celebritizeyou.com highlights Australian photographer and writer Matt Palmer.

Matt lives where many of us can only dream about visiting. With his wit, charm, and eye for detail he writes this captivating article and lets you take a peek inside Canberra, Australia’s Capital:

Recently I traveled to our nation’s capital to visit a long time mate and confidant who I regularly communicate with. My newfound passion for photography and motto of “capturing moments in time”, I set out to visit two very important icons that are tourism and information gems of Canberra. New Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial, both of which I have had the pleasure of visiting on numerous occasions on past visits.

My first stop was at the New Parliament House, nestled majestically in the heart of Canberra with all the roads leading to and from. I never fail to be amazed how this modern day structure was built into an actual HILL. Hence, it getting the name Capital Hill, and I’m impressed by the reasonings behind doing so. Being that all Australians can have the ability to walk from one side to the other, over the grassed area which covers the roof of the building, and is highlighted by a towering central flagpole proudly adorning an impressive Australian flag which marks the central position of the complex.

With its external appearance being most impressive, walking inside the public entrance to Parliament House opens the door to many of Australia’s political icons, the history and daily working mecca of Australian politics. This the engine room of Australian political decision making and its interior design, architectural displays, and comprehensive educational journey prove a “not to be missed” attraction for both Australians and foreigners wanting to experience the day-to-day workings of our political system.

The Grand Entrance Foyer is adorned with towering marble pillars and staircases leading off on either side to various chambers and rooms of interest throughout the building. The impressive Grand Ballroom can be entered from the main foyer and has laid host to many functions involving the world’s highest dignitaries, and political leaders.

Exploring further, you can enter into the decision making hotspots such as the House of Representatives and the Senate and on associated days, you can see Australia’s political leaders “in the flesh” sitting in parliamentary session. You are also able to join the public gallery to spectate.

In the area occupying the building between the House of Reps and the Senate, a large museum-like open gallery displaying artworks and historical memorabilia can be viewed with portraits of every Australian Prime Minister adorning the walls and a running history lesson on the development of the Australian Parliament from its inception.

On leaving the front entrance, the view you are faced with just highlights the precise planning that went into placement of this building in relation to Canberra’s other iconic attractions. Looking ahead, your eyes are directed along a straight parade of perfectly aligned flag poles and trees, which are half way along the Old Parliament House and then leading up toward the hills is the Australian War Memorial. This far-reaching parade is appropriately named ANZAC parade and along its extremities are many monuments and memorials honoring the many wars and lives lost fighting for Australia by Australians.

The view is of perfect symmetry and is a credit to the urban planners of Canberra who have managed to capture three of the nation’s most integral iconic places and link them with such a powerful avenue of history and reflection. This is a definite photo opportunity and something to take a minute to savor.

This leads to my next place of call, the Australian War Memorial and the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier”. For anyone interested in the history of Australia’s wartime efforts and a fully comprehensive and amazing adventure through the educational and memorable artifacts and material relating to our wartime involvement. This a MUST SEE!

The War Memorial is presented with endless amazing rooms complete with educational displays, actual items, and life size recreations (planes, tanks, and vehicles), interactive material, film and audio footage, and reenactments of wartime moments. This is an educational centre like no other! Anyone from school-aged children to the elderly can get a fully comprehensive insight to Australia and Australians’ involvement in defending our great country at war and peace time.

For those who have been touched or affected by family members, friends, and associates who have served our great country, this is one experience that no one should miss if they go to Canberra. You can most certainly spend a full day here and still leave having not seen it all!

Learn more about Matt Palmer and view his photography.

Australian photojournalist Matt Palmer is spotlighted by www.celebritizeyou.com.

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