playfriendsfree* discover a place of joy and wonder

Explore playful Australian stories in a fun, indoor play and learn space for children of all abilities from birth to 6 years. Now open at the National Museum of Australia.

Costs apply. Bookings essential. For information on tickets, Community days and memberships, visit nma.gov.au/discovery-centre

*Terms and conditions apply. Fees apply. Museum Friends adult and child members receive free entry for the duration of paid membership.

MAYFAIR CAFE $$$$

Located on the ground floor of the Mayfair apartments on Marcus Clarke Street, this breakfast hotspot serves up morning and lunchtime delicacies for hungry Canberra commuters. The locally roasted ONA coffee is always fresh and the grab-and-go options (such as freshly made sandwiches and wraps) are in plentiful supply.

40 Marcus Clarke St, City West mayfairespresso.com

MEZZALIRA $$$$

As one of Canberra’s iconic Italian restaurants, Mezzalira is a top pick for thoughtful and well-executed cuisine. The menu includes homemade pasta, woodfired pork and an award-winning wine list that focuses on lesserknown Italian varietals.

55 London Cct, Canberra mezzalira.com.au

MISS VAN’S $$$$

Creating new traditions is nothing out of the ordinary for Miss Van’s Asian-Australian restaurant. In the comfortable, fine-dining setting, explore everything from pumpkin banh beo to Penang duck curry. 4/113-119 Marcus Clarke St, Canberra missvans.com.au

MONSTER $$$$

You’ll find this sophisticated restaurant and bar taking up space on the ground floor of the Ovolo Nishi hotel. The décor is an eclectic mix of old and new, separated into four distinct spaces: the lounge, mosaic room, salon and dining room. Prepare to share with a menu of smaller dishes and a wine list that emphasises wellknown and up-and-coming drops in equal measure.

25 Edinburgh Ave, Canberra monsterkitchen.com.au

MU OMAKASE $$$$

Trust the process at Mu Omakase, which translates to ‘leave it to you’. Here, you’ll sit around the low-lit wooden bar and be served quality Japanese seasonal dishes, with an emphasis on charcoal cooking.

1 Constitution Ave, Canberra chairmangroup.com.au/mu

RAKU $$$$

Raku is a modern sushi bar with a generous drinks menu. Delivering more than just a meal, Raku’s highly skilled team utilise precision and artfulness to deliver a unique dining experience. 148 Bunda St, Canberra rakudining.com.au

REBEL REBEL $$$$

As the name suggests, Rebel Rebel doesn’t hold back with its innovative dishes. Whether you’re looking for a rustic-vibe dinner or some takeaway from the on-site wine shop, Rebel Rebel has you covered.

23 Marcus Clarke St, Acton rebelrebeldining.com.au

RICE & NORI $$$$

Offering a unique array of sushi rolls, Japanese takeaway shop Rice & Nori is dedicated to using seasonal ingredients and fresh produce and also offers the option for customers to create their own sushi roll fillings and watch as they’re made by the sushi chefs. Shop 7/131 City Walk, Canberra riceandnori.com.au

SANDOOCHIE $$$$

Quickly becoming a lunchhour staple in Canberra’s centre, Sandoochie serves tasty, filled-to-the-brim sandwiches, with cakes and drinks aplenty to satisfy those cheeky afternoon sugar cravings.

8 No Name Ln, Canberra sandoochie.com.au

SUCH AND SUCH $$$$

With a casual, drop-in vibe,

Such and Such offers an à la carte menu designed for snacking and sharing. Its well-known destination dining sibling Pilot sets the tone and both restaurants refine nostalgic flavours with modern interpretations.

220 London Cct, Canberra andsuchandsuch.com

SWEET BONES $$$$

This rock ’n’ roll vegan bakery and café is a local favourite, offering everything from intricate cakes to plant-based breakfast and lunch. Aim to arrive early to ensure you get a seat.

Shop 8/18 Lonsdale St, Braddon sweetbonescompany.com

TEMPORADA $$$$

Just a step back from the city centre, Temporada provides a welcoming and classy atmosphere. Its inventive menu highlights bold, fresh ingredients cooked on a charcoal grill.

15 Moore St, Canberra temporada.com.au

TERRA $$$$

Pop in to grab breakfast on the go, take a seat at one of the long tables for something heartier, build your own sandwich for lunch, or enjoy Terra’s charcoal spit for dinner. Shop G2, No Name Ln, 40 Marcus Clarke St, Canberra terracanberra.com.au

Shop

Canberra Centre

A lively hub of shopping, entertainment, food and events in the centre of Canberra city. Department stores Myer and David Jones lead a premium portfolio of Australian and international fashion labels, alongside specialty stores, cafés, restaurants and a large 15-screen cinema complex (which is fully licensed). Specialty retailers include Bonds, Zara, Country Road and Witchery. Bunda St, Canberra City canberracentre.com.au

Craft Act

A not-for-profit organisation that hosts creative programs and events to support makers of craft, design and art, the shop has an array of pieces made by members, including homewares, books, fashion, jewellery and artwork. This is the perfect place if you’re looking for a locally made gift and to take a piece of Canberra home with you. Level 1, North Building, 180 London Cct, Canberra craftact.org.au

Lonsdale Street

Just 10 minutes from the city centre, this trendy street is home to local design talent, gift shops, homewares, bookshops and cool art galleries. Spend an afternoon browsing the boutiques. Lonsdale St, Braddon

National Museum Of Australia Shop

Stop by the museum’s shop to find unusual homewares, arts and crafts, Aboriginal giftware, gourmet treats and more. With prices to suit every budget, you’re sure to leave with a gorgeous souvenir.

Lawson Cres, Acton Peninsula nma.gov.au/visit/shop

Pop Canberra

As its name suggests, this shop really will add a pop of colour and joy to your day. POP Canberra truly embraces the essence of local design, spotlighting over 200 local Australian businesses, ranging from jewellery to alcoholic spirits, delicate candles and fruit preserves to accompany your next cheese board. 27 Londsdale St, Braddon popcanberra.com.au

Trove Canberra

The intention of this creative treasure trove is to provide a shop space for Canberraregion artists, designers and makers to sell their goods and wares. Set up as a cooperative, the store stocks one-of-a-kind homewares, jewellery, candles, soap, chocolate, cards, fashion, artwork and more. Shop G4a, Dickson Chambers, Dickson Pl, Dickson trovecanberra.com.au

Explore

Australian National Botanic Gardens

These magnificent gardens are home to a collection of 83,000 Australian plants from more than 4,300 species and are worth a visit any time of year. Highlights include the Red Centre Garden, the Rainforest Gully, the Rock Garden and the Paperbark Treehouse. Take a picnic and enjoy the Eucalypt Lawn or jump on a 45-minute guided Flora Explorer tour of the gardens in the electric bus. Clunies Ross St, Acton anbg.gov.au

Balloon Aloft

There’s no better way to see the nation’s capital and beautiful Lake Burley Griffin than from a hot air balloon. Held on both weekdays and weekends (weather-dependent), Balloon Aloft’s flights are approximately 45–60 minutes long. balloonaloftcanberra.com.au

Canberra Nature Park

Canberra Nature Park is comprised of 37 separate protected areas in the ACT, including Black Mountain, Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve, Mount Ainslie and the Jerrabomberra Wetlands. The nature park reserves contain some of the finest examples of yellow box and red gum grassy woodland and are home to rare and threatened species. environment.act.gov.au

National Arboretum Canberra

With panoramic views and more than 44,000 trees, the National Arboretum is a great place to explore. There are picnic spots, cycling trails and playgrounds. The Village Centre also has a café, a restaurant, a gift shop and the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection. Forest Dr, off Tuggeranong Pkwy, Molonglo Valley nationalarboretum.act.gov.au

Experience

Australian War Memorial

Commemorating the sacrifice of Australians who died in war, this world-class museum and shrine presents the stories of many brave men and women through art, photography, aircraft, equipment and mementos from an extensive archive. The Last Post Ceremony is held daily. Fairbairn Ave, Campbell awm.gov.au

CANBERRA MUSEUM & GALLERY

This museum and gallery celebrates the region’s diverse and rich history and art with dynamic exhibitions and events. It houses a range of local, national and international exhibitions, both free and ticketed, including The Nolan Collection, which comprises key works from Australian artist Sir Sidney Nolan. London Cct and Civic Sq, Canberra cmag.com.au

Canberra Theatre Centre

This premier performing arts venue offers the very best in theatre, opera, ballet, dance, comedy, circus and more. Visit the website to stay up to date and find out about the diverse range of performances

A tale of craft, talent, and ambition coming up over this season. From local theatre companies and performers to world-class acts, there’s something for everyone.

Civic Sq, London Cct, Canberra canberratheatre.com.au

Drill Hall Gallery

Located on the Australian National University campus, Drill Hall Gallery is housed in an historic drill hall built in the 1940s to train soldiers for World War II. Today the gallery showcases some of Australia’s leading contemporary artists. Kingsley St, Acton dhg.anu.edu.au

Jamala Wildlife Lodge

Experience the thrill of close encounters with the natural world by sleeping next to lions, feeding a giraffe from your balcony or watching fish from your lounge room at the wild and wonderful Jamala Wildlife

Lodge at Canberra’s National Zoo & Aquarium. When it comes to accommodation, you’ll be spoiled for choice, with a range of Africaninspired suites to choose from in the Jungle Bungalows, Giraffe Treehouse and uShaka Lodge. Lady Denman Dr, Canberra jamalawildlifelodge.com.au

National Film And Sound Archive

The National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) preserves and shares the nation’s audiovisual memory. Experience the spectacle of more than three million items that span over 100 years of creative production. There’s a great program of film screenings and events all year round, or you can take a journey through the NFSA collection and interactive space, the Hive. McCoy Cct, Acton nfsa.gov.au

National Museum Of Australia

Overlooking Lake Burley Griffin, the museum explores Australian history and culture through Indigenous heritage, landscape, people and journeys that connect Australia with the world. Make sure to check out the Gandel Atrium and look up through the geometric glass ceiling. Lawson Cres, Acton Peninsula nma.gov.au

NATIONAL ZOO & AQUARIUM

Australia’s only combined zoo and aquarium offers some serious experiences for the brave at heart. Visit the lions and meerkats with the Awesome Roarsome Tour, get an insight into the zoo’s conservation work with the Wonders of Wildlife Tour, or get up close to African wildlife with the African Savannah Safari. Lady Denman Dr, Scrivener Dam nationalzoo.com.au