Get to know Gungahlin: A guide to the northside
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When it comes to the north and south, Canberrans are very passionate about where is best and why.
A Goulburn girl through and through, I moved to Gungahlin a couple of years ago. It was close to my work at the time, and being north meant being just that bit closer to the Federal Highway, and my mum’s cooking.
I now consider myself a north sider, and therefore qualified to let other Canberrans know of the ample things available in Gunners if you decide to make the trek down the Tuggeranong Parkway.
From where to eat to what to do, here’s my guide to Gungahlin. I promise I won’t mention the light rail.
EAT
Da Nunzio Italian Restaurant
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Situated along the shores of Yerrabi Pond, Da Nunzio serves classic, Italian comfort food and with an alfresco and inside dining area, it’s the ideal spot for an outing during the warmer months.
Under the guidance of Chef Nunzio Raco, you’ll be served fresh, simple food, with plenty on offer to please both sweet and savoury lovers. I recommend the Gnocchi Tricolore – homemade gnocchi tossed with basil, Napoli sauce, and parmesan.
76 Phyllis Ashton Circut, Gungahlin | danunzio.com.au
Caffe al Lago
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Hanging around Yerrabi Pond? Caffe al Lago is the newest café to open pond-side. Their Italian sandwiches are made using Schiacciata bread, which is baked fresh daily on-site, and the meat is sliced to order. They also serve Ona Coffee, so you can get your caffeine fix after a stroll around the pond.
60a Phyllis Ashton Circuit, Gungahlin | @caffeallago
BanMe
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If you’re looking for superior bánh mì, you have to try Kathy and Tommy’s signature crackling pork. Made fresh daily, they have banh mi to suit everyone, from charcoal chicken, to charcoal beef, meatballs and tofu. Located on Hibberson Street near Gungahlin Marketplace, it’s also in a very convenient spot.
114/43 Hibberson Street, Gungahlin | banme.com.au
The Bronx Pizza
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Hungry? Indulge in American style pizza at Da Bronx, where New York meets Canberra. They have the tastiest pizzas at a reasonable price, along with popular sides like corndogs, fish cocktails, garlic bread and, potato scallops. When I pick up my ‘Empire State Building’ pizza (with no pineapple), the staff are always super friendly.
2/26 Francis Forde Boulevarde, Forde | dabronx.com.au
Gelatissimo
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If have a sweet tooth you can’t walk past Gelatissimo on Hibberson Street. Pistachio and White Chocolate, New York Cheesecake, Salted Caramel Tiramisu, Sticky Date Pudding, Dragon Fruit and Lychee, and Matcha, are just some of the thirty flavours on offer!
30 Hibberson Street, Gungahlin | gelatissimo.com.au
DO
Yerrabi Pond
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Yerrabi Pond is the go-to path for walking or running in Gungahlin. Located a few minutes from the city centre, it’s well paved, and with bubblers, and dog drinking stations at multiple points, it’s popular with locals and their furry friends.. Keep in mind though, ParkRun happens at 8 am on Saturday mornings, if you want to avoid the foot traffic!
National Dinosaur Museum, Canberra Reptile Zoo & Cockington Green
Gold Creek in Gungahlin is home to not one, but three different kids’ attractions, making it ideal for a family day out.
If it’s the school holidays, or you have family visiting for the weekend, all three are located within a few hundred meters of each other, making it very easy for transport and parking!
National Dinosaur Museum: 6 Gold Creek Road, Nicholls, nationaldinosaurmuseum.com.au | Canberra Reptile Zoo: O’Hanlan Place, Nicholls, reptilesinc.com.au | Cockington Green: 11 Gold Creek Road, Nicholls, cockingtongreen.com.au
BOOKFACE
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This one’s for the bookworms! BOOKFACE stocks all of the best books, from fiction to non-fiction, trending reads, something for the kids, and even pretty as a picture coffee table books. Need a gift? Ask one of their helpful staff, who are full of recommendations being avid readers themselves.
33 Hibberson Street, Gungahlin | bookfacestores.com.au
Fly Bungee
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Work off all the food I’ve suggested and bounce around in a Fly Bungee fitness class in Mitchell. There’s a class for all fitness levels, with helpful instructors and great music to bop along to. The time goes by so quickly, you won’t realise you’ve done a 45-minute cardio workout!
30 Darling Street, Mitchell | flybungee.com.au
