Travelling Australia? What’s On in Canberra June 2015?

You can tell winter’s closing in when the ice rinks start making an appearance. Thankfully, there’s plenty going on indoors if Canberra is part of your Australian travels this month.

Here’s what’s on in Canberra in June.

Kelly
The legend of Ned Kelly is pretty much unavoidable when you’re travelling Australia, but the latest work from playwright Matthew Ryan provides a new and exciting angle on the infamous brothers, whose story normally culminates in a final showdown at Glenrowan.

Taking a different approach, Ryan’s play focuses on the Kelly brothers’ relationship. Dan sneaks into Old Melbourne Gaol disguised as a priest to visit his brother Ned, to ask him for forgiveness and his blessing as he plans to move to Queensland to begin a new life. The Brisbane Times describes it as “an 80 minute rollercoaster ride in a jail cell.”

When: 24 -27 June, 8pm (with an additional 11am matinee on the 25th and a 2pm matinee on the 27th)
Where: Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, London Circuit, Canberra
Cost: $40-55 per ticket plus $3.30 transaction fee

Photo courtesy of Canberra Theatre Centre website

2015 DanceSport Australia National Championship
DanceSport is the new term for competitive ballroom dancing. It’s a demanding activity, requiring musicality, stamina, strength, agility and lots of other attributes this writer doesn’t have. As a result, DanceSport (as its new name suggests) is now considered a sport by the International Olympic Committee meaning it could eventually become an Olympic sport. Until then, come and watch ACT’s finest dancers compete for first place. The results from this competition (among others) count towards a decision on which couples get picked to represent Australia in World Championships throughout 2015-2016.

When: 26 June, 6 – 10pm; 27-28 June, 10am – 10pm
Where: AIS Arena, Canberra
Cost: $60 for a single ticket, $130 for a season ticket (2 day & 3 evening)

Photo courtesy of DanceSport Australia website

Canberra Raiders v. North Queensland Toyota Cowboys
See the Canberra Raiders take on the Cowboys in round 15 of the NRL. Rugby League is a big deal in Australia so get involved and watch the local team on their home turf.

When: 3pm, 20 June
Where: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Cost: $12.74 – $25.49 for an adult ticket plus $5.50 transaction fee

Skate in the City
If you’re trying to travel Australia by as many different modes of transport as possible, Canberra will give you the chance to get your skates on this June & July. This open-air ice rink is in Canberra’s city centre with each session lasting an hour. There are DJ Dance Parties on Friday nights, professional performances on Saturdays, and fancy dress sessions too. You’ll also find market stalls and a snow box for kids.

As it’s outside it’s advisable to wrap up (yes, we know it’s Australia, but it is winter and you are on ice), and there’s nowhere to leave your belongings so don’t take too many valuables. Skate hire is included in the cost of your ticket, however if you’re new to skating and want a bit more stability on the ice, you can hire a ‘penguin’ for an extra $8 to help you keep your balance.

When: 26 June – 26 July
Where: Garema Place, Civic, Canberra
Cost: Adult ticket is $20 for 60 minute session

Photo courtesy of In The City Canberra website

Evensong
Evensong is a musical performance by the group ‘Clarion’, a vocal quartet led by Tobias Cole. Take a trip to the gallery, wander through the collection and enjoy this free, half-hour long performance in unexpected surroundings.

When: 13 June – 16 August (not daily). Performances in June are on 13 and 14 June at 4 – 4.30pm.
Where: National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes, Canberra
Cost: Free

Photo courtesy of National Portrait Gallery website