24 hours in Canberra: an insider’s guide 

Posted on 21 September, 2020

We’ve all heard that eye-roll inducing line: Canberra is best known for pollies, porn and fireworks.

But locals know there’s much more to our city, so who better to uncover the must-sees, must-stays, must drinks and must-eats for Canberra newbies?

If 24 hours is all you have to spare, this itinerary—picked by our seasoned readers—will give you a great taste of what we have to offer.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time, moving or considering a trip, consider this the official insider’s guide to our city.

MUST EAT

Highroad. Image: Tim Bean

Our readers’ top pick for a hearty breakfast is Farrer’s Fox and Bow, neatly showcasing our city’s “pockets of cool” in suburban shops. On the menu, you’ll find everything from blueberry hotcakes, chai spiced porridge to chilli scrambled eggs.

Other popular picks were Highroad in Dickson, Red Brick Espresso in Curtin, Teddy Picker’s in Campbell and The Cupping Room in the city.

Teddy Picker’s. Image: Ashley St George.

For lunch, head to eco-friendly café Mocan and Green Grout, located in Canberra’s eclectic NewActon precinct. A visit to Canberra isn’t complete without dinner at eightysix in Braddon—don’t miss their epic banoffee pie with pretzels.

eightysix’s Caramel Popcorn Sundae. Image: supplied.

MUST DRINK

Above all, Bar Rochford was the clear winner for our must-visit bars (and given it’s previously been named Australia’s bar of the year, we’re not surprised).

Bar Rochford. Image: Lean Timms.

With its intimate vibe, cracking wine list and delectable share plates, the upstairs bar—hidden away in the iconic Melbourne Building—is a local favourite for a reason. Honourable mentions include Tipsy Bull, Amici Bar and Beirut Bunker Bar in the city.

Amici Bar. Image: Ashley St George.

MUST STAY

If you are after accommodation with charisma, Ovolo Nishi is top of the list. It’s easily Canberra’s coolest hotel, making this a great pick for travellers seeking a vibrant inner-city base (make sure you wander downstairs to the hotel’s restaurant, Monster Kitchen and Bar).

Joe’s Bar. Image: Tim Bean Photography.

If you’re looking to be in better proximity to Canberra’s south, East Hotel in Kingston is also a favourite among our readers, with large, sophisticated rooms and the very cool Joe’s Bar. 

MUST SHOP

POP Canberra. Image supplied.

Located on Braddon’s lively Lonsdale Street, Pop Canberra is a favourite among our city’s style set. Stocking a colourful and eclectic array of homewares, décor, jewellery, tea, wine, spirits and chocolate, it’s perfect to peruse if you’re after something unique to take home.

Honourable mentions include nearby Hive and Ainslie’s Shopgirl Flowergirl.

MUST DO

Canberra is renowned for its picturesque walks, so why not start the day with a trek up scenic Mount Ainslie or Mount Taylor?

After your active morning, visit one of our famous galleries (don’t miss the National Gallery of Australia’s Botticelli to Van Gogh: Masterpieces from the National Gallery, London in March, which presents 60 paintings by some of Europe’s most revered artists).

Go Boats. Image: VisitCanberra.

After a visit to the gallery head down the road to watch the sunset on a GoBoat at the Kingston Foreshore. The self-drive boats are available for hire, with no boat license required. Food and drinks are BYO, and there’s plenty of table space for a picnic spread and champagne. Cheers to CBR!

Find what makes Canberra more than meets the eye at visitcanberra.com.au/more-than