Pub crawls are out, bar struts are in. The chic way to sip around Canberra City.
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As much as we love a pub crawl in theory, in practice? It’s not exactly kitten-heel, and elegant-outfit friendly.
And when you’ve committed to a look, the last thing you want is sticky floors and shoulder-to-shoulder chaos. Thus, the bar strut was created: your elevated, effortlessly chic alternative to the pub crawl.
If your usual girls’ night rotation is starting to feel a little routine, consider this your sign to switch things up. The bar strut is less about chaos, more about curation. Think: beautiful spaces, impeccable cocktails, and just enough walking to justify ordering another round.
Because let’s be honest, if you’re going to spend an hour choosing an outfit and getting glammed up, the venue should match the energy.
Start with a beautiful view of a Canberra sunset
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Begin your evening at The Howling Moon, perched above the city with sweeping views and a cocktail list as beautiful as the sunset in front of you. This is your golden hour moment – order something sparkling, take a few candid photos, and ease into the night.
(And yes, this is where you pretend that you’re in a rom-com montage.)
Strut (or tram, we won’t judge)
From here, you’ve got options: take a quick tram into Braddon or commit to the full bar strut experience and wander through Haig Park. It’s scenic, it’s social, and it gives you time to debrief on outfits, life updates, and whether anyone actually needs another drink (spoiler: you do).
Next stop: Volstead Repeal.
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Think low exposure, expertly crafted cocktails, and just the right amount of exclusivity.
Settle in, order something you can’t pronounce (it’ll be delicious), and enjoy the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to stay longer than planned.
From Braddon, make your way into the city for a stop at Blue Eyes
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If you time it right and land on a live jazz night, consider it a reward for your impeccable planning.
There’s something about a dimly lit room, a good drink in hand, and live music that makes you feel like the most interesting person in the room, even if you’re just there for the vibes.
The grand finale (stay strong, these bars perfectly cap the night)
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To close out the night, head to the Melbourne Building and finish strong at Bar Rochford before crossing the courtyard to Molly.
Bar Rochford brings the wine bar charm and great food if you get snackish, while Molly delivers moody speakeasy sophistication. It’s the perfect one-two punch to end the evening, whether you’re winding down or suddenly convinced you could have just one more.
This thoughtfully curated night out is your excuse to wear that new outfit, finally break in those heels (carefully), and experience some of Canberra’s best hidden bars. Complete with great drinks, even better atmospheres, and a vibe that feels worlds away from your standard night out.
Because sometimes, it’s not about how many bars you hit, but about how good you look walking between them.
Feature image of Bar Rochford by Lean Timms.
