Our My Canberra series is about seeing our city with new fresh eyes.  We have sought out well known Canberrans, authors, HerCanberra readers and bloggers to share their favourite parts of Canberra. It has so much to offer, but sometimes it’s hard to find those fantastic places without knowing someone to recommend them.

Lynda grew up in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney and moved to Canberra for her dream job in a large department in her early 20’s. She didn’t know a single soul when she arrived and found it to be all very exciting—a new career in an unknown city and creating her new home Southside.

You could blame a mid-life crisis for her change of career not long after, moving out of suburbia, down-sizing from a house and moving into a NewActon apartment; thrilled to live amongst the art and enjoy the cosmopolitan feel of the precinct.

Today Lynda is a professional business speaker in areas about accessibility, resilience and networking. Lynda acknowledges that “Yes, it’s true. There’s two degrees of separation within Canberra’s business scene making networking interesting.” “Do you know…?” is often a common conversation starter that ensures a following of personal introductions.

She returns to Sydney a few times a year to catch up with friends however after 20 years in Canberra, Sydney seems faster, pushier and louder than she remembered and she is glad to sight the Black Mountain Tower on her return.

This is HER Canberra…

Northside or Southside?

Neither – the middle! I’ve never understood the rivalry really.

Favourite Cheap Eats?

Kenny’s Best BBQ Noodle House—my son’s favourite. He will eat through multiple servings of Duck Pancakes followed by noodle soup. Quick, cheap and tasty, perfect for a growing teenager!

Favourite Mid-range Restaurant?

Briscola Pizzeria – the pumpkin ravioli is mouth-watering good.  I’m drooling just thinking about it.

Favourite Fine Dining?

The Green Herring – it’s my special occasion restaurant. Glorious in winter with the fires, the food and the service hasn’t disappointed me no matter how busy they are.

Best Coffee?

I love the Chai from Monster Bar, Hotel Hotel.  It has a delightful kick.

Best Breakfast?

Mocan and Green Grout – they opened as a hole in the wall a week after I moved in and I’ve proudly watched them grow. Yes, they know me by name. It’s my go-to place for breakfast or brunch. My Sydney visitors love it too.

Favourite Book Store?

The Curatoreum at the National Portrait Gallery – NPG is my favourite building in Canberra. When I’m feeling down, I go and have a visual conversation with the portraits, have coffee and cake in the café and of course browse The Curatoreum.  Always return home with a book or three.

Best Shopping Spot?

I don’t like shopping, I prefer eBay/on-line, however I discovered Material Pleasures many years ago and have found numerous stylish pieces that brightens up my wardrobe and earns me compliments. And if I need a dose of magic, I head down to Bredbo to the Christmas Barn.

Best walk?

Along Lake Curley Gerkin (aka Lake Burley Griffin) walking west past Stage 88 towards NewActon during sunset. It’s heart-bursting picturesque in the diminishing light with the lake mirroring the buildings, the distant mountains changing colour and the streetlights twinkling.

“Must Do” Canberra experience?

National Capital Rally!  It’s a huge event with many of Australia’s best rally teams competing. It’s nearby in our forests and it’s FREE for the spectators! Spend the time enjoying the fast and furious, get down and dirty from the dust, head home for a shower and them go out for some fine dining. That’s some weekend.

How I get away from it all…

I’m fortunate enough to have a close friend who lives on a rural property on the south coast. It’s the best of both worlds–blue cheese and red wine by the fire-side when it’s chilly and swimming at the beach when it’s warmer.

Great kid friendly activities?

In the cooler weather—ride bikes around the lake or hire a pedal car – who will you get, Billy, Bob or Julia?  In the warmer weather – hire a paddle boat and enjoy Capital Cook Fountain’s mist.

Best thing about being a Canberran?

It’s the quality of life—we are spoilt for choice and you can create it.

Are you a north or southsider? What do you love about the nation’s capital? Want to share your Canberra with HerCanberra readers? Email hello@hercanberra.com.au.