Aussie tourism peeps are twitching with excitement in Australia's capital Canberra, because tomorrow sees the opening of a promising new museum in the majestic Old Parliament House building.

The Museum of Australian Democracy will have its ribbon cut by former Prime Minister Bob Hawke, also widely celebrated as the only Aussie politician ever to hold a world record for beer drinking. Although this new museum will be packed with nifty multimedia stuff and marks the completion of an impressive makeover for the old parliament building, it seems as though everyone is most excited about George Washington's pens.

Apparently, a writing set once used by General Washington is on loan to the museum, and this trip down under marks its first outside of the United States. If you can see past the pens, you'll also find out the workings of Australian democracy and get to take part in some (fake) decision making. The way we see it, democracy is working pretty well for Australia if beer drinking record-holders can become Prime Minister.

Related Stories:
· Museum of Australian Democracy [Official Site]
· Democracy Museum Breathes New Life Into Old House [The Australian]
· Canberra Travel Guide [Jaunted]

[Photo: TiagoPereira] ]]> amandak 2009-05-08T12:32:21-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/8/6/6234/14621

Aussie capital city Canberra isn't really known as a hot tourist spot, but when it's winter Down Under anyhow, then turning up for the annual Fireside Festival definitely sounds like an attractive proposition.

Fireside has events to suit all kinds of tastes: There are orchestras playing, campfires with hot chocolate, degustation menus, sheep musters and a candlelit cinema. Events run all the way through to August 24 when fireside jazz and a slow food festival round out the month.

If you're going to visit Canberra--a place often passed over for the more exciting coastal cities--enjoying it by a fireside is probably the best way to do it. BYO logs to keep it extra warm.

Related Stories:
· Fireside Festival [Official Site]
· Winter Thrills Canberra's Fireside Festival [news.com.au]
· Canberra Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: scui3asteveo]]]> amandak 2008-08-06T09:30:05-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/