Neighbourhood: Federation Square in Gold Creek Village
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One of the best things about Canberra is its multitude of neighbourhoods – each with its own individual charm and attractions.
And whether you’re looking to make that suburb your home or just explore its offerings, it’s always good to have an expert guide to show you around.
This week we are doing things a little differently, visiting an historic precinct that attracts tourists and locals alike. Federation Square is located in Gold Creek Village, about 10 minutes from the CBD, off the Barton Highway and on the edge of Gungahlin. It’s a collection of shops, cafes, and attractions that Canberrans or interstate visitors often take a day to enjoy. We hadn’t been in ages and were pleasantly surprised by how much fun we had.
SUBURB SNAPSHOT
Gold Creek Village sits on the site of Ginninderra Village, dating back to 1883. Alas, there is no gold, nor is there a creek. The name actually came from a local racehorse of some repute. The original settlement provides some important historic relics thanks to the schoolhouse (1884) and the former St Francis Roman Catholic Church (1872), which are still standing.
Since the 1970’s, the area has blossomed into a tourist destination featuring the famed miniature village of Cockington Green, the newer National Dinosaur Museum and Reptile Zoo and the George Harcourt Inn in all its Tudor-style glory.
Since the 1990’s, Federation Square has grown as a leafy, cobbled village, offering shopping, cafes, a nursery, bird feeding, mini golf and some function centres to draw big crowds. A much-loved resource for parents who can while away the hours while their kids explore the area, it is a quaint break from the fluorescent lighting and sterility of shopping malls. There is a small-town friendliness to traders and some specialty shops which make it worth the drive alone. The free parking and independently owned businesses are a plus, and the square (actually it is two squares) is best enjoyed in an unhurried way, where discoveries can be made and specialty food can be enjoyed.
Let us explain more…
EAT
pulp. bookcafe
Is there anything better than a new book and a fresh coffee? pulp offers even more than that, combining an expansive café, indoor and outdoor seating, an open fire, the latest in new books and the best of classics, as well as a liquor licence and $5 cocktails (you read that right). We personally loved the Portuguese tarts, which are made fresh in house every morning and possess a superior light and crunchy pastry. We also rate the pancake stack and the pulled pork Signature Rosti Benedict for a sunny brunch. You can have a proper meal there, grilled salmon, chicken schnitzel, a selection of hamburgers, sandwiches, and sweet treats have all bases covered. But we were saving room for the lolly shop across the courtyard…Meanwhile, the friendly staff are well read and happy to chat titles and authors to suit your style.
6/ 18 O’Hanlon Place | pulpbookcafe.com.au
The Lolly Shop
It’s hard not to be a little overwhelmed once you cross the bridge and step into The Lolly Shop. Think Charlie Bucket walking into the chocolate factory. The shop specialises in a curated selection of international treats you won’t find just anywhere — from fun hamburger-shaped gummies, chewy salt water taffy and authentic Dutch licorice, to unique drinks like Japanese Dr Pepper, American Skittles Drink and Tang. Plus, they have an irresistible range of Reese’s varieties for peanut butter lovers. For the nostalgia lovers, you can get your bucket of bananas or milk bottles or chocolate freckles along with classics like Sherbet Fountains, and a huge assortment of hard lollies, including aniseed humbugs and raspberry drops.
13/18 O’Hanlon Place | lovethelollyshop.com.au
Stripey Sundae
Another small, family owned and run business, Stripey Sundae prides themselves on tempting the young and old (and everyone in between). Hand-made on site from scratch, they churn small batch traditional dairy and many vegan varieties with soy, coconut and fruit bases. Flavours change weekly and seasonally, and we were particularly impressed with their recent treats.
4/18 O’Hanlon Place | stripeysundae.au
Gold Creek Café
An old-fashioned café to pull up and stay awhile. Offering attentive service and a tried-and-true menu of French toast, pancake stacks, bacon and egg rolls and steak sandwiches. Sometimes only comfort foods will do and you can wash this down with a smooth or milkshake and remember kinder, simpler times.
2/26 O’Hanlon Place | www.facebook.com/goldcreekvillage
Hungry Bird Café
With a foothold onto the pretty courtyard, Hungry Bird specialises in home-baked sourdough and offers a heady array of sweet baked delights. With a sizeable menu, you can traverse salads to sandwiches to a fully cooked hot lunch. Or maybe you want to sit with the all-day breakfast menu. Prices are very reasonable and the kids menu makes it easy to park everyone in the sunshine and enjoy a refuel.
1/18 O’Hanlon Place | hungrybirdcafe.com.au
SHOP
Angelic Inspirations
If you’re getting hitched or frocking up for formal season, you probably already know about Angelic Inspirations, surely one of the most awarded bridal shops in the region. Owner Julie stocks a massive range of gowns, and you can basically rock up with nothing more than the engagement ring, and leave with everything from dress, to shoes, to jewellery, headpieces and a bespoke fitting service guaranteeing you look your best. We loved the bedazzled denim jackets and sparkly sneakers for brides who want to get down and boogie after the formalities are done. Also a word on the formal dresses, the staff are so knowledgeable that they can guide even the most shy teen in the direction of the perfect dress with minimum stress and a lot of gentle support. We like that a lot.
Shop 1 O’Hanlon Place | angelicinspiration.com.au
Aarwun Gallery
Established in 1999, Aarwun Gallery is one of the city’s premier destinations for Australian art. Run by Robert Stephens, the gallery has a well earned reputation for present distinguished landscape and portrait artists, dynamic contemporary voices, and celebrated Indigenous practitioners. Their diverse collection spans painting, printmaking, ceramics, glass, bronze, and sculpture — accessible through their light-filled gallery space. Even if you are not in the market for a piece of art, a wander around this gallery is always good for the soul.
Shop 11 O’Hanlon Place | aarwungallery.com.au
A Darn Good Yarn
Did you know that knitting and crochet spark the same areas of the brain as meditation; they are basically the new yoga! Here is the place to go to stock up on enough wool to calm down during the latest global crisis – the majority of which are 100 per cent merino and most are produced in Australia. And if you love the idea of hand-knitted one-off pieces but don’t think you’ve got it in you to get there on your own, they offer a small range of natural fibre clothing including beautiful jumpers from Aran Woollen Mills in Ireland.
9/18 O’Hanlon Place | adarngoodyarn.com.au
Bead Barn
In the same creative and meditative vein as A Darn Good Yarn, the Bean Barn is a one-stop shop for beads, pearls, crystals and everything you will need to get decorative and creative. The best bit is the experienced staff are on hand for questions and there is an extensive range of books to fill you with ideas and expertise.
5/1 O’Hanlon Place | beadbarn.com.au
Wrapped in Paper
Here is a scrap-booker’s heaven. As well as a haven for card makers and paper craft enthusiasts. Operated by Gail, this place is also a hub for creative learning, running regular workshops on diecut cards, stamping cards and copic workshops. You can also learn the art of wrapping and how to create your own. And if you don’t like how it turns out, the shop also sells a huge range of card stock, ribbons, rubber stamps and embellishments, dies, adhesives, stickers, cutting tools and machines.
6/7 O’Hanlon Place | wrappedinpaper.com.au
Calico Patch
A pretty little material shop, there are rolls of every colour, weave and pattern to inspire clothing to quilts. And if it’s buttons zips, patterns, ribbons or any other sewing requirement, they have you covered.
Shop 2 Federation Square | facebook.com/calicopatchau
Little Trade Co
Little Trade Co is a thoughtfully curated boutique bringing together independent Australian brands under one roof.
Designed to support small businesses at every stage of growth, the space offers makers the opportunity to trade in a physical store without the pressure of running one alone. Each brand is selected for its quality, creativity and values. Founded and operated by Keara, Little Trade Co was created from a genuine passion for supporting small businesses and building a space where brands can grow. From food, to candles, clothes to art, jewellery to beauty products, home decor to kid’s toys, there is something for everyone and a perfect gift to be found for any occasion.
8/18 O’Hanlon Place | littletradeco.com.au
The Bower Birds
An independent, family-owned business established over 36 years ago that focuses on Australian-designed and/or made, ethically produced goods including locally made foods, body products, candles and Australian giftware with genuine indigenous artwork. Lesley and her staff are experts on the companies they represent and we couldn’t help but focus on the expansive range of kitchenware (our weakness) and some beautiful throws. This is a store where you should be able to take time to indulge.
Shop 1 Federation Square | facebook.com/bowerbirdsACT
Flight of Fancy
Here is another homeware shop where your eyes may alight on the perfect lamp or piece of art to complete a room. Featuring a range of Australian made Tilley body products as well as Anna Nova handbags, and a really unique selection of jewellery and hats, this is the place you come for the item you don’t want to see on anyone else.
Shop 10 O’Hanlon Place | flight-of-fancy.com.au
Heavenly Connections
If you are in touch with your own spirituality, you probably already know about this place, which seems a busy hub of activity. One side of the shop is devoted to crystals, gems, stones and literature on all things new age, while the other side offers private rooms for tarot and psychic readings. For those who want to know more than what the human realm, or online news sites, offer us…
2/18 O’Hanlon Place | facebook.com/HeavenlyConnectionsAus
PLAY
Walk-in Aviary
Why go to Currumbin on the Gold Coast for a close encounter with a parrot when we have our own enormous aviary featuring 600 beautiful birds. Run by Mick and his very friendly team, this place will allay any concerns you may have about keeping birds in captivity. These guys are all free and happy to fly about a 1000 square metre and fully planted aviary. They have names and personalities and are doted on by the staff. Equipped with apple and seed (and some tasty mealworms) you can wander around getting up close and personal with a variety of species. We loved the fluffy chooks with their even fluffier chicks in tow. But the friendly parrots were a highlight.
18 O’Hanlon Place | canberrawalkinaviary.com.au
Greengold Nursery
Opened in 1995, Greengold Nursery is an oasis for the indoor plant lover and will surely inspire visitors to bring more greenery into their homes for the calm aesthetic it brings. Of course, sometimes it is easier said than done, so staff are happy to provide helpful tips and watering instructions for the brown thumbs who lurk among us.
Even if you don’t buy a plant, visiting the nursery is like walking through a lush garden, and the friendly staff know everything there is to know about the Canberra climate and are always up for a chat. So maybe they might inspire some garden activity.
12 O’Hanlon Place | greengoldnursery.au
Mini Golf
Let’s say it’s been a good few decades between holes at the local Putt Putt golf in Dickson but once that golf stick was in my hand, it all came rushing back. I still suck. In any event, this course is surrounded by greenery and birdsong as it backs onto the aviary. The professionally designed 18-hole course has a mix of easy and challenging holes and will appeal to all ages.
18 O’Hanlon Place | minigolffedsqu.com.au
Under The Mistletoe
Be enchanted by the magic of Christmas with Canberra’s all-year-round Christmas store, Under The Mistletoe. It’s like jumping through a vortex into Santa’s lair and suddenly you’re feeling every sparkly Christmas wish for goodwill for all humankind. Staff are truly perpetually happy here, and you could spend hours wandering around choosing the theme for next year’s tree, or collecting treasured heirlooms and collectibles. As the only licensed seller of Lemax Villages for Canberra and surrounds, people visit from far and wide to explore their amazing mini village displays. And if you have littlies, be prepared to stay a long, long while and ask when Santa is coming next, even if it is April. Luckily, there are other seasonal holidays to stock up for, with Easter displays and Halloween supplies.
4/26 O’Hanlon Place | underthemistletoe.com.au
PHOTOGRAPHY: Andrew Ly, @nineteen.is
