their pretty garden where you can sip cocktails under shady trees. Grab a glass of champagne or try a cocktail and enjoy the atmosphere.

 3.       Cycling

I am the recipient of a beautiful new bicycle and I have decided that this summer I will travel all across town on the lookout for cycling adventures. Not only am I going to ride to and from work on at least one occasion (home is via O’Connor Ridge), I am going to search out some fun trails for my weekends. Armed with a copy of the Canberra and Queanbeyan cycling and walking map I shall conquer all.

 4.       Segways

In recent times the ACT government caused a stir when it pulled the plug on a Segway business operating down by Lake Burley Griffin. Segways are illegal in Australia and in spite of a National Capital Authority exemption, the ACT government nearly pulled the plug on Seg Glide Ride’s business shortly after it began. But common sense has prevailed and the company has been granted a reprieve until June 2012. I for one will be riding a Segway this summer, while I’ve got the chance. 

 5.       Sculpture Bar

Perhaps one of the most underutilised events last summer was the amazing Sculpture Bar at the National Gallery. Imagine sipping Veuve Clicquot champagne in the outdoor sculpture garden under a canopy of gum trees. Then add DJs such as Ashley Feraude and DJ Rush and you are onto a winner. It’s a fantastic venue which I for one will be making the most of this summer.

 6.       ARC Cinema – National Film and Sound Archive

I have never been to the ARC Cinema at the National Film and Sound Archive much to my constant regret, particularly when they have such wonderful film festivals. This summer I hope to make it down there for a film, rather than just a coffee in their beautiful courtyard. Their film program includes quintesentially Australian flicks, world cinema and old classics. With the Japanese Film Festival on now it's hard to resist... 

 7.       Rockerbilly / 1950s Clothes

The rockabilly 1950’s style clothes shop Hoola Hoop is a big motivator in heading to Braidwood this summer. They sell the awesome American-made Heartbreaker brand. I have decided that I will walk in as a tom-boy and walk out as a pin-up girl. Optimistic yes, but if the website is anything to go by, I will at least look super cute.

A bit closer to home is The Darling Sisters shop at Gold Creek. It’s jam-packed with gorgeous Bettie Page clothes and the mega cute My Sister Pat vintage style swim wear. When I stopped in the other day the place was bustling, clearly the word is on the street.

 8.       Gardening

We have embarked on our first serious mission to grow our own veggies. Armed with a trailer load of dirt and some seedlings we appear to be winning the war. The snails tried it on for about a week, until we discovered that you can douse them with watery espresso coffee and they're cactus. Add in some beer traps for the slugs and we have got some healthy little plants. I love watching them grow, there’s nothing more satisfying then growing something all by yourself which you can then eat for dinner. For some inspiration check out the Canberra Organic Growers Society.

 9.       Manuka Pool

No summer is complete without a swim at the art deco 1920s pool in Manuka. Manuka Pool was my childhood. I learnt to swim there, swam all summer and enjoyed running amok. These days the friends with babies can paddle in the wading pool and we can fire up a BBQ. Then all you need to do is rotate between the pool and sunning yourself on the lawn. It’s a lovely day out for all.

 10.   Summer Rhythm Festival

A local camping festival has emerged with a line-up of local and international acts which is sure to impress. Summer Rhythm Festival is three days of music, camping, swimming in dams, markets and food at Goolabri Golf Course. With profits going to the mental health charity Beyond Blue it’s a lot of fun for a good cause. I for one am starting to get super excited for kick-off on the 9^th December.