10+ amazing Canberra experiences you might have forgotten about
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From natural wonders to foreign film festivals, cruises, markets, and more, Canberra is full of amazing experiences.
So why do locals always seem to forget about them?
We all know the city is a bustling cultural wonderland (and we do love the fact we have so many national institutions right on our doorstep), but plenty of hidden gems don’t get the love they deserve.
To celebrate some of the awesome things you can find, here are 10+ amazing experiences that are a perfect reminder that Canberra doesn’t suck – and if you need even more inspiration here are seven more reasons that you can pull out when you talk about how cool we are when all you get is polite silence or snide comments about roundabouts, porn, and politicians.
Friday Night Drinks at Old Parliament House
Old Parliament House isn’t just home to our political history – you can also get some yummy drinks there. Remember Friday nights at OPH? Well, it’s still a thing.
Taking place monthly (with the next two being held on 23 February and 22 March), you can head along to the House of Reps Courtyard at Old Parliament House for after-work drinks from 5 pm to enjoy beers, cocktails, delish food, and good tunes.
MV Southern Cross
Only tourists think to do this but from our own experiences, it’s awesome, and a great way to see a different side of Canberra.
Cruising around Lake Burley Griffin, you’ll see the monuments, museums, and political battlegrounds that make the city so special, and with informative commentary along the way, you might even learn something new. Plus…it’s pretty.
Cult movies at ARC Cinema
Love a good movie? How could you forget about cult movie nights at the National Sound and Film Archive?!
With a diverse line-up on offer (ranging from Once Upon A Time…In Hollywood to Heathers) spending a few hours in the dark in the beautiful Art Deco cinema with some snacks is a cracking Canberra experience.
The Old Bus Depot Markets
They seem to have dropped in ‘must do’ status since Haig Park and Little Burley started, but the Old Bus Depot Markets became known as “Canberra’s Sunday best” for a reason.
Not your average market, here you’ll find over 200 stalls of items from local and regional creatives – and from clothing to food, you’ll discover something new every visit. Maybe it’s time to add it back into your weekend itinerary?
Canberra Glassworks
Located right next door to the Old Bus Depot Markets, the Canberra Glassworks is something of a forgotten gem in Kingston.
The gallery and art glass studio is home to some amazing exhibitions and workshops – like glassblowing and making your own beads. If that sounds a little too ‘hands-on’ for your liking, heading to the Hotshop to watch artists work and transform molten glass from the Viewing Platform is a must.
Trivia nights
Okay, this isn’t necessarily a quintessential ‘Canberra’ experience – but we bet that you’ve forgotten how fun trivia at places like Edgar’s Inn at Ainslie (just to name one) can be.
Honestly, few occasions are as versatile and fun as a humble trivia night, and with sessions held every Monday at Edgar’s, this is your sign to round up your mates for a fun night.
Within without at the National Gallery of Australia
Tucked under a picturesque grassy knoll outside the gallery’s front entrance, James Turrell’s Within without doesn’t always get the love it deserves.
Often forgotten about until it pops up on our Insta feed, visiting the stunning walk-in chamber (which features blush-pink walls, turquoise water, and dramatic lighting that changes with the day) will see you fall in love with the installation all over again.
Swimming at The Cotter or Casuarina Sands
The coast might only be a two-hour drive away, but for those seeking a summer paradise a little closer to home, might we remind you of the bliss of swimming at The Cotter or Casuarina Sands?
Both are also ideal for picnics, fishing, bushwalking, and general relaxation – and you only need to drive to Stromlo to enjoy.
Discovering new eats on Woolley Street in Dickson
Canberrans love to eat – so why isn’t Woolley Street in Dickson popping off every Friday night?
With plenty of restaurants to choose from (like Dickson Asian Noodle House, Hello Harry, Dickson Taphouse, and Two Sisters Lao Thai Cuisine just to name a few) Dickson isn’t in short supply of hidden food gems. Besides, there’s a reason it’s known as Canberra’s Chinatown – it’s time to show Woolley Street how much it means to us (and our stomachs).
The foreign film festivals at Palace Electric Cinema
Hidden in the Nishi building in Acton, the Palace Electric Cinema is sometimes forgotten about when we talk about ‘going to the movies’. But with it specialising in international, arthouse and independent films, we’re calling it – it’s one of the coolest places in Canberra to grab a flick.
Hosting several international film festivals throughout the year, don’t blow it off next time the urge to sit in the dark with lots of snacks hits you. Instead, shake it up with amazing films you won’t find anywhere else.
Jet Flight Simulator
Didn’t know this amazing experience was in Canberra? Now you do.
Perfect for adventure lovers and aviation enthusiasts, here you’ll get a taste of what it’s like to fly a Boeing-737 – one of the most popular passenger planes in the world. How cool is that?!
jetflightsimulatorcanberra.com.au
Gold Creek Village
We’re ashamed to admit this – Gold Creek Village never comes to the top of our minds when thinking of things to do in Canberra, even though it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the capital. But this quaint village is amazing (especially if you have kids)!
Home to Cockington Green Gardens, the National Dinosaur Museum, the Canberra Reptile Zoo, a walk-in aviary, the Aboriginal Dreaming’s Gallery, and more (we haven’t even talked about the food options), it’s time to take Gold Creek back from the tourists.
