SPORTING LIFE

Splash in the wake of Australia’s most famous swimmers such as Ian Thorpe at the Australian Institute of Sport (ausport.gov.au), which opens its pool to the public when not training sportspeople.

Hot-air ballooning (balloonaloftcanberra.com. au) is a popular early morning activity; balloons are often seen sailing serenely over Lake Burley Griffin. The Balloon Spectacular in March is one of the world’s best ballooning festivals.

Parkland unfolds along the northern shores of Lake Burley Griffin, a great place to walk, jog or cycle through parks while admiring views of the modern architecture across the water.