National Gallery of Australia

I spent a marvellous, peaceful Sunday morning here. Although there were a lot of visitors, its spacious galleries mean you never feel over-​crowded. Entry is free, unless you want to see a special exhibition. I saw their Tom Roberts Exhibition and it was fantastic. Only $ 20 entry fee to see several famous, wonderful works — great value. The staff are mindful of the contemplative atmosphere here too so even the guides speak in appropriately low tones. You will see pieces by Australia’s most noteworthy artists — Nolan, Boyd, Streeton and Roberts (of course) to name just a few.

I drove down from Sydney and was lucky enough to experience the James Turrell exhibition. I was able to stop, look and reflect on the connections between light and colour, and how they affect perception. He had a range of artworks from 2D drawings explaining the concept of perception which turned objects into 3D images. He also had light projections producing holograms, 3D objects from a wall and reflections like I’ve never seen before. The last room was amazing where I became part of the artwork. I was put in a large room with lights that changed colour and as a result changed the size of the room. If you love art, this is something to see! Unfortunately no photos were allowed but you can see for yourself!

The price is right but beware, no photography!
Just like Australia itself, the museum is enormous and sprawling. You can sign up for a free walking tour with a docent if you’re not sure where to start, but be forceful with him/​her if asked what you would like to see. I really wanted a sort of «tasting» but the guide ended up spending 40 minutes in Aboriginal art, 10 minutes in expressionism, and then was told to «explore» myself. Had a I chance to do it all over again, I would have asked to see just a couple examples from 3 – 4 different «parts» of the museum.
I’m a sucker for portraiture and there is a «Miss Nellie Patterson» that reminds me of the Gainsborough Blue Boy and Pinkie. All the wanting-​adulthood aspirations of children… although Miss Nellie does look a bit unhappy to be painted :-)
If you are an art person, this is a reason to visit Canberra.
If you are an art person, and are taking a break from the far more «active» things you will do in Australia, give yourself at least half a day here; full day would be better.

Another free tourist spot in Canberra! Not the biggest art gallery I’ve been to, but a nice selection. The most unique part of their collection (vs other national art galleries) would be their aboriginal artwork. Definitely worth checking out!

Skip the block buster shows, wander the quiet smaller galleries and find some interesting art. Avoid the bookshop on the way out.

We came for Toulouse Lautrec, we stayed for so much more!
The NGA is in Parkes, and while there’s paid parking around the place, if you’re clever you will find the freebie spots.
Ambience *****
There’s so much art here, they can’t fit it all in. In fact, it has spilled to outside the building and getting in can take a while. We ventured around and into a large water feature art piece which made fun of echoes and water and had us amazed at the skill. Likewise a mesh ball was corded between bridge and building, as well as a sculpture garden. If you’re an art nut (and you’d know if you are) you could easily spend a day here.
There is art everywhere. The permanent exhibitions themselves are enough to keep little ones and big ones, long attention spans and short attention spans captivated for a good few hours and if you think I’m telling porky pies, you’ve missed something.
Service *****
The girls at the front counter processed us through with our pre-​bought ticketing (which is a must for the Toulouse Lautrec exhibition as they time release groups). They were quick and helpful and talked us through the catalogue, advising to claim the almost 300 page monster at the end of the exhibit along with our glass of bubbly vouchers.
Security is on the ball in the gallery, I only heard a ‘NO PHOTOGRAPHY IN HERE’ once, but I heard the ‘too close’ piercing rings of sensors go off a few times as well as walkie talkies telling their holders to go check an area. The water gallery was GORGEOUS, and the security officer overseeing that area had some nice information for us about a few of the pieces there, which was really lovely — it’s good to see a bit of mingling for some tidbits worth knowing in what would have otherwise been an ignorant ‘ooh ahh’ session for me.
Food ****
We had scones with jam and cream with our chandon brut. The NGA café serves light meals and drinks (I don’t think hard liquor) all day until about 4.30−5pm. The scones were housemade and served hot with jam and whipped cream (grr). It seems whipped is the easy way to go these days, but after such a rich experience, some double thick or dollop would have topped it off better (no, don’t excuse the pun).
Additional
The portrait gallery is in decent walking distance, the other landmarks a bit more of a hike. If you’re in the area anytime soon, please, please, please, go see the Queen’s diamond jubilee portrait. It’s breathtaking, really, I (self proclaimed troglodyte of the art world) have no words for how beautiful that portrait is.

Plenty of free parking underneath the building, but can be difficult to get a space during the day.
Gallery is free to enter and view a large number of works in the permanent collection, and a small fee to see the temporary exhibitions.
Some exquisite pieces, and a good mix of Australian and international works are featured.