ATTRACTIONS HIGGINS ACT

Do something different on your trip to the capital. Learn to ride at an Accredited Australian Horse Riding Centre. Gooromon Park Riding School offers individual and group lessons for all levels of riders in a safe fun environment. Try one of their lessons for absolute beginners. They cater for ages six to sixty. Boots and helmets are provided. Bookings are essential. Follow your lesson with an onsite treat at the Homestead Cafe. The cafe is open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Aboriginal Dreamings Gallery in the heart of Gold Creek Village is a must-see destination for Aboriginal art collectors. Aboriginal Dreamings Gallery has been bringing Aboriginal art to Canberra for 25 years. See an extensive collection of Aboriginal art from remote Aboriginal art regions. A feature of the Gallery's collection is the paintings by famous Old Masters comprising collectable artworks by Rover Thomas, Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri, Turkey Tolson Tjupurrula, Jack Britten, Ada Bird Petyarre and Eunice Napangardi.

The George is opposite Cockington Green Gardens; perfect for relaxing after playing tourist. There's plenty of room to enjoy a meal and drink with family and friends in front of their large open fire. Choose from their comprehensive pub menu, dinner menu and special kids menu. Make the most of their large outdoor entertaining area any time of the year. It's covered to keep you cool when it's hot. Gas heaters and wood fires will keep you warm during the cooler weather. Check their website or the local paper for live entertainment details.

Do you love golf? Why not take up the challenge. Compare the experience of indoor golf to outdoor golf. Imagine being able to play golf with real golf clubs on internationally acclaimed golf courses without leaving Canberra - The Cyber Bunker Indoor Golf Centre provides everyone from beginners to the seasoned golfer, the chance to do just that! Play 9 or 18 holes alone or with a group. Play holes by the hour on over 60 international courses. Bring your own clubs, or hire them there. Dine at their fully licensed cafe.

Visit the Rugby Union Club (RUC) for their modern bistro, stylish decor and a great range of tap beers and wines by the glass. The RUC has a relaxed pub-style atmosphere. It is only a short walk from Kingston and the Parliamentary triangle. Guests are always welcome. Membership is a nominal fee valid for twelve months that entitles you to a great range of food and drink specials as well as access to the gaming room. Watch all Brumbies games, Rugby tests, and State of Origin live on the big screen with full stadium sound.

Climb for as long as you like at Canberra Indoor Rockclimbing. Challenge yourself with 25 to 35 ropes and wall heights from 6.5 to 8.5 metres. All levels are catered for. You can hire shoes, harnesses and chalk bags on site. Track suits, shorts, leggings, sneakers or runners are the best attire. Canberra Indoor Rockclimbing also has a southside location at 26 Raws Crescent, Hume. Ph 6260 1101. Locations both have the same opening hours.

All Surveyors Hill wines are made from grapes grown on site. Choose from Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Touriga, Shiraz, Grenache and Tempranillo. Vineyards are 550 to 680 metres above sea level on the site of an ancient volcano which was active more than 350 million years ago. The result is deep aging, granitic-like rocks, known as ignimbrite, of a coarse structure which yield low fertility sandy soils. The climate is almost identical to that of central Spain, between Rioja and Valladolid.

Cafe bookings - 0449 654 035

Brindabella Hills Winery is a 25 minute drive from Canberra but a world away from city life. The vineyard was established in 1986 and is situated on a granite ridge high above the Murrumbidgee River. Brindabella Hills produces a variety of award winning wines including Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc Semillon, Chardonnay, Cabernet and Shiraz.

Their Vineyard Cafe serves lunch at weekends and on public holidays. Bookings essential.

Pankhurst Wines vineyard is just over 12 acres with planting spread between 1986 to 1999.

Established with modern quality systems it is designed for high quality grape production and good yields. All the wines are made from the vineyard's own grapes and they aim to produce wines with good cellaring potential yet smooth and easy on the palate at an early age.

Other items available are grape preserves including chutneys, sauces and jams. They stock local olives, T-shirts, gift wine bags and more.