is it worth visiting Cockington Green Carden in Canberra? It sounds like it's geared toward children, but often such things are enjoyable for adults as well. The photos of the gardens look really nice. How would they be in early September?

I'll be in Canberra for two weeks, Aug. 25-Sept. 9, teaching a short course at ANU. I was also there (for three weeks) in 2007 and have seen most of the major sites. Looking for some interesting places I haven't yet visited.

I visited Cockington Green a couple of times when I lived in Canberra in the 80's and found it quite enjoyable. For me it was of particular interest as I had lived less than a mile from the real Cockington Village in Torquay, UK in the 70's. I was amazed at how faithfully it had been modeled. I also remember enjoying a beer or two and a meal at the pseudo-English pub restaurant at the Canberra Cockington. It's been 24 years since I last was there...who knows what it's like now.

I also have memories of Cockington Green from 20+ years ago but thoroughly enjoyed it at the time. If you do decide to go, please write a little report and let us know if it is worth visiting nowadays. In my memory it was neat as a pin but you know what time can do to a tourist attraction ...

Lavandula

We took our kids to Cockington Green about 8 or 9 years ago. It was merely OK--I certainly would not have done it if I hadn't had kids. The adult rate of AUD 16.50 seems a bit steep to me. I'd rather spend the time visiting Tidbinbilla or hiking in Namadgi. (Also, I would doubt there's much blooming yet in early September.)

In 25 years' residence in Canberra I've never visited Cockington Green, so I can't help. From the pics it looked a bit twee for my tastes, but each to his own.

RalphR, an English friend inveigled me into having a ploughman's lunch at that pub. I have to say he didn't convert me to the cause. (Pickled onion - blechh...)

Nothing wrong with a Ploughman's lunch Snoz, including the pickled onion [they go down mightily well with a dim sim or two as well], well not for this palate anyway but a steak and kidney or beef and burgundy pie can go down better depending on season.
Celtic Club in Melbourne does a good B&B

But I also visited CG quite a few years ago [but also with the kids]!, and it'll be cooler weather still.

What about a drive over to Braidwood and have you been down to the south coast?, especially if you have a weekend free, head for Tilba land - http://www.tilba.com.au/ and http://www.tilba.com.au/tilbafarmcabins.htm for something rustic of great value or http://www.tilba.com.au/greengables.htm for B&B and many great options under accommodation on the home site.