We got off to a pretty slow start today, getting down to breakfast at about 10:15 am. We enjoyed a nice breakfast while we pondered what we’d do today.

Pastries.
Pastries.
Muesli with fruit and yoghurt.
Muesli with fruit and yoghurt.
Avocado on sourdough with boiled eggs.
Avocado on sourdough with boiled eggs.
Scrambled eggs on sourdough.
Scrambled eggs on sourdough.

We decided that we’d like to go for a walk across the bridge on Commonwealth Avenue over Lake Burley Griffin. This artificial lake in the centre of Canberra is named after Walter Burley Griffin, the American architect who won the competition to design the city of Canberra.

After getting to the other side of the lake, we walked along King Edward Terrace to the National Portrait Gallery. We spent a few hours at the gallery, enjoying the permanent exhibitions and also the National Photographic Portrait Prize exhibition.

Andrea outside the National Portrait Gallery.
Andrea outside the National Portrait Gallery.
Andrea outside the National Portrait Gallery.
Andrea outside the National Portrait Gallery.

After leaving the National Portrait Gallery we went next door to the High Court. We decided that since we went into the High Court building on our last trip to Canberra, we’d just enjoy it from the outside this time.

The High Court.
The High Court.

We walked back along King Edward Terrace, enjoying the lovely Canberra day (even though it was a bit cold in the wind!).

Keith on King Edward Terrace.
Keith on King Edward Terrace.

Our next stop was the National Library, a very imposing building that sits prominently on the lake shore.

Keith outside the National Library.
Keith outside the National Library.

We had a very nice visit to the library, which had a number of very good exhibitions. We particularly enjoyed looking at Captain Cook’s Endeavour Journal. This journal was purchased by the Australian government in 1923 for the sum of £5,000.

Captain Cook's Endeavour Journal.
Captain Cook's Endeavour Journal.

After leaving the library, we walked back across the bridge to the hotel. By this stage, the wind was howling so we were pleased to get back inside at the hotel. We relaxed in the room for an hour or so before heading out to a wonderful dinner at Rebel Rebel, only a few minutes walk from the hotel.

Kingfish with chicory, apple, and horseradish.
Kingfish with chicory, apple, and horseradish.
Grilled prawns with bay leaf butter.
Grilled prawns with bay leaf butter.
Cauliflower with almond, ricotta salata, and paprika.
Cauliflower with almond, ricotta salata, and paprika.
Green beans with peta, preserved lemon, and pistachios,
Green beans with peta, preserved lemon, and pistachios,
Sugarloaf cabbage with tahini and harissa oil.
Sugarloaf cabbage with tahini and harissa oil.
Eggplant with 'Nduja and cucumber.
Eggplant with 'Nduja and cucumber.
Espresso mousse with walnuts, dates, and cardamom.
Espresso mousse with walnuts, dates, and cardamom.
Quince clafoutis with chestnut ice-cream.
Quince clafoutis with chestnut ice-cream.

After very much over-indulging on a wonderful dinner, we walked back to the hotel to retire for the evening.

Tomorrow morning we’re checking out and heading to the Jamala Wildlife Reserve, which we are very much looking forward to.