Canberra Visitor Guide 2018 by VisitCanberra

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MUST-DO EXPERIENCES • INSIDER SECRETS & HIDDEN GEMS • ITINERARIES & MAPS

WHAT’S Inside Discover why Canberra is number three in Lonely Planet ’s top 10 cities to visit in 2018. You’ll find one good thing after another in the national capital

PRECINCTS

Mocan and Green Grout

Explore the best destinations this evolving, cosmopolitan city has to offer. A diverse range of trendy neighbourhoods present a variety of fantastic dining, shopping, entertainment and cultural experiences.

GREAT FOOD Mint Garden Bar 2

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GREAT WINE

With local conditions that are ideal for producing outstanding cool-climate wines, the greater Canberra region boasts more than 30 vineyards within a short driving distance from the city centre.

From award-winning restaurants and cafés to street eats, pub grub and innovative cuisine options, Canberra is a haven for foodies seeking indulgent, flavoursome dining experiences.

Yarrh Wines

Share your shots of Canberra #VisitCanberra SUMMER Red Hill Lookout

Like Canberra’s booming wine industry, the local craft beer and spirits scene has emerged as one of Australia’s most dynamic. The many esteemed breweries and distilleries around town will satisfy all tastes.

@gemnolen National Arboretum Canberra AUTUMN Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

OUTDOORS & NATURE

Canberra really turns it on when it comes to the great outdoors. There’s bushwalking and mountain bike riding, spectacular native flora and fauna, and breathtaking views from a hot-air balloon or lookout.

The Aboriginal Memorial at the National Gallery of Australia

ARTS & CULTURE

EVENT PICKS 34

Canberra is home to a vast array of treasured national attractions. Galleries, museums, libraries and memorials will captivate curious visitors and history buffs for days with educational experiences.

Cockington Green Gardens

LEARN & PLAY

Children of all ages will love Canberra’s unique range of fun and educational kids’ attractions. The city’s parks, zoos, museums and indoor activity centres will ensure a memorable visit for the whole family.

@salt_0f_the_earth Corin Forest SPRING

Ensure your visit to the national capital is enjoyable and hassle-free with this go-to guide of tips and information for getting around the city and surrounding regions.

BEYOND CANBERRA

WINTER

Time your visit to Canberra with an exciting event, including Enlighten in autumn, The Truffle Festival in winter, Floriade in spring and one of the National Gallery of Australia’s exhibitions throughout the year.

VISITOR INFO

@pyromup Lake Burley Griffin

Go for a drive to explore some of the stunning destinations within reach of Canberra, from snow-capped mountains and beautiful beaches to ancient caves.

CITY MAP

@isabelnbunny Floriade

THE ABORIGINAL MEMORIAL, 1987–88, BY RAMINGINING ARTISTS, NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA. COVER ILLUSTRATION BY AMY HEYCOCK

BEER & SPIRITS

© VisitCanberra Canberra Visitor Guide 2018 is published by Medium Rare Content Agency (02 8114 8907, mediumrarecontent.com) for VisitCanberra, part of the ACT Government. VisitCanberra uses PEFC-certified stock, which is from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources and is recognised in Australia through the Australian Forestry Standard PEFC/21-31-51. ISSN 1832-0589. GPO Box 158, Canberra City, ACT 2601. T: (02) 6205 0666, E: visitcanberra@act.gov.au. Tourist information: 1300 554 114. Printed November 2017.

Make getting around Canberra a breeze with this user-friendly map of the CBD and surrounding suburbs.

CANBERRA AND REGION VISITORS CENTRE LOCAL MERCHANDISE • TOURS AND TICKETS • ACCOMMODATION DEALS Regatta Point, Barrine Drive, Parkes, ACT 2600 • 1300 554 114 or +61 2 6205 0044 (outside Australia) • Open 9am-5pm on weekdays • Open 9am-4pm on weekends and public holidays • Closed Christmas Day

Scene

STEALERS

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD!

hts of Discover the edible delig n do ad Br d an y Cit a the Canberr a err nb Ca t Ea an th wi precincts 0, 95 5 walking tour (0449 25 eatcanberra.com.au/ food-tours).

Lonsdale Street, Braddon

Buzzing, trendy precincts with great food, entertainment and shopping make Canberra one of Australia’s most vibrant cities

BRADDON

Handsomepretty

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Nestled on the edge of the city centre, Braddon was a hospitality and shopping wasteland for decades. Historically home to car yards, workshops and light industry, the past 10 years has seen the precinct boom into a vibrant hub of contemporary fashion, dining and residential space. Lonsdale Street, the suburb’s major artery, has become a hotbed of day and night action. With boutique shops, bars and restaurants lining the road, a once tired and under-appreciated area is now a lively and popular destination. Few developments encapsulate the changing face of Braddon more than Ori, the mixed-use commercial space on Lonsdale Street that’s home to edgy retail outlets. Taking its name from Japanese origami that inspires its design, the industrial building is contemporary, yet acknowledges the neighbourhood’s blue-collar past.

Fashion shoppers can find everything they need in Braddon, from European style at Things of Desire to the latest threads at Rebel Muse and Pink Ink. Browse for vintage garments at Designer Op Shop and quirky items at itrip iskip, or find something special from local labels at collaborative boutique Assemblage Project. Children’s clothing is catered for at Tip You’re it! and Lellow Kids. Drop by the new Nibu x Palko buildings on Lonsdale Street for excellent food, fashion and homewares. Make sure you visit Bisonhome (bisonhome.com) and Kin Gallery (0431 052 214) while you’re there. Just a 15-minute walk from Lonsdale Street is Ainslie + Gorman Arts Centres (02 6182 0000, agac.com.au), a space for creative minds where visitors can enjoy arts and music. Featuring professional artists and heritage gardens, this tranquil setting is a city oasis where creativity flourishes.

Precincts BRADDON DAY ITINERARY Make your way to inner-city Braddon to take in everything this diverse suburb has to offer

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FOODIE CENTRAL Braddon is spoilt for choice when it comes to cafés, international cuisine and fine dining. Several establishments serve delicious breakfast, lunch and fresh coffee daily, including Barrio Collective (0423 100 814, barriocollective.com), a coffee bar and roaster at Ori. Head to Toasted (facebook.com/ toastedcanberra), which does amazing things with two pieces of cooked bread. The health-conscious can visit Elemental café (02 6248 7502, elementalcafe.com), Eighty/Twenty Food (02 6247 2866, eightytwentyfood.com.au), Kith + Nosh (02 6170 1352, facebook.com/kithandnosh) or vegan café Sweet Bones (0413 067 890, sweetbonescompany.com). Casual dining destinations include Pizza Gusto (02 6257 7508, pizzagusto.com.au) for wood-fired pizza and calzone; Marble & Grain (02 6246 9555, marbleandgrain.com.au) for contemporary European cuisine; Elk & Pea (0436 355 732, elkandpea.com.au) for South American-influenced dishes; Black Fire (02 6230 5921, blackfirerestaurant.com.au) for tasty Mediterranean; and Eightysix (02 6161 8686, eightysix.com.au) for consistently good food and a fun atmosphere. Only a 15-minute stroll from Lonsdale Street, at Ainslie + Gorman Arts Centres, is Sage Dining Rooms (02 6249 6050, sagerestaurant.net.au), which boasts award-winning modern Australian fare and the delightful alfresco Mint Garden Bar.

11am Shopping destination Ori features fashion, homewares, jewellery, furniture, a florist and barber. Browse for timber, glass, textile and ceramic homewares 4 at Timber & Tailor (0412 610 918, timberandtailor.com), hunt for collectables 5 at Hive (02 6247 5166, facebook.com/ thehivelonsdalest) or search for gifts 6 and homewares at Handsomepretty (0429 533 338, handsomepretty.com.au).

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Eighty/Twenty Food

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10am Shop for preloved and designer clothing 2 and homewares at Designer Op Shop (02 6225 8128, designeropshop.com.au), then head two minutes up the road to Rebel 3 Muse (02 6262 5719, rebelmuse.com.au) for ladies’ clothing, shoes and accessories.

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Mort Stre et

9am 1 Start your day at Lonsdale Street Roasters (02 6156 0975, lonsdalestreetroasters.com) with a café breakfast and a bag of blended or single-origin coffee to take home. 1 minute

Cooyo ng Street

3 minutes 12pm Still at Ori, check out quirky clothing 7 boutiques itrip iskip (02 6257 9950, 8 itripiskip.com) and Assemblage Project (0435 001 886, assemblageproject.com). Then continue up Lonsdale Street, where you’ll find children’s apparel at Lellow 9 Kids (02 6162 1272, lellow.com.au); 10 edgy fashion at Pink Ink (02 6249 1215, pinkinkboutique.com.au); and more kids’ 11 clothing you’ll love at Tip You’re It! (02 6262 6442, tipyoureit.com.au). 3 minutes 1.30pm 12 Enjoy a pit stop for lunch at Lazy Su (02 5105 3812, lazy-su.com.au), Braddon’s delicious fusion of Japanese, Korean and American cuisine. After lunch, stroll five minutes to Frugii 13 Dessert Laboratory (02 6248 5748) for a scrumptious treat, courtesy of ice-cream alchemist John Marshall. Dessert fans travel from far and wide to sample his flavour sensations.

1 minute 2.30pm Gents can get pampered with 14 a hot-towel shave at Groomed (02 6181 4310, groomedonlonsdale. com.au), before heading to 15 Braddon Tailors (02 6181 6442, braddontailors.com) to get fitted for 16 a new suit. Ladies can visit The Lab (02 6230 4143, the-lab.com.au) on Elouera Street for a treatment from the brow, make-up and skin specialists. 1 minute 6pm till late 17 Wander to BentSpoke Brewing Co. (02 6257 5220, bentspokebrewing. com.au) for craft beer and a meal. Then 18 head to Hopscotch (02 6107 3030, hopscotchbar.com.au) for a drink; 19 Tipsy Bull (02 6248 7999, tipsybull. com.au), where gin is their specialty; 20 and Knightsbridge Penthouse (02 6262 6221, knightsbridgepenthouse. com.au) to sip late-night cocktails.

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MANUKA Long established as a sophisticated Canberra precinct, Manuka is home to an array of boutique retail shops, bars and restaurants. Fashion shoppers will enjoy browsing the racks of Lusso by Paris (02 6239 7788, lussobyparis.com), Things of Desire (02 6260 8844, todesire.com.au), Momento Dezigns (02 6295 1146, momento dezigns.com.au) and Department of The Exterior (02 6239 4225). Check out Wolfie (02 6239 6038) for kids’ clothing; Creations Jewellers Canberra (02 6295 1763, creationsjewellers.com.au) for award-winning designs; Bijoux Jewellers (02 6162 1117, bijouxjewellers.com) for accessories; and Paperchain Bookstore (02 6295 6723, paperchainbookstore.com.au) for something great to read. Manuka’s international cuisine options include Korean at Tosung Firewood BBQ (02 6295 2627, tosung.com.au); Italian at Belluci’s (02 6239 7424, bellucis.com.au); authentic Malaysian at Abell’s Kopi Tiam (02 6239 4199, abellskopitiam.com.au); Chinese at Timmy’s Kitchen (02 6295 6537, timmyskitchen.com.au); and delicious Indian at Jewel of India (02 6295 7037, jewelofindia.com.au). For modern Australian dining, make your way to Urban Pantry (02 6162 3556, urbanpantrymanuka.com.au); grab fresh coffee from the revamped Ona Manuka (02 6162 3321, onacoffee.com.au); or dive into a calorie-busting FreakShake from Patissez (02 6156 3413, patissez.com.au). Public Bar (02 6161 8808, publicbar.com.au) is a welcoming, casual watering hole. Sports fans will be drawn to Manuka Oval (02 6228 0300, manukaoval.com.au) for AFL games in winter, and international and Prime Minister’s XI cricket in summer. To cool off on hot days, take a dip at Manuka Pool (02 6295 1910, manukapool.com.au).

Floriade Festival

Public Bar

KINGSTON Like Manuka, Kingston has earned its reputation as an up-market and stylish part of town. For fashion and accessories, there’s Honeysuckle & Lace (02 6134 6421) and CARDIF Collective (0455 911 140, cardifcollective.com.au). Keep your eyes peeled to see a politician from nearby Parliament House noshing on Chinese at Portia’s Place (02 6239 7970). Penny University (02 6162 1500, pennyuniversitycafe.com) serves all-day café meals; Silo Bakery (02 6260 6060, silobakery.com.au) bakes quality bread and pastries; Otis Dining Hall (02 6260 6066, thisisotis.com.au) does modern Australian and European dishes; and Pizza Arte (02 6239 6777, pizzaarte.com.au) has perfected wood-fired pizza and calzone.

Award-winning East Hotel is home to Muse (02 6178 0024, musecanberra.com.au), which combines food, wine and books; traditional Italian restaurant Agostini’s (02 6178 0048, agostinis.com.au); and the relaxing Joe’s Bar (02 6178 0050, joesateast.com).

Maple + Clove

BARTON Five minutes’ drive from Manuka is Barton, known for its convenient Parliamentary Triangle location, gorgeous surroundings and culinary delights. Stay at the Hotel Realm (02 6163 1800, hotelrealm.com.au), Burbury Hotel & Apartments (02 6173 2700, burburyhotel. com.au), Little National Hotel (02 6188 3200, littlenationalhotel.com.au) or Brassey Hotel (02 6273 3766, brassey hotel.com.au). 6

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For breakfast, try wholefoods café Maple + Clove (02 6162 0777, mapleandclove. com.au). Eat your way around the world at Lilotang (02 6273 1424, lilotang.com. au) for Japanese; Ostani (02 6163 1802, ostani.com.au) for European fusion cuisine; Chairman & Yip (02 6162 1220, chairmangroup.com.au) for Cantonese; Ottoman (02 6273 6111, ottomancuisine. com.au) for modern Turkish-inspired fare; Buvette Bistro and Wine Bar (02 6163 1818,

buvette.com.au), for classic French food; or Vincent (02 6273 7773) for an international wine list to match the exquisite food. Energise and rejuvenate at Hale Spa (02 6273 3101, halehealth.com.au) or Mudd The Spa (02 6162 0909, mudd.com.au).

Precincts PIALLIGO/MAJURA Canberra Airport, in the east of the ACT, is flanked by two polar-opposite suburbs. Semi-rural Pialligo is a quiet, tranquil area that’s home to nurseries and cafés, while the more recently developed Majura is a retail hub that features Majura Park Shopping Centre (02 6275 2252, majura parkshopping.com.au) and commercial juggernauts Costco and IKEA. Drive to Beltana Road in Pialligo to discover Rodney’s Plants Plus (02 6248 6933, rodneys.com.au), a nursery and café that’s been operating since 1974. For ceramics and linen, head to Bisonhome (02 6257 7255, bisonhome.com). For gifts and homewares, Bliss Garden & Giftware (02 6257 8358, blissgardengiftware. com.au) has you covered. Culinary treats can be found at Pod Food (02 6257 3388, podfood.com.au), housed in a 1930s

cottage; and Pialligo Estate (02 6247 6060, thepialligoestate.com.au), which offers artisanal food and wine. For a rural experience that’s fun and educational, visit The Truffle Farm (0400 483 082, thetrufflefarm.com.au) during truffle season for tours and hunts for the edible delicacy. Just 10 minutes’ drive up Majura Parkway is the cellar door of Mount Majura Vineyard (02 6262 3070, mountmajura.com.au), where you can sample wine, cheese and other delights. Four kilometres from the city centre and 15 minutes’ drive from Pialligo, you’ll find the beautiful Jerrabomberra Wetlands (13 22 81, jerrabomberra wetlands.org.au), The nature reserve is a refuge for migrating birds from the Northern Hemisphere and inland Australia.

The Truffle Farm

KINGSTON FORESHORE A more recent addition to the Canberra landscape, this waterfront community boasts restaurants, bars and cafés. Local Press Cafe (02 6162 1422, localpresscafe.com.au) gets glowing reviews for its delicious wholefoods. Contemporary Thai restaurant Morks (02 6295 0112, morks.com.au) is a local favourite, as is Molto Italian (02 6140 7039, moltoitalian.com). Betti Bravo’s (02 6295 7000, bettibravos. com.au) celebrates Caribbean flavours; 7 by the Lake (02 6140 7040, sevenby thelake.com) features all things Indian; and Cinnabar (02 6140 7038,

thecinnabar.com.au) serves excellent Chinese cuisine. The Dock (02 6239 6333, thedockkingston.com.au) and Walt & Burley (02 6239 6648, waltandburley.com.au) gastropubs do flavoursome, hearty meals. Kingston Foreshore is also a burgeoning arts destination, thanks to Megalo Print Studio + Gallery (02 6232 6041, megalo.org) and Canberra Glassworks (02 6260 7005, canberraglassworks.com). Every Sunday, the Old Bus Depot Markets (02 6295 3331, obdm.com.au) features more than 200 stalls, while the Three Sixty Fashion Market (threesixtyfm.com) is a seasonal, fun place to pick up niche, recycled clothing.

Insider

VIEW

Michael Liu works for cultural events company Dionysus and loves Canberra’s outdoors by day and the city’s finest food, drink and music by night Where is Canberra’s ultimate place to unwind? I love driving up Mount Ainslie to take in the whole city. There’s a fantastic walking track from the base of the mountain, just next to the Australian War Memorial. Also, when my family come down from Townsville, I take them on an early morning hot-air balloon ride. What are the best hidden gems? My two favourite Chinese eateries: Tak Kee Roast Inn (02 6257 4939) in Dickson, with their gorgeous roast duck and pork hanging in the window, and Happy’s (02 6249 7015, happys.com.au) in the CBD. Both are unassuming restaurants – but quick and delicious. Also, for a great collection of tasty street nosh, head to the ANU Pop-Up Reunion Village (pop-up.anu.edu.au). This hub of food trucks brings a buzzing atmosphere to the Australian National University on the edge of the CBD. Where is your favourite place to grab a drink? My second home, Knightsbridge Penthouse (02 6262 6221, knightsbridgepenthouse.com.au), where I DJ, has a great dance floor and makes a mean cocktail. I also enjoy kicking back with some wine and tapas at Parlour (02 6257 7325, parlour.net.au).

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Hotel Hotel

NEWACTON Situated in the south-west pocket of Canberra’s CBD, just a stone’s throw from Lake Burley Griffin, NewActon (newacton. com.au) is a flourishing precinct that is forging its own identity. An innovative and popular cultural hub underpinned by progressive architecture and design, this buzzing region has become a beacon of luxury hotels, apartment living, cafés, restaurants and outdoor art. The focal point of NewActon is the magnificent Hotel Hotel (02 6287 6287, hotel-hotel.com.au), a luxurious establishment housed in the awardwinning Nishi building. This world-class architectural masterpiece is a feast for the senses. Within the hotel is Monster Kitchen and Bar (monsterkitchen.com.au), where exquisite fusion food tempts diners – morning, noon and night; Palace Electric Cinema (02 6222 4900, palacecinemas. com.au); and the visually stimulating Nishi Gallery (hotel-hotel.com.au/amenities/ nishi-gallery). 8

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Visitors to NewActon are spoilt for choice when it comes to fine food and drinks. The kitchen at A. Baker (02 6287 6150, abaker.com.au) serves dishes that hero local produce and housemade bread, while the venue’s downstairs level has Black Market (bmbar.com.au), an intimate cocktail bar that showcases creative and high-end mixing techniques. More casual dining can be found at modern Italian restaurant Bicicletta (02 6262 8683, bicicletta.com.au); Mocan and Green Grout (02 6162 2909, mocanandgreengroutcom. wordpress.com), a retro chic café; and TwentyOne Cafe & Groceries (02 6162 0550), where the big breakfasts are divine. Over at QT Canberra boutique accommodation is Capitol Bar & Grill (02 6247 1488, qtcanberra.com.au), which is acclaimed for prime-cut steaks and Italian specialties;

Mocan and Green Grout and Lucky’s Speakeasy (02 6247 6244, qtcanberra.com.au), where patrons are treated to curated drinks and DJ music. For sumptuous cocktails, venture to the Library Bar (02 6175 2222) at Peppers Gallery Hotel, or spend an afternoon enjoying Spanish share plates on the open terrace at Parlour Wine Room (02 6257 7325, parlour.net.au). If you’re after a few hours of pampering, indulge at Soma Day Spa (02 6162 3636, soma.net.au) with treatments – including facials, massaging, light therapy and waxing – that will leave you feeling rejuvenated.

Precincts Chi

NEWACTON DAY ITINERARY

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There’s so much to see and do in NewActon, you can easily fill a day with eating, drinking and sightseeing

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CAPITOL BAR & GRILL – $$$$ (02) 6247 1488 qtcanberra.com.au

LUCKY’S SPEAKEASY – $

(02) 6247 1270 qtcanberra.com.au

LIBRARY BAR – $

(02) 6262 8683 peppers.com.au/ gallery/dining

Main and drink

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15 minutes

TICK THESE OFF YOUR LIST!

bmbar.com.au

$$ $25 to $40

7pm Make your way to Hotel Hotel for dinner at Monster Kitchen 10 and Bar (monsterkitchen.com.au) and enjoy delicious contemporary share plates. After your meal, slip over to 11 Black Market (bmbar.com.au), a tiny cocktail bar in the basement of A. Baker. If you’re keen for a late-night tipple, 12 finish at Parlour (02 6257 7325, parlour.net.au).

BLACK MARKET – $

$ $25 & under

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Cycle around Lake Burley 5 Griffin foreshore to the National Museum of Australia

(02) 6262 8683 bicicletta.com.au

Breakfast dish and coffee or main and drink

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BICICLETTA – $$$

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Nishi Gallery

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15 minutes

4pm 8 Head on foot to the ANU School of Music (02 6125 5700, music.anu.edu.au) for a look around before strolling to Canberra’s original craft brewpub, the Wig & Pen Tavern 9 & Brewery (02 6248 0171) at Llewellyn Hall.

10am Leave your car for the day and hire a bicycle from NewActon 4 Bike Hire (newacton.com.au/place/newacton-bike-hire), pedalling around the precinct and along the Lake Burley 5 Griffin foreshore. Visit the National Museum of Australia (1800 026 132, nma.gov.au) at Acton Peninsula, where the social history of our nation is honoured and preserved.

7 minutes

Ell er y Cr es ce nt

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1pm 6 Return your rental bike, then walk one minute to A. Baker (02) 6287 6150, abaker.com.au) for fresh housemade bread. Wander across to Palace Electric Cinema (02 6222 4900, 7 palacecinemas.com.au/cinemas/electric) located in the new-age NewActon Nishi complex and catch a movie in one of the eight stylish, fully licensed cinemas featuring a stunning Prosecco bar.

8.30am Devour some baked eggs or a bacon, relish and egg 1 roll at café Mocan and Green Grout (02 6162 2909, mocanandgreengroutcom.wordpress.com). After breakfast, wander around their grower’s patch, then check out the oak 2 3 tree and John Avery Gardens community green space.

$$$ $40-55 Two-course meal

$$$$ $55 & over Three-course meal

MOCAN AND GREEN GROUT – $

(02) 6162 2909 m ocanandgreengroutcom. wordpress.com

MONSTER KITCHEN AND BAR – $$$

(02) 6287 6287 monsterkitchen.com.au

PARLOUR WINE ROOM – $$$ (02) 6257 7325 parlour.net.au

TWENTYONE CAFE & GROCERIES – $

(02) 6162 0550 facebook.com/ twentyonecafegroceries

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CANBERRA CITY Visitors are spoilt for shopping choice in the heart of town, with the Canberra Centre (02 6247 5611, canberracentre.com.au) boasting myriad high-street brands. Its new Monaro Mall section is a beauty and wellness hub highlighted by the Mecca Maxima (02 6248 6085, mecca.com.au) concept store with artistry bar – the first of its kind in Australia – and retail giant H&M (hm.com/au). Fancy independent stores? Mussen Boutique (02 6162 0664, mussen.com.au) features street and luxe fashion; Trove (trovecanberra.com.au) is an innovative collective of 30 artists and designers; and Sancho’s Dirty Laundry (0431 285 160, sanchosdirtylaundry.com) sells lowbrow art products, clothes and skate decks. Landspeed Records (02 6248 9220) has been Canberra’s leading independent record store since 1994 and is also home to Cowboys & Angels clothing. Not-for-profit Craft ACT: Craft + Design Centre Shop (02 6262 9333, craftact.org.au) supports artists, designers and makers. If you’re keen to catch a show, book a seat at the Canberra Theatre Centre (02 6275 2700, canberratheatrecentre. com.au) or The Street Theatre (02 6247 1223, thestreet.org.au). If you feel like a movie, there’s Dendy Cinema (02 6221 8900, dendy.com.au) and Palace Electric Cinema (02 6222 4900, palacecinemas.com.au). Exquisite dining in the city is highlighted by Raku (02 6248 6869, rakudining.com.au), which delivers Japanese culinary precision; Akiba (02 6162 0602, akiba.com.au), which serves modern Asian cuisine; Blu Ginger

Bookplate

TASTES IN THE TRIANGLE While taking in the sights of the Parliamentary Triangle, enjoy a break at one of the on-site cafés. Award-winning Bookplate at the National Library of

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Floriade NightFest (02 6247 2228, bluginger.com.au) for tasty Indian cuisine; and Courgette Restaurant (02 6247 4042, courgette.com.au), with its European/Australian dishes. The delightful Koko Black (02 6230 4040, kokoblack.com) and new-to-the-Canberrascene Haigh’s Chocolates (02 6257 3214, haighschocolates.com.au) are chocolatelover’s paradises; and The Cupping Room (02 6257 6412, thecuppingroom.com.au) is a concept café serving up the perfect coffee. The recently refurbished Casino Canberra (02 6257 7074, casinocanberra. com.au) offers gaming tables, bars and

deluxe dining restaurant Natural Nine. The Canberra Museum and Gallery (02 6207 3968, cmag.com.au) showcases social history artefacts and visual art, while the National Convention Centre (02 6276 5200, nccc.com.au) hosts conferences and events. In the summer months, stroll to Glebe Park on the eastern edge of the city, or Commonwealth Park by Lake Burley Griffin, which is home to the Floriade festival (1300 852 780, floriadeaustralia.com) that has showcased gorgeous spring floral arrangements for more than three decades.

Australia (02 6262 1154, bookplate.com.au) offers breakfast, lunch and high tea. The heritage-listed Tea Lounge at Hyatt Hotel Canberra (02 6269 8815, canberra.park. hyatt.com) is another afternoon hightea option from Friday to Sunday. Dom’s Coffee Bar and Gelato (0481 501 513) and The Deck at Regatta Point (02 6230 7234, thedeckatregattapoint.com.au) both have views of the lake. Behind Parliament House, towards Manuka, is the quiet hidden-gem suburb of Barton, which offers an array of fine dining.

In the Burbury Hotel, enjoy amazing Cantonese food at Chairman & Yip (02 6162 1220, chairmangroup.com.au/ chairmanyip) and authentic Japanese at Lilotang (02 62731424, chairmangroup. com.au/lilotang). Vincent (02 6273 7773, vincentrestaurant.com.au) offers foodand-wine matching; Ottoman Cuisine (02 6273 6111, ottomancuisine.com.au) serves fantastic Turkish in its elegant Art Deco pavilion; and Maple + Clove (02 6162 0777, mapleandclove.com.au) is all about nourishing wholefoods.

Precincts

Blundells Cottage

LAKESIDE As the centrepiece of Canberra, the pretty Lake Burley Griffin offers much to discover. Explore the foreshore on foot or two wheels, courtesy of NewActon Bike Hire (newacton.com.au/place/newacton-bikehire), Mulga Bicycle Tours (02 6262 3957, mulgabicycletours.com.au), Canberra Urban Adventures (1300 207 354, urban adventures.com) electric-bike tours or Seg Glide Ride (0406 379 518, segglideride. com.au) Segway tours. Social group Pedal Power ACT (pedalpower.org.au) also has events on its calendar that take in the lake.

If you prefer to see Lake Burley Griffin by floating on it, enjoy a sunset pedal kayak tour with Canberra Urban Adventures or an electric-boat experience with GoBoat (0401 026 068, goboatcanberra.com.au). Lake Burley Griffin Cruises (0419 418 846, lakecruises.com.au) shows visitors all the best sights, such as the Captain Cook Memorial water jet and National Carillon belltower. The ever-changing views of Lake Burley Griffin can also be experienced aboard the MV Southern Cross (02 6273 1784, cscc.com.au/ourboat). While you’re in the lake’s vicinity, take in the national icons of the Parliamentary Triangle – Parliament House, Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, National Library of Australia, National Gallery of Australia, National Portrait Gallery, High Court of Australia and Questacon: The National Science and Technology Centre – before heading over to the National Capital Exhibition and historic Blundells Cottage (02 6272 2902, nca.gov.au), the only remaining small farmhouse standing in central Canberra.

Lake Burley Griffin

Insider

VIEW

Myles Chandler, from Mocan and Green Grout café and the Goodspeed Bicycle Company in NewActon, shares his favourite Canberra hangouts Where are your go-to places to eat and drink in Canberra? Barrio Collective Coffee (barriocollective.com) is a cosy venue in the heart of Braddon that’s operated by brilliant coffee roasters and baristas. The Polish White Eagle Club (02 6248 8563, whiteeagleclub.com.au) at the O’Connor shops has a great atmosphere. We’re spoilt when it comes to these types of clubs in Canberra, with communities who share traditional meals. What other Canberra activities do you enjoy? I love cycling. Canberra has worldclass mountain biking facilities at Mount Stromlo and brilliant road cycling and cyclepath routes. The plant nurseries and landscaping businesses in Pialligo are also some of my favourite places to visit – the gardens at both Mocan and Goodspeed are very important to us. I enjoy the Capital Region Farmers Market in Mitchell (capitalregionfarmersmarket. com.au), as it makes me appreciate farmers and their produce.

SNAP HAPPY!

Get behind the lens and experience all the beauty Canberra and its iconic locations have to offer with a Capture Canberra photography tour. 0412 412 223

photoschool.com.au

visitcanberra.com.au 11

Cockington Green Gardens

GOLD CREEK VILLAGE North Canberra has experienced a population boom over the past 25 years and its Gold Creek Village has become a popular destination for family activities, food and shopping. There’s enough to see and do in the precinct – and historic Ginninderra Village within it – to fill a couple of days exploring on foot. Having grown with the northern Canberra suburbs surrounding it, this hub of historical, modern and exciting attractions has never been more appealing. Picturesque Cockington Green Gardens (02 6230 2273, cockingtongreen.com.au) opened in 1979 to bring a unique English feel to Canberra. Home to delicately crafted miniature building displays, you’ll enjoy

CUTE AND QUIRKY BOWER BIRDS

Gifts and homewares (02) 6230 9244

admiring the attention to detail and the wonderfully manicured gardens. There’s also a mini steam-train ride kids will love. The Canberra Reptile Zoo (02 6253 8533, reptilesinc.com.au) is home to a huge variety of pythons, snakes, turtles, goannas and geckos. Across the road, the Canberra Walk-in Aviary (02 6230 2044, canberrawalkinaviary.com.au) features 500 birds; more than 60 species of these feathered friends can be observed, fed and photographed. The fun and educational National Dinosaur Museum (02 6230 2655, nationaldinosaurmuseum.com.au) boasts Australia’s largest permanent display of dinosaur and prehistoric fossils.

Five shops you must drop by when visiting Gold Creek Village STAGHEAD

THE LOLLY SHOP

Sweet treats (02) 6230 2556

FLIGHT OF FANCY Collectables and gifts (02) 6230 2712

1300 554 114

Vintage boutique furniture (02) 6230 9665 staghead.com.au

TOTALLY COUNTRY The Lolly Shop

Gifts and homewares (02) 6230 2842

Versatile Restaurant This facility is an excellent excursion for school groups and guided tours are available. For visitors who are keen on admiring quintessential Australian art, the eclectic and culturally rich Aarwun Gallery (02 6230 2055, aarwungallery.com) features a collection of contemporary works, Indigenous pieces and heritage items by famous artists such as Norman Lindsay, Pro Hart and David Boyd. Gold Creek Village also has plenty to offer visitors looking for unique shopping (see “Cute and Quirky”, left) and dining experiences. The George Harcourt Inn (02 6230 2484, georgeharcourt.com) has been pouring drinks and cooking tasty English meals since 1980, and The Green Herring (02 6230 2657, thegreenherring. com.au) has truly earned its esteemed

Precincts GOLD CREEK VILLAGE DAY ITINERARY Your fun-packed schedule awaits in Canberra’s north 9am

Ed ie Pa yn e Cl os e 5

Curran Drive

oa kR d

5 minutes

3 minutes

10am

Step way back in time at the National Dinosaur Museum 2 (02 6230 2655, nationaldinosaurmuseum.com.au), which houses Australia’s largest permanent display of dinosaur and prehistoric fossils. It’s a fantastic destination that kids and adults can enjoy while also learning. 7 minutes

3.30pm

A landmark Canberra tourist destination since 1979, Cockington Green Gardens 5 (02 6230 2273, cockington green.com.au) showcases landscaped greenery and meticulously crafted miniature buildings. Spend a few hours admiring the displays and tranquil surrounds. 1 minute

12pm

6pm

Following your dinosaur fix, get up close and personal with some cold-blooded critters at the Canberra Reptile Zoo 3 (02 6253 8533, reptilesinc.com.au). After mingling with more than 50 different species of reptiles, grab lunch at Cafe Injoy 4 (02 6255 5550), where all-day breakfast and seasonal meals make up the menu.

Share your shots of Canberra #VisitCanberra

@motherandkaylee National Dinosaur Museum

O’Hanlon Place

Get a big day off to a delicious start at Thumper & Miss Bunny Specialty Coffee 1 (0475 422 552). The egg and bacon rolls are extremely popular and their pursuit of the perfect coffee makes this one of Canberra’s favourite cafés.

After a day of exploring, pop into The George Harcourt Inn 6 (02 6230 2484, georgeharcourt.com). This British pub has been a Canberra icon for almost four decades, serving craft beer and hearty meals. If you prefer modern Australian, The Green Herring 7 (02 6230 2657, thegreenherring.com.au) is a cosy restaurant housed in an 1860s slab hut with a fireplace.

National Dinosaur Museum

@ausseagirl Lake Burley Griffin

reputation for fine Australian cuisine in an intimate setting. Versatile Restaurant (02 6230 9333, versatilerestaurant.com.au) serves delicious Aussie fare in an elegant space, while Sweet Copper (02 6230 9007) café is a great spot for casual afternoon tea. Dessert-lovers will be drawn to Stripey Sundae (0403 430 708, stripeysundae canberra.weebly.com), which satisfies sweet-tooth cravings with homemade ice-cream, milkshakes and, as the name suggests, sundaes. visitcanberra.com.au 13

NIGHT

Shift Canberra comes alive after dark, with bars and pubs where you can eat, drink and be merry

White Rabbit Cocktail Room

CITY BAR HOPPERS The thriving night-life hotspot in the centre of Canberra pleases all crowds. Located upstairs in the iconic Melbourne Building, Bar Rochford (02 6230 6222, barrochford. com.au), which offers wine, cocktails and fine food, was crowned Bar of the Year at Gourmet Traveller’s 2018 Restaurant Guide Awards. Also housed in this building is Cuban-themed tropical bar The Highball Express (highballexpress.com.au) and traditional Irish pub PJ O’Reilly’s (02 6230 4752, pjoreillys.com.au). Just a stone’s throw away is 1980s-themed bar 88mph (facebook.com/88mphbar); the Alice in Wonderland-inspired White Rabbit Cocktail Room (02 6257 7779, whiterabbitroom.com.au); and the stylish,

Bar Rochford has been named Australian Bar of the Year at the Gourmet Traveller 2018 Restaurant Guide Awards

recently relaunched 65 Northbourne (02 6262 6522, 65northbourne.com.au). In the Sydney Building, you’ll find the cosy and fun Reload Bar & Games (02 6257 4232, reloadbar.com.au); and cocktail joint Treehouse Bar (02 6162 0906, treehousebar.com.au). Garema Place is home to Honkeytonks (02 6262 6968, drinkhonkytonks.com.au) for Tex-Mex, sangria and tequila; Hippo Co (02 6247 7555, hippoco.com.au) for whisky and jazz; and Playground Bar (02 6262 7171, playgroundbar.com.au) for cocktails and good times. On the fringe of Garema Place is two-storey Kokomo’s (02 6171 2092, kokomos.com.au), a tropical-themed restaurant and tiki bar. In neighbouring Braddon, Tipsy Bull (02 6248 7999, tipsybull.com.au) boasts more than 80 types of gin and flavoursome tapas share plates.

LIKE TO DANCE? If you seek R&B and party anthems, head to Dolce Bar (02 6249 1888, facebook.com/ dolcebarCBR). For DJ beats, get along to Mr Wolf (02 6230 7493, mrwolfclub.com.au), Academy (02 6253 2091, academyclub. com.au) or LGBTI nightclub Cube (02 6257 1110, cubenightclub.com.au). Knightsbridge Penthouse (02 6262 6221, knightsbridgepenthouse.com.au) is popular for retro R&B, and MonkeyBAR (0448 653 287, facebook.com/MonkeyBAR.Canberra) heroes Latin American music and cocktails.

PUB CRAWL Finding a beer and pub grub in the middle of the city is easy. Mooseheads Pub & Nightclub (02 6257 6496, mooseheads. com.au) is a Canberra icon that’s relaxed during the day and pumping late at night. The centrally located King O’Malley’s 14

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(02 6257 0111, kingomalleys.com.au) is another pub favourite, while Brew Nation (brewnation.com.au) specialises in quality craft beer. The Phoenix (02 6162 1581, lovethephoenix.com) has long been a hit for beer, trivia, music and poetry.

Precincts BEYOND THE CBD

Hopscotch

Arc Cinema

CULTURE-VULTURES

Venture out of the centre of town to discover these evening gems

Canberra has plenty to offer fans of music and theatre. For performance art, check out Canberra Theatre Centre (02 6275 2700, canberratheatrecentre.com.au) and The Street Theatre (02 6247 1223, thestreet. org.au). The city’s foremost acoustic spaces for musical performances are Llewellyn Hall (02 6125 5767, llewellynhall.anu.edu.au) and The Royal Theatre (02 6276 5200, nccc.com.au). Enjoy bands at Transit Bar (02 6162 0899, transitbar.com.au) in the city or The Abbey (02 6230 2905, theabbey.com.au) in Nicholls. Performing-arts café Smith’s Alternative (0401 084 773, smithsalternative.com), features nightly entertainment such as music, comedy, poetry, cabaret, burlesque and performance art. All points of the Canberra compass feature state-of-the-art cinemas, including Dendy (02 6221 8900, dendy.com.au) in the city; Palace Electric Cinema (02 6222 4900, palacecinemas.com.au) in NewActon; Hoyts in Belconnen (02 6223 5300, hoyts.com.au) and Woden (02 6223 5310, hoyts.com.au); Event Cinemas in Manuka (02 6295 9042, eventcinemas.com.au); and Limelight Cinemas in Tuggeranong (02 6293 6100, limelightcinemas.com.au). Arc Cinema at the National Film and Sound Archive (02 6248 2000, nfsa.gov.au) also screens classic and cult films in its beautiful Art Deco cinema.

AVENUE C WINE CO (CAMPBELL)

OUTSIDE THE CITY CENTRE A short stroll from Civic, in the NewActon precinct, is chilled-out Lucky’s Speakeasy (02 6247 6244, qtcanberra.com.au). In Campbell, the bespoke Avenue C Wine Co (02 6247 5991, avenuecwineco.com.au) is a popular wine bar and retailer, and The Pedlar (02 5100 5929, thepedlar.com.au) is a laid-back café and pub open from early until late. Pub grub, beer and whisky is on the menu at Hopscotch (02 6107 3030, hopscotchbar.com.au) in Braddon. Casey Jones Gastropub (02 6253 8961, caseyjones.pub) serves fine food and drinks to Canberra’s north, while Young & Frisky (02 6171 6257, youngandfrisky.com.au) brings fried chicken and rum to Gungahlin. Belconnen is well served by Ha Ha Bar

Wine bar (02) 6247 5991 avenuecwineco.com.au

BETTI BRAVO’S (KINGSTON) Caribbean-themed bar (02) 6295 7000 bettibravos.com.au

BLACK MARKET (NEWACTON) High-end cocktails bmbar.com.au

THE DUXTON (O’CONNOR) Live music and sport (02) 6162 0799 theduxton.com.au

JOE’S BAR (KINGSTON) Italian cocktail and wine bar (02) 6178 0050 joesateast.com

HA HA BAR (BELCONNEN) Cocktails (02) 6251 6110 hahabar.com.au

HIGHGATE HOUSE BAR & KITCHEN (KINGSTON) SoCal vibes (02) 6239 6891 highgatebar.com.au

THE LOFT (O’CONNOR) NYC chic (02) 6162 0799 theduxton.com.au/the-loft

LUCKY’S SPEAKEASY (NEWACTON) Cocktails and bar snacks (02) 6267 1270 qtcanberra.com.au

PARLOUR WINE ROOM (NEWACTON)

Polit Bar (02 6251 6110, hahabar.com.au); Lyneham is home to Tilley’s Devine Café Gallery (02 6247 7753, tilleys.com.au); and in Manuka, Polit Bar (02 6162 2947, politbar. com) serves top-shelf cocktails. Highgate House Bar & Kitchen (02 6239 6891, highgatebar.com.au) brings SoCal cool to Kingston, while Betti Bravo’s (02 6295 7000, bettibravos.com.au) has a Caribbean vibe.

Spanish food and wine (02) 6257 7325 parlour.net.au

POLIT BAR (MANUKA) Cocktail bar (02) 6162 2947 politbar.co

TILLEY’S DEVINE CAFÉ GALLERY (LYNEHAM) Café and occasional live music (02) 6247 7753 tilleys.com.au

visitcanberra.com.au 15

Food

HEAVEN

From cool snack spots to hip cafés and fine-dining options, here are 50 exquisite destinations putting Canberra cuisine on the map

The nation’s capital boasts a sterling reputation for eclectic and high-quality food options, from vineyards to cafés, cutting-edge to kid-friendly. Our expert Canberra insiders explain why you need to indulge in the 50 most-talked-about dining destinations in the ACT. Sharing their thoughts are Brian Tunks from homewares store Bisonhome; former MasterChef contestants Trent Harvey and Ellie Paxton-Hall; Mount Majura winemaker Dr Frank van de Loo; River Cottage Australia star Paul West; Belinda Neame from mobile market The Forage; chef Ben Willis from Aubergine and Temporada; and 2016 Australian Barista Champion Hugh Kelly.

Trent Harvey

Hugh Kelly

Belinda Neame

Ellie Paxton-Hall

Brian Tunks

Dr Frank van de Loo

Paul West

Ben Willis

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EIGHTYSIX

BRADDON • MODERN AUSTRALIAN • $$$$

This explosion of modern cuisine is begging to be Instagrammed. Upscale eightysix is known for its banoffee pie and other creative-yet-refined dishes. BRIAN SAYS: “Chic urban setting with serious epicurean cred. More hats than Royal Ascot and deserves every one of them. Don’t miss the caramel popcorn sundae.” (02) 6161 8686 eightysix.com.au

MEET THE INSIDERS

INSIDERS’ TOP PICKS

LILOTANG

BARTON • JAPANESE • $$$$

A contemporary and cool take on classic Japanese. Try the kingfish sashimi, udon noodle with kakiage tempura and classic yakitori skewers, or the tasting menu’s chargrilled lobster and egg tofu. And don’t forget the sake. BEN SAYS: “It’s modern and light Asian food and the bento box is great for lunch.” (02) 6273 1424 chairmangroup.com.au/lilotang

KEY

$ $25 & under

Breakfast dish and coffee or main and drink

CAPITOL BAR & GRILL NEWACTON • ITALIAN • $$$$

Housed in the QT Canberra hotel and adorned with political pop-art decor, Capitol’s huge menu blends hearty Italian, grilled prime cuts and fresh seafood. BELINDA SAYS: “If you want the real deal when it comes to steak, Capitol Bar & Grill is a must. It will melt in your mouth.” (02) 6247 1488 qthotelsandresorts.com/canberra/ eat-drink/capitol-bar-grill

MONSTER KITCHEN AND BAR

NEWACTON • MODERN AUSTRALIAN • $$$

An artistically designed oasis of flavour where chef Sean McConnell serves up inventive small plates over four aesthetically fascinating spaces. BEN SAYS: “I regularly go to Monster Kitchen and Bar. The food is great and it’s served until 1am, which is excellent for chefs.” (02) 6287 6287 monsterkitchen.com.au

$$ $25 to $40 Main and drink

$$$ $40-55 Two-course meal

$$$$ $55 & over Three-course meal

Great Food

COFFEE TR

Tantalise your ta AIL st with a Canberra e buds Secrets Cafe Culture Wal ki Tour (0419 209 ng canberrasecrets. 703, com Prices start at $8 .au). 9.

AUBERGINE

GRIFFITH • MODERN AUSTRALIAN • $$$$

eightysix

A formal restaurant that won’t make you feel out of place, Ben Willis’s intimate and chic Aubergine delivers quality ingredients across a menu that’s always evolving. Wine matching from their list of more than 500 varieties is also a specialty. HUGH SAYS: “Aubergine is the place to go for special dining occasions. The staff are all very well trained and make it a memorable experience.” (02) 6260 8666 aubergine.com.au

COURGETTE

CANBERRA CITY • MODERN EUROPEAN • $$$$ Glazes, sauces, foams and emulsions elevate Courgette’s European flavours and Australian produce to elegant delights. GOODFOOD.COM.AU SAYS: “Lovingly put-together food in a restaurant that is unashamedly old-school fine dining.” (02) 6247 4042 courgette.com.au

LANTERNE ROOMS CAMPBELL • ASIAN • $$$$

Incredible Malaysian-Chinese cuisine in a bustling atmosphere. The slow-cooked, spicy Wagyu beef rendang is a must-try. BELINDA SAYS: “If you want a warm and intimate place to dine, look no further. A beautiful twist on Malaysian cuisine.” (02) 6249 6889 chairmangroup.com.au/lanterne_rooms

TEMPORADA

CANBERRA CITY • MODERN AUSTRALIAN • $$$$ Another of chef Ben Willis’s restaurant creations, Temporada is a relaxed place to expand your palate. THE CANBERRA TIMES SAYS: “This restaurant is more casual than Willis’s hatted Aubergine, but it is no less serious about the food.” (02) 6249 6683 temporada.com.au

Sage Dining Rooms

SAGE DINING ROOMS

BRADDON • MODERN AUSTRALIAN • $$$$

Located in one of Canberra’s oldest buildings, the seasonal menu and fairy-lit garden bar is great for a special occasion. ELLIE SAYS: “A thoughtful combination of textures and flavours makes the dishes interesting and delicious.” (02) 6249 6050 sagerestaurant.net.au

HATS OFF TO THE WINNERS THESE PRESTIGIOUS CANBERRA RESTAURANTS HAVE EARNED A COVETED HAT RATING IN THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD GOOD FOOD GUIDE 2018: TWO HATS AUBERGINE (GRIFFITH) OTTOMAN CUISINE (BARTON)

ITALIAN AND SONS BRADDON • ITALIAN • $$$

Keeping it simple in the best tradition of Italian cuisine, this authentic eatery dishes out flavour, with wines to match every mouthful. Its one-hat rating in the Good Food Guide 2018 is well deserved. KEN SAYS: “The owners show a passion for food, which is first class.” (02) 6162 4888 italianandsons.com.au

Lanterne Rooms

ONE HAT CHAIRMAN & YIP (BARTON) EIGHTYSIX (BRADDON) ITALIAN AND SONS (BRADDON) LILOTANG (BARTON) MONSTER KITCHEN & BAR (NEWACTON) OTIS DINING HALL (KINGSTON) PULP KITCHEN (AINSLIE) TEMPORADA (CANBERRA CITY) visitcanberra.com.au 17

BREAKFAST FAVES

Penny University

DOUBLESHOT DEAKIN • CAFÉ • $

Quirky interiors and a creative atmosphere are Doubleshot’s flavour. This is reflected in the menu, with Spanish eggs, strawberries-and-cream hotcakes and breakfast burritos. BRIAN SAYS: “Great coffee and a casual outdoor setting that’s hard to beat. Try the roast pumpkin salad if you’re there for lunch.” (02) 6162 2027 doubleshotdeakin.com.au

LOCAL PRESS CAFÉ KINGSTON FORESHORE • CAFÉ • $

Nestled by the water’s edge, this wholefoods café is ideal if you’re seeking a healthy, fresh breakfast or brunch. Their cold-pressed juices, smoothies and teas come in a range of delicious natural flavours. ELLIE SAYS: “This is one of my faves. It features all your standard breakfast items with a twist. Their star chefs combine regular café favourites with interesting techniques.” (02) 6162 1422 localpresscafe.com.au

RYE

BRADDON • CAFÉ • $

Boasting a seasonally focused menu full of healthy options, RYE is a buzzing café perfect for a morning spent sipping coffee and planning your day – or refuelling with a sandwich or salad. GOODFOOD.COM.AU SAYS: “Rye’s wood fireplace is a great spot to warm yourself while waiting for your takeaway coffee. Or pull up a couch and stay for a cosy breakfast.” (02) 6156 9694 ryecafe.com.au 18

1300 554 114

Local Press Café

SILO BAKERY + CAFÉ KINGSTON • CAFÉ • $

It’s all about the tarts. And the bread. And the coffee. And the sit-down menu. Plus, they have a cheese room full of Australian and European selections. FRANK SAYS: “I’m a fanatic for great bread and I’ve never found anything to beat Silo. I love everything about the place.” (02) 6260 6060 silobakery.com.au

THE CUPPING ROOM CANBERRA CITY • CAFÉ • $

Part of ONA Coffee, Canberra’s largest specialty roasters, The Cupping Room’s champion baristas take their coffee very seriously and offer a huge variety of great brews. The French toast with rhubarb is also a hit. HUGH SAYS: “The extensive coffee selection is well executed and the amazing food rotates seasonally. Try raspberry candy or gold-label filter coffee.” (02) 6257 6412 thecuppingroom.com.au

PENNY UNIVERSITY KINGSTON • CAFÉ • $

This petite café makes for an intimate dining experience. Their yummy breakfast items include a chilli brekky dog, green eggs and ham and confit salmon. ELLIE SAYS: “This is such a cosy café to sit at for hours. They also do a lot of in-house curing and smoking.” (02) 6162 1500 pennyuniversitycafe.com

The Cupping Room

Great Food Pollen

The Pedlar

BEST FOR LUNCH IVY & THE FOX

BOOKPLATE

ACTON • CAFÉ • $

PARKES • CAFÉ • $

Located in historic Old Canberra House, this eatery serves all-day brunch and big tasty salads. ELLIE SAYS: “It’s simple food done well. I love the menu and the gardens are beautiful.” (02) 6257 9229 ivyandthefox.com

BENTHAM STREET BAR ’N’ PIZZA

Situated in the marble foyer of the National Library of Australia, Bookplate does breakfast meals until 2pm as well as appetising lunch dishes. ELLIE SAYS: “In the heart of the Parliamentary Zone, this wonderful café serves up stylish food. Beautiful glass windows give a lovely outlook onto Lake Burley Griffin.” (02) 6262 1154 bookplate.com.au

YARRALUMLA • PIZZA • $$

The convivial atmosphere in this relaxed eatery is matched by the smell of delicious pizzas moving from oven to table. BELINDA SAYS: “With an alfresco area, this is the place to meet in summer.” (02) 6282 7741 facebook.com/benthamstreetpizza

MOCAN AND GREEN GROUT NEWACTON • CAFÉ • $

This cosy modern Australian establishment uses locally sourced ingredients. The menu is limited but every dish is done just right. ELLIE SAYS: “A cute NewActon café with so much to offer. Everything is carefully put together with plenty of flavour and love.” (02) 6162 2909 mocanandgreengroutcom. wordpress.com

POLLEN

ACTON • CAFÉ • $$

Urban Pantry

Share your shots of Canberra #VisitCanberra

Located within the Australian National Botanic Gardens, Pollen has a diverse lunch menu for adults and kids. ELLIE SAYS: “A lovely place to eat lunch. This café among the trees has a relaxed feel and the food is healthy and nutritious.” (02) 6247 7321 pollencafe.com.au

POACHERS PANTRY

HALL • MODERN AUSTRALIAN • $$$$ @boomingon Little Brother @ Red Hill

KEY

@geojgbf! The Cupping Room

$ $25 & under

Breakfast dish and coffee or main and drink

If you want to know what Canberra tastes like, this is the place. The rural property features a winery $$ $25 to $40 Main and drink

$$$ $40-55 Two-course meal

$$$$ $55 & over Three-course meal

and smokehouse, with a restaurant that heroes their incredible fresh produce. TRENT SAYS: “It’s a bit out of town, but well worth the trip. It’s a nice country visit.” (02) 6230 2487 poacherspantry.com.au

PIALLIGO ESTATE GARDEN PAVILIONS AND GLASSHOUSE

PIALLIGO • MODERN AUSTRALIAN • $$$$

A unique dining experience with produce from the estate, charcuterie from their smokehouse and views over Canberra. BELINDA SAYS: “Pialligo Estate is in a league of its own for farm-to-plate dining.” (02) 6247 6060 thepialligoestate.com.au

URBAN PANTRY

MANUKA • MODERN AUSTRALIAN • $$ A laid-back dining venue at the tranquil Lawns in Manuka, Urban Pantry serves fresh local produce in leafy surrounds. You can also purchase the gourmet ingredients to take home. BRIAN SAYS: “A Manuka favourite and perfect spot for a lazy weekend lunch with friends. They do an excellent breakfast menu, too.” (02) 6162 3556 urbanpantrymanuka.com.au

THE PEDLAR

CAMPBELL • MODERN AUSTRALIAN • $$ Casual pub grub with schnitzels, burgers and big-flavour dishes such as yellow duck curry and Spanish caldereta hotpot. BEN SAYS: “The Pedlar is a suburban pub and café hybrid where you can grab great food and a beer.” (02) 5100 5929 thepedlar.com.au visitcanberra.com.au 19

FAMILY FAVOURITES

BRISCOLA

CANBERRA CITY • ITALIAN • $$

Named after the Italian card game, Briscola specialises in incredible pizzas, as well as Italian and local beverages. BELINDA SAYS: “Love local? You’ll love Briscola. You can expect everything: local meats, gelato, coffee, wine and damn fine pizza.” (02) 6248 5444 briscolapizzeria.com.au

KINN THAI

CANBERRA CITY • THAI • $$

Stir-fries and curries await in the sleek surrounds of Kinn Thai. There’s also a signature cocktail list that includes a sensational lemongrass and lychee martini. BELINDA SAYS: “Kinn Thai is great for quick, authentic Thai cuisine as a weekday lunch or dinner before catching a movie.” (02) 6247 1277 kinnrestaurant.com.au/canberra

GREASE MONKEY BRADDON • BURGERS • $

The grease in the name is a clue to how proud this place is about its incredible burgers. If you’re thirsty, grab a beer, wine, cocktail or one of their great shakes. BEN SAYS: “It’s a burger-and-beers place with live music. You can also take the kids so it’s perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon.” (02) 6174 1401 greasys.com.au

Grease Monkey

1300 554 114

DICKSON DUMPLING HOUSE DICKSON • CHINESE • $

Always busy with diners, the dumplings in this establishment deserve their legendary reputation, which is why the joint is always packed. Other dishes on the menu include Szechuan prawns and Singapore shredded dry chilli beef. BELINDA SAYS: “Dumpling lovers, look no further. The Dickson Dumpling House will ease your cravings with their flavour-packed varieties.” (02) 6248 8350

Abell’s Kopi Tiam

SAMMY’S KITCHEN CANBERRA CITY • CHINESE/ MALAYSIAN • $$

Whether it’s sambal seafood curry, shantung chicken, ma po chilli bean curd or hawker-style noodles, Sammy’s Kitchen is famous throughout Canberra for its flavoursome Chinese and Malaysian dishes. BELINDA SAYS: “It’s the go-to when you have a movie date night because it’s quick and always delicious. The sizzling lamb with black pepper and snow peas is highly recommended.” (02) 6247 1464 sammyskitchen.com.au

Molto Italian

Kinn Thai

Great Food

ASIAN FUSION ABELL’S KOPI TIAM

MANUKA • CHINESE/MALAYSIAN • $$ Dishing up authentic Chinese and Malaysian flavours, Abell’s Kopi Tiam is a lively restaurant where you’ll find both traditional and innovative cuisine. BELINDA SAYS: “The place to go for no-fuss, flavour-packed meals.” (02) 6239 4199 abellskopitiam.com.au

Morks Restaurant

MORKS RESTAURANT

CHAIRMAN & YIP

KINGSTON FORESHORE • THAI • $$$

BARTON • CANTONESE • $$$$

After 20 years in the CBD, this fine-dining establishment moved to Barton’s Burbury Hotel in 2016 and continues to craft elegant Cantonese cuisine. GOODFOOD.COM.AU SAYS: “Loyal fans enjoy their favourites served with polished flair.” (02) 6162 1220 chairmangroup.com.au/chairmanyip

This contemporary take on Thai cuisine includes barbecue pork buns and fried pork ribs with spicy soy glaze as part of an always evolving menu. ELLIE SAYS: “Morks is one of my favourite restaurants to take interstate visitors on a bustling Friday or Saturday night.” (02) 6295 0112 morks.com.au

IORI

NARRABUNDAH • ASIAN • $$$

AKIBA

CANBERRA CITY • JAPANESE • $$$

CANBERRA CITY • ASIAN • $$

With three dining options – sushi bar, shoes-off-and-kneeling tatami and regular tables – Iori is fun, shareable food. BELINDA SAYS: “A relaxed dining atmosphere, Iori brings Japan to Canberra.” (02) 6257 2334 iori.com.au

Inspired by the informal vibe of East Asia’s food halls, Akiba showcases the region’s dynamic flavours. GOODFOOD.COM.AU SAYS: “It combines Japanese cartoon pop with the USA’s love of barbecue.” (02) 6162 0602 akiba.com.au

ITALIAN FARE

Locale

rare and sliced, following the Tuscan rules that deliver perfection. The stuzzichini appetisers are designed to share and the local and Italian wine list is brilliant. BELINDA SAYS: “Take the family to Molto Italian or get together with your friends and enjoy the backdrop of Lake Burley Griffin.” (02) 6140 7039 moltoitalian.com

MOLTO ITALIAN

KINGSTON FORESHORE • ITALIAN • $$$

With housemade pasta served from a pecorino cheese wheel, this is about as authentic as Italian restaurants get. The bistecca Fiorentina steak dish is cooked

KEY

$ $25 & under

Breakfast dish and coffee or main and drink

LOCALE

DEAKIN • ITALIAN • $$$

In Canberra’s inner south, Locale serves up scrumptious traditional pizza and handmade pasta from locally sourced ingredients. BELINDA SAYS: “Locale really is your local with simple, traditional Italian offerings.” (02) 6162 2888 localepizzeria.com.au

$$ $25 to $40 Main and drink

$$$ $40-55 Two-course meal

$$$$ $55 & over Three-course meal

The guys behind XO bring quirkiness to their modern Asian street food, with “sexy squid” and “strange flavour eggplant” gracing the menu. BEN SAYS: “XO have chosen an out-of-theway location to open a really fun joint.” (02) 6295 9696 xo-restaurant.com.au

AGOSTINIS

KINGSTON • ITALIAN • $$$

Combining Northern Italian cuisine with a Roman twist, the menu at Agostinis offers pizza, pasta and a whopping 1kg steak. BELINDA SAYS: “It’s all about gathering around the table and sharing good food and wine.” (02) 6178 0048 agostinis.com.au

MEZZALIRA RISTORANTE

CANBERRA CITY • ITALIAN • $$$$

Specialising in Southern Italian cuisine, the menu in this city restaurant is divine. BELINDA SAYS: “Mezzalira has a stunning menu and wine list that’s perfect for a special occasion.” (02) 6230 0025 mezzalira.com.au visitcanberra.com.au 21

Pulp Kitchen

Otis Dining Hall

SPICE ROUTE

OTTOMAN CUISINE BARTON • TURKISH • $$$$

A Canberra institution, Ottoman Cuisine has been serving classic Turkish food for 25 years. Enjoy à la carte, banquet dining or the degustation menu. THE CANBERRA TIMES SAYS: “Ottoman is elegant, focused, idiosyncratic and the flavours are bright and strong.” (02) 6273 6111 ottomancuisine.com.au

THE MANDALAY BUS BRADDON • STREET FOOD • $

A local icon in bright yellow, The Mandalay Bus is perfect for a nighttime snack with a South-East Asian twist. If satay chicken with kimchee on roti appeals, this is your bus stop. PAUL SAYS: “Stu and the boys are always good for a late-night feed and laugh. It’s an iconic multi-generational family business.” 0405 551 782 facebook.com/themandalaybus

The Mandalay Bus 22

1300 554 114

JEWEL OF INDIA

MANUKA • INDIAN • $$

Delivering authentic Indian cuisine that’s loaded with flavour, this popular restaurant blends classic dishes with the more interesting and unusual. GOODFOOD.COM.AU SAYS: “A stalwart of inner-Canberra dining. Fragrances of the Subcontinent pervade the room.” (02) 6295 7037 jewelofindia.com.au

TURKISH HALAL PIDE HOUSE

YARRALUMLA • TURKISH • $

Pide is the house specialty at the Turkish Halal Pide House, It comes in 16 varieties, including delicious meats and vego options. ELLIE SAYS: “Great food and atmosphere. I felt like I was back in Turkey.” (02) 6281 1991 halalpidehouse.com.au

Ottoman Cuisine

Great Food

NEW ON THE SCENE CATCH

BUCKET LIST

BRADDON • SEAFOOD • $ You don’t have to be on the coast to enjoy fantastic fish and chips. Catch may be landlocked in Canberra, but it has delightful seafood to fill your tummy. BELINDA SAYS: “Catch is going to be the place to be this summer.” catchfishandchips.com.au

Don’t leave Canberra without trying one (or all) of these iconic dishes BOXGUM GRAZING BEEF TARTARE @ MONSTER KITCHEN AND BAR

Raku

This taste sensation is a party for the palate. The tender beef tartare is teamed with miso-cured egg yolk, avocado, horseradish and crisp black rice. Superb. (02) 6287 6287 monsterkitchen.com.au

RAKU

CANBERRA CITY • JAPANESE • $$$$

HIGHROAD

DICKSON • CAFÉ • $$ As an all-day café, you can grab a coffee at night or a Bloody Mary in the morning if you please. Native Australian ingredients characterise the menu. HUGH SAYS: “A huge interactive coffee bar, Highroad’s unique fit-out fuses city and nature. A well-constructed wine list, too.” facebook.com/highroad.cbr

Head chef and sushi master Hao Chen brings the precision and artfulness of Japanese cuisine to this modern city restaurant. Sashimi, nigiri, maki rolls and dishes from the robata grill steal the show as part of a diverse and finely curated menu. GOODFOOD.COM.AU SAYS: “The theatrics of Japanese cooking are on display at this sleek venue. Diners can watch in an amphitheatre-like setting.” (02) 6248 6869 rakudining.com.au

PORK BELLY BUN @ AKIBA

At $8 each, the Akiba char siu steamed pork-belly bun with Asian slaw is the perfect snack to eat one-handed. You’ll want to devour more than one. (02) 6162 0602 akiba.com.au

VINCENT

BARTON • MODERN AUSTRALIAN • $$$

The long black bar – staff on one side, diners on the other – makes dining a communal experience. The curated selection of dishes and wines mixes modern Australian and familiar European flavours. BEN SAYS: “Vincent is a great spot for the after-work crowd.” (02) 6273 7773 vincentrestaurant.com.au

DELUXE BURGER @ BRODBURGER

OTIS DINING HALL

KINGSTON • MODERN AUSTRALIAN • $$$$ Accentuated by wood panelling and moody lighting, this refined restaurant serves outstanding contemporary cuisine. Otis Dining Hall’s head chef, Damian Brabender, was crowned Australian Chef of the Year at the 2017 Australian Hotels Association National Awards for Excellence. THE CANBERRA TIMES SAYS: “Otis works on many levels: the feel, the food and the sophistication it brings to Kingston.” (02) 6260 6066 thisisotis.com.au

PULP KITCHEN

AINSLIE • MODERN EUROPEAN • $$$ This proudly local Australian bistro puts a grungy, youthful spin on the traditional French brasserie. Think chickenliver parfait, baked cheddar soufflé and steak frites, with a dessert list that rocks a wicked crème brûlée with brandy prunes. If you’re struggling to choose a dish, there’s an all-you-can-eat option for $70. BRIAN SAYS: “A sensitively reinvigorated bistro at Ainslie shops with a killer menu. If you miss the ‘stolen egg’ appetiser, you’ll be sorry.” (02) 6257 4334 pulp-kitchen.com.au

KEY

$ $25 & under

Breakfast dish and coffee or main and drink

A huge, delicious flame-grilled beef burger with two juicy patties, two eggs, a pair of crispy bacon strips and homemade aioli. (02) 6162 0793 brodburger.com.au

ROAST DUCK AND MUSHROOM PANCAKES @ CHAIRMAN & YIP

The menu changes at this upscale Asian restaurant, but the roast duck and mushroom pancakes always remain a popular choice. (02) 6162 1220 chairmangroup.com.au/ chairmanyip

BLACK CHICKEN WITH BUTTERMILK SLAW @ EIGHTYSIX

Cooked in a Southern barbecuestyle jam, then charred, the tender chicken is perfectly complemented by the crunchy slaw. (02) 6161 8686 eightysix.com.au

$$ $25 to $40 Main and drink

Eightysix $$$ $40-55 Two-course meal

$$$$ $55 & over Three-course meal

Great Food SWEET TREATS

Frugii Dessert Laboratory

FRUGII DESSERT LABORATORY BRADDON • DESSERT • $

Inventive ice-cream flavours and traditional treats crafted on site. (02) 6248 5748 frugii.com

PATISSEZ

Patissez

MANUKA • DESSERT • $ Home of the FreakShakes – extreme dairy concoctions made for social media. (02) 6156 3783 patissez.com.au

ONA MANUKA MANUKA • CAFÉ • $

Traditional café in leafy Manuka. o nacoffee.com.au/location/ ona-manuka

BOMBOLINI

CAPITAL REGION FARMERS MARKET AND SOUTHSIDE FARMERS MARKET • DOUGHNUTS • $

TEDDY PICKER’S

Fresh doughnuts with delicious fillings of all shapes and flavours on weekends. 0424 381 235 facebook.com/bombolinidoughnuts

CAMPBELL • CAFÉ • $

All-day breakfast and an inventive menu. 0459 599 657 teddypickers.com.au

Space Kitchen

RICARDO'S CAFE MACQUARIE • DESSERT • $

A wide variety of cakes, pastries and savoury delicacies in a warm, friendly atmosphere. (02) 6251 2666 ricardoscafe.com

COFFEE FIX

TWO BEFORE TEN

lonsdalestreetroasters.com

PHILLIP • DESSERT • $

Playful sweet and savoury creations delivered in funky car-park-themed decor. (02) 6281 6668 space-kitchen.com.au

Line up with the locals on weekdays or enjoy a tasty treat on the weekend. twobeforeten.com.au

BRADDON • CAFÉ • $

Quality coffee sourced, roasted and poured under the same roof. 0451 681 050

SPACE KITCHEN

CANBERRA CITY AND ARANDA • CAFÉ • $

LONSDALE STREET ROASTERS

Barrio Collective Coffee

BARRIO COLLECTIVE COFFEE BRADDON AND FYSHWICK • CAFÉ • $

DOUGHNUT DEPARTMENT CANBERRA CITY • DOUGHNUTS • $

Indulge in sweet doughy treats crafted with love at No Name Lane on Alinga Street. facebook.com/doughnutdepartment

KEY

$ $25 & under

Breakfast dish and coffee or main and drink

Distinct coffee, produced by traditional and contemporary roasting and brewing methods, coupled with delicious food. barriocollective.com

$$ $25 to $40 Main and drink

$$$ $40-55 Two-course meal

$$$$ $55 & over Three-course meal

THERE’S PLENTY TO DO AND SEE AT

AUSTRALIAN PARLIAMENT HOUSE

Join in free daily tours and look out for special seasonal programs, watch live political action, see iconic architecture and admire the art collection. Enjoy great views from the Queen’s Terrace Café as you indulge in locally roasted coffee and delicious house-made treats—or visit the roof for even more amazing views! Parking is free on weekends and for the first two hours on weekdays. We invite you to come and visit us in our 30th anniversary year and experience democracy in action.

APH.GOV.AU/VISITPARLIAMENT Visit Australian Parliament House

(02) 6277 5399 @Aust_Parliament

VISITORSERVICES@APH.GOV.AU visit_australian_parliament

Australian Parliament House

IN THE

Cellar

Visit the Canberra region’s superb wineries, which have earned their reputation for producing world-class vino

Clonakilla

DIONYSUS WINERY MURRUMBATEMAN

• FOOD ON SITE

Dionysus was the Greek god of wine and some of the brilliant varieties here are named after the women in his life, such as the Maenads Rosé and Ariadne Sparkling Chardonnay/Pinot Noir. Family owned and operated since 2001, this small boutique winery also offers snacks, cheese plates and a light lunch for hungry visitors. CELLAR DOOR OPEN: 10am-5pm on weekends. (02) 6227 0208 dionysus-winery.com.au

DOG TRAP VINEYARD YASS

CAN’T GET TO A WINERY?

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Dionysus Winery

MURRUMBATEMAN, GUNDAROO AND YASS BARTON ESTATE

CLONAKILLA

Named after Australia’s first Prime Minister, Edmund Barton, this family-owned operation was established in 1997 on the historic Jeir Woolshed block. Their premium coolclimate wines include the award-winning 2015 Blue Rose and 2015 Sauvignon Blanc Semillon. CELLAR DOOR OPEN: 10am-5pm on weekends. (02) 6230 9553 bartonestate.com.au

The Wall Street Journal said of the Clonakilla 2009 Shiraz: “Some argue this is Australia’s greatest red wine; it is certainly one of the greatest Shirazes.” Ever since this glowing endorsement, wine-lovers have been dropping by to give their own verdict. CELLAR DOOR OPEN: 10am-5pm daily. (02) 6227 5877 clonakilla.com.au

MURRUMBATEMAN

1300 554 114

MURRUMBATEMAN

Dr Dennis Hart and Julian White have created some of the most distinctive dry red table wines in the Canberra region. The Lyn Shiraz 2009 and Tony Shiraz 2009 have earned rave reviews, as has the Entente 2013 blend and Cabernet Sauvignon 2012. CELLAR DOOR OPEN: 10am-5pm Wednesday to Sunday. (02) 6226 5898 dogtrapvineyard.com.au

EDEN ROAD MURRUMBATEMAN

Rated a five-star winery by the Halliday Wine Companion 2018, Eden Road has racked up a swag of awards since 2009 and truly punches above its weight. Winemaker Celine Rousseau learned her craft in France and uses a wealth of experience to produce incredible drops such as The Long Road Shiraz. CELLAR DOOR OPEN: 11am-5pm Wednesday to Sunday. (02) 6226 8800 edenroadwines.com.au

Great Wine GUNDOG ESTATE CORK ST. CELLAR GUNDAROO

Combining old- and new-world practices to produce innovative boutique wines, Gundog Estate holds a five-star red winery rating in James Halliday’s Wine Companion. CELLAR DOOR OPEN: 10am-5pm Thursday to Sunday. (02) 6236 8276 gundogestate.com.au

Helm Wines

FOUR WINDS VINEYARD MURRUMBATEMAN

• FOOD ON SITE

Graeme and Suzanne Lunney’s dream to grow and sell grapes has turned into an intergenerational family business with 29,000 vines and a five-star rating in the Halliday Wine Companion 2018. The essential drops to try are the 2016 Riesling and 2015 Tom’s Block Shiraz. CELLAR DOOR OPEN: 10am-4pm on weekends. (02) 6227 0189 fourwindsvineyard.com.au

GALLAGHER WINES JEIR (MURRUMBATEMAN)

• FOOD ON SITE

Located in Jeir, part of the Murrumbateman region, this winery is run by Greg Gallagher, who is also a consultant to other operations in the area. Gallagher Riesling has won Top Gold at two of the past three Canberra and Region Wine Shows, while the 2009 Blanc de Blanc won Winestate magazine’s Champion Sparkling Wine of 2015. Amazingly, its 2017 Riesling was voted best in the world at the Canberra International Riesling Challenge, which is regarded as the premium Riesling show by producers worldwide. CELLAR DOOR OPEN: 10am-5pm Thursday to Monday. (02) 6227 0555 gallagherwines.com.au

GRANITEVALE ESTATE MURRUMBATEMAN

• FOOD ON SITE

Greg and Leigh Birch are passionate about producing and drinking wine. Their signature dessert wine, PinkIce, is the region’s first ice wine made from red grapes. CELLAR DOOR OPEN: 11am-5pm on weekends. 0419 547 850 granitevaleestate.com.au

Complement your wine-tasting experience with the finest cuisine in the Murrumbateman, Gundaroo and Yass regions CLEMENTINE RESTAURANT

Cottage eatery in the heart of Yass. (02) 6226 3456 clementinerestaurant.com.au

DIONYSUS WINERY

EWE’N ME

JEIR CREEK

GALLAGHER WINES 11

Offering a cool-climate wine experience, Jeir Creek has been setting trends since 1984. Property tours and masterclasses are available. CELLAR DOOR OPEN: 10am-5pm on weekends. (02) 6227 5999 jeircreekwines.com.au

Contemporary restaurant at the Thunderbird Motel in Yass. (02) 6226 1158 thunderbirdmotel.com.au

FOUR WINDS VINEYARD

LONG RAIL GULLY 12

A striking location north of Murrumbateman, this 60-acre vineyard is an amphitheatre-like setting known for Riesling, Shiraz, vibrant Pinot Gris and succulent Merlot. CELLAR DOOR OPEN: 11am-4pm on weekends. 0419 257 574 longrailgully.com.au

Sarah Collingwood from Four Winds Vineyard, Owner/ Operator of the Year recipient at the Australian Women in Wine Awards 2017

Wood-fired pizza served on site. (02) 6227 0189 fourwindsvineyard.com.au 7

Specialty cheeses from the cellar door. (02) 6227 0555 gallagherwines.com.au

GRANITEVALE ESTATE

Buffet lunch available by booking. 0419 547 850 granitevaleestate.com.au

GRAZING

MURRUMBATEMAN

This year marks the 45th anniversary of Helm Wines, which earned a coveted five-star rating in the Halliday Wine Companion 2018. CELLAR DOOR OPEN: 10am-5pm Thursday to Monday. (02) 6227 5953 helmwines.com.au

JEIR (MURRUMBATEMAN)

Snacks, cheese plates and light lunch. (02) 6227 0208 dionysus-winery.com.au

HELM WINES MURRUMBATEMAN

FOOD TRAIL

Rustic restaurant in Gundaroo. (02) 6236 8777 grazing.com.au

MURRUMBATEMAN WINERY

Sharing platters, pies and scones. 0432 826 454 murrumbatemanwinery.com.au

OLLEYVILLE AT SHAW VINEYARD ESTATE

Traditional, wholesome restaurant. (02) 6227 5144 olleyville.com.au

POACHERS PANTRY

Smoked meats and poultry from farm shop and Smokehouse Restaurant. (02) 6230 2487 poacherspantry.com.au

YARRH WINES

“Food and wine flights” by booking. (02) 6227 1474 yarrhwines.com.au

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MURRUMBATEMAN WINERY MURRUMBATEMAN

• FOOD ON SITE

This winery recently launched Mollie’s Block Sauv Fumé Blanc 2017 and Tannin’s Wild Pinot Grrr-is 2017, which are named after the property’s dogs. CELLAR DOOR OPEN: 12pm-4pm Wednesday and Thursday; 10am-5pm Friday to Sunday. 0432 826 454 murrumbatemanwinery.com.au

Poachers Pantry

McKELLAR RIDGE WINES MURRUMBATEMAN

One of the newer wineries in the region, this estate has already earned many awards. The 2017 vintage is shaping up as a winner, with an excellent intensity of flavour to the Riesling, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Viognier and Merlot grapes. CELLAR DOOR OPEN: 10am-4pm on weekends. 0409 780 861 mckellarridgewines.com.au 28

1300 554 114

POACHERS PANTRY AND WILY TROUT VINEYARD SPRINGRANGE

MURRUMBATEMAN • FOOD ON SITE

Recognised with numerous gold medals and trophies, this family-owned winery was prestigiously named one of Australia’s 10 Dark Horses in James Halliday’s 2017 Wine Companion. Also situated on the picturesque property is Olleyville restaurant, a rustic venue that serves light meals, share plates and à la carte cuisine made from local produce. Wine matching is a specialty. CELLAR DOOR OPEN: 10am-5pm Wednesday to Sunday. (02) 6227 5827 shawvineyards.com.au

TALLAGANDRA HILL GUNDAROO

The vines on this former farming land – named after the Aboriginal word tallagandra, meaning “place of many cows” – produce premium cool-climate wines. Tempranillo, Cabernet Franc and Viognier are among the varieties on offer. CELLAR DOOR OPEN: 10am-4pm on Sunday. 0416 330 897 tallagandrahill.com.au

THE VINTNER’S DAUGHTER MURRUMBATEMAN

When one of the district’s oldest vineyards was purchased by Stephanie Helm and Benjamin Osborne, many original vines were reinvigorated to produce Pinot Noir, Shiraz and experimental drops. CELLAR DOOR OPEN: 10am-4pm on weekends. (02) 6227 5592 thevintnersdaughter.com.au

• FOOD ON SITE

Wily Trout Vineyard, Poachers Pantry and Smokehouse Restaurant share their sloped, granite hills property. Secondgeneration-run Wily Trout is acclaimed for its Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. CELLAR DOOR OPEN: 9.30am-5pm daily. (02) 6230 2487 poacherspantry.com.au; wilytrout.com.au

YARRH WINES MURRUMBATEMAN

• FOOD ON SITE

Overlooking the beautiful Yass River valley, Yarrh Wines produces premium Riesling, Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc, thanks to the region’s nutrient-rich soil. CELLAR DOOR OPEN: 11am-5pm Friday to Sunday. (02) 6227 1474 yarrhwines.com.au

Share your shots of Canberra #VisitCanberra

Great Wine Pankhurst Wines

@megan_sparke Contentious Character

@katefreeo Mount Majura Vineyard

HALL BRINDABELLA HILLS HALL

WINE TIME

’s wines. Sample Canberra n of the io ct le se e For a wid try The Canberra region’s drops,35 6162 5656, 2 Wine House (0 , located at u) thetradies.com.a suburban in s ie ad Tr e Th Dickson.

Shaw Vineyard Estate

COUNTRY ESCAPES While touring the wine regions, take time out to enjoy these tranquil experiences BURNELEE EXCURSIONS Get into the saddle for an adventure by horseback across the beautiful fields of the sprawling Burnelee property. (02) 6227 5850 burnelee.com.au

• FOOD ON SITE

Founded in 1986, this boutique winery overlooking the Murrumbidgee River is helmed by Michael Anderson. The Shiraz and Riesling are popular and the Marsanne is a recently launched drop. CELLAR DOOR OPEN: 10am-5pm on weekends. (02) 6188 5405 brindabellahills.com.au

FOOD TRAIL

CAPITAL WINES

The historic Hall village and surrounding area boasts many quality eating options

HALL

Andrew McEwin and Phil Scott produce ultra-premium wine from their Kyeema vineyard in Murrumbateman. CELLAR DOOR OPEN: 10.30am-5pm Thursday to Sunday. (02) 6230 2022 capitalwines.com.au

PANKHURST WINES WALLAROO

REDBROW GARDEN Enjoy a lakeside bed-and-breakfast retreat at this Murrumbateman oasis. adedra.com

OLD SAINT LUKES STUDIO Constructed in 1848, this historic stone building in Gundaroo is now a gallery for displaying wood-fired ceramics. Ring ahead for opening times. (02) 6236 8197 oldsaintlukesstudio.com.au

• FOOD ON SITE

The paddocks of Old Woodgrove offer a scenic environment for grape growing and winemaking. One of the closest wineries to the centre of Canberra, Pankhurst Wines boasts 12 acres of vineyards that were planted between 1986 and 1999. The 2013 Dorothy May Cabernet Sauvignon has earned five stars from Winestate magazine and the 2014 Pinot Noir nabbed silver at the Canberra Regional Wine Show in 2015. CELLAR DOOR OPEN: 10am-5pm on weekends. (02) 6230 2592 pankhurstwines.com.au

SURVEYOR’S HILL VINEYARD WALLAROO

Burnelee Excursions

• FOOD ON SITE

Set on a 360-million-year-old dormant volcano, this vineyard features stunning views of the Murrumbidgee Valley and Brindabella Range. The property also offers B&B accommodation and houses the Pomegranate Bistrot, which serves fresh bread made on the premises and

PANKHURST WINES

Cheese platters at the cellar door. (02) 6230 2592 pankhurstwines.com.au

SURVEYOR’S HILL VINEYARD

Pomegranate Bistrot on site. (02) 6230 2046 survhill.com.au

VINEYARD CAFÉ

Eatery at Brindabella Hills winery. (02) 6188 5405 brindabellahills.com.au/cafe

THE WANDERING GOOSE

Breakfast, brunch and lunch café. (02) 6230 9777 facebook.com/ thewanderinggoosecafe organic fruit and vegetables from their farm and local producers. CELLAR DOOR OPEN: 10am-5pm on weekends. (02) 6230 2046 survhill.com.au

WALLAROO WINES WALLAROO

Set high in the hills west of historic Hall village, the property’s shale, clay loam and granite-based soils have produced a range of award-winning wines with bold flavours. CELLAR DOOR OPEN: Tastings by appointment. (02) 6230 2831 wallaroowines.com.au visitcanberra.com.au 29

BUNGENDORE, BYWONG, WAMBOIN AND LAKE GEORGE AFFLECK VINEYARD BYWONG

Named after a farm in Huntly, Scotland, the vineyard was established in 1976 with initial plantings of Cabernet, Rhine Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. It now covers four hectares with Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Shiraz and Merlot grapes. CELLAR DOOR OPEN: 10am-4pm daily. 0415 484 113 affleck.com.au

COLLECTOR WINES COLLECTOR

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W clusive Indulge in an ex e with nc rie pe ex VIP tour s (0419 041 910, Executive Driver com.au), who s. executivedriver four people to to can transport up gions. For a tour re e in w ’s ra er Canb m door to door, that takes you fro Wine Tours s as try Black Gl ours. (blackglasswinet com.au).

Named 2017’s Best Small Cellar Door in the Canberra District by Gourmet Traveller Wine. The Collector Reserve Shiraz 2013 also cleaned up multiple awards at the Canberra Regional Wine Show in 2015. CELLAR DOOR OPEN: 10am-4pm Friday to Sunday. (02) 6116 8722 collectorwines.com.au

CONTENTIOUS CHARACTER WAMBOIN

Set among the rolling hills of Wamboin at one of the region’s highest elevations, this single-vineyard boutique winery, helmed by chief winemaker Jeremy Wilson, boasts views all the way to the Snowy Mountains. The on-site kitchen does brunch, lunch and afternoon tea, with a menu that blends traditional Italian and modern Australian. They also host functions, and the open fire is a comforting attraction in winter. CELLAR DOOR OPEN: 10am-5pm on weekends. (02) 6238 3830 contentiouscharacter.com.au

LAKE GEORGE WINERY

FOOD TRAIL

CONTENTIOUS CHARACTER

This winery has an on-site kitchen serving brunch and lunch share plates and meals. (02) 6238 3830 contentiouscharacter.com.au 37

Family owned bakehouse in Bungendore. (02) 6238 1760 facebook.com/gunnadoobakery

1300 554 114

• FOOD ON SITE

LAKE GEORGE HOTEL

These eateries will satisfy your hunger while visiting the wine country in Bungendore, Bywong, Wamboin and Lake George

Established in 1971, this gorgeous vineyard overlooking Lake George is the oldest in the Canberra region. It’s surrounded by the rolling hills of the Cullerin Escarpment and is home to Westering restaurant. CELLAR DOOR OPEN: 9am-4.30pm Thursday to Sunday. (02) 4848 0182 lakegeorgewinery.com.au

Collector Wines

Contentious Character

LARK HILL BUNGENDORE

LAKE GEORGE

GUNNA DOO BAKERY

• FOOD ON SITE

Classic country pub in Bungendore. (02) 6238 1260 facebook.com/lakegeorgehotel

LAKE GEORGE WINERY

The popular Westering restaurant is on-site, plus the cellar door does light snacks. (02) 4848 0182 lakegeorgewinery.com.au

LARK HILL

Casual share food at the on-site wine bar and café, open 12pm-3pm on weekends. (02) 6238 0266 larkhill.wine

• FOOD ON SITE

Lark Hill was formed in 1978 and utilised organic practices until 2003, when the vineyard shifted to biodynamic farming. Certified by the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia, their wines are vegan-friendly. Recent releases gaining attention are the 2017 Gruner Veltliner, 2017 “Dial M for Marsanne” and 2017 Sangiovese. CELLAR DOOR OPEN: 11am-4pm daily. (02) 6238 1393 larkhill.wine

LERIDA ESTATE

Café Lerida is on the winery property, serving sliders, pies and mains. (02) 4848 0231 leridaestate.com.au

MOUNT MAJURA VINEYARD

The winery’s cellar door serves cheese tasting plates. (02) 6262 3070 mountmajura.com.au

SOME CAFE

Quaint eatery for breakfast, lunch and amazing milkshakes in Collector. 0422 132 883 somecafe.com.au

Great Wine WEEKEND ITINERARY Shaw Vineyard Estate

9.30am 15 Drive to Poachers Pantry (02 6230 2487, poacherspantry.com.au), only 25 minutes from Canberra’s CBD, for an early brunch and winetasting at Wily Trout Vineyard (02 6230 2487, wilytrout.com.au) at the same location. 11 minutes

Mount Majura Vineyard

LERIDA ESTATE LAKE GEORGE

• FOOD ON SITE

When Lerida Estate was founded in 1997, the intention of winemakers Jim Lumbers and Anne Caine was to make an outstanding Pinot Noir with an overtone of French-style elegance and complexity. As the vineyard grew, they evolved to produce a range of red and white wines, including Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Merlot and small quantities of Shiraz, Cabernet Franc and Viognier. CELLAR DOOR OPEN: 10am-5pm daily. (02) 4848 0231 leridaestate.com.au

MOUNT MAJURA VINEYARD MAJURA

• FOOD ON SITE

Close to Canberra Airport, this winery benefits from the limestone and volcanic soil deposited in the area millions of years ago. They first produced wines in 1990 and the Tempranillo has become their flagship. Self-guided Gumboot Tours allow visitors to wander the vineyard and take in views of the surrounding area. CELLAR DOOR OPEN: 10am-5pm daily. (02) 6262 3070 mountmajura.com.au

FIVE-STAR WINNERS These wineries earned top marks in the Halliday Wine Companion 2018: Capital Wines Collector Wines Eden Road Wines Helm Wines Mount Majura Vineyard Nick O’Leary Wines Ravensworth

Lerida Estate

11am 1 Head to Barton Estate (02 6230 9553, bartonestate.com.au) to sample their Cabernet blend and prize-winning Riesling. 13 minutes

Four Winds Vineyard McKellar Ridge Wines

11.45am Indulge your sweet tooth at Robyn Rowe 40 Chocolates (02 6227 0550, robynrowechocolates. com.au), then move 10 minutes up the road for 14 more wine-tasting at Murrumbateman Winery (0432 826 454, murrumbatemanwinery.com.au). 3 minutes 12.45pm Continue to Wins Creek Meadery and Bindaree 41 Bee Suppliers (02 6227 5600, bindaree.com.au/ wins-creek-meadery) in Murrumbateman village to try their honey and sweet meads. 15 minutes 1.30pm Enjoy a long, relaxing lunch at Olleyville at Shaw 16 Vineyard Estate (02 6227 5144, olleyville.com.au), where beautiful food meets stunning country views. 7 minutes 3.15pm 5 Taste the unique wine Eden Road (02 6226 8800, edenroadwines.com.au) has to offer. Don’t leave without trying their Long Road Shiraz. 7 minutes 4.15pm 2 Drop by internationally renowned Clonakilla (02 6227 5877, clonakilla.com.au) to sample their incredible flagship 2015 Shiraz Viognier. *Drink responsibly – don’t drink and drive

visitcanberra.com.au 31

Drink UP With more to offer beyond magnificent wines, Canberra is home to some of the best craft beer and spirit distilleries in Australia

BREWERIES CAPITAL BREWING CO. FYSHWICK • BREWERY • $

The city’s newest taphouse pours fresh beers from Wednesday to Sunday. Tasty food, courtesy of Brodburger, is served from an iconic on-site van. Tours are available on the weekend for $25 (bookings essential), which includes a cold beer on arrival, a behind-the-scenes peek and tasting-paddle memento. The Tap Room has a cubbyhouse and play area that will keep kids amused, and man’s best friend is also catered for with lots of shady spots in summer. There’s even a non-alcoholic dog beer so four-legged pals won’t feel left out. (02) 5104 0915 capitalbrewing.co

BENTSPOKE BREWING CO. BRADDON • BREWPUB • $$

Since opening in 2014, this microbrewery has become a favourite spot to savour a few brews and have a bite to eat. With 18 taps 32

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on site, rotating through 50 varieties of beer, cider and even a gluten-friendly ginger beer, visitors can enjoy breweryfresh coldies while watching the team work away on full display. Their modern take on a classic pub menu incorporates beer and brewing ingredients and also highlights local produce. (02) 6257 5220 bentspokebrewing.com.au

CANBERRA • BREWPUB • $

FYSHWICK • BREWPUB • $$

This brewery serves German-inspired craft beers with a special Canberra twist. Make sure you try the schankbier, weizen and porter brews, along with the German sausages, slow-roasted pork knuckle and Hungarian beef and beer goulash. (02) 5105 3664 zierholz.com.au $ $25 & under

Lunch or dinner and drink

BentSpoke Brewing Co.’s Barley Griffin Pale Ale is served on Singapore Airlines’ select firstand business-class international flights in and out of Australia

WIG & PEN TAVERN & BREWERY

ZIERHOLZ PREMIUM BREWERY RESTAURANT AND BAR

KEY

DID YOU KNOW?

A Canberra institution, the Wig & Pen has been serving thirsty patrons since 1994 and moved to Llewellyn Hall at ANU in 2015. With 16 taps of craft beer brewed on site – four of which are cask-conditioned real ales – and an English pub menu, this is the perfect venue for a relaxing pint. (02) 6248 0171 facebook.com/wigandpen.canberra

$$ $25 to $40 Main and drink

$$$ $40-55 Two-course meal

$$$$ $55 & over Three-course meal

Beer & Spirits SPIRIT DISTILLERIES THE CANBERRA DISTILLERY MITCHELL • DISTILLERY • NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC This small-batch distillery is all about quality over quantity. Products are available at local retailers, markets and online. 0423 141 031 thecanberradistillery.com.au

UNDERGROUND SPIRITS Capital Brewing Co. + Brodburger

KAMBAH • DISTILLERY • PRODUCTS FROM $80

Using medical-grade equipment, this boutique distillery does traditional spirits in a new way. Products can be purchased online, from their retail store on weekends or at the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre (1300 554 114). 0431 038 802 undergroundspirits.com.au

BALDWIN DISTILLING COMPANY

MITCHELL • DISTILLERY • ADMISSION: $50 Australia’s only dedicated bourbon distillery offers informative evening tours. (02) 6241 5472 baldwindistilling.com.au

The Canberra Distillery

Zierholz Premium Brewery Restaurant and Bar

Insider

VIEW

Dave Phillips, who runs brewery tours around Canberra for loyal beer fans, shares a few of his favourite local joints to grab a cold one CAPITAL BREWING CO. (FYSHWICK) “Each beer pays homage to nature so it’s only fitting the brewery has a perfect outdoor area to enjoy.” (02) 5104 0915 capitalbrewing.co

THE OLD CANBERRA INN (LYNEHAM) “First licensed in 1872 and a favourite for great pub food and ever-changing craft beers.” (02) 6134 6000 oldcanberrainn.com.au

DUCKS NUTS BAR & GRILL (DICKSON) “Where sports and beer go hand in hand. Recently awarded Canberra’s best burgers by the Australian Hotels Association.” (02) 6230 7675 ducksnuts.net.au

AVAILABLE ON TAP AROUND TOWN Products from award-winning craft brewery Pact Beer Co are available in venues and retailers across Canberra.

BentSpoke Brewing Co.

0435 803 194

pactbeer.com.au

TOURS DAVE’S BREWERY TOURS

LOCAL SPIRIT

Go behind the scenes of Canberra’s best breweries to learn about the beer-making process and taste the city’s finest frothies. 0481 162 820 daves.com.au

Explore some of Canberra’s top breweries, distilleries, wineries, coffee houses and coffee roasters. 0406 820 082 localspirit.com.au

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS • TOUR • ADMISSION: FROM $120

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS • TOUR • ADMISSION: FROM $100

visitcanberra.com.au 33

Australian War Memorial

History

& HERITAGE

Canberra’s wide range of museums offer a rich taste of Australian culture AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL

CAMPBELL • WAR MEMORIAL • ADMISSION: FREE Australia’s armed forces are honoured at this shrine and museum that commemorates the sacrifice of those who have participated or died in war. Rich in history, the Australian War Memorial provides an educational experience for visitors of all ages – especially in 2018, the year that marks the centenary anniversary of the First World War armistice. Located within the grounds are the Hall of Memory with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; Pool of Reflection; Eternal Flame; and museum, including one of the world’s great collections of First World War material. Each day at 4.55pm, the memorial farewells visitors with a moving Last Post ceremony. 34

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WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS? There are plenty of displays and information that will fascinate primary and secondary schoolchildren. (02) 6243 4211 awm.gov.au

NATIONAL LIBRARY OF AUSTRALIA

PARKES • LIBRARY • ADMISSION: FREE Housing the largest collection of Australian books, magazines, photographs, maps and manuscripts, this library is an absolute treasure-trove. See Captain James Cook’s journal from his first journey to Australia, the notebook Captain William Bligh kept after the mutiny on HMS Bounty and the speeches and diaries of Australia’s first Prime Minister, Sir Edmund Barton.

There are also materials from the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, papers belonging to Eddie Mabo outlining the history of the Indigenous campaign for native title, and cultural materials on the Pacific region and Papua New Guinea. Nearby is the High Court of Australia (hcourt.gov.au) where, if court is sitting, you can watch proceedings in one of its three courtrooms. To help plan your trip, check the calendar of events on the High Court’s website. Admission is free. WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS? Older children will enjoy the 45-minute Discover Your National Library tour, which runs at 2pm each Saturday (except on public holidays and between Christmas and New Year). (02) 6262 1111 nla.gov.au

Arts & Culture Australian War Memorial

National Library of Australia

Family Action Packs add a fun dimension to the museum, while the Play Up exhibition (see page 44) will keep littlies entertained. (02) 6270 8222 moadoph.gov.au

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

PARKES • GALLERY • ADMISSION: FREE

Museum of Australian Democracy

ROYAL AUSTRALIAN MINT DEAKIN • MINT • ADMISSION: FREE

Since opening in 1965, the Royal Australian Mint in Deakin has produced more than 15 billion coins. Take a 30-minute tour to learn about the history of coins in Australia. And see the country’s first minted coins – made by a convicted forger – as well as robots making coins, including Titan, which is capable of lifting 1000kg. You can even mint a legal commemorative $1 coin and start your own collection. WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS? Call ahead to ensure they’re making coins on the day you visit and kids will be left in awe. (02) 6202 6999 ramint.gov.au

MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRACY PARKES • MUSEUM • ADMISSION: $2

Wander through Old Parliament House, opened by the Duke of York in 1927 and closed in 1988, and see the former Prime Minister’s office, cabinet room and press office, still housing original furniture. Several 45-minute tours run each day. Learn about significant moments in Australian political history, including the declaration of war against Japan in 1941 and the dismissal of Gough Whitlam’s Labor government in 1975. There are also democracy exhibitions, copies of famous speeches and photos of former PMs. WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS? Indoor and outdoor

So many faces – all of them important to our country. Given the idea of a portrait gallery wasn’t floated until the early 1990s, the breadth and quality of the National Portrait Gallery, opened in 2008, is exceptional. Check out one of its first commissions, Howard Arkley’s portrait of Nick Cave, and Benjamin Law’s 1830s plaster busts of Aboriginal leaders Trucaninny and Woureddy. WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS? They’ll enjoy trying to remember the names of all the actors and sports stars lining the walls, plus it’s a great way to sneak in a history lesson! (02) 6102 7000 portrait.gov.au

Share your shots of Canberra #VisitCanberra

@louie_abroad Namadgi National Park

@saravselj Parliament House visitcanberra.com.au 35

National Museum of Australia

NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA

ABOVE LEFT: A BIGGER GRAND CANYON, 1999, BY DAVID HOCKNEY, NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA

PARKES • GALLERY • ADMISSION: FREE More than 160,000 works of art feature in the gallery’s permanent collection and they are categorised as Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Asian, European or American. Highlights comprise Sir Sidney Nolan’s Ned Kelly series and paintings by Monet, Matisse and Andy Warhol. Take a walk around the sculpture garden on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin and don’t miss American artist James Turrell’s Skyspace Within without 2010, which explores space and light and is especially dramatic at dawn and dusk. Check the gallery’s website for information about travelling exhibitions, including Cartier: The Exhibition on show from March 30 until July 22. It will feature 300 spectacular jewelled items such as the Queen’s “Halo” tiara, worn by Kate Middleton at her wedding to Prince William, and Princess Grace of Monaco’s diamond engagement ring. WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS? Head to NGA Play, a year-round interactive space where children can immerse themselves in art experiences. (02) 6240 6411 nga.gov.au

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA

ACTON • MUSEUM • ADMISSION: FREE Opened in 2001 and situated on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin at Acton Peninsula, the National Museum of Australia is a modern architectural marvel. Within the building, the nation’s rich and diverse cultural 36

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tapestry comes to life, with stories and exhibits showcasing the land and people of Australia. See legendary racehorse Phar Lap’s heart, cricket memorabilia, the Jerilderie Letter, a table from the First Fleet and publican John Hanlon’s handwritten copy of bushranger Ned Kelly’s political manifesto. WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS? Children will enjoy interactive adventure game Kspace, which you can read more about on page 44. 1800 026 132 nma.gov.au

PARLIAMENT HOUSE

CANBERRA • GOVERNMENT • ADMISSION: FREE Watch politicians in animated discussion from the gallery during Question Time in the House of Representatives and the Senate, and explore Parliament House public areas such as the roof, marble foyer and the Great Hall. The building is also home to one of Australia’s most significant art collections, with more than 6500 works on display including a tapestry by Arthur Boyd and portraits of prime ministers and other distinguished Australians, in addition to temporary exhibitions. You can do a free guided tour to see the main features and highlights of the art collection. In-depth behind-the-scenes and private tours are also available at a cost. WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS? With an impressive glass elevator and one of the largest tapestries in the world, which hangs in the Great Hall, Parliament House isn’t just for adults. (02) 6277 7111 aph.gov.au

National Gallery of Australia

Arts & Culture DAY ITINERARY

National Portrait Gallery 8am Take in the history of Old Canberra House, built in 1914, and tuck into some brekky at Ivy & The Fox (02 6257 9229, ivyandthefox.com). Grab a table under the trees and take in the gorgeous garden surrounds. You’ll leave with your tummy full. 2 minutes

National Gallery of Australia

9.15am Visit Acton’s National Museum of Australia (1800 026 132, nma.gov.au), where you can see fascinating items such as Phar Lap’s heart, a dress belonging to Azaria Chamberlain and Captain James Cook’s navigational tools. 8 minutes 11.30am Located in Parkes, the National Portrait Gallery (02 6102 7000, portrait.gov.au) features more than 400 portraits of prominent Australian artists, entertainers, politicians and sports heroes. A free 30-minute tour of the collection is available. 3 minutes 1.30pm Treat yourself to a laid-back lunch at the sleek Vincent Restaurant (02 6273 7773, vincentrestaurant.com.au). Everything on their menu is mouth-watering, from the silky goat’s cheese to the confit duck, pork belly and scallops. 10 minutes 3.30pm Do a 90-minute tour of the Australian War Memorial (02 6243 4211, awm.gov.au) to view artefacts from conflicts including World War I, World War II and the Vietnam War. 13 minutes

Parliament House offers free tours

5pm After a day taking in Canberra’s culture, you’ll be ready for drink o’clock at the bustling Wig & Pen Tavern and Brewery (02 6248 0171, facebook.com/ wigandpen.canberra). A Canberra institution for people who appreciate good beer and cider. visitcanberra.com.au 37

CANBERRA GLASSWORKS

KINGSTON • CULTURAL CENTRE • ADMISSION: FREE Nestled in the historic Kingston Power House, this contemporary glass centre is the only one of its kind in Australia. It has rotating exhibitions of glass art, craft and design. On certain days, you can watch professional glass artists at work and book courses to learn how to make paperweights, vases and other glass objects. In an exciting new development on the horizon, the Kingston Arts Precinct (02 6255 0430) will deliver a space where artists, cultural organisations and creative businesses make, teach, exhibit, perform and sell their work. The space will be designed by Fender Katsalidis Architects, the firm behind Mona in Hobart. WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS? Phone ahead to make sure the artists are working, because the kids will love watching them create beautiful items. The hands-on school holiday programs are also a must. (02) 6260 7005 canberraglassworks.com

Canberra Glassworks

der InsiVIEW

Canberra Glassworks

NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF AUSTRALIA

Canberra Glassworks artistic director Jane Cush shares her top tips for visiting Canberra

ABOVE CENTRE: KELLY AND HORSE, 1946, BY SIR SIDNEY NOLAN, CANBERRA MUSEUM AND GALLERY

What makes Canberra a great city for art and culture? The diversity and quality of the national cultural institutions located within easy distance of each other. Then the smaller, cutting-edge organisations offer a plethora of choice. You could go to a new exhibition almost every night of the week! When is the best time to visit? Floriade in spring is an obvious time, but to limit a visit to just the tulip display means missing out on the region’s huge offerings. Our Winter Glass Market at Canberra Glassworks, for example, is on in mid-June.

1300 554 114

PARKES • MINT • ADMISSION: $2

What is the one attraction every visitor to Canberra should see and why? The National Gallery of Australia with James Turrell’s Skyspace work Within without 2010. How does Canberra celebrate its Indigenous culture? I think Canberra was at the forefront of recognising Indigenous culture. Gough Whitlam and the Labor Party did a lot to make this happen. There isn’t much in the arts here that isn’t inclusive of Indigenous culture, from the teaching at universities through to the major art organisations and institutions.

This collection of government records traces the events and decisions that have shaped Australia. It includes documents from the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme, the motion that could have saved the Whitlam government, records of wartime internment camps, colourful posters of World War II Beaufort aircraft and documents from postwar migrant families. There’s also plenty of fun stuff, such as board games played in the early 20th century, images of fashion throughout the decades, reports of UFO sightings in the desert and incoming passenger cards for The Beatles from their 1964 Australian tour. WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS? The interactive exhibit, Memory of a Nation, is always popular with children. (02) 6212 3600 naa.gov.au

Arts & Culture LOCAL ART TRAIL Discover the fabulous art Canberra has to offer at the city’s boutique and large-scale galleries ABORIGINAL DREAMINGS GALLERY (NICHOLLS) (02) 6230 2922

AINSLIE + GORMAN ARTS CENTRES (BRADDON) (02) 6182 0000

ANCA (DICKSON)

(02) 6247 8736

ANU SCHOOL OF ART & DESIGN GALLERY (CANBERRA CITY) (02) 6125 5841

BEAVER GALLERIES (DEAKIN) (02) 6282 5294

BELCONNEN ARTS CENTRE (BELCONNEN) (02) 6173 3300

BILK GALLERY (GRIFFITH) (02) 6162 2761

BURRUNJU ART GALLERY (CANBERRA CITY)

Sir Sidney Nolan’s artwork, Kelly and horse, is on display at Canberra Museum and Gallery

(02) 6284 8229

CANBERRA CONTEMPORARY ART SPACE (MANUKA) (02) 6247 0188

CANBERRA GLASSWORKS (KINGSTON) (02) 6260 7005

CANBERRA MUSEUM AND GALLERY (CANBERRA CITY) (02) 6207 3968

CRAFT ACT: CRAFT & DESIGN CENTRE (CANBERRA CITY) (02) 6262 9333

CANBERRA MUSEUM AND GALLERY

NATIONAL FILM AND SOUND ARCHIVE

Around 5000 social history and visual art objects that reveal the story and contemporary culture of the Canberra region are on display at this museum and gallery. Don’t miss the Nolan Collection by eminent Australian artist Sir Sidney Nolan. Donated to the people of Australia in 1974, it includes Burke and Wills expedition, Under the pier and works from the Ned Kelly series. WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS? A wide variety of activities is held throughout the year for kids of all ages – from Every Picture Tells a Story learning sessions for preschool children (bookings essential, $9 per student) to the Come Alive: Festival of Museum Theatre aimed at children aged 7 to 12 years old. (02) 6207 3968 cmag.com.au

Oscar-winning creations from The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, T-shirts worn by The Wiggles and Johnny O’Keefe’s coat are among the more than two million objects on display. Other items include films, television and radio programs, videos, audiotapes, records, compact discs, phonograph cylinders, wire recordings, photos, posters, scripts, props and vintage equipment. See footage of actors Russell Crowe, Nicole Kidman and Geoffrey Rush before they made it big in Hollywood and view exhibitions of the work of Indigenous actor David Gulpilil. WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS? Children can revel in the nostalgia of The Front Room, where they can enjoy the music and TV their parents and grandparents loved to watch. 1800 067 274 nfsa.gov.au

CANBERRA • MUSEUM/GALLERY • ADMISSION: FREE

ACTON • ARCHIVE • ADMISSION: FREE

KIN GALLERY (BRADDON) 0431 052 214

MEGALO PRINT STUDIO + GALLERY (KINGSTON) (02) 6232 6041

M16 ARTSPACE (GRIFFITH) (02) 6295 9438

NANCY SEVER GALLERY (KINGSTON) (02) 6239 5434

NISHI GALLERY (NEWACTON) (02) 6287 6287

PHOTOACCESS (MANUKA) (02) 6295 7810

SUKI & HUGH GALLERY (BUNGENDORE) (02) 6238 1398

TUGGERANONG ARTS CENTRE (GREENWAY) (02) 6293 1443

Megalo Print Studio + Gallery

visitcanberra.com.au 39

The Aboriginal Memorial at the National Gallery of Australia

s u o g e n Indi CULTURE

ABOVE: THE ABORIGINAL MEMORIAL, 1987–88, BY RAMINGINING ARTISTS, NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA. RIGHT: WELCOME SPACE, FIRST AUSTRALIANS GALLERY, NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA, PHOTO BY GEORGE SERRAS, NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA

Discover the history and traditions of the Indigenous people who have lived in the Canberra region for at least 21,000 years NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA

ACTON • MUSEUM • ADMISSION: FREE First Australians: Gallery of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders is the largest gallery at the museum and is home to thousands of artefacts such as stone tools, fishing apparatus, spears, boomerangs and art. Visitors are greeted with a Welcome to Country by local Ngunnawal, Ngunawal and Ngambri people. Highlights include colourful masks and headdresses in the Torres Strait gallery, breastplates presented to Aboriginal people until 1946 and poignant objects related to the Stolen Generation, such as the remaining half of the old Kinchela Boys Home gate, 40

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which was one of the most wellknown Aboriginal children’s homes in NSW. 1800 026 132 nma.gov.au

NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA

PARKES • GALLERY • ADMISSION: FREE With more than 7500 works, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art collection at the National Gallery of Australia is the largest in the world. Each gallery space showcases a different geographic region or aspect of Indigenous art, with many paintings and sculptures illuminated by

Welcome Space at the National Museum of Australia’s First Australians gallery natural daylight, akin to the light in which the works were created. A must-see is The Aboriginal Memorial, which comprises 200 traditional hollow log coffins or poles from central Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory – one for each year of European

Arts & Culture The tour begins at the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Centre before continuing to Cotter Reserve, where the Ngunnawal people welcomed travellers for thousands of years. After visiting Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, stop in the small village of Tharwa, which was the home of several Aboriginal families who worked for early white settlers. Then pop into Namadgi Visitor Centre to learn about an area rich in archaeological discoveries, with more than 200 Aboriginal sites recorded within the national park. Next stop is Tuggeranong Homestead, where one of the earliest written records of local Aboriginal life was recorded in 1831, before finishing at Mount Ainslie Lookout. (02) 6205 0255 canberratracks.act.gov.au

settlement until 1988. There is a selection of 19th-century objects such as woven cane baskets from Queensland, shell necklaces from Tasmania and masks from the Torres Strait Islands; bark paintings depicting crocodiles, anteaters and spirit figures; and batiks and textiles. The gallery also features contemporary urban works exploring identity, community, country, racism and race relations, oppression and subjugation. (02) 6240 6411 nga.gov.au/collections/atsi

TIDBINBILLA NATURE RESERVE

PADDYS RIVER • NATURE RESERVE • ADMISSION: $12 (DAY PASS – PRIVATE VEHICLE) In a beautiful valley between the Tidbinbilla and Gibraltar ranges on the fringe of Namadgi National Park, 40 minutes’ drive south of the city, this 54km2 area has recorded the highest density of Aboriginal artefacts found in the ACT. It was once a significant meeting place for neighbouring clans, where ceremonies, trading and marriages took place. The name Tidbinbilla is derived from the Ngunnawal word “Jedbinbilla” – a place where boys were made men. It is believed the area was highly prized for its supply of the Bogong moth, which was shaken and teased out from under rocky overhangs before being roasted. Visitors can do a guided walk with an Aboriginal ranger or hike the Birrigai Time Trail to the Birrigai Rock Shelter, which is one of the oldest in the region. Or walk along Hanging Rock Trail to see majestic granite tors once used as shelters by Indigenous people. (02) 6205 1233 tidbinbilla.act.gov.au

DHARWRA ABORIGINAL CULTURAL TOURS

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS • TOUR • ADMISSION: FROM $40 Learn about bush foods, stone tools and rock art sites with Dharwra Cultural Tours. Two-hour tours, for a minimum of eight people, include Mount Majura – which, at 890m, is the highest peak in suburban Canberra, Mount Taylor and Black Mountain. Half-day tours, for families with children aged 12 and over, take in cultural sites such as Red Hill, Theodore and Lanyon Homestead to see grinding grooves and canoe and shield trees. Full-day tours, from September to March, include picturesque Flea Creek and a visit to Yankee Hat rock art site in Namadgi National Park. 0407 517 844 thunderstone.net.au

Gibraltar Ranges

NGUNNAWAL COUNTRY HERITAGE TRAIL MULTIPLE LOCATIONS • NATURE/CULTURAL • ADMISSION: FREE

Follow this self-drive route to visit significant areas in Ngunnawal Country.

Southern brush-tailed rock wallaby at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

WANT TO FIND OUT MORE

about the Ngunnawal s? Country self-drive track . ks Visit canberratrac act.gov.au for more information.

Ngunnawal Country Heritage Trail visitcanberra.com.au 41

The only Museum that celebrates democracy and our place within it. Step inside the iconic Old Parliament House and experience Australian history first hand. From captivating guided tours to exciting kids’ activities, it’s all happening at the Museum of Australian Democracy. 18 King George Terrace, Parkes, Canberra moadoph.gov.au | 02 6270 8222

/museumofaustraliandemocracy /MoAD_Canberra @oldparliamenthouse Sign up to our e-newsletter

Enlighten, 2017

Access unique areas

Eye-opening exhibitions

Family friendly fun

Treat your tastebuds

Everyone’s welcome

Take a guided tour and wander the corridors where some of Australia’s most important events took place.

With our constant stream of fresh exhibitions and events, you’ll be challenged, enlightened, and transformed.

Keep the kids entertained at PLAY UP, an interactive space designed to make learning fun for little ones.

Relax with a coffee and snack at the Terrace Café, or break for a leisurely lunch in our Modern Australian restaurant, Hoi Polloi.

With its central location, easy parking, wheelchair access and free tours, the Museum of Australian Democracy is a place everyone can enjoy.

Discover all this and more by visiting moadoph.gov.au/visit

Open daily 9am – 5pm (closed Christmas day)

THE MINT

WE MAKE AUSTRALIA’S COINS See the coin factory, strike a coin and hunt for treasures at the Royal Australian Mint.

Free entry | Free tours | Free parking Mint Coin Shop | Cafe Monday to Friday 8.30 am – 5.00 pm Weekends and Public Holidays 10.00 am – 4.00 pm Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday

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CHILD’S

y a l P National Zoo & Aquarium

Educational fun and action-adventure awaits families of all ages in Canberra. The only problem will be trying to fit it all in CSIRO DISCOVERY CENTRE

CANBERRA SPACE CENTRE

ROYAL AUSTRALIAN MINT

Take an interactive and fun journey through science history at one of the world’s largest research organisations. Located at the foot of Black Mountain, it is open Monday to Friday, including school holidays. (02) 6246 4646 csiro.au/en/education/community -engagement/discovery-centre

Find out about Australia’s role in helping NASA at the Canberra Space Centre, on the grounds of the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex in Tidbinbilla, 35km from the city. See a piece of the moon that’s more than 3.8 billion years old, marvel at the latest images from across the solar system and learn about the foods astronauts eat on the space shuttle and space station. (02) 6201 7800 cdscc.nasa.gov

See how coins are made by robots on the free guided tour (10am and 2pm on weekdays; 11am, 1pm and 2pm on weekends). Kids can take part in the Mint Treasure Hunt by completing the My Visit to the Mint Activity Book, available from the front desk or shop. (02) 6202 6999 ramint.gov.au

MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRACY

PARKES • SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY CENTRE • ADMISSION: FROM $17.50 (KIDS UNDER FOUR FREE)

ACTON • SCIENCE CENTRE • ADMISSION: FROM $7

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA

ACTON • MUSEUM/GALLERY • ADMISSION: FREE Build your own time-travelling robot then blast off to explore a mystery location in Australia’s past, such as the 1854 Victorian goldfields or Sydney in the 1930s, when the Harbour Bridge was being built. You’ll find all this and more at Kspace – the National Museum of Australia’s interactive adventure game for kids. The three-stage experience at the museum, on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, takes about half an hour to complete. 1800 026 132 nma.gov.au 44

1300 554 114

TIDBINBILLA • SPACE CENTRE • ADMISSION: FREE

PARKES • MUSEUM/GALLERY • ADMISSION: FROM $1 This museum at Old Parliament House is very hands-on: through dressing up and visiting various rooms, kids are encouraged to imagine how different their life would be without their bedroom, favourite food or a warm jacket at the interactive Play Up exhibition that focuses on the human rights of children around the world. (02) 6270 8222 moadoph.gov.au/exhibitions/play-up

DEAKIN • MINT • ADMISSION: FREE

QUESTACON: THE NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CENTRE Start the day at one of Canberra’s most popular family destinations, where learning about science and technology is made fun. Among the 200-plus interactive displays are the thrilling Earthquake Lab and the exhibits in the Science Garden, inspired by natural elements. Little ones are also catered for with Mini Q, a custom-built environment for kids up to six years old. (02) 6270 2800 questacon.edu.au

Learn &Play

NATIONAL ZOO & AQUARIUM YARRALUMLA • ZOO/AQUARIUM • ADMISSION: FROM $23

Handfeed lions, tigers and bears on a Zooventure Tour or cuddle a dingo in its enclosure, feed a shark and meet a cheetah and rhinoceros on the Walk on the Wildside Tour. Bring your own food and drink (with the exception of alcohol) and enjoy a picnic or barbecue, or have lunch at The Rainforest Cafe. (02) 6287 8400 nationalzoo.com.au

der InsiVIEW

HAUS Models and FASHFEST co-founder Andrea Hutchinson loves exploring Canberra with her husband and two young children What do your children (aged two and four) love to do in Canberra? In summer, we head to parks, the lake and playgrounds. The little ones are also keen on Belconnen Skate Park (77 Emu Bank, Belconnen). In winter, they love Play Up at Old Parliament House – it’s so hands on. The kids can stand up, dress up, make up and step up in different rooms, which offer toys, books and learning activities.

Australian War Memorial

AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL

CAMPBELL • WAR MEMORIAL • ADMISSION: FREE Dodge sniper fire in a World War I trench on the Western Front, take control of a helicopter hovering over a field in Vietnam and peer through the periscope of a Cold War submarine in the Discovery Zone at the Australian War Memorial.

The attraction features five environments inspired by Australia’s military history, including the experiences of the civilian population – the Australian home front during World War II – and a peacekeeping mission in a war-ravaged community. (02) 6243 4211 awm.gov.au/visit/visitor-information/ features/discovery-zone

Where are the best places for families to eat in Canberra? Doubleshot in Deakin (02 6162 2027, doubleshotdeakin.com.au) is pretty relaxed and kids can play in a safe space, with live music on Sundays. Jamie’s Italian (02 6268 0400, jamieoliver.com/italian/australia/ restaurants/canberra) in the city is also cool. They have a great kids’ menu, supply highchairs and provide crayons and colouring-in sheets. Where do you take your friends with kids who visit Canberra? The National Gallery of Australia has NGA Play (nga.gov.au/ngaplay), a creative space with interactive activities. It’s fabulous because it keeps changing and evolving – mixing art and fun for parents and kids – and caters for all ages, from babies to teens.

visitcanberra.com.au 45

NATURE FUN CORIN FOREST

PADDYS RIVER • ALPINE RECREATION • ADMISSION: FROM $18 Located in the Brindabella Range, just 45 minutes’ drive from the Canberra CBD, Corin Forest provides year-round alpine adventure for all ages. During winter, enjoy beginners’ skiing and snowboarding, plus tobogganing and snowman-building. In summer, ride the Alpine Slide that descends 1.2km through the forest and take in views of the city, Namadgi National Park and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. (02) 6235 7333 corin.com.au

Pod Playground at the National Arboretum Canberra

Flip Out

Corin Forest Alpine Slide

PLAYGROUNDS Canberra’s vast array of playgrounds celebrate the magnificent outdoors of the national capital. Kids of all ages will be thoroughly entertained in these dedicated play spaces dotted throughout the city, suburbs and surrounding regions. Here are the top picks every child will love:

BOUNDLESS PLAYGROUND (PARKES) (02) 6271 2888 boundlesscanberra.org.au

JOHN KNIGHT MEMORIAL PARK (BELCONNEN) 13 22 81 environment.act.gov.au

KAMBAH ADVENTURE PARK PLAYGROUND (KAMBAH) 13 22 81 environment.act.gov.au

POD PLAYGROUND, NATIONAL ARBORETUM CANBERRA (MOLONGLO VALLEY) (02) 6207 8484 n ationalarboretum.act.gov.au/visit/ highlights/pod-playground

YERRABI PONDS DISTRICT PARK PLAYGROUND (GUNGAHLIN) 13 22 81

Power Kart Raceway

GET ACTIVE CANBERRA INDOOR ROCK CLIMBING

HUME AND MITCHELL • INDOOR ROCK CLIMBING • ADMISSION: FROM $15 Challenge yourself with walls from 6.5m to 8.5m high at two Canberra locations in Hume and Mitchell. All levels are catered for, including kids six years and under ($13.50 admission includes harness). It is compulsory to use a harness (hire is $7.50) but shoe and chalk-bag hire is optional. Hume: (02) 6260 1101 Mitchell: (02) 6262 4863 canberrarockclimbing.com.au

POWER KART RACEWAY

GRIFFITH • KART RACING • ADMISSION: FROM $30

Share your shots of Canberra #VisitCanberra

@martayebraphotography National Zoo & Aquarium 46

1300 554 114

@Zipping12 Questacon

Race around an F1-style indoor circuit on world-class electric go-karts at Power Kart Raceway. Each race consists of 14 laps of the 320m track, where the lap count is based on the lead racer. Sessions take around 10 minutes. Beginners can have a go at Power Kart Kids, a modified version of kart racing for those aged four to seven. Other fun activities on site include Jungle Golf and indoor glow-in-the-dark minigolf. (02) 6239 5599 powerkarts.com.au

Learn &Play DAY ITINERARY

Questacon 9am – Questacon: The National Science and Technology Centre

FLIP OUT

HUME AND MITCHELL • TRAMPOLINING • ADMISSION: FROM $15 Head to one of the indoor trampoline arenas in Hume or Mitchell for lots of fun including trampolining, foam pits and ball games. Hume: (02) 6260 1991 Mitchell: (02) 6255 5533 flipout.net.au

TIDBINBILLA NATURE RESERVE PADDYS RIVER • NATURE RESERVE • ADMISSION: FROM $5

Home to a wide range of Australian native animals, this subalpine habitat comprises wetlands, grasslands, wet and dry forests and woodlands. Stroll along one of 22 marked walking trails and keep an eye out for koalas, kangaroos, possums, wombats, echidnas, emus and several types of birds and reptiles. Kids will also have hours of fun at the Nature Discovery Playground. (02) 6205 1233 tidbinbilla.act.gov.au

VERTIKAL INDOOR SNOW SPORTS

FYSHWICK • INDOOR SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING • ADMISSION: FROM $70 Providing year-round access to slopes that simulate genuine snow terrain, Vertikal offers classes to assist budding skiers and snowboarders hone their skills and smoothly transition to the real thing. vertikalsnowsports.com

BLOCHAUS BOULDERING GYM

Start your day with brainpower at Questacon (02 6270 2800, questacon.edu.au) in the innersouthern suburb of Parkes (just a five-minute drive from the CBD). Feel the motion and force of an earthquake at the Awesome Earth exhibition and launch a hydrogen rocket at H2O – Soak Up the Science. Then wander through the artistic and educational Science Garden. 15 minutes 11am – Australian Institute of Sport (AIS)

Down the road in Bruce, see where Australia’s sporting champions are made on a 90-minute guided tour at the AIS (02 6214 1010, ausport.gov.au/ais). Visit the interactive Sportex exhibit and then lunch at the AIS Cafe. 10 minutes

FYSHWICK • GYM • ADMISSION: FROM $16 Bouldering is indoor rock climbing with no ropes or harnesses, but protective floor padding to bounce off. Hang-timers will love this exciting, world-class new offering that boasts 2000-plus climbing holds and a range of walls to suit adults and kids of all abilities. (02) 6280 8830 blochaus.com.au

YARRALUMLA PLAY STATION

YARRALUMLA • MINI TRAIN/GOLF AND FARM • ADMISSION: FROM $5 The Yarralumla Play Station has been delivering thrills to little ones since 1973. Ride a train at the Weston Park Miniature Railway, play putt-putt at Lake Water Mini Golf and see lambs, alpacas and ponies at the Petite Park Petting Zoo. The Station Stop Café has been refurbished using original trainbooth seating from Transport NSW. (02) 6282 2714 yarraps.com.au

1pm – Dickson Dumpling House

Make lunch fun with a cheap and cheerful feast at Dickson Dumpling House (02 6248 8350, 77/2 Cape St, Dickson). From Chinese-style dishes to a variety of steaming dumplings, the whole family will be satisfied before heading on a dinosaur adventure. 10 minutes 3pm – National Dinosaur Museum

See the largest permanent display of dinosaur skeletons and prehistoric fossils in Australia (02 6230 2655, nationaldinosaurmuseum. com.au). The attraction at Gold Creek Village includes 23 complete skeletons and more than 300 fossils from 700 million-year-old fauna. But what will really thrill the kids is the dinosaur garden of realistic life-size fibreglass models. 20 minutes 5.30pm – Snapper

After an action-packed day, an early fish-andchips dinner is in order from Snapper takeaway at the Canberra Southern Cross Yacht Club (02 6273 1784, cscc.com.au/snapper). Soak up the views over Lake Burley Griffin at sunset. visitcanberra.com.au 47

Discover where Australia’s stories come alive at the National Museum of Australia. Located on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, the Museum’s stunning architecture offers visitors an extraordinary place to explore the rich and diverse stories of Australia and its people.

Visit us in Canberra or connect with us online today.

Image: Adam McGrath, Hcreations

nma.gov.au

Open 7 days 10am-5pm • Last admission 4:30pm

tep back in time and e xperience... Animatronic dinosaurs which move, roar, bite and even breathe! More than 50 lifelike dinosaur models and dozens of skeleton and skull displays. Huge walk through outdoor dinosaur garden. Canberra’s largest and most comprehensive range of amazing crystals, minerals and fossils. Australian dinosaurs, and interactive areas for kids Austra of all ages with many fun activities. Selected by CNN Travel as one of the Top 10 Dinosaur Museums in the world - April 2015 Gold Creek Rd & Barton Hwy | Nicholls 2913 ACT | 02 6230 2655

nationaldinosaurmuseum.com.au admin@nationaldinosaurmuseum.com.au

Come and join the fun in our interactive space for the young at heart. Get the kids involved in magical art experiences and check out awesome activities as they evolve all year round.

10.00am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5.00pm daily | Free Ground floor National Gallery of Australia

NGA Play is a NGA Betty Churcher Art Education and Access Program made possible with the support of Tim Fairfax AC.

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www.questacon.edu.au Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre King Edward Terrace, Canberra. Phone 02 6270 2800 Open 9 am–5 pm every day. Closed 25 December Admission fees apply on light backgrounds

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LICENSED GARDEN CAFÉ FREE BBQS • 2 GIFT SHOPS

Open 7 Days. 9.30 – 4.15pm (last admission)

11 Gold Creek Road, Nicholls ACT 2913

Display closes at 5pm. Closed Xmas and Boxing Days.

(02) 6230 2273 • cockingtongreen.com.au

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Questacon − The National Science and Technology Centre Discover the smarter way to have fun!

Cockington Green Gardens

COCKINGTON GREEN GARDENS

Where it’s the little things that count!

EST 1979, CANBERRA

Australian Institute of Sport Experience Australia’s premier elite sports precint.

Australia’s premier elite sporting precinct. Only minutes from Canberra’s CBD and set among 65 hectares of campus-like grounds with plenty of free off-street parking. AIS Tours

AIS Visitor Centre

Go behind the scenes on an award-winning 90 minute AIS Tour where you might catch some of Australia’s top athletes in training. Challenge yourself in Sportex, one of Australia’s leading interactive sports exhibits, surrounded by a unique collection of Australian sporting memorabilia. Best of all, Sportex is included as part of every AIS Tour. Tours run daily from the AIS Visitor Centre at 10am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm. Tour costs apply.

Everyone’s welcome at the AIS Visitor Centre. Purchase exclusive merchandise at the AIS Shop and enjoy great coffee and cafe-style food at the AIS Cafe. Open daily. AIS Aquatic and Fitness Centre Get fit like a true champion at the AIS. Dive into our world-class swimming pool, try our fully equipped gym or get real results with one of our experienced personal trainers. All visitors are welcome. Fees apply. Leverrier Street, Canberra, ACT Phone: (02) 6214 1010 Email: aistours@ausport.gov.au

/ExperienceAIS @ExperienceAIS

CANBERRA DEEP SPACE COMMUNICATION COMPLEX Discover the amazing universe around us and explore the Solar System and beyond at the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex. Part of NASA’s Deep Space Network, the facility provides constant contact with dozens of robotic spacecraft exploring planets, moons and stars. See Australia’s largest antenna dishes, a piece of the moon and exhibits on space exploration history. OPEN: ADDRESS:

PHONE: WEBSITE:

9am-5pm daily; closed Christmas Day 421 Discovery Drive (off Cotter Road and Paddys River Road) Tidbinbilla, ACT 2620 (02) 6201 7880 cdscc.nasa.gov

NATIONAL ZOO & AQUARIUM Delivering two venues for the price of one, this attraction is Australia’s only combined zoo and aquarium. Discover a wide variety of native and exotic animals, as well as marine and freshwater fish, reptiles and frogs. Their Close Encounters experiences provide visitors with an opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most amazing creatures. Free onsite parking is also available. OPEN: ADDRESS: PHONE: WEBSITE:

9.30am-5pm daily; closed Christmas Day Lady Denman Drive, Yarralumla, ACT 2600 (02) 6287 8400 nationalzoo.com.au

CANBERRA WALK-IN AVIARY Located at Gold Creek Village, the Canberra Walk-In Aviary features 1000 square metres of planted space where free-flying birds can be observed, photographed and fed. Visitors can walk among 500 birds representing 60 different species from Australia and around the world. OPEN:

ADDRESS: PHONE: WEBSITE:

Weather permitting: September-April 10am-5pm (last admission 4.30pm) daily; May-August 10am–4pm (last admission 3.30pm) daily; closed Christmas Day Unit 13, Federation Square, O’Hanlon Place, Nicholls, ACT 2913 (02) 6230 2044 canberrawalkinaviary.com.au

BALLOON ALOFT CANBERRA Enjoy Canberra’s beautiful lakes, parks, bush land, mountains, national buildings and colourful tree-lined streets from a unique, aerial perspective. Balloon Aloft offers stylish and adventurous flights over Australia’s capital city every morning. Ballooning adventures with style. OPEN: ADDRESS:

PHONE: WEBSITE:

Morning flights daily Meeting point: Hyatt Hotel Canberra, 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla, ACT 2600 (02) 6249 8660 balloonaloftcanberra.com.au

LANYON HOMESTEAD Based at the foot of the Brindabella Ranges, Lanyon Homestead is one of Australia’s premier historic properties. Dating back to the 1850s, the building has been beautifully restored and furnished. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the homestead and courtyard buildings using a detailed brochure, or take a guided tour.

OPEN: ADDRESS: PHONE: WEBSITE:

NATIONAL ARBORETUM CANBERRA Surround yourself with rare forests from around the world, as well as spectacular views and remarkable architecture and sculptures. Highlights include the Village Centre, the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection, Pod Playground, Sprout Cafe, a restaurant, gift shop, walking trails and picnic decks. OPEN:

ADDRESS: PHONE: WEBSITE:

1300 554 114

10am-4pm Tuesday-Sunday; closed some public holidays Tharwa Drive, Tharwa, ACT 2620 (02) 6237 6500 historicplaces.com.au

Village Centre 9am-4pm daily (closed Christmas Day); Arboretum Grounds and Pod Playground 6am-8.30pm (during daylight saving), 7am-5.30pm (during non-daylight saving) Forest Drive, off Tuggeranong Parkway, Weston Creek, ACT 2611 (02) 6207 8484 nationalarboretum.act.gov.au

Attractions Ethel Carrick Fox, Colonnades of Canberra’s Civic Centre

CANBERRA TRACKS With Aboriginal settlement in the Canberra region stretching back 20,000 years, plus European lineage dating back to the 1820s, there is so much history to explore. Download the free virtual reality app (check the website below for details) and see the past spring to life along eight self-drive themed trails with 360-degree panoramas, videos and holograms. TRACKS:

PHONE: WEBSITE:

Track 1: Ngunnawal Country Track 2: The Limestone Plains Track 3: Looking at Canberra Track 4: ACT Pioneers Cemetery Track 5: Gungahlin Heritage Track Track 6: Belconnen Heritage Track Track 7: Woden Heritage Track Track 8: Tuggeranong Heritage Track (02) 6205 0255 canberratracks.act.gov.au

NATIONAL CARILLON Towering 50 metres above Lake Burley Griffin on Aspen Island, this striking architectural landmark is also an impressive musical instrument with 55 bronze bells, each weighing between seven kilograms and six tonnes. The island is the perfect place to enjoy one of the free carillon recitals every Wednesday and Sunday, have a picnic or just enjoy the magnificent views of the lake.

OPEN: ADDRESS: PHONE: WEBSITE:

Recitals 12.30pm-1.20pm every Wednesday and Sunday Wendouree Drive, Parkes, ACT 2600 (02) 6272 2902 nca.gov.au/attractions-andmemorials/national-carillon

CANBERRA GLASSWORKS Watch artists at work in the glass-blowing studio at one of Australia’s only facilities dedicated to contemporary glass art. Canberra Glassworks offers guided tours (bookings essential), workshops and school holiday activities, with a retail shop and gallery showcasing the work of some of Australia’s leading artists. Entry is by gold coin donation.

CANBERRA MUSEUM AND GALLERY The Canberra Museum and Gallery is a unique place where visitors can experience the diverse history and contemporary culture of the Canberra region, while also gaining a deep understanding of Australia’s dynamic society in its global setting.

OPEN: OPEN: ADDRESS: PHONE: WEBSITE:

10am-4pm Wednesday-Sunday 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston, ACT 2604 (02) 6260 7005 canberraglassworks.com

ADDRESS: PHONE WEB

CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE From international touring sensations to homegrown talent, the Canberra Theatre Centre hosts the best live music, comedy, theatre and dance shows. An evening performance is a must during a visit to the national capital.

OPEN:

ADDRESS:

PHONE: WEBSITE:

Box office 9am-5pm on weekdays; 10am-2pm Saturday; two hours prior to every show Canberra Theatre Centre Civic Square, London Circuit, Canberra, ACT 2601 (02) 6275 2700 canberratheatrecentre.com.au

10am-5pm on weekdays; 12pm-5pm on weekends (12pm-4pm on weekends in winter); closed some public holidays 176 London Circuit, Canberra, ACT 2601 (02) 6207 3968 cmag.com.au

NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF AUSTRALIA Due to remedial works being undertaken on the East Block building, the National Archives of Australia has moved just around the corner to Old Parliament House. Visit the reading room and view facsimiles of the Australian Constitution and other founding documents. Admission fee is $2 for adults and $1 for concession and children five years and over. OPEN:

ADDRESS:

PHONE: WEBSITE:

Reading room 9am-5pm on weekdays, except on public holidays Exhibition 9am-5pm daily Old Parliament House, 18 King George Terrace, Parkes, ACT 2600 (02) 6212 3600 naa.gov.au

visitcanberra.com.au 53

Attractions & Tours BLUE SKIES ADVENTURE TOURS With so many attractions in Canberra and the surrounding regions, Blue Skies Adventure Tours offers a range of sightseeing options. Packages include half-day and full-day Canberra tours; a one-day Tidbinbilla Nature Experience; full-day food and wine experiences; and custom designed group tours. Each tour leaves from pick-up points around the CBD, and the Tidbinbilla Nature Experience runs a hotel pick-up service. TOUR TIMES: ADDRESS: PHONE: WEBSITE:

Check the website below for the daily tour schedule Pick-up points around Canberra city 1300 698 207 blueskytours.com.au

CANBERRA BIKE TOURS

WALKING TOURS

Our locally guided bicycle tours of Canberra and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve are 4 to 6 hours long, travel at a very leisurely pace and use a mix of shared paths and quiet roads. We can also customise tours for you.

Discover Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital with free walking tours run by the National Capital Authority. Group tours are available or you can go at your own pace with a self-guided walking option.

If you are looking for something more ambitious, why not join us on a multi-day tour through Canberra and surrounding New South Wales?

Take a guided tour of Anzac Parade; experience Commonwealth Park and Reconciliation Place on the Lakeside Walk; or start from the National Capital Exhibition at Regatta Point and enjoy all the sights on the way to historic Blundells Cottage.

TOUR TIMES: ADDRESS: PHONE: WEBSITE:

Check the website below for the tour schedule Multiple starting points 0412 309 711 mulgabicycletours.com.au

TOUR TIMES: ADDRESS: PHONE: WEBSITE:

Check the website below for the tour schedule Multiple start points (02) 6272 2902 nca.gov.au/discover-and-learn/ take-tour

Outdoors & Nature

Breath of

FRESH AIR

Let Canberra help you escape the stress of your day job with relaxing and action-packed experiences that showcase the best of the bush capital

IF YOU LIKE GREAT VIEWS BLACK MOUNTAIN – TELSTRA TOWER

ACTON • LOOKOUT • ADMISSION: $7.50 WHAT: Indoor and outdoor observation decks offer stunning 360-degree views. HIGHLIGHT: Grab refreshments in the café overlooking Lake Burley Griffin, the National Museum and Parliamentary Triangle. 1800 806 718 telstratower.com.au

CANBERRA HELICOPTERS

CANBERRA AIRPORT • TOUR • ADMISSION: FROM $150 WHAT: Take a lap of the lake or explore further afield. A wonderful way to see the sights of Canberra. HIGHLIGHT: Experience the thrill of flying yourself in a dual-controlled helicopter with a personal flight instructor. (02) 6257 2647 canberraheli.com.au

HEAD OU

For informat T Canberra’s na ion on tiona trails and gard l parks, call Access Ca ens, nber on 13 22 81. ra

CANBERRA WARBIRDS

MOUNT AINSLIE LOOKOUT

a unique way to see the city from above. HIGHLIGHT: Spice up your sightseeing with a 45-minute adventure flight that includes aerobatics – not for the faint-hearted! 0402 026 136 capitalwarbirds.com.au

an “irregular amphitheatre” with Mount Ainslie, Black Mountain and Mount Pleasant “forming the top galleries”. From this lookout, you can see why his design was chosen. HIGHLIGHT: For photography buffs, it’s a great place to snap native birds and wildlife. 13 22 81 canberratracks.act.gov.au

CANBERRA AIRPORT • TOUR • ADMISSION: $300 WHAT: Climb into a Soviet-era Yak-52 for

HOT-AIR BALLOON FLIGHT

PIALLIGO • TOUR • ADMISSION: FROM $310 WHAT: There’s no better way to see the townplanning geometry of Canberra than from 1km above at sunrise. Truly memorable. HIGHLIGHT: Romantics will swoon at the unforgettable Valentine’s Day specials. (02) 6249 8660 balloonaloftcanberra.com.au (02) 6248 8200 dawndrifters.com.au

AINSLIE • LOOKOUT • ADMISSION: FREE WHAT: Walter Burley Griffin called Canberra

RED HILL LOOKOUT

RED HILL • LOOKOUT • ADMISSION: FREE WHAT: Two lookouts offer spectacular views that include Parliament House, Lake Burley Griffin, Mount Ainslie and Woden Valley. HIGHLIGHT: Little Brother @ Red Hill and Onred respectively offer café-style fine dining. 13 22 81 canberratracks.act.gov.au visitcanberra.com.au 55

IF YOU LIKE GARDENS NATIONAL ARBORETUM CANBERRA

MOLONGLO VALLEY • ARBORETUM • ADMISSION: FREE WHAT: Featuring more than 44,000 trees in

LOOKOAUrbToSretum

al The Nation rs stunning e ff o a rr g Canbe breathtakin walks and 6207 8484, views (02 oretum. nationalarb au). act.gov.

94 forests across 250 hectares, the National Arboretum Canberra is one of the largest tree conservation projects in the world. Visitors can enjoy talks, walks, picnics, play areas, spectacular views and much more. HIGHLIGHT: Lovers of art and nature will appreciate the outdoor sculptures, which include two pieces by acclaimed metalsculpture artist Kozo Nishino. (02) 6207 8484 nationalarboretum.act.gov.au

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS

ACTON • GARDENS • ADMISSION: FREE WHAT: Located on the lower slopes of Black Mountain, the ANBG features the most comprehensive display of living Australian native plants in the world. With walking trails, spacious lawns and a range of educational activities, it perfectly combines fun with learning. HIGHLIGHT: Plant-lovers will enjoy the Botanical Resource Centre, which houses the Public Reference Herbarium collection. (02) 6250 9588 anbg.gov.au

COCKINGTON GREEN GARDENS

NICHOLLS • GARDENS • ADMISSION: $19.50 WHAT: Set among beautifully landscaped gardens are meticulously crafted tiny buildings divided into an English village and International area (which features a miniature steam train). HIGHLIGHT: The Rose Room exhibition features doll’s house “Misrule”, a replica of the house from Seven Little Australians. (02) 6230 2273 cockingtongreen.com.au

Cockington Green Gardens

National Arboretum Canberra

IF YOU LIKE BUSHWALKING CENTENARY TRAIL

VARIOUS LOCATIONS • WALKING TRAIL • ADMISSION: FREE WHAT: A 145km loop through a diverse

NAMADGI NATIONAL PARK

PADDYS RIVER • NATIONAL PARK • ADMISSION: FREE WHAT: Climbing, mountain biking,

range of Canberra’s urban and natural environments. Allow a week for walking or three days for cycling – or take one of the shorter sections if you have less time. HIGHLIGHT: The One Tree Hill walk offers fantastic views from the north, plus the opportunity to see wildlife such as birds, kangaroos and wallabies. 13 22 81 environment.act.gov.au

bushwalking, fishing, wildlife spotting and more; whether you’re the active type or like to take it easy, there’s plenty to see and do here. HIGHLIGHT: The 21,000-year-old camp sites, ceremonial stone arrangements and rock art sites left by the Ngunnawal people. 13 22 81 environment.act.gov.au

TIDBINBILLA NATURE RESERVE

MOUNT AINSLIE SUMMIT WALK

including bushwalking along tracks and trails, ranger-guided tours and the Nature Discovery Playground for kids. HIGHLIGHT: The Sanctuary is a great place to spot birds, platypuses, reptiles and other native wildlife. (02) 6205 1233 tidbinbilla.act.gov.au

Memorial, this 4km track (2km up and back) takes walkers through dry forests and grassy woodlands with rare plants and wildlife – all the way to the amazing view at the top. HIGHLIGHT: On the way to the summit, plaques and memorials reference the Kokoda Track, where Australian and Japanese soldiers fought during World War II. 13 22 81 environment.act.gov.au

PADDYS RIVER • NATURE RESERVE • ADMISSION: $12 PER VEHICLE (DAY PASS – PRIVATE VEHICLE) WHAT: A variety of natural experiences,

AINSLIE • WALKING TRAIL • ADMISSION: FREE WHAT: Starting behind the Australian War

IF YOU LIKE EXPLORING THE BUSH

Outdoors & Nature

NGUNNAWAL COUNTRY

THE LIMESTONE PLAINS

Tracks routes, this one honours the region’s Indigenous Ngunnawal people. Follow it to learn more about their story, which dates back tens of thousands of years. HIGHLIGHT: The track includes seven places of interest, starting from the Burringiri Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Centre (02 6207 1110), 10 minutes from the city, and finishing at Mount Ainslie. (02) 6205 0255 canberratracks.act.gov.au

plains are made up of sedimentary rock laid down millions of years ago. But this track includes more recent historical sites, such as Duntroon Dairy (nationaltrust.org.au/ places/duntroon-dairy), Canberra’s oldest European building; and Blundells Cottage (nationaltrust.org.au/places/blundellscottage), central Canberra’s only remaining small farmhouse. HIGHLIGHT: At fascinating Calthorpes’ House (historicplaces.com.au/calthorpes-house), you can look inside a 1920s family home that still has its original furnishings. (02) 6205 0255 canberratracks.act.gov.au

105KM ROUTE FROM CENTRAL CANBERRA WHAT: One of eight self-drive Canberra

Mount Ainslie Lookout

75KM ROUTE FROM MOUNT AINSLIE LOOKOUT WHAT: Named by British explorers, the

MULLIGANS FLAT WOODLAND SANCTUARY

FORDE • ADMISSION: FREE WHAT: Explore this sanctuary at the forefront of Australian wildlife conservation. Animals including the eastern quoll and eastern bettong have been reintroduced here after being extinct from mainland Australia for up to 100 years. HIGHLIGHT: Book a two-hour Twilight Tour and see nocturnal creatures such as sugar gliders, microbats and wallabies. 0426 374 821 mulligansflat.org.au

HORSERIDING

35 MINUTES NORTH OF CANBERRA CBD WHAT: Situated between Gundaroo and Murrumbateman, Burnelee Excursions on Horseback (02 6227 5850, burnelee. com.au) offers trail-riding experiences on a working farm.

HIGHLIGHT: After working up an appetite, head to Poachers Pantry (02 6230 2487, poacherspantry.com.au). Nestled in scenic countryside 15 minutes’ drive from historic Hall, this property has a café-restaurant, winery and smokehouse. Delicious smoked meats are available in the farm shop.

Insider

VIEW

Former Australian mountain bike champion Jared Rando’s top rides BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE RIDE

“Head to Bruce Ridge, starting and finishing at O’Connor shops for great food and beverages. The website (bruceridge.org) has a link to an interactive trail map.” INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED RIDE

“Majura Pines (majurapines.org) is one of my all-time faves. Start and finish at Hackett shops. Auto Alley and the Larry/Barry descents are two of my favourite trails.” ADVANCED RIDE

“Vapour Trail (stromloforestpark. com.au) is a must for anyone who prefers to head downhill. Some seriously challenging jump lines.” FOR THE FAMILY

“I love a spin around the inner lake with my wife and four-year-old daughter. We usually like to stop at the old castle playground in Commonwealth Park.” For guided tours of Canberra’s highlights or a Twilight Ride, join Mulga Bicycle Tours (02 6262 3957, mulgabicycletours.com.au).

Share your shots of Canberra #VisitCanberra

Burnelee Excursions on Horseback

@bb_clickz Tidbinbilla

@teelafia Square Rock Hike visitcanberra.com.au 57

IF YOU LIKE BEING ACTIVE CORIN FOREST

PADDYS RIVER • SNOWFIELDS • ADMISSION: $30 (HALF-DAY SKI PASS) WHAT: Canberra’s closest snow experience is just 45 minutes drive from the city in the Tidbinbilla Mountain Ranges. In winter, enjoy snowboarding, skiing or tobogganing before warming up with a hot chocolate in the rustic lodge. HIGHLIGHT: In the warmer months, try the 1.2km Alpine Slide, which descends through the beautiful Mountain Ash forest. (02) 6235 7333 corin.com.au

CYCLE CANBERRA

ACTON • BIKE HIRE • HIRE FEE: FROM $45 WHAT: Rent a bike to explore this cycle-friendly city’s many tracks and trails, or join one of five group tours for guidance and company. HIGHLIGHT: If you’re staying in one of the hotels around the city, you can get your rental bike delivered and picked up for free. 0449 557 838 cyclecanberra.com.au

SEG GLIDE RIDE

PARKES • SEGWAY HIRE • HIRE FEE: FROM $25 WHAT: After a quick Segway lesson, glide around the lake foreshore and Parliamentary Zone, enjoying the sights on a tour ranging from 15 minutes to one hour. HIGHLIGHT: Want to learn some fun facts about Canberra while you ride? The guided Segway tour includes commentary and lots of free riding time. 0406 379 518 segglideride.com.au

LAKESIDE WALK

CANBERRA • WALKING TRAIL • ADMISSION: FREE WHAT: There are three suggested loops around Lake Burley Griffin: the 9km Eastern Loop, the 16km Western Loop and the 4.9km Central Loop. The latter walk, known as the “Bridge to Bridge”, has a cyclist and pedestrian path from the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge to the Kings Avenue Bridge. Start in the car park near the National Library of Australia. HIGHLIGHT: The Australians of the Year walk along the lake’s edge includes plaques for every recipient of the award since 1960. visitcanberra.com.au/ getting-around/walking

THE PADDLE HUB

YARRALUMLA • BOAT HIRE • HIRE FEE: FROM $20 WHAT: Operating from the YMCA Aquatic Recreation Centre in Yarralumla Bay, The Paddle Hub rents kayaks and stand-up paddleboards from October through spring and summer. HIGHLIGHT: Kayaking is easy to get the hang of but, if you’re up for a challenge, stand-up paddleboarding feels like walking on water. 0407 262 975 canberra.ymca.org.au/what-we-do/ activey/the-paddle-hub

EXPLORE MORE?

Experience Ca atop an elec nberra’s beauty tric bike, cru ise the lake by peda lk or create yo ayak at sunset u adventure. C r own watery anberra Urb an Adventures (1 urbanadven 300 207 354, tu a local opera res.com) is tor a selection o offering f tours.

IF YOU LIKE SPORT MANUKA OVAL

GRIFFITH • SPORTS VENUE • ADMISSION: VARIES WHAT: The city’s premier AFL and cricket destination hosts GWS Giants games and the annual Prime Minister’s XI match, as well as other major sports events. HIGHLIGHT: Visit the original curator’s cottage and Lord’s Taverners garden. (02) 6228 0304 manukaoval.com.au

GIO STADIUM CANBERRA

BRUCE • SPORTS VENUE • ADMISSION: VARIES WHAT: Home to NRL’s Raiders and Super Rugby’s Brumbies, the venue also hosts soccer. HIGHLIGHT: Raiders games are free for underfours; the Brumbies’ are free for under-fives. (02) 6256 6700 giostadiumcanberra.com.au

Outdoors & Nature PUBLIC GOLF COURSES

DAY ITINERARY

Golfers are spoilt for choice. Here are three great par-72 courses to try:

Australian National Botanic Gardens

THE FEDERAL GOLF CLUB, MANUKA (02) 6281 1888 federalgolf.com.au/cms

GOLD CREEK GOLF CLUB, NICHOLLS (02) 6123 0601 goldcreekgc.org

YOWANI COUNTRY CLUB, LYNEHAM Manuka Oval

(02) 6241 3377 yowani.com.au

IF YOU LIKE ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS CANBERRA WALK-IN AVIARY

NICHOLLS • AVIARY • ADMISSION: $13 WHAT: Near Cockington Green Gardens in Gold Creek Village, the Canberra Walk-in Aviary offers bird-lovers the chance to observe and interact with approximately 500 free-flying feathered specimens. HIGHLIGHT: On entry, you’ll be given food to tempt the birds to come to you. If you’re lucky, some of them might even land on you for a perfect photo op. (02) 6230 2044 canberrawalkinaviary.com.au

NATIONAL ZOO & AQUARIUM

YARRALUMLA • ZOO/AQUARIUM • ADMISSION: $45 WHAT: With the biggest inland saltwater tank in Australia and large enclosure sizes, the National Zoo & Aquarium gives its native and exotic animals plenty of room to move. HIGHLIGHT: For the ultimate hands-on experience, take a close encounters tour, where you can meet a meerkat, cuddle an emu and feed a red panda, giraffe, lion, tiger, shark and bear. (02) 6287 8400 nationalzoo.com.au

9am – Belconnen

Starting from Belconnen Town Centre, cycle or walk 7km around Lake Ginninderra, a habitat for wildlife such as moorhens, swans and ducks. Families can take the kids to a playground – try John Knight Memorial Park or Diddams Close (13 22 81, environment.act.gov.au). 15 minutes 11am – Acton

Get lost in the glorious garden paradise of the Australian National Botanic Gardens (02 6250 9588, anbg.gov.au). 1 minute

12.30pm – Acton

After a magnificent walk, there’s no better place than Pollen (02 6247 7321, pollencafe. com.au) to kick back and unwind at lunch. Located within the grounds of the Australian National Botanic Gardens, this café offers everything from fish and chips to pumpkin and rosemary fritters. Lunchtime delights range between $14.50 and $24.50. 20 minutes

2.30pm – Belconnen

If you’re seeking a relaxing afternoon with views, Magpies Sports Club in Holt (02 6254 2922, belconnenmagpies.com.au) is the best spot to get comfortable and enjoy the stunning Murrumbidgee Valley and Brindabella Range. 10 minutes

JAMALA WILDLIFE LODGE YARRALUMLA • ACCOMMODATION • ADMISSION: VARIES WHAT: Treat yourself to an

overnight stay in this luxurious lodge at the National Zoo & Aquarium, where you can feed giraffes, meet cheetahs or even wake up next to a bear.

HIGHLIGHT: Afraid of sharks? You’ll learn to appreciate these beautiful creatures in your room with a terrace that overlooks the shark tank. You can even participate in a private feeding session. (02) 6287 8444 jamalawildlifelodge.com.au

5pm – Lake Ginninderra

After an active day, a drink is in order on the deck of The Lighthouse (02 6253 0390, lighthousepub.com.au), set on the shores of Lake Ginninderra. Enjoy a tasty pub meal here or stroll to Ha Ha Bar and La De Da (02 6251 6110, hahabar.com.au), where you can eat downstairs and then pop upstairs afterwards for a soothing digestif. visitcanberra.com.au 59

Floriade at Commonwealth Park

26 JANUARY

AUSTRALIA DAY FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR Regatta Point, Lake Burley Griffin act.australiaday.org.au

FEBRUARY

16-18 FEBRUARY

NATIONAL MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL City centre multiculturalfestival.com.au

23-25 FEBRUARY

l Socia DIARY

There’s always something happening in and around Canberra. Pick the event you want to attend and mark it on your calendar

ACTEWAGL ROYAL CANBERRA SHOW Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) canberrashow.org.au

AUTUMN MARCH

2-18 MARCH

ENLIGHTEN Parliamentary Triangle enlightencanberra.com.au

9 MARCH

LIGHTS! CANBERRA! ACTION! Senate Rose Garden, Old Parliament House events.act.gov.au

10-18 MARCH

CANBERRA BALLOON SPECTACULAR Lawns of Old Parliament House balloonspectacular.com.au

12 MARCH

SUMMER UNTIL 18 FEBRUARY

HYPER REAL National Gallery of Australia nga.gov.au

UNTIL 25 FEBRUARY

SONGLINES: TRACKING THE SEVEN SISTERS National Museum of Australia nma.gov.au/songlines

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

CANBERRA DAY 31 DECEMBER

NEW YEAR’S EVE IN THE CITY City centre events.act.gov.au

Commonwealth Park events.act.gov.au

17 MARCH

ART NOT APART

JANUARY

Various venues in Canberra artnotapart.com

SUMMERNATS

17 MARCH

4-7 JANUARY

Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) summernats.com.au

SKYFIRE Regatta Point, Lake Burley Griffin hit.com.au/canberra/skyfire

24 JANUARY

THE COMMONS STREET FEAST

KFC BIG BASH LEAGUE: SYDNEY THUNDER VS MELBOURNE RENEGADES

19-25 MARCH

29 NOVEMBER-9 DECEMBER

Commonwealth Park thecommonstreetfeast.com.au

Manuka Oval bigbash.com.au

Various venues canberracomedyfestival.com.au

1300 554 114

CANBERRA COMEDY FESTIVAL

Event Pic ks

National Folk Festival

SPRING SEPTEMBER

15 SEPTEMBER-14 OCTOBER

FLORIADE, INCLUDING FLORIADE NIGHTFEST Commonwealth Park floriadeaustralia.com

29 SEPTEMBER-1 OCTOBER 29 MARCH-2 APRIL

NATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) folkfestival.org.au

25 APRIL

ANZAC DAY COMMEMORATION

THE CANBERRA WINE HOUSE MURRUMBATEMAN MOVING FEAST

Australian War Memorial awm.gov.au

Murrumbateman makersofmurrumbateman.org.au

30 MARCH-22 JULY

CARTIER: THE EXHIBITION

27 APRIL-6 MAY

CANBERRA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL

National Gallery of Australia nga.gov.au

APRIL

Various venues cimf.org.au

6-15 APRIL

CANBERRA DISTRICT WINE WEEK

OCTOBER

13 OCTOBER

OKTOBERFEST PARKLANDS Parliamentary Triangle oktoberfestparklands.com.au

25 OCTOBER-4 NOVEMBER

CANBERRA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

WINTER

Various venues canberrawines.com.au

11 APRIL

MERCEDES-BENZ CANBERRA BLACK OPAL STAKES AND TAB.COM.AU CANBERRA CUP RACE DAY

JUNE

National Film and Sound Archive ciff.com.au

THE TRUFFLE FESTIVAL

29 OCTOBER

1 JUNE-31 AUGUST

Various venues trufflefestival.com.au

CANBERRA NARA CANDLE FESTIVAL

AUGUST

Canberra Nara Peace Park events.act.gov.au/nara

AUSTRALIAN RUNNING FESTIVAL

CANBERRA WRITERS FESTIVAL

11 NOVEMBER

Various locations runningfestival.com.au

Various venues canberrawritersfestival.com.au

Thoroughbred Park thoroughbredpark.com.au

24-26 AUGUST 14-15 APRIL

Canberra Balloon Spectacular

Summer 2017â&#x20AC;&#x201C;18

For a detailed seasonal events calendar, pick up a copy of our Canberra Events booklet from the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre at Regatta Point, Barrine Drive, Parkes or call 1300 554 114 for more information.

NOVEMBER

REMEMBRANCE DAY Australian War Memorial awm.gov.au

24 NOVEMBER

SPILT MILK Commonwealth Park spilt-milk.com.au

DECEMBER

4 DECEMBER-22 APRIL 2019

LOVE AND DESIRE: PRE-RAPHAELITE MASTERPIECES FROM THE TATE National Gallery of Australia nga.gov.au visitcanberra.com.au 61

Attractions, Tours & Restaurants

GUNDOG ESTATE CORK ST. CELLAR Sourcing fruit from some of the best vineyards in the Canberra district, Hilltops region and Hunter Valley, the diversity and quality of Gundog Estate’s award-winning range is sure to delight. The personalised and relaxed ambience of the Cork St. Cellar is complemented by cheese and charcuterie plates and carefully sourced fine tea and coffee. Five red star Winery Rating – James Halliday OPEN: ADDRESS: PHONE: WEBSITE: INSTAGRAM:

11am-5pm Thursday-Sunday 42 Cork Street, Gundaroo, NSW 2620 (02) 6236 8276 gundogestate.com.au @gundogestate

CASINO CANBERRA Located in the heart of the CBD, Casino Canberra mixes style, elegance and entertainment in a unique and complete package. Experience the thrill of next-generation gaming, dazzle your senses with a pop-Chinese experience at Natural Nine restaurant, or soak up the ambience of the sophisticated Onyx Lounge and Chandelier Bar. A kitchen menu is also available from 12pm-2am. Casino Canberra is an 18+ venue only.

OPEN: ADDRESS: PHONE: WEBSITE:

12pm-4am daily 21 Binara Street, Canberra, ACT 2608 (02) 6257 7074 casinocanberra.com.au

PIALLIGO ESTATE Pialligo Estate is a sensational food, wine and lifestyle destination on the banks of Canberra’s Molonglo River. Tucked in a rural setting, the Estate incorporates the Glasshouse and Garden Pavilions, an olive grove, vineyard, orchard, academy classes, market garden and award-winning smokehouse.

OPEN:

ADDRESS: PHONE: WEBSITE:

10am-10pm Wednesday-Friday; 8am-10pm Saturday; 8am-3pm Sunday; 6pm-10pm Tuesday. 18 Kallaroo Road, Pialligo, ACT 2609 (02) 6247 6060 thepialligoestate.com.au

DAVE’S BREWERY TOURS Canberra’s local beer experience takes you behind the scenes of the capital’s best breweries. Taste, touch, smell, hear and learn about every part of the beer making process. Immerse yourself in fine brews, have a conversation with fellow enthusiasts and discover Canberra’s thriving beer scene. Both afternoon and full-day tours are available. TOURS:

ADDRESS:

PHONE: WEBSITE:

2pm-6pm Friday; 11am-6pm or 2pm-6pm on weekends; Other days, plus group and private tours, by request. Tours depart from: BentSpoke Brewing Co. 38 Mort Street, Braddon, ACT 2612 0481 162 820 daves.com.au

1300 554 114

KING O’MALLEY’S Located in the heart of the CBD, King O’Malley’s is a must-visit pub while in Canberra. Open seven days a week until late – with free live music five nights a week – you are guaranteed a good time.

OPEN: ADDRESS: PHONE: WEBSITE:

11am until late daily 131 City Walk, Canberra, ACT 2601 (02) 6257 0111 kingomalleys.com.au

OLD BUS DEPOT MARKETS If you’re looking for the perfect Sunday in Canberra, visit award-winning Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston. Set in a fabulous historical industrial building, you’ll love the colours, tastes, sounds and atmosphere of “Canberra’s Sunday best”. From quality handcrafted homewares and jewellery, to gourmet food and fresh produce, this is a must-do Canberra attraction. Admission is free. OPEN:

ADDRESS: PHONE: WEBSITE:

10am-4pm Sunday (10am-4pm on weekends in December before Christmas) 21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston, ACT 2604 (02) 6295 3331 obdm.com.au

Visitor Info PUBLIC TRANSPORT

FAST Canberra and Region Visitors Center

BUS SERVICES

t Fac s Need some pointers on getting around Canberra? We’ve got you covered Old Bus Depot Markets

CANBERRA AND REGION VISITORS CENTRE For information relating to your stay in the national capital, head to the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre at its lakeside location at Regatta Point, next to the National Capital Exhibition. The friendly staff and volunteers are happy to share their local knowledge to ensure you get the most from your visit. Whether it’s a last-minute accommodation deal, exhibition tickets or tips about cool new restaurants and cafés, you’ll soon discover why the Visitors Centre won a 2017 Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor. The Centre also stocks an impressive selection of regional produce, including Canberra District wine, beer and spirits, as well as olive oil, honey, chocolate and nuts. It’s also a great place to pick up local souvenirs and enjoy stunning views across Lake Burley Griffin.

RETAIL HOURS AND SHOPPING Canberra’s major shopping centres are open 9am-5.30pm on weekdays, with late-night shopping at malls until 9pm on Fridays. Saturday trading is 9am-5pm and Sunday trading is 10am-4pm. Major shopping centres include Canberra Centre, Westfield Belconnen, Westfield Woden, Hyperdome Shopping Centre, Canberra Outlet Centre, Majura Park Shopping Centre

For routes and real-time information for ACTION, Canberra’s public bus network, go to transport.act.gov.au. MyWay cards can be purchased from convenience stores and newsagents. The Route 101 Free City Loop is a great way to get around the city centre and into Braddon. ACTION also runs Tourist Loop route 81 (891 on weekends) to Canberra’s national attractions. A one-day adult ticket is $9.20. The privately run Red Explorer Bus (canberradaytours.com.au) is a regular hop-on, hop-off service with commentary that stops at major attractions and the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre at Regatta Point. Light rail along Northbourne Avenue will commence in late 2018.

TAXIS AND RIDESHARE

Canberra Elite Taxis (13 10 08); Cabxpress (1300 222 977); Silver Service (13 31 00); 13WATS wheelchair accessible (13 92 87); Uber (uber.com).

and IKEA Canberra. For boutique shopping, head to Kingston, Manuka and Braddon.

FREE WI-FI CBRfree wi-fi – Australia’s largest free outdoor public wi-fi network – is being rolled out across Canberra.

MARKETS

• Old Bus Depot Markets, Kingston (10am-4pm every Sunday) • Handmade Markets, EPIC (Select weekends in March, May, July, October and December) • Hartley Hall Markets, Hall (First Sunday of each month, except in January) • Capital Region Farmers Market, EPIC (7.30am-11.30am every Saturday) • Southside Farmers Market, Canberra College, Phillip (8am-11.30am every Sunday)

NATIONAL CAPITAL EXHIBITION The National Capital Exhibition at Regatta Point tells the story of Canberra as Australia’s capital city. Explore the past, present and future of Canberra through displays featuring the people, events, history and design of this unique, modern and planned city. Entry is free and you can also enjoy a free guided tour every day at 11am. Parking is free for one hour. OPEN:

ADDRESS:

PHONE: WEBSITE:

9am-5pm on weekdays; 10am-4pm on weekends; closed public holidays except Australia Day and Canberra Day Regatta Point, Barrine Drive, off Commonwealth Avenue, Commonwealth Park, Parkes, ACT 2600 (02) 6272 2902 nca.gov.au/discover-and-learn/ national-capital-exhibition

PAID PARKING Please note that paid parking applies at most attractions across the city. visitcanberra.com.au 63

g Surroundin BEAUTIES

Venture beyond the capital to discover heritage towns and natural wonders Bungendore

SOUTHERN TABLELANDS BRAIDWOOD Beautiful Braidwood, just over one hour east of Canberra, is the first complete town to be listed on the NSW State Heritage Register and features pubs, cafés, galleries, craft shops and antique stores operating out of sensitively restored buildings. A haven for artists, it’s also a hub of farming and rural activities, including the popular annual Braidwood Show (braidwoodshow.com.au) in March, and the Braidwood Farmers Markets (braidwoodfarmersmarket.org.au) on the first and third Saturday of each month. There’s also plenty of natural beauty, including the fascinating Deua National Park (visitbraidwood.com.au/deuanatpark).

1300 554 114

Cooma Cottage

Wood Works Gallery (02 6238 1682, bungendorewoodworks.com.au), which exhibits art, sculptures and contemporary furniture.

GOULBURN-MULWAREE Head one hour north from Canberra to historic Goulburn. Australia’s first inland city features wineries, national parks, museums, skydiving, rock climbing and race-car driving at Wakefield Park. No trip to Goulburn is complete without a visit to The Big Merino (02 4822 8013, bigmerino.com.au) and a tour of Goulburn Brewery (02 4821 6071).

BUNGENDORE

HILLTOPS

Take a leisurely 35-minute drive east of Canberra to the rural town of Bungendore and spend the day exploring antique stores and galleries, including the Bungendore

Located about an hour-and-a-half northwest of Canberra, the Hilltops region (visithilltopsregion.com.au) incorporates the rural towns of Boorowa, Harden and

Beyond Canberra ACT NATIONAL PARKS AND RESERVES TIDBINBILLA NATURE RESERVE

Burnelee Excursions on Horseback

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve (02 6205 1233, tidbinbilla.act.gov.au), located 40 minutes south-west of the city, is home to native animals such as koalas, kangaroos, possums, wallabies, emus, echidnas, frogs and various reptiles. The diverse subalpine terrain includes wetlands, grasslands, wet and dry forests and woodlands. Visitors can explore it on their own via the many marked trails of varying lengths or take a ranger-guided tour, with an overnight option available.

GOING BUSH ss Trek deep into the wilderne ’s of the Canberra region spectacular national parks with a guided experience e from Blue Skies Adventur 7, 20 8 69 00 Tours (13 blueskytours.com.au).

NAMADGI NATIONAL PARK Covering more than 100,000 hectares, with 160km of marked walking tracks and more than 400km of trails for cyclists, Namadgi National Park (02 6207 2900, environment.act.gov.au), 45 minutes from Canberra City, is a major outdoors attraction. Horseriding and fishing is permitted in certain areas, but check by calling the above phone number before setting off. Just minutes from the Visitor Centre is the tiny village of Tharwa, with its riverside picnic spot at Tharwa Bridge and a 2.8km track along the Murrumbidgee River to the 19th-century De Salis Cemetery.

Hiking at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

YASS Ideal for a daytrip out of Canberra, Yass is 45 minutes’ drive up the Barton Highway. The surrounding Yass Valley (yassvalley.com.au) boasts wineries, galleries, design studios, boutique shops and outdoor activities, including caving and water sports on Lake Burrinjuck. If you’re interested in history, head to Cooma Cottage (02 6226 1470), the home of explorer Hamilton Hume in the 1800s.

Young, and is highlighted by history, fresh produce and beautiful countryside. The biggest event on the local calendar is December’s National Cherry Festival (02 6382 3394, nationalcherryfestival. com.au) in Young. While you’re in the area, visit Greenethorpe’s stately Iandra Castle and Mount Oriel Homestead (02 6383 9241, iandracastle.com.au), which dates back to 1911.

MURRUMBATEMAN Deep in the Canberra wine region you’ll find picturesque Murrumbateman, just 35 minutes north of Canberra’s CBD. Great for a daytrip to check out the numerous cellar doors, or an overnight stay in a B&B or motel, this former goldmining town is a haven for lovers of food and wine. It also hosts the annual Canberra Wine House Murrumbateman Moving Feast (02 6226 2557, makersofmurrumbateman. org.au) over the October long weekend. For something active in the countryside, try Burnelee Excursions on Horseback (02 6227 5850, burnelee.com.au).

QUEANBEYAN-PALERANG Straddling the ACT border, 15 minutes east of the CBD, the QueanbeyanPalerang heritage region (02 6285 6307, visitqueanbeyan.com.au) is packed with

outdoor attractions such as bike trails, golf and nature walks – see if you can spot a platypus in the Queanbeyan River! Be sure to visit the spectacular London Bridge Arch at Googong Foreshores. For a change of pace, visit the Queanbeyan Historical Museum (02 6299 7449, queanbeyanmuseum.org.au), which houses more than 5000 artefacts.

UPPER LACHLAN The scenic Upper Lachlan region (02 4832 1988, visitupperlachlan.com.au), approximately one hour north of Canberra, has plenty of fun things to do for outdoors enthusiasts, including fishing, boating, fossicking, birdwatching, bushwalking and farm experiences. Check out the 400-million-year-old Wombeyan Caves (02 4843 5976) and Oolong Sanctuary (02 4845 6267) wildlife refuge. visitcanberra.com.au 65

SNOWY MOUNTAINS Two-and-a-half hours’ drive from Canberra, the magnificent Snowy Mountains (snowymountains.com.au) is a desirable destination all year round. In spring and summer, the alpine streams are perfect for fishing and the lakes offer boating and sailing. The fresh mountain air makes horseriding and bushwalking a pleasure, and there are dedicated trails for mountain bike riding. During the June-to-October snow season, the region serves up some of Australia’s best winter-sport terrain for skiers and snowboarders.

CHARLOTTE PASS Situated 8km beyond Perisher Valley, Charlotte Pass is snowbound during the ski season and is accessible only by oversnow transport. As Australia’s highest resort, it gets some of the most consistent snowfalls so it’s ideal for serious winter-sport enthusiasts who don’t want to miss a day. (02) 6457 1555 charlottepass.com.au transport tunnel. There are ski runs suitable for all abilities, plus adaptive skiing and snowboarding lessons for people with disabilities. perisher.com.au

JINDABYNE This town – 30 minutes’ drive to Perisher and Thredbo resorts – is popular with adventurers seeking bushwalking, fishing, mountain biking, horseriding, kayaking, canoeing and whitewater rafting. During winter, its population swells with skiers and snowboarders. snowymountains.com.au/ destination/jindabyne

SELWYN With its Snow Play, Snow Sports School and Mini Terrain Park, where newbies can practise their skills, Selwyn Snow Resort is perfect for families and beginners. Additionally, there’s tobogganing and snow tubing, which don’t require much skill but are loads of fun. (02) 6454 9000 selwynsnow.com.au

PERISHER A collection of four ski areas within Kosciuszko National Park – Perisher Valley, Smiggin Holes, Guthega and Blue Cow – this is the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s accessible by road and Skitube, Australia’s longest

KOSCIUSZKO NATIONAL PARK

Lake Jindabyne

Approximately two-and-a-half hours from Canberra, the Main Range in Kosciuszko National Park is the section of the Great Dividing Range between Ramshead Range and Dicky Cooper Bogong. The Main Range walk, considered one of Australia’s great day treks, begins its 22km circuit at Charlotte Pass and takes walkers across the Snowy River, over Carruthers Peak to the Mount Kosciuszko summit – the highest point in the country at 2228m – and through Rawsons Pass and Seamans Hut. It will take a full day but is well worth it. nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/main-range-walking-track

1300 554 114

Beyond Canberra THREDBO

BEYOND CANBERRA DAY ITINERARY

Royalla

Jump in the car and explore the natural beauty south of the ACT 7am

Rise early and drive 90 minutes to the town of Cooma (visitcooma.com.au), the gateway to the NSW Snowy Mountains.

Monaro Highway

Home to Australia’s longest skiing and snowboarding runs, as well as dedicated hiking and mountain biking trails for all levels and a vibrant village in Kosciuszko National Park, Thredbo is Australia’s premier alpine destination. The resort is open every day of the year and there’s always something to do in both winter and summer. 1300 020 589 thredbo.com.au

Canberra

1.5 hours 8.30am

Once you arrive in Cooma, stop for breakfast at Feed Cafe 1 (02 6452 7569, feedcooma.com.au) and enjoy some corn fritters or a brekky sandwich, and a fresh juice or coffee.

Bredbo 6

Bunyan

5 minutes 9.30am

QUAINT TOWNS

Located in the Cooma region is Kiandra (snowymountains.com.au/ destination/Kiandra), a gold-rush town that features a 1km heritage trail. The town of Tumut (visittumut. com.au) offers bushwalking, fishing, mountain biking, river swimming in summer and proximity to skiing in winter. Visit the Yarrangobilly Caves (02 6454 9597, nationalparks.nsw.gov. au/visit-a-park/parks/yarrangobillyarea), an hour from Tumut, which are 440 million years old.

Yarrangobilly Caves

Visit the informative Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre 2 (1800 623 776, snowyhydro. com.au) to learn about one of the civil-engineering marvels of the modern world.

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Snowy M o u n ta in

45 minutes

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11.30am

If you’re a fishing enthusiast, stop by the Eucumbene Trout Farm 3 (02 6456 8866, eucumbenetroutfarm.com) at Rocky Plain. Take a tour, then catch your own trout to cook on the barbecue for a tasty lunch. 1 hour 3pm

Head back through Cooma to Cascade Falls 4 in Numeralla. This natural wonder features a walking track and spectacular viewing platform over the Tuross River, which cascades into a tranquil swimming hole. On a hot day, it’s perfect for a dip.

oad r a ll a R

Glen gus a m o o C Fer

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3 Rocky

Nume

45 minutes 5pm

Drive through the settlements of Glen Fergus 5 and Bunyan 6 on your way to the quaint rural village of Bredbo 7 . Founded in the 1880s, it features the Bredbo Inn (02 6454 4109, bredboinn.com.au), where Banjo Paterson supposedly met the inspiration for his famous poem, The Man from Snowy River. 45 minutes 6.30pm

Return to Canberra, passing the settlement of Royalla 8 and the ACT’s southern suburbs.

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MONTAGUE ISLAND NATURE RESERVE This island sanctuary, 9km off the coast of Narooma, offers a plethora of amazing wildlife experiences, from swimming, snorkelling or diving with hundreds of fur seals to staying on the island with a colony of little penguins to keep you company. nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/visit-a-park/parks/montague-island-nature-reserve

SOUTH COAST The NSW South Coast is a gorgeous part of Australia, two hours’ drive east of Canberra. With pristine beaches, wildlife, nature reserves and amazing seafood, there are many seaside getaway options.

BATEMANS BAY At the entrance to the Clyde River, at the base of the Clyde Mountain, is Canberra’s closest seaside town, Batemans Bay. Spend your days enjoying the beautiful beaches, scenic lookouts and doing a spot of fishing, and your nights savouring the local cuisine, including the famous Clyde River oysters. eurobodalla.com.au/our-region/ towns/batemans-bay

Hyams Beach at Jervis Bay officially has the world’s whitest sand according to Guinness World Records

Mogo Zoo is home to Australia's largest collection of primates

BODALLA Head 25 minutes north from Narooma to discover this 150-year-old working village with award-winning café and retro milk bar Bodalla Dairy Shed (02 4473 5555, bodalladairyshed.com.au). While there, pop into the Bodalla Cheese Factory (02 4473 5234, bodalladairy.com.au) to sample their fine dairy products. eurobodalla.com.au/our-region/ towns/bodalla

MORUYA Derived from the Aboriginal word Mherroyah, meaning “home of the black swan”, Moruya is still an abode for birds, which can be spotted in the lakes and rivers of this relaxed town. Also, every September, music fans flock to the famous Granite Town festival (granitetown.com.au). eurobodalla.com.au/our-region/ towns/moruya

NAROOMA Located at the edge of the Wagonga Inlet, Narooma is a top spot for whale watching from September to November. The 6km Narooma to Dalmeny Cycleway delivers stunning views of the region’s crystal-clear waterways and natural surroundings. narooma.org.au

MOGO Best known for the Mogo Zoo (1300 169 949, mogozoo.com.au), this former gold-rush town is just 10km south of Batemans Bay. The zoo has the largest collection of primates in Australia as well as endangered and exotic species. If you fancy feeding a lion, tiger and meerkat, or patting a red panda, don’t miss an Up Close and Personal encounter. mogovillage.com.au

Beyond Canberra Share your shots of Canberra #VisitCanberra

@elnell Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

SAPPHIRE COAST The most southerly coastal region of NSW certainly lives up to its name – it’s a jewel of a destination, offering everything from unspoilt beaches to quaint villages, plus memorable outdoor activities and experiences. Bermagui in the north is famous for its natural Blue Pool and deep-sea fishing, while Cobargo, 25 minutes away, bustles

@jeska.therese Gibraltar Falls

with life as local artisans can be seen hard at work producing their pieces. Further south, Eden is known as Humpback Highway because every year between September and November thousands of humpback whales head to Antarctica. In Wonboyn, 30km south of Eden, pristine forests are home to abundant animal and birdlife, making it the perfect spot for bushwalkers and birdwatchers. It’s also regarded as one of the South Coast’s best places for land-based game fishing. sapphirecoast.com.au

Bermagui Blue Pool

NELLIGEN Ten minutes from Batemans Bay is this pretty riverside village. Bask in the serenity by fishing from the jetty or kayaking on the Clyde River. You might even fancy hiring a houseboat and watching the world go by from the deck. If you’re up for something more strenuous, try the Corn Trail walking track through challenging terrain in Monga National Park. eurobodalla.com.au/our-region/ towns/nelligen

SHOALHAVEN Head a bit further north of Eurobodalla and you’ll reach the Shoalhaven Coast. Hyams Beach at Jervis Bay has the whitest sand in the world, according

to Guinness World Records, and the clear water is a magnet for fishermen, divers, dolphins and whales. Also at Jervis Bay is Point Perpendicular Lighthouse and Lookout. While there’s no access to the inside of the lighthouse, the view from the grounds is worth the trip. shoalhavenholidays.com.au

TILBA Formerly home to TV show River Cottage Australia, this region is the perfect mix of historical and modern. With its perfectly preserved villages, lush countryside, boutique B&Bs and cosy cafés serving fresh local produce, it’s easy to see how the area became famous. tilba.com.au

der InsiVIEW

Jane Cay was born in Cooma and founded local store Birdsnest. Here she shares some of her favourite things about the area

What are some local highlights on the calendar in Cooma? The Cooma Sundowners Cup (racingnswcountry.com.au) in December is the top event on our race-day calendar. The Cooma Show (coomashow.com.au) and Cooma Rural Rodeo (coomarodeo.org.au) provide great family entertainment. The Cooma Rotary Markets (coomarotary.org.au/markets) are held on the third Sunday of each month and the Australian National Busking Championships (coomamusic.com.au) is held each November. When friends come to visit, where is the one place you take them? The Raglan Gallery (02 6452 3377, raglangallerycooma.com) on iconic Lambie Street. Where is your favourite place to eat? Rose’s Lebanese Restaurant (02 6452 4512, rosesrestaurant. com.au). All their produce is grown organically on their farm. What is one thing people often don’t know about Cooma? It’s the birthplace of multicultural Australia, thanks to the Snowy Mountains Scheme, which saw more than 100,000 people from all over the world come to Australia during the 1950s and ’60s.

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Escape to Jervis Bay The white sands and crystal clear water of Jervis Bay or ‘Canberra’s Coast’ are only 2.5 hours away via the new Main Road 92.

Jervis Bay

Mollymook

Berry

02 4421 0778 SHOALHAVEN.COM/ACT MANY EXPERIENCES – ONE DESTINATION

Kangaroo Valley

CANBERRA CITY YHA

EAST HOTEL

7 Akuna Street, Canberra, ACT 2601 (02) 6248 9155 yha.com.au

HOTEL HOTEL

69 Canberra Avenue, Kingston, ACT 2604 (02) 6295 6925 easthotel.com.au BACKPACKER

25 Edinburgh Avenue, Canberra, ACT 2601 (02) 6287 6287 hotel-hotel.com.au HOTEL

HOTEL

Located in the CBD, Canberra City YHA is a short walk from restaurants, shops and attractions. The hostel features private and multi-share rooms, a 24-hour reception, onsite café and bar, indoor pool, spa and sauna, fully-equipped kitchen, rooftop barbecue area and free wi-fi. Group accommodation is also available with a secure, dedicated area.

Situated between the vibrant hubs of Kingston and Manuka, EAST is the ultimate location for your visit to the capital. Experience all the services you would expect from a premium hotel, while feeling completely at home in this modern and stylish accommodation, with studios and one-and-two-bedroom apartments, including two kids’ cubbies.

Hotel Hotel is a place conceived by artists, makers, designers and fantasists. The 68 original and creative rooms are dressed with salvaged and restored 20th-century Australian furniture and feature Aesop toiletries. Experience Canberra on their free-of-charge bikes and dine in the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, which serves local produce.

• Onsite café and licensed bar

• Covered parking

• Free yoga and bike hire

• Indoor swimming pool, spa and sauna

• Walking distance to cafés and shops

• Free wi-fi

• A warded Best Suite/Apartment Hotel at the 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 AHA Awards

• Central location and walking distance to local attractions

• Bespoke design

ROOM TYPES

• Multi-share • Twin/double ensuite • Family rooms

ROOM TYPES

HOTEL KURRAJONG CANBERRA

• East Studio • Luxe Studio • East Apartment • Luxe Apartment • Two-bedroom apartments • Kids’ cubbies

3 Leichhardt Street, Kingston, ACT 2604 (02) 6185 0000 knightsbridgecanberra.com.au HOTEL

The historic Hotel Kurrajong Canberra boasts 147 sophisticated rooms engulfed in modern luxury. Enjoy a warm ambience, redesigned rooms and the signature restaurant, Chifley’s Bar & Grill, named after former Australian Prime Minister of Australia, Ben Chifley, who was a former long-time resident of the hotel.

• Situated a short walk from Kingston and Manuka

• Handcrafted menus featuring local produce

• 10 minutes to the CBD by car

• Situated close to Parliament House and iconic Canberra attractions

• Stylish premium quality accommodation

ROOM TYPES

• Classic Room • Heritage Room • Terrace Room • Executive Suite

1300 554 114

1 Oxley Street, Griffith, ACT 2603 (02) 6239 0000 manukapark.com.au

APARTMENT

This new luxury accommodation, located in the heart of Kingston, is only minutes from the national capital’s major attractions. Knightsbridge Canberra features 78 premium quality rooms and apartments, offering free wi-fi, free in-house movies, free minibar on arrival and free parking.

• Complimentary wi-fi

• Hotel Hotel Rooms • Hotel Hotel Apartments

MANUKA PARK SERVICED APARTMENTS

KNIGHTSBRIDGE CANBERRA

8 National Circuit, Barton, ACT 2600 (02) 6234 4444 hotelkurrajong.com.au

ROOM TYPES

• Knightsbridge Rooms (Superior, Deluxe, and Executive) • One-bedroom apartments • Two-bedroom apartments

APARTMENT

In an amazing location, the family owned Manuka Park Serviced Apartments complex is positioned just 10 minutes by car from Canberra’s CBD, and close to Parliamentary Triangle and national attractions, plus restaurants, cafés and boutique shopping. All apartments include a fully equipped modern kitchen, bathroom, laundry and air-conditioning.

• Walking distance to Manuka’s shopping and restaurant precinct

• Foxtel, wi-fi and swimming pool

• Secure undercover parking

ROOM TYPES

• One-bedroom apartments • Two-bedroom apartments

SELF RATING OUT OF FIVE ACCREDITED RATING OUT OF FIVE

Accommodation & Info OXLEY COURT SERVICED APARTMENTS

VIBE HOTEL CANBERRA AIRPORT

QT CANBERRA

9 Dawes Street, Kingston, ACT 2603 (02) 6295 6216 oxleycourt.com.au

1 London Circuit, Canberra, ACT 2601 (02) 6247 6244 qthotelsandresorts.com/canberra

1 Rogan Street, Canberra, ACT 2609 (02) 6201 1500 vibehotels.com

HOTEL

APARTMENT

If you are in Canberra for business, a holiday, or seeking a longer stay, make yourself at home at Oxley Court in Kingston. For guaranteed best rates, book directly through the website above.

• Free wireless broadband and Foxtel

An iconic Canberra establishment steeped in Australian political history, QT Canberra is a unique hotel that celebrates this through bold design, quirky artifacts, bespoke furniture and daring use of colour and political-inspired art.

• Apartments feature spacious living and dining areas and large bedrooms

• Luxury design

• Acclaimed food and drink experiences

• Experience-driven hotel

• Fully equipped modern kitchen and separate laundry

ROOM TYPES

• One-bedroom apartments • Two-bedroom apartments

ROOM TYPES

WALDORF CANBERRA APARTMENT HOTEL

DISCOVER #HILLTOPSREGION

2 Akuna Street, Canberra, ACT 2601 (02) 6229 1234 waldorfcanberra.com.au HOTEL

The Waldorf is ideally located in the heart of Canberra’s CBD, just a short walk to restaurants, shops and national attractions. This apartment hotel features a 24-hour reception and immaculate, spacious apartments.

• QT King • QT King Deluxe • QT Junior Suite • QT State Suite

• Self-contained apartments with kitchen and internal laundry facilities • Foxtel, wi-fi, gymnasium, indoor swimming pool and rooftop tennis court

Welcome to the Hilltops region in southern NSW, located a little more than one hour north-west of Canberra. The thriving towns of Boorowa, Harden and Young, plus the quaint local villages in between, tell distinctive Australian historical stories. Full of places waiting to be explored, the Hilltops region is a lively and convenient country escape. CENTRE HOURS: ADDRESS: PHONE: WEBSITE:

9am-5pm Monday to Friday; 9.30am-4pm on weekends Lovell Street, Young, NSW 2594 (02) 6382 3394 visithilltopsregion.com.au

This award-winning hotel is only 10 minutes from Canberra’s CBD and on the doorstep of the airport. The 191 modern rooms are crafted around a soaring atrium, large reception area, conference facilities and Helix Bar & Dining, which features local Australian cuisine.

• Just 50 metres from the airport • Award-winning design • Complimentary wi-fi

ROOM TYPES

• Lower deck rooms • Upper deck rooms • First-class rooms • One and two-bedroom apartments

VISIT YASS VALLEY Just 45 minutes from Canberra, Yass Valley offers a variety of enriching experiences. With a proud heritage connection to early rural Australia, a modern food and wine scene and affordable, quality accommodation, there’s never been a better time to take a short break and visit Yass Valley to discover the best of the Canberra Region. CENTRE HOURS:

ADDRESS: PHONE: WEBSITE:

9.30am-4.30pm Monday to Sunday; Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day 259 Comur Street, Yass, NSW 2582 1300 886 014 yassvalley.com.au

• Convenient Canberra city and business precincts location

ROOM TYPES

• Studio apartments • One and two-bedroom apartments

visitcanberra.com.au 73

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