INNER SOUTH

Just beyond the city centre lie the hip historic suburbs of Manuka and Kingston. Discover art deco buildings, boutiques and cute cafés

Taste

AGOSTINIS $$$$

Daily 12pm–3pm & 5.30pm–9.30pm

If acceptable, start with dessert at this lively Italian restaurant on the lower level of East Hotel. You won’t regret ordering the traditional tiramisu with its creamy mascarpone mousse. Or opt for a delicious main meal – there’s plenty to choose from. 69 Canberra Ave, Kingston; agostinis.com.au

BEEF & BARLEY $$$$

M 5pm–8.30pm, Tu–Th 11.30am–2pm & 5pm–8.30pm, F 11.30am–late, Sa–Su 10am–late

This no-frills restaurant focuses on two things and two things only: burgers and craft beers. Its own invention, Burger High Tea, feeds two and is presented on a plate tower. You’ll struggle to finish it all, with popcorn chicken, beer-battered chips, two types of sliders (per person), slaw, haloumi bites, pickles and sweets.

Cnr Eyre St & Kingston Fshr, Kingston; beefandbarley.com.au

JOE’S BAR $$$$

Tu–Sa 4pm–late

Located on the ground level of East Hotel, this small bar is the perfect place to enjoy a tipple and a quick bite to eat before heading out. If you’re appreciative of a fine negroni, there are four signature mixes to choose from.

69 Canberra Ave, Kingston; easthotel.com.au/eat-and-drink/ joes-bar

MOLTO ITALIAN $$$$

M 6pm–10pm, Tu–Su 12pm–3pm & 6pm–10pm

Satiate your hunger with a hearty Italian meal at this lakeside trattoria. The menu fuses traditional Italian fare with a modern twist. Housemade pizza bases provide the perfect foundation for simple yet flavoursome toppings, all cooked to perfection in the wood-fired oven.

155/43 Eastlake Pde, Kingston; moltoitalian.com

OTIS DINING HALL $$$$

W–Su 6pm–late

Diners have a choice between a three-course or a five-course tasting menu – a great way to explore the seasonal dishes, which might feature sea scallop with green apple and horseradish, or crème caramel with smoked salt. The drinks list is similarly well put together and interesting. The ‘dining hall’ in the name refers to the saloon-style room.

29 Jardine St, Kingston; thisisotis.com.au

ONZIEME $$$$

Tu–Sa 6pm–11pm

The menu at this wine bar and bistro is comprised of share plates and changes regularly due to seasonality and local suppliers; however, owner Louis Couttoupes promises a fresh and exciting menu no matter the day you visit. 5/39 Kennedy St, Kingston; onzieme.com.au

POMEGRANATE $$$$

Tu–Sa 5.45pm–9pm

Look for this fine-dining restaurant on the ground floor of Kingston’s York Apartments. Described as contemporary Australian cuisine, the menu offers flavours influenced by

French and Turkish cuisine. 31 Giles St, Kingston; pomegranatekingston.com

RUBICON $$$$

Tu–Sa 5.30pm–10.30pm

Rubicon caters to all tastes and appetites. For those who are feeling peckish, there are modern Australian-inspired small plates, and hungrier diners can satisfy their stomachs with more substantial courses, such as duck confit and ricotta gnocchi.

6A Barker St, Griffith; rubiconrestaurant.com.au

WALT & BURLEY $$$$

M–F 11am–late, Sa–Su 8am–late Take in the glistening view of the lake foreshore at Walt & Burley. The menu is inspired by the waterside location, focusing on seafood paired with foraged and locally produced ingredients. Dishes are expertly matched with wines from local regions. 70/17 Eastlake Pde, Kingston; waltandburley.com.au

Shop

Canberra Outlet

Canberra’s top spot for scoring a bargain is located in the industrial suburb of Fyshwick (just south-east of the city, on the corner of Canberra Ave and Newcastle St). There are more than 100 leading brands, plus a food court and a car wash.

337 Canberra Ave, Fyshwick; canberraoutlet.com.au

Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets

Satisfy your appetite and shop for everyday foods and gastronomic delights at the iconic Fyshwick Markets. You’ll find everything from deli items to wines, macarons, fresh produce and seafood, alongside specialty stores. 36 Mildura St, Fyshwick; fyshwickmarkets.com.au

MUSE: FOOD, WINE & BOOKS

Browse new and pre-loved books at Muse (located in the East Hotel) with a glass of vino in hand and a wholesome lunch on the way. What pairs with a best-seller? A long lunch, a bottle of chilled riesling and an afternoon of perusing the shelves. It’s open for breakfast, too. 69 Canberra Ave, Kingston; musecanberra.com.au

Explore

Lake Burley Griffin

Walk or cycle along the south bank of Lake Burley Griffin. For a scenic walk, begin at Bowen Park and meander your way west. Turn it into a circuit by crossing the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge and continuing on the north bank of the lake. The circuit is an approximately 5km loop, along which you’ll encounter an array of native flora and fauna (details on the self-guided walk can be found on the website below).

Early risers might be treated to the majestic sight of hot air balloons floating over the lake. nca.gov.au

Experience

Beaver Galleries

Beaver Galleries is Canberra’s largest privately owned commercial gallery, and features outstanding pieces by contemporary Australian artists, spread over three gallery rooms and a sculpture garden. Peruse the collection of paintings, sculptures, prints and ceramics and then head to the gallery shop to purchase an artwork to enjoy at home.

81 Denison St, Deakin; beavergalleries.com.au

CALTHORPES’ HOUSE

Calthorpes’ House is a window into an almostforgotten world. Built in 1927, it is a treasure trove of domestic history. Filled with original furnishings, household appliances and photographs, the home offers a unique chance to witness the fashionable ideal of the 1920s, as lived by a middleclass Australian family, the Calthorpes. A number of regular tours are held in the house and gardens.

24 Mugga Way, Red Hill; nationaltrust.org.au/places/ calthorpes-house/

Canberra Glassworks

Add a bit of heat to your day out. See, create, shop and learn at a dynamic professional glassmaking facility dedicated to artists working in contemporary glass art, craft and design. If you enjoy exhibitions, creative workshops, tours and a shop of handcrafted glassware, then this is the destination for you. Or bring a piece of Canberra home with you with a local glasswork that will impress for years to come. Open Wednesday to Sunday (10am–4pm). Book ahead for workshops and tours.

11 Wentworth Ave, Kingston; canberraglassworks.com

Royal Australian Mint

Visit the Royal Australian Mint for a range of great attractions the whole family will enjoy. See the coin factory and Australia’s National Coin Collection, and get the chance to make your very own souvenir coin. Guided tours of the complex run on both weekdays and weekends and leave approximately every hour on the hour.

Denison St, Deakin; ramint.gov.au

SOUTHERN CROSS CRUISES & YACHT CLUB

What better way to experience Canberra than by gliding across glistening Lake Burley Griffin? Try a cruise in the stylish comfort of MV Southern Cross. On the 90-minute daytime sightseeing cruise, you’ll hear informative commentary about the national capital and see some of the city’s most famous attractions.

Southern Cross Yacht Club, Lotus Bay, Mariner Pl, Yarralumla; mvsoutherncross.com.au