They say timing is everything, but for Tim Moustakas, it was all about the light.
While deep in renovations at his new restaurant space on the corner of the Swinger Hill shops, a Mediterranean-esque sunset filled the sky, reminiscent of balmy evenings at Greek tavernas. The moment solidified the concept for Asteri, a new Greek destination set to bring authentic flavours and elevated dining to the Southside when it opens its doors next month.
“There are some really beautiful sunsets in the afternoon that you can see from the outdoor area where it almost feels like you’re in Greece, and that’s the relaxed vibe I’m hoping for with this restaurant,” Tim says.
Both the indoor and outdoor restaurant space have been refreshed to channel the vibes of a relaxed Greek taverna, with touches of Tim’s family weaved throughout: from the garden outside filled with fresh herbs and chilli tended to by his father, to the Mediterranean tiling by his brother, and of course, the name – a tribute to the beloved place his mother was born, Asteri, which means “stars.” Inside, photos of Tim’s family will adorn the walls, along with paintings by Greek Melbourne-based artist Effie Chaniotis.
And while it’s not set to open until mid-May, Tim has already received hundreds of requests for bookings – a sure sign he’s on to a good thing.
Tim as a child in Asteri, the restaurant’s namesake.
Well known from his time at the Hellenic Club’s Fillos Taverna and the Southern Cross Club, Tim, affectionately known as “Digger,” has hospitality in his blood.
“My Dad’s always been in hospitality, so I joke that I was bathed in the sinks of the kitchen as a kid,” he says.
“One of my first jobs was helping to clean plates at the Hellenic Club, and I’ve been working and cooking in kitchens since.”
Tim doing what he loves.
The menu at Asteri reads like a love letter to the Aegean, blending fresh coastal seafood such as grilled octopus, garlic prawns and seafood risotto with comforting, traditional Greek staples like moussaka (beef and eggplant lasagne), pastitsio (beef pasta bake) and keftedes (meatballs in a rich tomato sauce). There will also be a large selection of pizza, pasta and mezze dishes to share (think prawn saganaki, scallops and zucchini and fetta fritters).
For those who want the full experience, Tim offers the “Digger-station”, a cheeky moniker for a degustation featuring seven of his most-loved dishes, most notably his signature melt-in-your-mouth baked lamb shoulder, plus authentic sweets like karithopita (Greek walnut cake) and “Yia Yia’s tiramisu” served with gooey Belgian chocolate.
Tim’s traditional baklava.
Tim envisions a calendar of vibrant events for the venue, such as street parties with bouzouki, Greek yum cha nights and Souvlaki Saturdays, with all the atmosphere of a summer’s evening in Greece.
“It’s a really good community here at Swinger Hill; they’ve been really supportive,” he says.
“For me, working in hospitality has always been about the people and the spirit of sharing good times with friends and family. I love taking care of others, and that’s just what we’ll do at Asteri.”
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Asteri Where: Swinger Hill Shops, 10/84 Ainsworth St, Mawson When: Opening mid-May. Stay tuned on their socials! Web:facebook.com/astericanberra
We hear you. Between the endless notifications and doom-scrolling, it’s tricky not to constantly feel overwhelmed. It’s time to put down the phone, close those tabs and explore Canberra’s best self-care sanctuaries.
Whether your version of “me time” involves immersing yourself in nature, perfecting your downward dog with some furry new friends or a much-needed afternoon of spa bliss, we’ve rounded up the ultimate guide to reset your nervous system. Consider this your official invitation to unplug and get back to your best self.
Lux Thai (Forde)
Few treatments counteract stress mind better than massage. This boutique massage therapy spa in Forde (pictured above) is dedicated to holistic wellbeing through professional Thai techniques, with a variety of specialised treatments, including remedial, deep tissue and traditional Thai massage, as well as aromatherapy and hot stone therapy. You’ll leave feeling as if you’re floating out the door.
Nature exposure is a scientifically proven way to lower cortisol and switch the body from fight or flight to rest and reset. So where better to do that than the home of Canberra’s most diverse collection of native plants?
Wander down the stairs into Rainforest Gully for an instant escape from the noise of the world. This micro-climate features daily mistings and boardwalks that mimic the cool, lush environment of a coastal rainforest. For a more direct reset, book a treatment inside the gardens at Jindii EcoSpa. Their spa rituals are uniquely designed to provide a deep connection to both nature and self, providing a haven for some well-deserved time-out.
anbg.gov.au
Paws and Poses (Mitchell and Fyshwick)
It’s a proven fact that interacting with animals triggers the release of oxytocin, which naturally counters the body’s stress response. We may not have done the research, but we’re guessing mini-dachshunds double that dose! In what must be the cutest yoga classes in Canberra, this studio hosts puppy yoga sessions in Mitchell and Fyshwick, with 45 minutes of gentle yoga flow interrupted by snuggles from mini-dachshunds. Take a paws in your day and soak it up!
Deep amidst the bustle of the city is an unexpected pocket of relaxation. This popular wellness centre offers float therapy, which involves floating in water heated to match your body temperature with a high concentration of epsom salt. This combination helps your body enter a deep state of relaxation typically only achieved during REM sleep. Choose between a standard individual or couples session for a shared physical and mental reset.
This Scandi-inspired sanctuary features wood-fired cedar saunas with massive floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water. Spend an hour surrendering to the heat before taking a refreshing plunge directly into the lake (the ultimate way to calm the nervous system!) Whether you’re there for a magical sunrise session or watching the sunset over the water, it’s the kind of experience that leaves you feeling both totally relaxed and completely re-energised.
Nestled within the Lennox Gardens, this Japanese-themed garden is a masterclass in tranquility. Featuring traditional wooden gates, stone lanterns and iconic cherry blossom trees, this pocket of Zen—a gift from our sister city, Nara—is the ultimate destination for a mindful morning stroll or a quiet moment of reflection to truly transport you a world away.
One of the most effective ways to quieten the mind is a head massage, which directly addresses the physical, neurological and emotional sources of mental noise. Heal Medi Spa is a boutique, intimate destination for premium head spa treatments.
Located in The Latham Hub, they specialise in relaxing, results-driven head spa rituals for an elevated, restorative experience.
In what could be the most introvert-friendly reset, Reverie is a 24/7 self-guided, contactless wellness sanctuary where silence is golden. Each session is delivered in a private, state-of-the-art suite, with treatments including infrared saunas, contrast therapy ice baths and specialised dry floats with sound therapy. The ability to visit this calming space at any time allows for a tailored, regular wellness routine that lowers cortisol, without the pressure of social interaction.
Located in the heart of Dickson, GROUNDUP Wellness provides a comprehensive, all-in-one approach to rejuvenation by blending movement with physical recovery, using a combination of infrared and traditional saunas, ice baths and red-light therapy to reduce inflammation, enhance mood and release stored tension in the nervous system. By pairing these services with yoga and pilates classes, GROUNDUP supports a holistic reset, encouraging you to move out of chronic stress and into a state of complete relaxation.
If your idea of a reset involves a touch of resort-style luxury, this full-service health and lifestyle club is an excellent choice. Beyond high-energy activities at their state-of-the-art gym, tennis courts and pool, the facility supports a balanced nervous system through its calming amenities, including dedicated spa, sauna and steam room areas, which are perfect for soothing the vagus nerve and enhancing circulation after a busy day. Kids in tow? There’s even an on-site creche if required!
Hale is less about a quick “in-and-out” visit and more about the ritual of relaxation. The experience starts in their moody, cave-like heated plunge pool nestled beside their steam room and sauna, then continues into the lounge space: think Scandi-style lounging by a crackling fire that melts away stress before your treatment even begins. Speaking of treatments, opt for one of their signature Rationale facials for a pick-me-up, or a deep scalp and shoulder massage to coax even the tightest shoulders into submission.
There’s nothing like autumn in Canberra. From the golden light to the stunning hues of the leaves, it’s one of the most beautiful times in the nation’s capital.
Before the gorgeous autumn foliage begins to fall and the temperature drops even more, here are five autumnal events to make the most of the season. Add these to your calendar before winter sets in.
Autumn Courtyards Tour
Parliament House is spectacular in any season, but there’s something particularly satisfying about visiting it in autumn. And with the private courtyards glowing with rich reds, oranges and golds, this guided walking tour is the perfect way to make the most of it before the season changes.
Taking visitors through these remarkable spaces and sharing the stories behind the building’s extraordinary landscape design, the tours give the rare chance to see the iconic Budget Tree in person.
Add a scone and hot drink package for a truly civilised morning out.
Friday 1, Saturday 2, Friday 8, Saturday 9, Friday 15, Saturday 16, Friday 22 and Saturday 23 May | Australian Parliament House, 1 Parliament Drive, Canberra | parliamenthouse.respax.com
The Autumn Art Fair at The Little Burley Markets
What better way to celebrate one of the most beautiful times of the year than on the shore of Lake Burley Griffin?
The Autumn Art Fair is returning once more to transform Queen Elizabeth Terrace into a vibrant gathering of art and design stalls, delicious food and drink, live entertainment and hands-on workshops.
With the national cultural institutions just down the road and the lake shimmering under autumn light, it’s hard to imagine a more fitting backdrop for celebrating Canberra’s creative community.
Who can resist the taste of home-made jam, traditional chutneys and garden-fresh herbs? The National Arboretum’s Harvest Stall is an autumn ritual that deserves far more attention than it gets.
Here, every jar of jam, preserve and chutney on offer has been grown, harvested and made by Arboretum volunteers using seasonal organic produce from the Kitchen Garden and fruits from the forests – and the results are exactly as delicious as that sounds.
Seedlings are also available for those looking to take inspiration home to their own backyard, and with all proceeds supporting Friends of the Arboretum, this is a perfectly worthwhile way to spend a Saturday morning in Molonglo.
There’s nothing better than a good cheese board and a glass of wine on a chilly autumn day, so Canberrans who take their cheese seriously will want to clear the diary for this.
This May, the Canberra Cheese Festival is bringing together Australia’s leading cheesemakers across six 2.5-hour sessions spread over three days, offering the chance to sample award-winning varieties alongside wines from the region. Make sure to try the raclette – this is a very delicious way to spend an autumn weekend.
Friday 8 until Sunday 10 May | Grainger Gallery, Fyshwick | events.humanitix.com
Canberra and Region Heritage Festival
It’s not autumn in Canberra unless you pay a visit to the Canberra and Region Heritage Festival.
Celebrating the mid-century ideas that shaped Canberra into what it is today – along with our rich regional connections – across a packed programme running into May, the festival will see over 150 events take place across the ACT.
From walking tours to exhibitions and talks, there’s something to engage every kind of history enthusiast!
Everywhere to eat, play and learn for a discounted rate.
Gather your lost student ID, we have found the best places in Canberra serving up student discounts so you can get the most bang for your buck – because are you really a student if you’re not looking for the best deals in town?
Here are some great ways to put your student ID card to good use and get some incredible discounts on food and activities. Grab your friends, it’s time to get savvy.
Entertainment
Looking for something to do that doesn’t blow your entire weekly budget? These spots have you covered.
Head to BlocHaus for Textbook Tuesdays, where students can climb all day for just $17, perfect for procrastinating productively.
At Holey Moley Golf Club, you can play nine holes of mini golf for 50 per cent off(just $12), any day of the week.
Movie nights are sorted with Palace Electric Cinemas offering $8.50 tickets on Wednesdays, while Dendy Cinemas keeps things just as budget-friendly with $9 student Wednesdays.
If you’re after something a bit different, Hijinx Hotel has challenge rooms for $20 – ideal for a fun group activity that won’t break the bank.
Scrounge up your friends and get busy. Canberra is not boring; you just need to venture away from campus.
Food
Because let’s be honest, this is where most of your money goes.
Grease Monkey is a student favourite with a $15 deal for a burger, chips and a drink. Does it get more satisfying than that?
Craving some flavour-packed birria tacos? Taco Boi offers 10 per cent off for students.
For something a little lighter, Eighty Twenty Cafe also gives 10 per cent off. Why wouldn’t you want to get your favourite coffee and a healthy breakfast, all for a much better price?
Over at The RUC in Turner, Thursday nights mean $15 dinners from 8 pm until 9 pm, perfect for a cheap night out with friends because we know all tutors like to schedule classes during happy hour (not cool).
And when your sweet tooth kicks in, San Churro has a $9.95 churros deal that’s hard to say no to. Want to make it a date? Go for their $30 for churros for two and two hot chocolate deal.
Culture & Museums
Culture doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag, especially in Canberra.
The National Portrait Gallery is always worth a visit, offering free general admission and concession rates for major exhibitions.
Questacon offers student entry for just $17.50, making it a fun (and slightly educational) day out.
The National Gallery of Australia has free general admission, with discounted student pricing for major exhibitions.
Similarly, the National Museum of Australia is free to explore, with special exhibitions costing around $20 concession.
For live performances, the Canberra Theatre Centre often offers around 10 per cent off ticket prices for full-time students, depending on the show.
Services
The savings don’t stop at food and fun.
Sign up to UNiDAYS using your uni email to unlock 10 to 50 per cent off across fashion, tech, fitness, food, and more.
And don’t forget your student concession on MyWay, making getting around Canberra that little bit cheaper.
Being a student in Canberra doesn’t have to mean being broke; it just means being strategic. With a little planning (and your student ID in hand), you can eat well, go out, and actually enjoy the city without constantly checking your bank balance.
Now all that’s left to do? Text the group chat and start planning (and maybe order a new ID card if yours is still “somewhere safe”).
When we last spoke to Alex Carson in 2018, she was touring the world as a professional dancer with the likes of Janet Jackson and Gwen Stefani.
Eight years later, her life has changed tremendously.
Still touring, dancing and performing on major stages from her base in Los Angeles, the ex-Canberra local has added Pharrell Williams, B2K and Lisa to her extensive list of celebrity connections.
But it’s her most recent collaboration with Paris Hilton that is Alex’s biggest pinch-me moment.
After all, not many people can say that they’ve designed a Coachella outfit for the woman who defined pop culture in the 2000s and brought ‘sliving’ into our lexicon.
Starting @sew.bardi to relax her mind between dance jobs, Alex never imagined that her hobby would one day see her contacted by wardrobe stylist, creative director, and image consultant Joey Thao on behalf of Paris Hilton.
As she lived out the dance fantasy she always dreamed of – including travelling the world – in between jobs, Alex realised she needed another creative outlet to channel her energy.
“Dance can be very unpredictable and sometimes it makes it hard to commit to other things in life, whether it’s holidays, family time, or new hobbies,” she explains.
“I just got to a point where I was sick of waiting around for the next job. So, I decided I was going to fill my time doing something creative – something that didn’t have any pressure behind it, but something I enjoyed.”
Alex began by upcycling old clothing to create new pieces to wear on and off the stage, launching @sew.bardi on Instagram in December 2024. Using an old sewing machine gifted to her by a close friend, she says that her designs pay tribute to the nostalgic Y2K style that she has always been drawn to.
“It’s definitely an ode to my favourite era of fashion and music – the ‘90s and 2000s. This was the era that inspired me to dance, and it has inspired my fashion sense too.”
“I use thrifted materials, and I’m always conscious of how the pieces move. My favourite part of seeing my pieces on other people is how they instantly dance when they try them on. It’s pretty funny how it always happens.”
From mini-skirts and corsets made from sports jerseys to denim sets that look like they belong on the set of Step Up, the designs are skin-baring, curve-hugging, and cropped – a remix of the trends that defined the millennium.
And as the queen of the 2000s, Alex says that when Paris Hilton’s styling team reached out for a custom-made outfit, the inspiration was simple: a love letter to her Von Dutch era, reimagined.
“Initially, I was given a reference from a skirt I had already created and quite transparently hated the way it came out. So, in a last-minute dash, I pulled the final look out of thin air,” she explains.
“By that point of the process, all plans were out the window, and I was completely freestyling. Was quite the rush! We ended up with two main pieces: a patchwork corset and skirt, both created by reimagining classic styles from the iconic Von Dutch.”
“I had never commissioned for such a big name, nor for such a big event, so I’m not sure what came over me when I agreed to create this outfit,” says Alex.
“It was a very quick turnaround for the initial look. Pretty much a 24-hour turnaround from top to bottom…24 hours I did not blink an eyelid.”
Letting @sew.bardi naturally unfold, the next step for Alex is to get her designs online so she can reach more people.
Alex admits she’s still trying to figure out the balance between designing and touring, and says the collaboration with Paris and her styling team was the first big test to see how her two worlds would work together.
But when the queen of Coachella dons one of your designs, it can be considered a sign that you’re on the right path.
“I think there was always a part of me that knew I was meant to live this life in entertainment, but growing up in Canberra, the question was always how it was going to happen,” says Alex.
“Now this second element of fashion has been a surprising addition to life, but one that makes sense when I think about it.”
“I hope my brand can just inspire people. Even to just take a small step toward what they’re passionate about. It can be super scary to pursue the things that are important to us. But you never know who is watching and who will love your creations as much as you! The most important step is the first.”
Canberra’s cooler months are cosy and all — but sometimes the best thing you can do with a chilly weekend is point the car in the direction of good food and even better wine.
From open-fire cooking on the Sydney waterfront to Italian-style hospitality in Victoria’s northeast, here are five food-focused events that are absolutely worth packing a bag for this season.
Vivid Fire Kitchen – Barangaroo Reserve, Sydney
You know Vivid for the lights, but the food program has become one of the best reasons to brave Sydney in winter – and this year it’s levelled up. Vivid Fire Kitchen has moved to a new waterfront home at Barangaroo Reserve with an expanded lineup of more than 60 chefs, a brand-new open-fire cooking hub called The Vivid Fire Pit, and a Food for Thought stage hosting talks and demos from some of the biggest names in Australian food.
The rotating chef roster reads like a who’s who: Mark Best, Laura Sharrad, George Calombaris, Adriano Zumbo, and many more – all cooking over open flame in one-off sessions across the festival. Themed nights keep things interesting too, from First Nations culinary showcases on Wednesdays to a Dessert Takeover over the June long weekend. Hoy Pinoy, Gelato Messina and Burn City Smokers are among the vendors shaping the precinct, with Maybe Sammy’s Stefano Catino running a cocktail program on Sundays.
Entry to the precinct is free, which makes it an easy add-on to any Vivid weekend. The fact that you’ll be eating flame-grilled food surrounded by light installations is just a bonus.
Friday 22 May to Saturday 13 June, 6–11 pm nightly | Full program and tickets at vividsydney.com
GWYLO’s Streetfood Saturday – Mollymook, NSW
If you’ve ever had one of those “we really should go to Mollymook” conversations that never quite turned into a booking, consider this your sign. For one night only, GWYLO – already a favourite on the South Coast dining scene – is transforming into a buzzy, roaming street food party as part of the Shoalhaven Food Network’s Autumn Celebration of Food.
Think hibachi grilling outdoors, roaming food stations serving dumplings, skewers, buns and flame-cooked plates, live music, and a very well-stocked bar. It’s designed for standing, grazing and moving through the space – no set menu, no assigned seats, just excellent food appearing in front of you all night. Tickets are limited, so don’t sit on this one.
For something a little slower and a lot more wine-focused, the King Valley’s annual winter festival is one of the loveliest weekend escapes going. The region’s Italian winemaking heritage takes centre stage here – think Prosecco, Sangiovese and Nebbiolo poured generously while you wander from cellar door to cellar door, all set up with cosy undercover spaces for whatever winter throws at you.
Eight wineries are part of the program, including Brown Brothers, Dal Zotto, Pizzini and Politini, with hearty food, live music and warm, unhurried Italian-style hospitality. It’s about a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Canberra, and well worth building a long weekend around.
Bastille Festival – Circular Quay & The Rocks, Sydney
Sydney’s beloved French festival has been running for over 13 years now, and the 2026 edition is going bigger — literally. For the first time, Bastille Festival is expanding beyond its Circular Quay home with a collaboration with the City’s busking program, plus a new French-inspired flea market at Gateway Plaza with vintage finds and artisanal goods.
But let’s be real: you’re going for the food. More than 130 exhibitors and over 80 dishes span the full spectrum of French eating, from raclette and escargots to crêpes, macarons and creative modern plates with French flair. The wine program is equally impressive — a Taste France x Vin de France activation offers tastings and masterclasses, while 18-plus bars across the precinct pour everything from mulled wine to French-inspired cocktails. Throw in 110-plus free performances including cabaret, roaming mimes and live music, and you’ve got yourself a proper winter weekend in Sydney.
From Ocean to Plate: South Coast Seafood Showcase – Worrowing Estate, Shoalhaven
This one’s for the seafood lovers who want to go deeper than a fish and chip run at the coast. Hosted at Worrowing Estate near Jervis Bay, this immersive evening brings together chefs, fishermen and divers to celebrate the exceptional produce that comes out of the South Coast’s waters — Southern Bluefin tuna, wild abalone, blue mackerel, sea urchin, Sydney rock oysters and more.
The evening kicks off with a live tuna breakdown and fish butchery demo led by Bosley McGee (formerly of Josh Niland’s Fish Butchery), before moving into a seated dinner prepared by guest chefs Alex Prichard (Sara Dining, Berry), Sean McCarthy (Season and Savour) and Jono Hall (Salted Butter). You’ll hear directly from the fishermen and divers who bring this produce to the surface, and the wine pairings come courtesy of Joval Wines.
You’ll leave understanding not just what you ate, but where it came from and who caught it.
A feel-good community day of prams, sunshine and support for local families
If you’re looking for an excuse to get outside, soak up the sunshine, and take part in something genuinely meaningful for the local community, this is your sign to register in the Queanbeyan Pramathon. It’s an easy-going, family-friendly walk that’s as wholesome as it is heartwarming.
Whether you’re pushing a pram, wrangling a toddler, walking your dog, or cruising along on a scooter, everyone’s invited. This is not a race, it’s all about connection and community spirit.
The Pramathon is an annual fundraiser supporting the work of First Steps Pregnancy Support, a not-for-profit providing free, compassionate care to pregnant women in crisis and new mums experiencing difficulty. From medical support to counselling, social connection, and everyday essentials, the organisation offers a vital safety net for families in our region.
So, what exactly is a pramathon? It’s a relaxed walk through Queanbeyan Park (you can choose between the 4km and 8km distances), with decorated prams, live music, and plenty of activities, competitions, and stalls to keep everyone entertained. Its equal parts charity walk and festival, and yes, there are prizes involved. We’re talking best dressed pram competition, baby crawl races, the cutest baby comp, and much more. Plus, James Van Cooper from The Voice will be performing live, so expect a great soundtrack to your morning.
You can register as a team (up to three prams per group) and raise funds by getting sponsored by family and friends, making it a simple way to give back. More than anything, the Queanbeyan Pramathon is about showing up for the community, for local families and for each other.
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Queanbeyan Pramathon 2026 When: Saturday 9 May, 9.30 am to 1.30 pm. Where: Queanbeyan Park, 1 Lowe Street, Queanbeyan Web: pramathon.com.au
Dining out with little people isn’t what it used to be.
Gone are the days when you could hand over a colouring book and expect a calm, civilised meal while the kids patiently waited for their chips and nuggets. You still try the old school approach sometimes – snacks, toys, quiet threats and promises of ice cream if ‘everyone just sits nicely’.
For a brief, hopeful window, it works. Until it doesn’t.
So naturally, as hardworking, sleep-deprived parents, the dream isn’t anything outrageous. It’s simply a place where the kids are happily occupied, not feral. Somewhere clean, safe, enclosed and visible from your seat. A playground that works for a toddler, a kindy-aged kid and that one child who insists on climbing everything (without the mystery stickiness or rogue toddler escaping to the car park).
However, here’s the problem – in Canberra, you can either take your kids somewhere fun or go somewhere nice. Rarely both. Canberra does playgrounds brilliantly and hospitality well, but it rarely brings the two together.
And that’s where the frustration really kicks in, because it means choosing between a place the kids love and a place you actually want to be. It’s not too much to ask, right?
For grandparents, the change has been noticeable too. Margie, 72, says family life looked very different when she was raising her own children.
“We stayed home a lot more,” she says. “We had the house and garden, and friends would come over. Going out wasn’t really the default.”
Now, she sees a clear shift.
“Families are busier, and there’s more of a focus on being entertained rather than entertaining,” she explains.
Places that do get it right
There are venues that have quietly cracked the code, and it shows. They’re busy, well-loved, and they are the ones’ parents return to again and again.
One standout is Cypher Brewing Co, which was clearly designed with families in mind. According to co-owners Jeff and Benn, when they were fitting out the space, “Someone had seen a booth area in the plans and asked if that was the kids’ play area.”
“We hadn’t planned a kids’ space initially, but hearing that feedback cemented it,” explains Jeff.
Benn adds that the intention was there from day one.
“We recognised early on that the Gungahlin market is very family focused, so we wanted to create a space that felt warm and inclusive.”
“We’ve built a dedicated play area for kids, along with board games and activities for older children.”
The venue is broken into different zones, so kids’ activities are contained in one area of the pub.
“Not everyone wants children running around at their feet, and we understand that balance is important.” Benn says.
Rodney’s Garden Cafeis another hidden gem which feels like a proper outing. And places like Capital Brewing Co remain favourites in warmer months, where open space makes all the difference.
Margie notices that too.
“The places that work best are where kids can move around safely, and adults can still sit and enjoy a beverage.”
These venues are a solid option, with space for kids to stay occupied and meals that keep things moving smoothly. However, we know that parents sometimes find themselves craving something a little more elevated – a meal where you can linger, unwind, and enjoy a slightly more sophisticated space.
So, why aren’t there more?
Canberra’s climate plays a role, and outdoor heavy venues need serious infrastructure to work year-round. Space matters too – big, family-friendly layouts don’t always align with hospitality models built around quick turnover.
Father of two James, 44, has a simple benchmark for success: “Everyone eats something, no one cries, and we leave with the same number of kids we arrived with.”
“The perfect venue would have a play area with tables around it, where I can scan a QR code to order so I don’t need to drag the kids to the counter and enough space that no one’s judging when things inevitably go sideways,” James says.
For some local operators, the gap isn’t just obvious – it’s personal. Milly Lin, owner of 3J House cafe in Bruce, created her venue from lived experience.
“I didn’t want to create just a cafe,” she explains. “I wanted a space where kids can be kids, and parents can actually relax.”
According to Milly, that balance comes down to design. 3J House includes books, toys, drawing supplies, and even a kid-sized cafe that has quickly become a crowd favourite.
“I wanted children to be free to be children, without parents feeling like they’re sitting in a playground,” Milly said.
What parents want …. (what they really, really want)
Canberra is a city built for families. It just hasn’t quite figured out how to let those families relax… yet.
Parents aren’t asking for much: somewhere kids are safely entertained, adults can stay seated for more than a few minutes, and the food and drinks are decent.
That sweet spot (somewhere between playground and pub) is still the missing middle Canberra hasn’t quite nailed yet. It’s somewhere you’re not digging in the bag for the emergency iPad five minutes in or quietly negotiating treats like your life depends on it.
For Benn and the team at Cypher Brewing Co, the goal has always been with families in mind.
“Every child is different, which means we’ve had to continually evolve the play area and games,” he says.
“Introducing more family-friendly events was a direct response to feedback from parents. We’ve listened and will continue to build a great local venue for the community to enjoy.”
In the end, it’s not that complicated: happy kids, happy parents. A schnitty in one hand, a well-earned midi in the other, and no one packing up early because someone’s lost a shoe or declared they’re starving ten minutes after eating.
Now that would be progress.
Where to go (right now)
Here are a few places worth bookmarking:
The Irvine Cafe & Bar (Florey): Coffee for you, enclosed playground right outside for them.
Cafe Stepping Stone (Dickson): Outdoor seating with a small, enclosed play zone for little people.
Campbell and George (Queanbeyan): Big beer garden with grass to burn off energy.
