It doesn’t feel that long ago a teenager from Darwin with a voice like honey stepped onto our screens, instantly captivating the Australian Idol judges along with the rest of Australia.
Though it may not seem it, 20 years have passed since Jessica Mauboy finished runner-up in the 2006 Idol series. In that time, it’s safe to say she’s cemented herself as Australia’s musical sweetheart, with a string of number one albums, screen triumphs in The Sapphires and collaborations spanning Beyoncé to Snoop Dogg.
Now, she’s bringing that journey full circle with her most personal project yet. Heading to the Canberra Theatre Centre on 3 October, her new stage show, The Story of Me, promises a deeply candid look at her life, beautifully woven together with rare footage from her childhood and, of course, the very songs that made us fall in love with her, from Been waiting to Burn.
“It’s a full circle moment, because I’m going back to the natural way of how I started off in music, which was busking and performing live,” Jessica says.
“I think sharing these stories will be liberating, talking about being the little Darwin girl having big dreams and stepping into an industry at a very young age. There are the incredible highs of that, and then the challenges that people didn’t always know.”
One of five daughters, Jessica’s mother is a Kuku Yalanji woman from Far North Queensland and her father is an Indonesian-born migrant from East Timor.
Knowing the power of her voice, her parents encouraged her to audition for Idol, travelling to Alice Springs for two days on a bus.
When she looks back at that audition now, one word comes to mind: “brave.”
“It took a lot of courage and bravery to show up, to step up to the plate,’” she says.
“And there were so many people who encouraged and carried me through on this journey.”
Though we’ve known her since she was 16, Jessica says her singing journey began while she was “still in nappies.”
“My mum recalls me doing the riff to Michael Jackson’s Black or White when I was only three,” she says.
In fact, Jessica sang so much as a kid that she was actually sent out of class one day for it. But in a beautiful twist of fate, a music teacher walked past her in the hallway – where she was still happily humming away – and was so struck by her passion for singing that she invited her to join the school choir.
From there, she was singing at church on weekends and, at 14, won the 2004 ‘Road to Tamworth’ singing competition.
As part of The Story of Me, Jessica sifted through “hours and hours” of footage of her childhood. I ask if watching that footage made her feel more protective of the little girl she used to be, especially since welcoming her daughter, Mia, last year.
“I think I’ve learned to go more with my instinct and stick up for myself in this industry,” she says.
“Motherhood has really changed my perspective on everything. Mia has made me so much more present, but she’s also made me a lot braver. When she looks at me, I don’t want her to see perfection, but a woman who knows her value, who follows her heart and isn’t afraid to begin again.”
Jessica has recently done just that, making the leap away from the major record system to launch her own independent label, Jamally, taking creative control of her music.
“I think taking ownership of my life now that I’m older and have experienced the politics of the music industry has been powerful,” she says.
Now, she says she is excited to share her journey with a Canberra audience, many of whom have grown up singing to her hits.
“It’s such a personal show, with songs that people have grown up with and hopefully songs that bring back beautiful memories,” she says.
“Each song is a piece of my puzzle, and it’s about me backing myself, taking the responsibility of my choices and building something that feels true to the woman and artist that I am today.”
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Jessica Mauboy: The Story of Me When: Saturday 3 October, 7.30 pm Where: Canberra Theatre Centre Web: canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Game, set, match! Play Tennis Week is serving up some free fun this September, and you certainly don’t need a Grand Slam title to join in on the action.
From Saturday 19 until Friday 25 September, Tennis ACT is inviting Canberrans of all skill levels to grab a racket as participating clubs across the city open their courts for free 60-minute sessions during Play Tennis Week.
There’s no membership required and no catch – just 60 minutes of pure court chemistry. Ideal for anyone looking for an easy excuse to soak up some spring sunshine and catch up with friends.
If that’s not enough to entice you to grab a racket, there will also be a bit of friendly rivalry as Play Tennis Week tackles the age-old debate that’s divided our city for decades: northside versus southside.
The way it works is simple: every court booking made throughout the week automatically scores a point for either Team North or Team South, depending on where you choose to play (with regional NSW affiliate clubs joining the fray to lend a hand, too). By the end of the week, one side will claim local bragging rights in the ultimate Battle of Canberra.
If it’s been a while since you last held a racket – or you’re not quite sure your backhand from your break point – here is a quick, handy guide to the jargon you might hear on the court:
Love: The only context where having love simply means you are losing.
Deuce: Tied at 40-40. Welcome to tennis purgatory.
Break Point: The point where you can steal the game off your opponent’s serve. Also, the exact moment your opponent suddenly remembers how to serve like Roger Federer.
Fault and Double Fault: Missing your target on a serve once, or doing it twice in a row for a free point to your opponent.
Unforced Error: An accidental miss on a totally routine shot with no pressure applied. We’ve all been there.
Moonball: A high, floating shot that bounces sky-high to buy time and test your opponent’s patience.
Tweener: The iconic trick shot hit between your legs while running backward. Equal parts ambitious and impressive when it lands.
Bagel: Winning a set 6 to zero. Tastes delicious when served to your rival; tastes like pure humiliation when served to you.
Breadstick: Winning a set 6 to one. Slightly less brutal than a bagel, but still a deeply embarrassing carbohydrates-themed loss.
Ready to serve up some spring fun and help your side of the lake take the crown? Book your court here.
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Play Tennis Week
When: Saturday 19 until Friday 25 September
Where: Participating Tennis ACT clubs
Web: tennis.com.au
Pancakes transcend mealtimes, occasions, and cultures. It is a dish that almost everyone loves and can be enjoyed in many different forms, and Canberra is home to some of the best stacks I’ve ever had.
From simple stacks with syrup and ice cream to loaded pancakes with all the toppings you can wish for, Canberra has a pancake for every individual and circumstance.
It’s hard to go wrong with Recess’s all-day breakfast menu, quality coffee, and cosy interiors. If you’re looking for a simple, old-school pancake for a sweet start to your day, Recess delivers and does it unlike any other joint.
Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, the butter melts beautifully into the pancake – does it get any better? (It does). Add as much maple syrup as you’d like, along with extras such as bacon, fruit, and ice cream. “Go big or go home”, I told myself as I loaded all the toppings on.
There’s a reason these pancakes have a cult following in Canberra, and we encourage you to find out why.
Bunny Beans takes the viral fluffy Japanese pancake to a whole new level with their signature soufflé pancakes.
Super light and jiggly, you can taste the best of Japanese sweet treats from the comfort of our capital. It will be tricky to keep them out of your mouth when you realise this is the closest thing we have to eating a cloud. Bunny Beans keeps up with food trends, offering pancake flavours such as Dubai chocolate, crème brûlée, and berry compote
Looking for something more adventurous? Try their Souffle Sandos, filled with fresh whipped cream and coated with toppings such as Biscoff, matcha, and strawberry.
Do we talk about Al’s a lot? Yes. Do we want to share our love of delicious, quality food? Absolutely!
Although Al’s is known for their classic sandwiches, we think their pancakes are severely underrated and deserve just as much love.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or something to fill you up for the entire day, Al’s lets you choose how tall you want your stack, starting at $6 per pancake. Topped with whipped butter and maple syrup, this is the closest you can get to having the New York deli experience without leaving Canberra.
If you are getting a sugar rush just from reading this, Penny University offers a delicious break with their Okonomiyaki savoury pancake. Another homage to Japanese pancakes, you can expect savoy cabbage, shiitake mushrooms, sweet potato, shallots, Japanese pickles, green salad, nori and miso mayo, and barbecue sauce.
It’s safe to say this pancake is unlike any other in Canberra; Penny University has once again blown us away with their succulent dishes.
Looking for something a little different to your normal stack? A Bite To Eat takes the pancake game a step further with Banoffee pancakes.
As a serious Banoffee enthusiast, I believe I am qualified to tell you that relishing these thick and decadent delights is the best way to start a slow and meaningful day.
Served with vanilla mascarpone, fresh banana, sticky maple syrup, and salty pretzels, your palate will hit every flavour note.
If you have little ones with simpler taste buds, A Bite To Eat offers a pancake with ice cream and strawberries.
My only regret with this one is sharing a stack with my brother; next time I’m getting my own (sorry not sorry).
I think we can now say Kingston is home to some iconic pancakes!
Dockside puts a healthy and refreshing spin on souffle pancakes (anything can be healthy if you put fruit on it, right?) Trust me, this is a breakfast that’s worth a cheat day. Think house-made ricotta pancakes with organic maple syrup, vanilla mascarpone, Biscoff crumble, seasonal fruits, and vanilla ice cream.
If there’s one thing Dockside specialises in, it’s presentation. Delicately garnished with seasonal fruits, with the syrup served in a little glass jar on the side, the average pancake experience becomes a classy dining vibe.
We don’t have Pancakes On The Rocks in Canberra, but Bloom Room comes pretty close (and they are just as good!). This is where dessert meets breakfast; their pancakes are overflowing with chocolate, sauces, fudge, nuts, fruit, ice cream, and more.
Loaded pancakes are Bloom Room’s speciality, with a pancake for every preference! Are you a chocolate lover? Try their chocolate pancakes with house-made chocolate fudge with the Chocolate Bloom and Chocolate Rhapsody stacks.
Is caramel more your style? Go for the Salted Almond Caramel or Walnut Caramel Bliss pancakes. Looking for a fruity fix? The Berry Breeze and Blue Breeze pancakes are the way to go As someone who loves Italian desserts, the Tiramisu Bliss is my personal recommendation. With homemade chocolate coffee kahlua sauce topped with espresso-infused mascarpone, Bloom Room perfectly replicated my favourite sweet treat as a pancake stack.
When people start a small business, they typically want to avoid one-star Google reviews. But one local barber is doing the opposite, calling for his customers to keep his ranking low.
Opening in August 2026, founder of One Star Barber James Cahill describes his business as “a rebellion against the hyper-polished, search-engine-optimised, five-star-obsessed businesses out there.”
At the time of writing, he currently has 33 one-star Google reviews. And while this might be something that would break other businesses, James is stoked – it’s exactly what he wants his customers to do.
“I want to have as many one-star reviews on Google as possible and see if it’s still a successful business,” he says.
“Everyone is in on the joke, which is very important, and one star feels more real than five stars…we’re so nervous and scared about having less than five stars as a business.”
“If you’re developing a nice community around you, stars shouldn’t matter.”
One Star Barber is offering $1 haircuts to new clients over the age of 16 – yes, you read that right. And despite the awful rating, appointments are already filling up exclusively via word of mouth.
James has only been practising as a barber for 12 months. With a background in the entertainment industry (you might recognise him by his stage name True Blue James), the 30-year-old says that he never planned on entering the hair industry. Originally planning to walk the “suffering, miserable artist path”, he realised things needed to change and started looking at what might interest him as a career.
“My missus and I were looking at jobs for me to do, and we walked past a barber shop and I thought ‘That’ll do’,” James says with a laugh.
“I’m really loving barbering – it’s such a cool thing for me… I started to align barbering with all my values that I have with my art.”
Community building is one such value.
Passionate about connecting with others and building relationships, James originally entered the arts to “make people feel good” – something that barbering also offers him on a more intimate platform.
“Relationships are a big thing for me. In tricky times, people stockpile weapons and canned food, but I think it’s important to stockpile relationships. A big dream of mine is to have a nice, deep network of relations,” he explains.
But it hasn’t been a straightforward journey. When James started in the barbering industry, he admits he never expected it to be so “weird”. Describing it as extremely egotistical, as he began working casually as a barber, James quickly realised two things: he wanted to work for himself, and he knew exactly what kind of barber he didn’t want to be.
“There was one barber that came into CIT and he was the ‘five-star barber’. He was bragging and gloating about his five stars and all I could think was, ‘I don’t want to be that’,” says James.
“That’s where the idea for One Star came from.”
Often playing with juxtaposition on the stage, James instantly knew the concept was something he wanted to follow through. He rented a small space on City Walk from You Are Here and opened the genderless barber studio just months after getting his Certificate III.
The collaboration was a perfect fit – and just a few months later, James says that One Star Barber is his best joke yet.
“The space is managed by You Are Here, a local collective of creative producers. They have affordable, flexible studio and workshop spaces available, and also provide support and mentorship to artists through the You Are Here Club,” he explains.
“You Are Here is activating 131 City Walk in partnership with Blank, supported by the City Renewal Authority.”
Still accepting new clients, James says that his ideal clients are innovators – those who want to introduce new ideas and methods to the city he loves.
“The Canberra arts scene is very cool because the people who have stayed are some of the most intelligent, compassionate people I’ve met here in Canberra,” he explains. “I moved to Canberra to do whatever I can on the scene and innovate – I’m looking for those people.”
“I want to get them in here and chat and say ‘Let’s fu*cking do something.”
As he continues to build his business, James admits he does have one fear about his strategy: being left a five-star review. While he knows that ultimately, it’s a good thing (and they aren’t left maliciously), he doesn’t want to be a 1.3-star barber – he wants to be the One Star Barber.
“Even though I’m doing this ironically, you still become the thing. A five-star review would ruin my business,” he says.
James also hopes to expand his business one day to work with other like-minded barbers and train apprentices. But as he continues to work hard to keep his Google rating down, he hopes One Star Barber can offer something a little bit different to Canberra – and it’s not just a cool haircut.
“If you’re sick of what’s going on in other barber shops, like super ridiculous high prices for a haircut, this is the breath of fresh air you’re looking for,” says James.
“There’s depth to this, and a lot of businesses are lacking depth.”
Spring has officially sprung, bringing longer days, sunny skies, and over 80 fantastic events packed into Canberra’s calendar this week!
From West End theatre debuts and immersive LEGO® worlds to Garema Place K-Pop battles and the iconic Floriade, there’s no reason to stay indoors. Whether you’re hunting tile bargains, playing free tennis, or hitting the town for a good cause, we’ve rounded up the absolute best highlights happening across the city.
Here’s what not to miss!
Looking for even more to do in Canberra? Check out our What’s On section to find hundreds of events happening around town.
Don’t miss…
Disney’s Frozen, The Broadway Musical
Step into an enchanted winter wonderland as Free-Rain Theatre Company brings Disney’s Frozen live to The Q stage! Based on the beloved Academy Award-winning film, this sensational musical production follows Princess Anna on an epic journey alongside Kristoff and Olaf to find her sister Elsa, whose hidden magic accidentally trapped Arendelle in eternal ice. Featuring a talented local cast, striking costumes, and iconic songs like Let It Go, this magical experience combines courage, sisterhood, and theatrical stagecraft. It’s an unforgettable outing guaranteed to delight theatre lovers of all ages.
Tuesday 15 September until Sunday 11 October, 7.30 pm | The Q, Queanbeyan | freeraintheatre.com
Pride & Prejudice (sort of)
Direct from its award-winning West End season, Pride and Prejudice (sort of) arrives at Canberra Theatre Centre for its Australian debut. Five fearless female performers tackle Jane Austen’s iconic romance in a fiercely funny, irreverent adaptation packed with pop anthems like Young Hearts Run Free and You’re So Vain. Playing all the characters—servants, suitors, and aristocrats alike—the cast delivers a high-energy performance full of heart, chaos, and sharp wit. It’s a clever, laugh-out-loud night at the theatre that turns classic literature on its head while staying true to its romantic soul.
Wednesday 16 until Sunday 27 September, times vary | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Baytina Canberra Warehouse Sale
Planning a home build or spring refresh? Head down to Fyshwick as Baytina opens its doors for a massive three-day warehouse tile sale! Open to the public, renovators, builders, and trades alike, this genuine warehouse event offers incredible savings with up to 80 per cent off premium tile stock. Walk straight through the warehouse, hunt down fantastic bargains, and secure your favourite designs on the day. Complete with a relaxed community atmosphere and a sizzle on the barbecue, it’s the ultimate destination to snap up high-quality materials for your next project at unbeatable prices.
Tennis ACT is running Play Tennis Week across Canberra and the surrounding region, offering one free 60-minute court hire session per person at participating affiliated clubs. More than 30 clubs are taking part across the ACT and neighbouring NSW towns, including Queanbeyan, Googong and Murrumbateman. Alongside the free sessions, Tennis ACT is running the Battle of Canberra, tracking bookings by suburb to determine bragging rights between the city’s north and south sides.
Saturday 19 until Friday 25 September, various times | Participating clubs across the ACT region | tennis.com.au
Korea Day 2026
Glebe Park comes alive with vibrant colour, music, and delicious aromas for Korea Day 2026. This free family event celebrates the rich heritage and dynamic contemporary culture of Korea in a fun, inclusive environment. Experience high-energy K-pop dance performances, impressive Taekwondo demonstrations, and traditional folk music throughout the day. Food lovers can feast on authentic Korean street food, while hands-on cultural activities offer something engaging for all ages. It’s a wonderful community festival to soak up spring sunshine and celebrate our city’s rich cultural diversity.
Step into an imagined future where miniature civilisations build vibrant new worlds inside everyday vintage objects. Created by LEGO® Masters winners Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler, this immersive exhibition at Canberra Museum + Gallery combines sculpture, nostalgia, and playful storytelling. Discover hidden details inside retro Volkswagen Beetles, grandfather clocks, and old appliances transformed into intricate LEGO® sanctuaries. Perfect for curious minds aged 0 to 99, this detailed display invites visitors to slow down and rediscover the joy of imagination. It’s a captivating cultural outing for the whole family.
Opening Saturday 19 September, 10 am–4 pm | Canberra Museum + Gallery, City | cmag.com.au
K-pop Random Play Dance
The Hallyuverse and Espeon Dance Crew present a K-pop Random Play Dance at Garema Place in Civic. The free outdoor event invites dancers and onlookers to take part in a spontaneous group session, with a mix of K-pop songs played in random order. Dancers who know the choreography to a track can step into the marked dance area to perform, returning to the sidelines once the song ends.
The Hallyuverse runs similar events internationally, connecting local K-pop cover crews and fans through public random play dances that are filmed and shared as fancams. Attendees are invited to submit song requests in advance via an online form.
Australia’s premier spring celebration returns to Commonwealth Park with over one million flowers blooming in a spectacular display. Celebrating the theme Feast of Flowers, this year’s festival highlights the delightful connections between garden design, local produce, and community feasts. Wander through garden beds crafted like vibrant agricultural tapestries, enjoy live entertainment, sample delicious regional food, and drop into creative workshops. Families will love the interactive exhibits and weekend markets, while satellite displays across Canberra ensure spring color reaches every corner of our city. Pack a picnic and welcome the new season at our capital’s ultimate festival.
Until Sunday 11 October, times vary | Commonwealth Park, Canberra | floriadeaustralia.com
Special Events + Festivals
Beryl Women NAIDOC event 2026
Beryl Women Inc. hosts its seventh event to continue the important conversation, highlighted in this year’s NAIDOC Week.This year’s event will feature a series of TED Talk-style presentations, where First Nations panel members will share powerful stories, lived experiences and bold ideas that inspire change, celebrate culture, and honour the legacy that has shaped the past 50 years while looking to the future.
“50 Years of Deadly,” celebrates five decades of NAIDOC Week and honours the resilience and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Wednesday 16 September, 5.30–8.30 pm | Ann Harding Conference Centre, Bruce | events.humanitix.com
Daisy Pulls It Off: A Fearless Women Fundraiser
Enjoy a joyful, high-energy 1920s school adventure at Canberra Rep for a good cause with Daisy Pulls It Off. This special fundraising performance features a fun dress-up theme, raffles, and giveaways, with all proceeds directly supporting Fearless Women’s mentoring and educational programs for young women and girls across Canberra.
Hit the dance floor for a night of community line dancing while supporting a great cause. Hosted at Gang Gang Cafe in Downer, every dollar raised goes directly to Minus18, a charity supporting LGBTQIA+ youth across Australia. Grab your friends for an evening filled with laughter, great music, and plenty of dancing for an important cause.
Canberra City comes alive with interactive circus activities, roving street acts, and live entertainment presented by the Capital Performing Arts Warehouse and the City Renewal Authority. Suitable for all ages, family-friendly shows and hands-on workshops pop up across Garema Place, Glebe Park, Hobart Place, and Braddon.
Friday 18 September (Runs ongoing through June 2027) | Various locations across Civic & Braddon | cpaw.au
Spring Garage and Plant Sale
Hunt for pre-loved gems at Marymead CatholicCare’s annual Spring Garage and Plant Sale in Narrabundah. Browse stalls packed with vintage clothing, books, homewares, toys, jewelry, potted garden plants, and homemade baked goods, with all funds raised benefiting local community support programs.
Forrest Bower, a private garden in Forrest, opens to the public as part of Open Gardens Canberra’s spring program. The property comprises ten distinct garden spaces, including the Grand Lawn, Woodland Walk, Walled Garden and Cloister Courtyard. Designed as a world garden, it draws on ideas from a range of cultures, with artworks throughout the grounds reflecting the owners’ travels and life experiences. Visitors are free to wander between the different spaces, each offering its own character and outlook. The garden forms part of a wider spring program of open gardens running across the Canberra region, with several other properties opening on alternate weekends throughout the season.
Dust off your crowns and gather your family for a magical afternoon of free trivia at Jamison! Test your knowledge on all things Disney Princesses, from classic favourites like Cinderella and Ariel to modern heroes like Rapunzel. Dressing up as your favourite royal character is strongly encouraged, adding extra sparkle to a fun-filled session of friendly competition, laughs, and delicious food. It’s a fantastic weekend outing for kids and parents alike, but with table bookings essential, you’ll want to rally your team early to secure a spot.
The 4th annual Kambah Sustainability Fair returns to the historic Kambah Woolshed for a family- and pet-friendly day celebrating eco-friendly living and community connection. Browse local market stalls, enjoy live music and dance performances, participate in hands-on workshops, and grab a bite from local food vendors.
Melbourne’s popular reader-rave experience comes to Gang Gang Cafe! Unwind with an afternoon of silent reading, drawing, or knitting accompanied by a live ambient electronic DJ set by Grant Krupp. Bring your own book or picnic blanket, and let the music wash over you.
Sunday 20 September, 3 pm – 6 pm | Gang Gang Cafe, 2/4 Frencham Place, Downer | humanitix.com
Tennis for Resilience – Season 2
Running for Resilience is launching season two of Tennis for Resilience, a free weekly tennis program open to players of all experience levels, from complete beginners to regulars. Sessions run across two Canberra venues, Turner Tennis Club and Melba Tennis Club, with equipment provided for both traditional tennis and POP Tennis. The program is framed around building mental wellbeing through movement and social connection, alongside weekly giveaways and an end-of-season prize pack. No experience required – just rock up and have some fun!
Enjoy the NFSA’s curated program of recent releases and revived classics, from high art to guilty pleasures. There’s something for everyone!
Follow the pull of earth, water, fire and air in the Spring Film Series at Arc Cinema. From epic river journeys and windswept adventures to stories of passion, change and survival, these films reveal the forces that shape our world and ourselves.
Step into these elemental worlds and discover stories that move, challenge and transform.
Until Monday 30 November | NFSA Acton, McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.au/whats-on
Food + Drink
CBR Gals x Contentious Character Wine Tasting
Join the CBR Gals Network at Contentious Character’s urban winery for an evening of wine, delicious bites, and structured networking. Designed to foster real connections for women and gender-diverse locals, the guided wine tasting includes light shared canapés and icebreaker prompts to make meeting new friends low-pressure and fun.
Thursday 17 September, 6 pm – 8 pm | Contentious Character Urban Winery, Building 2/80 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | cbrgals.com
La Fonda at Cypher Brewing Co.
Celebrate Chilean culture and Fiestas Patrias as Cypher Brewing Co. brings three days of authentic food, live music, traditional dance, and family activities to Gungahlin. The dedicated weekend menu features empanadas, sopaipillas with pebre, porotos granados, and traditional sweets alongside Condorito Cerveza—a Chilean-inspired lager brewed specially for the occasion—and pisco sours. Highlights include Latin live music, official embassy formalities, cueca music and dance by Baila Chile, and Sunday workshops for kids featuring percussion, dance, and face painting.
Friday 18 until Sunday 20 September| Cypher Brewing Co., Unit 3/35 Hinder Street, Gungahlin | cypherbrewing.com.au
Pfeiffer Wines Canberra Long Lunch at Pomegranate
Indulge in an afternoon of exceptional food, wine, and warm hospitality as Pfeiffer Wines returns to Kingston’s acclaimed Pomegranate Restaurant. Chef Erkin’s award-winning menu highlights fresh, seasonal produce using refined French techniques with subtle Turkish influences. Each beautifully crafted course will be thoughtfully paired with a selection of fine Pfeiffer wines. Set in an intimate dining room awarded a Chef’s Hat for five consecutive years, this luxurious four-hour-long lunch promises wonderful conversation and culinary delight. Book your place early to secure a table for this beloved annual food event.
Step into the shoes of a winemaker with Jeremy Nascimben at Mount Majura Vineyard. Taste current vintages, draw barrel samples from the unblended 2026 vintage, and craft your custom blend of Tempranillo, Shiraz, and Graciano. Enjoy regional tasting platters while a judging panel selects the best blend of the session.
Saturday 19 September, 10.30 am – 12 pm | Mount Majura Vineyard, 88 Lime Kiln Road, Majura | mountmajura.com.au
Pride and Prejudice x QTea High Tea
Indulge in a delightfully witty afternoon of Regency elegance at The QT Lounge. In partnership with Canberra Theatre Centre, QT Canberra presents a Pride & Prejudice-inspired QTea experience that blends classic manners with a touch of modern flair. Settle in for three tiers of cucumber sandwiches, wild mushroom croquettes, and warm scones served with rosewater cream. A flowing white chocolate fountain and a roaming Space Kitchen cake trolley add a decadent touch. It is the ultimate pre-matinee treat, offering picturesque city views and sophisticated treats that would satisfy even Mr Darcy himself.
Until Saturday 26 September, times vary | QT Lounge, Level 15, 6 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra | qthotels.com
Underground Spirits Gin Garden at Floriade
Spring in the capital just got a fabulous upgrade with the return of the Underground Spirits Gin Garden at Commonwealth Park. Surrounded by vibrant blooms, this maximalist pop-up features oversized botanicals, glittering disco accents, and a custom menu of seasonal gin cocktails and refreshing mocktails. The star of the show is the signature Cocktail High Tea: a 90-minute experience featuring teapot cocktails, vintage teacups, and artisanal delicacies from L’épi Artisan Bakery. Whether you pop in for casual afternoon drinks or book a decadent high tea with friends, it’s the ultimate place to celebrate spring in style.
Until Sunday 11 October, times vary | Commonwealth Park, Regatta Place, Parkes | undergroundspirits.com.au
Floriade High Tea at natural nine
Natural Nine inside Casino Canberra presents a modern Shanghainese twist on traditional High Tea. The savoury and sweet menu includes items such as steamed truffle chicken bao, duck filo cigars, cumin lamb skewers, Nutella spring rolls, and jasmine tea cream seared bao, alongside premium teas or optional handcrafted tea cocktails.
Until Sunday 11 October | Natural Nine, Casino Canberra, 21 Binara Street, City | casinocanberra.com.au
Pints and Produce
Capital Brewing Co. and Alpha Fresh present Pints and Produce, a new weekly Sunday market at Capital’s Fyshwick taproom. The pop-up combines seasonal produce with beer, food and live acoustic music. Central to the event is the $40 Alpha Box, filled with as much seasonal fruit and vegetables as customers can fit, provided the lid closes. Additional entertainment includes face painting and access to the nearby LESS garden. An hourly Harvest Raffle runs from 1 pm to 4 pm, open to anyone who buys an Alpha Box or spends over $20, with winners receiving an Alpha Fresh voucher and Capital merchandise.
Every Sunday, 12 pm–4 pm | Capital Brewing Co. Taproom, Building 3/1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | capitalbrewing.co
Markets & Expos
Harvest Stall
Stock up on delicious homemade goodness at the National Arboretum’s seasonal Harvest Stall. Held in the comfortable Village Centre, this popular volunteer-run market features fresh preserves, traditional chutneys, artisanal jams, and garden seedlings. Everything is handcrafted using organic produce grown right in the Arboretum’s Kitchen Garden and surrounding forests. It’s a fantastic spot to pick up thoughtful gifts or gather garden inspiration for your own backyard setup. All card-only purchases directly fund important community projects across the Arboretum grounds, making your morning treat even sweeter.
Canberra’s beloved Handmade Market returns to Exhibition Park for a glorious weekend showcasing over 260 talented Australian designers and small businesses. Browse beautifully crafted fashion, ceramics, jewellery, home decor, and gourmet food treats in an energetic, indoor atmosphere. Every stall is Australian-made certified, offering the perfect opportunity to meet makers and support local creators. Early risers on Sunday morning can also take advantage of the Low Sensory Hour from 9 am. Entry is free, with local charity door donations warmly welcomed to support those in need across our region.
Saturday 19 and Sunday, 20 September, 9 am–4 pm | Exhibition Park in Canberra, Lyneham | handmadecanberra.com.au
Marymead Spring Garage & Plant Sale
Marymead CatholicCare Canberra & Goulburn holds its Spring Garage & Plant Sale, offering a browse through pre-loved goods and seasonal plants. Stalls include clothing and accessories, books, homewares, jewellery, toys, craft, handbags, cakes, and CDs and DVDs, alongside a selection of plants for the garden. The sale is run by Marymead’s volunteer auxiliary, with all proceeds supporting the organisation’s programs for children, young people and families across the ACT and southern NSW.
Go along to sample the region’s freshest produce from over 100 stallholders who bring freshly picked, grown and hand-crafted goods to Canberra and speak directly with growers and learn cooking tips while supporting the Rotary Club of Hall’s community projects.
It will make you appreciate your Saturday morning shopping trip in a whole new way.
Lovers of fine hand-crafted wares, clothing collectors, food fanatics and jewellery junkies are just a few of the people who head to Canberra’s award-winning Old Bus Depot Markets every Sunday. In a fabulous old industrial building, you’ll experience the endless colour, tastes, sounds and atmosphere that is “Canberra’s Sunday Best”.
Not your average market, each week you’ll find over 200 stalls of exceptional quality, featuring items all hand-crafted by local and regional creatives. The sheer variety means you’ll discover something unexpected every visit, whether that’s a piece of pottery that speaks to you, a stunning necklace, or the perfect vintage find. There’s simply no better way to spend your Sunday in Canberra.
This village market is located at Canberra College, making it the perfect place to duck in to grab what you need (and maybe a few things you don’t). Order an egg and bacon roll to start the morning as you explore the best of fresh seasonal veggies, handmade pasta, pet treats and more.
Another local favourite, spend your Sunday morning browsing delicious cuisines, fresh produce, artisan products and locally handmade crafts while enjoying live music, an artists’ table and family-friendly activities.
It’s the kind of market where you can linger over breakfast, discover a new artist, and stock up on fresh produce all in one lovely morning, making it the perfect Sunday outing in leafy Braddon.
Jonathan Biggins returns to the Canberra Theatre stage with his smash-hit comedy The Gospel According to Paul. Transforming seamlessly into former Prime Minister Paul Keating, Biggins delivers a masterclass in political satire, wit, and sharp theatrical characterisation. The acclaimed solo show explores Keating’s major policy achievements, personal passions, and legendary Question Time zingers, all wrapped up in a sharp Zegna suit. Updated with fresh commentary on contemporary Australian politics, no public figure escapes unscathed. It’s an absolute must-see for satire lovers, history buffs, and anyone who appreciates biting Aussie political humor.
Tuesday 15 until Sunday 20 September, times vary | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Exit the King by Eugène Ionesco
Step into the decaying throne room of a crumbling empire as Mill Theatre Co-Production series brings Eugène Ionesco’s absurdist masterpiece to Fyshwick. Directed with dark comedy and poignant depth, the story follows King Bérenger I, who discovers he has only the duration of the play left to live. As his kingdom literally disintegrates around him, he desperately rails against the inevitable while his Queens guide him toward reality. It’s a powerful, deeply moving meditation on mortality, ego, and the human inclination toward denial. Don’t miss this brilliant revival in an intimate local setting.
Until Saturday 19 September, times vary | Mill Theatre at Dairy Road, Building 3.3, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | milltheatreatdairyroad.com
Daisy Pulls It Off
Step back in time to the elite Grangewood School for Young Ladies with Canberra REP’s production of Denise Deegan’s hit comedy, Daisy Pulls It Off. Directed by Kate Blackhurst, this affectionate parody of classic “Girl’s Own” schoolyard adventures follows Daisy Meredith (the school’s very first scholarship student) as she navigates snobbish classmates, hockey matches, practical jokes, and a hidden school mystery. The season kicks off with a special preview night featuring a post-show Q&A with the director and cast.
Until Saturday 26 September | Canberra REP Theatre, 3 Theatre Lane, City | canberrarep.org.au
Screen
$8 Collection Selection
Screen popular early Australian cinema classics on the big screen, followed by a live post-screening Q&A with film historians and industry experts.
Sunday, 20 September, 2 pm–4 pm | National Film and Sound Archive, McCoy Circuit, Acton | nfsa.gov.au
Life in the Great Barrier Reef 360° VR Documentary
Submerge yourself in a breathtaking underwater world without leaving the inner north. Premiering at the National Museum of Australia, Life in the Great Barrier Reef is an immersive 35-minute cinematic documentary utilising custom-built 8K 360° virtual reality technology. Guided by leading scientists, reef stewards, and Traditional Owners, audiences are transported to the depths of two UNESCO World Heritage sites to encounter manta rays, whales, and rare coral spawning events, while gaining a deeper understanding of current conservation efforts.
Ongoing, session times vary | National Museum of Australia, Acton Peninsula | nma.gov.au
Sport and Wellness
J.I.M Belconnen Open Week
Enjoy seven full days of unlimited free movement and fitness classes as J.I.M Belconnen opens its doors to the community. Each day features a dedicated music playlist theme (spanning Pop, House, R&B, 2000s classics, and Divas) allowing new participants to try out various class formats for free.
Monday 14 until Sunday 20 September | Block 2, Section 198, Market Street, Belconnen| joyinmovement.com.au
Fitness in The Park
Fitness class for all levels of fitness for the whole community. Join Ginninderry local Vince as he takes you through a group fitness class in the fresh air at Paddys Park.
Get bendy on Thursday evenings at a yoga class! You don’t need any experience – just head along for the slow-flow class that will help melt away tension, build strength and mobility, and give you a chance to recharge. Take along a yoga mat, water bottle, and comfy clothes.
Every Thursday, 6.45 pm to 7.45 pm | The Link, 1 McClymont Way, Strathnairn | ginninderry.com
The Mane Event: Hair Loss, Hormones & Healthy Ageing
Join naturopath, trichologist, and Apotecari founder Simone Abaron for an educational evening exploring hair health through life’s transition phases. Hosted by Pura Holistic Studio, the presentation dives into the science behind hair loss associated with perimenopause, menopause, GLP-1 medications, stress, and nutrition. Tickets include entry, a luxury goodie bag, and entry into lucky door prize draws.
Start your Friday morning outdoors with the Good Energy Club on a relaxed group stroll around Lake Burley Griffin. Designed to prioritize daily movement and casual connection among women, the morning ends with takeaway coffee and casual conversations before heading into the workday.
Friday 18 September, 6.30 am – 7.15 am | Lake Burley Griffin, City | activelocals.app.link
The Pines Social Ride
A relaxed monthly social bike ride exploring Canberra’s paths and local landscapes. The ride is designed for people who enjoy cycling at an easy pace and want to meet others while building confidence on two wheels. Free.
Saturday 19 September, 3–5 pm | Canberra, meeting details available via the event page | canberraenvironment.org
SLAM! Academy Pro Wrestling Open Day
Step inside the ring at the SLAM! Academy for an introductory pro wrestling masterclass. Led by experienced SLAM! trainers, these bite-sized sessions teach the fundamentals of professional wrestling in a safe, fun, and inclusive environment. Open to all fitness levels aged 18+ (featuring a general open session followed by a dedicated women-only session).
Ease into Sunday morning with a Pilates-inspired flow led by Martina M at East Hotel. Suitable for all fitness levels, the session encourages mindful movement and body connection, followed by social coffees at the nearby Good Neighbour Cafe.
Sunday 20 September, 7.45 am for an 8 am start | East Hotel, 69 Canberra Avenue, Griffith | activelocals.app.link
UFC 331 Live at Onyx Sports Lounge
Catch the Flyweight World Title rematch between champion Joshua Van and Alexandre Pantoja broadcast live and loud at Onyx Sports Lounge. Surround yourself with high energy, big screens, and cold beverages right inside Casino Canberra. (18+ venue only)
Grab a girlfriend and challenge yourselves in a supportive, high-energy environment at the Women Only Adventure Race. Designed for all fitness levels, this empowering event sees teams of two navigate a secret course around Canberra by foot, mountain bike, and double kayak. With stable kayaks provided and distances kept accessible (5km run/walk, 10km ride, and 3km paddle), the focus is firmly on teamwork, health, and having a blast outdoors together. It’s the ultimate weekend activity to strengthen friendships, push your boundaries, and create lasting memories.
Footy fans, assemble! The AFLW returns to Manuka for its final local match of the 2026 season. Cheer on the GWS Giants as they battle the Richmond Tigers in an exciting Round 6 clash under the spring sunshine. Alongside top-tier footy action on the field, the day is packed with family entertainment, including inflatables, face painting, and giveaways around the ground. Pack a picnic blanket, rally your crew, and soak up the electric community atmosphere at our city’s favourite oval. Tickets are available now via Ticketek.
Lace up your walking shoes and show your support for those affected by Huntington’s disease at the annual Walk 4 Hope in Yarralumla. Held in the scenic surrounds of Lennox Gardens, this community fundraiser offers a gentle, pram- and wheelchair-friendly four-kilometre course suitable for all ages and abilities. Walk at your own pace alongside family, friends, and supporters to raise vital funds and foster connection across the local region. It’s a heartwarming, inclusive morning out dedicated to raising awareness and ensuring no family faces the journey alone.
Brighten your Tuesday morning with a delightful multimedia music talk at Tuggeranong Arts Centre. Renowned violist Robert Harris guides audiences through a lively exploration of classical and popular works inspired by the beauty of spring. Blending live viola performances with rich imagery, the relaxed session features music by Vivaldi, Beethoven, Puccini, Elvis Presley, and the Beach Boys. Drawing on a distinguished international career that includes performances with the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Stevie Wonder, Harris brings warmth and deep musical insight to this charming gathering. It’s a wonderful, inspiring morning out for local music lovers.
Tuesday 15 September, 10.30 am–11.30 am | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street North, Greenway | tuggeranongarts.com
Julian Lage
Virtuoso guitarist Julian Lage makes his highly anticipated Australian debut with a special performance at The Street Theatre. Celebrating the tenth anniversary of his celebrated solo acoustic album World’s Fair, Lage showcases his extraordinary ability to bridge classical precision with American folk traditions. Performing on his vintage 1939 Martin acoustic guitar, his genre-defying music effortlessly weaves complex melodies with heartfelt warmth and improvisation. It’s a rare, intimate concert experience for jazz lovers, acoustic guitar enthusiasts, and live music fans looking to witness a master musician at the very top of his craft.
Wednesday 16 September, 7.30 pm–9 pm | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City | thestreet.org.au
Psycho Live with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra
Experience Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic psychological thriller Psycho on the big screen accompanied live by the Canberra Symphony Orchestra. Conducted by Jen Winley, the CSO strings will perform Bernard Herrmann’s famous score live alongside the captioned film screening, preceded by a performance of a new CSO-commissioned work by Leah Curtis.
Distinguished organist Callum Tolhurst-Close returns to the Wesley Lunchtime Concert series for an organ recital bridging 400 years of classical composition. Highlighting the dynamic range and tonal colors of Wesley’s grand organ, the programme moves from the North German textures of Buxtehude through to the grandeur of the English Cathedral tradition.
Wednesday 16 September, 12.40 pm – 1.20 pm | Wesley Music Centre, 20 National Circuit, Forrest | trybooking.com
Byways
Byways is a monthly jazz residency at Smith’s Alternative, led by Canberra trumpeter Ben Marston alongside drummer Nick McBride and bassist Chris Pound. Each evening opens with vintage vinyl on the turntable before the trio performs a first set exploring lesser-known jazz repertoire, followed by a second set featuring a guest artist. Across spring, tenor saxophonist Con Campbell joins on 17 September, Canberra-based pianist Sophie Min appears on 8 October, and guitarist and former ANU jazz studies head Mike Price closes the series on 12 November. The relaxed, conversational format encourages audience members to chat with musicians throughout the night.
Pianist Simon Tedeschi AM performs an unscripted piano recital, with the program built entirely from audience requests written on paper before the concert begins. Without a set list, Tedeschi draws on repertoire spanning Bach, Beethoven, Gershwin, Scriabin, Schubert and jazz standards, shaping the evening’s music live in response to what the audience nominates. Tedeschi, who performed his first Mozart concerto at the Sydney Opera House aged nine, has built a career spanning classical and jazz performance, including previous Canberra appearances at the Canberra International Music Festival and National Gallery of Australia.
Friday 18 September, 7.30 pm–8.30 pm | Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, 15 Blackall Street, Barton | trybooking.com
Meagher & Vivante: Coexistence
Sound artists Alexander Meagher and Jesse Vivante combine percussive mastery, electronic elements, and visual movement in a double-bill performance presented at Tuggeranong Arts Centre. The show features Meagher’s A Brilliant Seagull alongside Vivante’s avant-garde composition Omni-Omni, developed as part of Speak Percussion’s emerging artist program.
Friday 18 September, 7 pm (Bar open from 6 pm) | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street North, Greenway | tuggeranongarts.com
Back to the Mac: The Fleetwood Mac Experience
Relive the magic, drama, and timeless music of Fleetwood Mac as acclaimed tribute Back to the Mac takes over the Zeppelin Room. Celebrated for their authentic vocal harmonies and exceptional musicianship, this standout show delivers faithful renditions of timeless hits including Rhiannon, Landslide, Go Your Own Way, Everywhere, and Tusk. More than just a concert, it’s a passionate, nostalgia-filled tribute to the songs that defined generations of music fans. Gather your friends, hit the dance floor, and sing along to your favourite classic rock anthems all night long.
Prepare for a captivating sensory experience as sound artists Alexander Meagher and Jesse Vivante present Coexistence at Tuggeranong Arts Centre. This compelling double-bill concert explores contemporary percussion through dynamic visual and acoustic performance. Meagher’s A Brilliant Seagull delivers lush musical storytelling through traditional percussion instruments, while Vivante’s Omni-Omni pushes boundaries with avant-garde electronic soundscapes and expressive movement. Developed through Speak Percussion’s Emerging Artist program, it is an adventurous, bold evening for curious minds, music lovers, and fans of innovative contemporary art.
Friday 18 September, 7 pm–9 pm | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street North, Greenway | tuggeranongarts.com
Floral chorals in the Spring Salon
Limestone Consort, Canberra’s early music ensemble, performs a program of Baroque works with a floral and nature theme, staged among Andrew Antoniou’s The Garden – A Place Beyond exhibition at Grainger Gallery. Soprano Greta Claringbould and bass Andrew Fysh perform alongside violinist Lauren Davis, cellist Gabriel Fromhyr, oboist Aaron Reichelt and harpsichordist Ariana Odermatt. The program includes works by John Christopher Pepusch, Couperin, Alessandro Scarlatti and Giuseppe Antonio Brescianello, reflecting the spirit of Floriade’s Feast of Flowers theme. The gallery setting features paintings exploring gardens as places of beauty, transformation and renewal. Tickets are $40, including a drink on arrival and nibbles.
Country and Americana fans are in for a treat as Zak Plays Zach, the world’s premier Zach Bryan tribute, hits the stage at UC Hub. Fronted by Zak Shepherd, whose vocals and stage presence capture the original’s raw emotion, this energetic show brings Bryan’s heartfelt storytelling to life. Backed by a powerful full band, expect an evening of soaring sing-alongs, intimate ballads, and anthemic country energy. Whether you’re a diehard fan or new to the music, it’s an exceptional night of live music celebrating one of country’s biggest modern icons.
Celebrate half a century of psychedelic rock history as acclaimed tribute band Run Like Hell performs Pink Floyd’s iconic album Wish You Were Here live at Belconnen Arts Centre. This seven-piece ensemble recreates the album uninterrupted with soaring guitar solos, saxophones, and backing vocals. The evening also includes a second set featuring crowd favourites like Comfortably Numb, accompanied by a custom video, light, and laser show. It’s a visually stunning and musically precise homage that music lovers won’t want to miss.
Saturday 19 September, 8 pm–10 pm | Belconnen Arts Centre, Belconnen | belcoarts.com.au
Jan Preston: 50 Years in Pianoland
Prepare for an enchanting evening of boogie-woogie piano, storytelling, and charm as virtuoso Jan Preston brings her national tour to The Street Theatre. Celebrating five decades in music, Jan shares hilarious and touching anecdotes from her extraordinary career—from touring with Split Enz to working alongside Spike Milligan and Sam Neill. Paired with her sparkling wit and signature energy on the keys, this intimate performance offers a delightful journey through the life of one of Australasia’s most gifted pianists. It’s a warm, engaging night out for lovers of great music and storytelling.
Saturday 19 September, 7.30 pm–8.40 pm | The Street Theatre, City | thestreet.org.au
Creedence and Friends
Take a nostalgic trip through classic rock history as Creedence and Friends brings the legendary sound of Creedence Clearwater Revival and John Fogerty to Woden. This polished live performance chronicles Fogerty’s incredible musical journey, from iconic band hits to his celebrated solo career. Packed with infectious melodies, timeless rock rhythms, and unforgettable lyrics, the show captures the authentic spirit that made tracks like I Heard It Through The Grapevine enduring classics. Gather your friends, grab a drink, and enjoy a night of top-tier Australian talent paying tribute to rock royalty.
Iconic folk songwriter Suzanne Vega brings her mesmerizing storytelling and distinctively cool voice to Llewellyn Hall. Performing timeless classics like Tom’s Diner and Luka alongside songs from her acclaimed 2025 album Flying with Angels, this career-spanning show highlights one of modern music’s finest storytellers. Vega will be accompanied on stage by long-time guitarist Gerry Leonard and cellist Stephanie Winters, creating an intimate soundscape for her poetic lyrics. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience an international music legend live in an intimate concert hall setting.
The Great Debate: That Australian politics is alive and well
Ignite your curiosity during Social Sciences Week as six of Australia’s top academics clash over the current state of national politics. Presented by the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia and the National Library, The Great Debate promises a lively, thought-provoking evening filled with sharp arguments, audience participation, and expert commentary. Arrive early at 4 pm to catch the Great Student Debate featuring bright high school minds before enjoying refreshments in the foyer prior to the main event. It’s an essential, engaging forum for anyone passionate about civic life, policy, and Australian democracy.
Thursday 17 September, 4 pm–7 pm | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes | library.gov.au
Community Garden Sessions
Free weekly gardening sessions focused on growing a biodiverse, productive and welcoming community garden in Harrison. Participants can get involved in practical gardening, learn new skills and help create habitat for pollinators and local wildlife.
Thursday 17 September, 9.30–11 am | Canberra Environment Centre, Harrison | canberraenvironment.org
Build & Bloom: A Grazing Box Workshop at Floriade
Join Groovy Grazing Canberra in the Garden House at Commonwealth Park to learn how to style a luxury grazing box. Under step-by-step guidance, participants will build a gourmet produce spread to take home or enjoy as a park picnic, complete with a printed cheat sheet and a special thank-you gift.
Friday 18 September, 11 am – 1 pm | The Garden House, Commonwealth Park, Commonwealth Avenue, City | groovygrazing.my.canva.site
She Shapes History at the National Library
She Shapes History returns to the National Library of Australia for the second event in its four-year partnership series exploring women’s history through the Library’s archives. The panel discussion draws on records including First Fleet convict lists, police gazettes, prison photographs and indenture papers to examine women who were criminalised, sensationalised in the press, or left out of the record altogether. Founder Sita Sargeant is joined by historians Leigh Straw and Zoe Smith, and author Dr Esmé Louise James, whose research spans women’s crime, domestic violence history and eighteenth-century literature.
Saturday 19 September, 10.30 am–12.30 pm | National Library of Australia, Parkes Place, Canberra | sheshapeshistory.com
The Art of Being You Workshop
Reconnect with your creative self during a two-and-a-half-hour intuitive workshop at Subud Hall. Combining meditation, light movement, and expressive painting, this small-group session prioritizes self-expression over technical skill. All painting materials, light snacks, tea, and coffee are provided.
Unwind in the picturesque surrounds of Tharwa with an afternoon of slow-stitched coiled weaving and soul-stirring live music. Tuggeranong Arts Centre’s popular Yuma Yarn program invites you to learn the relaxing art of raffia weaving under the gentle guidance of Wiradjuri artist Rechelle Turner. As your hands work, enjoy soulful melodies from singer-songwriter Wallabindi. Held in the historic Tharwa Community Hall, this welcoming workshop is suitable for complete beginners. You’ll leave with your own starter piece and the techniques to continue weaving at home. All materials are provided.
Learn the art of woodcarving to shape a custom wooden spoon and step into the Hotshop for a one-on-one glassblowing session to blow your own matching glass bowl.
All For You Page uses video installation, photo documentation and performance to inspect how the solitary act of doom scrolling has flourished into a new mode of meaning-making, infiltrating private space and experience. Johanna Ng documents forty participants as they expose their feeds, homes and habits for public viewing. In a cacophony of assorted online buffoonery, will you experience moments of recognition or enter a new world of meaning sequestered in another person’s For You Page?
Friday 18 September to Sunday 11 October | Platform, 19 Furneaux Street, Forrest | canberracontemporary.com.au
LUCKY ROCKET
LUCKY ROCKET presents new work by documentary photographer Yani Clarke, opening in Galleries 1 and 2 at PhotoAccess. The series comprises medium-format photographs of Bun Bang Fai, a traditional rain-making festival celebrated in Laos and Thailand’s Isan region, captured a decade apart. Clarke, based in Lismore, began the project after the 2022 Northern Rivers floods prompted her return home following ten years working elsewhere. The photographs form a visual diary revisiting the same festival twice, exploring themes of place, ritual and return. Clarke’s work has previously been published in VICE and F-Stop Magazine, and shortlisted for the Head On Portrait Prize.
Until Saturday | PhotoAccess, 30 Manuka Circle, Griffith | photoaccess.org.au
Halfway Seen Halfway Home
Halfway Seen Halfway Home (半窥半归) opens in Gallery 3 at PhotoAccess, presenting the debut project by artist collective Guylieuzy. Formed by first-generation Chinese-Australians Ming Liew and Will Wang, the collective travelled to China to explore questions of identity and belonging. The moving-image exhibition features eight autoethnographic works, each reflecting an aspect of the artists’ perspective as both Chinese and Australian. The exhibition examines Chinese Australian hybrid identity, shaped by migration, memory and the ongoing negotiation between two worlds, and considers the liminality of the first-generation immigrant experience, where home remains both familiar and foreign, present yet out of reach.
Until Saturday | PhotoAccess, 30 Manuka Circle, Griffith | photoaccess.org.au
Vulnerable
This exhibition explores what it means to be vulnerable in today’s world. Through textiles, painting, eco-printing, and mixed media, the artists examine themes of resilience, change, loss, and adaptation. Inspired by personal experiences and the natural world, the works reflect on the connections between people, communities, and the environment, offering different perspectives on issues such as environmental change and social issues to health, identity, and belonging.
8Studios is a group of artists from widely varying age groups, who are connected through friendship, shared creative interests, and a belief in the value of artistic community.
Until Saturday 19 September | Rusten House, 87 Collett Street, Queanbeyan | qprc.nsw.gov.au
Land’s Edge: Sarah Ormonde & Jo Victoria
Land’s Edge brings together ceramicists and friends Sarah Ormonde and Jo Victoria, exploring the meeting point of cliffs and water, sand and rock along the coastal fringe that shapes their lives and practices. The exhibition combines Ormonde’s large sentinel forms with Victoria’s delicate porcelain fragments, reflecting the shifting, dynamic nature of the landscape. Ormonde turns her attention to the headlands, while Victoria is drawn to the surf, where air meets water and vision and touch become entwined. Together, the pair use the gallery to explore how their distinct practices, both grounded in landscape, evoke the passage of time.
Until Sunday 20 September | Canberra Potters, 1 Aspinall Street, Watson | canberrapotters.com.au
Garden of Threaded Delights
Step into a garden of fibre, thread and textiles re-imagined in an exhibition celebrating the vibrant beauty of the natural world. The ACT Textile Arts Association’s Grand Bazaar offers unique, handcrafted items for sale. Proudly part of Floriade About Town.
Until Sunday 20 September | Queanbeyan Arts Society Gallery, 6 Trinculo Place, Queanbeyan | acttextiles.org.au
Wangka Wakaṉutja: the story of the Papunya Literature Production Centre
Between 1979 and 1990, the Papunya Literature Production Centre produced hundreds of illustrated bilingual books–funny, moving, extraordinary documents of Pintupi-Luritja language and culture, guided by community Elders who were also pioneers of the Western Desert art movement. Many of those books have been held in the National Library’s collections ever since, and this landmark new exhibition finally brings them to life. Featuring stories, drawings, photographs, manuscripts, and oral histories drawn from multiple collections, it’s a profoundly significant celebration of Aboriginal literary culture, collective creativity, and the remarkable human effort to keep language alive across generations.
Canberra Museum and Gallery launches one of its most delightful exhibitions this April–and it’s designed for the youngest visitors. Hop In! turns the familiar family home inside out, shifting rooms in scale and perspective to invite children aged 3–12 to move, build, crawl, splash, and imagine in surprising new ways. Stretch out beneath a sky of clouds, create secret worlds under oversized furniture, or wander through reimagined kitchens and backyards where creativity has completely taken over. At the heart of the experience is Bunny Dearest, a gentle guiding companion created by artist Beci Orpin.
Until Sunday, 11 October | Canberra Museum and Gallery, London Circuit, Canberra | cmag.com.au
Rear Vision: The Holden Collection
Take a nostalgic drive through the history of an absolute Australian icon with Rear vision: the Holden collection at the National Archives. This fascinating exhibition traces Holden’s journey from a humble 19th-century saddlery to ‘Australia’s Own Car’ and its permanent impact on the nation’s economy, industrial landscape, and cultural identity. Visitors can explore historical archival records, rare artifacts, blueprints, and photographs that reveal the innovations, challenges, and people behind General Motors-Holden. Developed by the State Library of South Australia and expanded with national records, the exhibition also offers daily gallery talks.
Until Sunday 11 October | National Archives of Australia, Parkes | naa.gov.au
Antarctica
Explore the frozen continent at the National Museum of Australia through a fascinating exhibition sharing Australia’s enduring connection to the icy south. Visitors can discover over 100 years of Antarctic science, exploration, and survival through rare artefacts, historic equipment, and first-hand accounts from researchers. Immersive displays bring polar landscapes to life with blizzards and the aurora australis, teaching families about the region’s unique wildlife and environmental significance. It’s a captivating opportunity for curious minds of all ages to journey into an extreme environment right from the comfort of our capital.
Until Sunday 11 October | National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton | nma.gov.au
National Photographic Portrait Prize 2026
Marking the final chapter of one of the Gallery’s longest-running exhibitions, the 2026 prize features finalist works alongside a curated retrospective celebrating two decades of Australian portrait photography.
Since 2007, the Prize has celebrated the vitality and diversity of contemporary portrait photography from across the nation. From the joyful and playful to the strong, intimate and vulnerable, it has showcased the stories, people and moments that mattered.
To celebrate the remarkable photography and thank the community of artists, supporters and visitors who have cherished this prize over the years, the Gallery will present a curated retrospective alongside the 2026 finalists’ exhibition.
Until Sunday, 11 October | National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | portrait.gov.au
Weaving the Coast by Christiane Keller
Weaving the Coast is a new solo exhibition by Canberra-based fibre artist Christiane Keller. Featuring fifteen sculptural works crafted from natural fibres, recycled materials, and salvaged beach debris, the collection translates the distinct geological patterns and sediment layers of coastal rock formations into intricate, three-dimensional woven forms. Informed by her decades spent working alongside Indigenous fibre artists across Arnhem Land and Central Australia, Keller’s sustainable practice creates a deeply tactile connection to place and Country.
Until Saturday 17 October (Official Opening Friday 21 August, 6 pm) | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street, Greenway | tuggeranongarts.com
Arthur Boyd: Tapestries
Culture lovers have a world-first opportunity to witness a monumental artistic achievement right in the heart of the National Triangle. The National Gallery is presenting the inaugural exhibition of the complete cycle of twenty monumental tapestries by renowned Australian artist Arthur Boyd. Hand-woven in Portugal and acquired in 1975, these breathtaking textiles creatively retell the life of Saint Francis of Assisi. Displayed alongside the original lithographs, pastels, and drawings, this astonishing exhibition illuminates the immense collaborative and technical processes required to translate Boyd’s intensely creative visions into millions of rich, physical stitches.
Until Sunday 18 October. Times vary | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes | nga.gov.au
GR’AFT
Canberra Glassworks presents GR’AFT, a new exhibition by Thirroul-based artist Lynda Draper, developed in partnership with Sullivan + Strumpf. Created over two years, the exhibition marks Draper’s first major body of work in bronze and glass, following four decades as a leading figure in Australian ceramics. GR’AFT draws on the ancient horticultural practice of grafting, joining separate elements into a single living form, as a method and metaphor for transformation. Draper worked alongside glass artists Annette Blair and Spike Deane, and Nick Stranks of Carwoola Casting, bringing glass, ceramics and bronze together across three ancient material practices.
Explore innovative contemporary sculpture at Canberra Glassworks with GR’AFT, a solo exhibition by artist Lynda Draper. Developed during a residency at the Kingston precinct, the body of work blends glass, ceramics, and bronze through skilled collaborations with local artisans and foundry specialists. Drawing inspiration from botanical grafting techniques, the tactile sculptures feature wax-like surfaces, biomorphic forms, and funnel shapes that evoke natural growth and transformation. The exhibition offers visitors a chance to contemplate material exchange, layered artistic histories, and collaborative craft. Drop by this iconic lakeside venue to experience stunning contemporary art firsthand.
Until Monday 26 October | Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | canberraglassworks.com
Illuminate: How Science Comes to Light
Questacon presents an interactive exhibition exploring the science of light through 13 hands-on exhibits. Visitors can experiment with light refraction, colour blending, shadow manipulation and reflection across multiple activity stations. The exhibition demonstrates how light travels, reflects and refracts, alongside displays of tools humans have developed to harness light. Activities include bending light, using sensors to create music, and working with lenses. The exhibition is designed for hands-on engagement with scientific concepts. Illuminate: How Science Comes to Light is a Museums Victoria Touring Exhibition running until November 2026.
Until Sunday, 22 November | Questacon–The National Science and Technology Centre, King Edward Terrace, Parkes | questacon.edu.au
Behind the Lines 2025: ‘Are We Rolling?’
Behind the Lines 2025: ‘Are We Rolling?’ celebrates the year’s best political cartoons.
Featuring established and emerging cartoonists from across Australia, this exhibition highlights the significant contribution they make to cultural and political debates through witty, insightful and often poignant satirical drawings.
This year our Behind the Lines theme is the cinema, acknowledging that, like some of our favourite movies, 2025 has been full of thrills and spills, romance and heartbreak, with plenty of unexpected plot twists. Australia’s cartoonists and illustrators have tackled many of the issues that made news, including the federal election, the cost of living, energy policy, interest rates, housing security, the economy, climate change and stories from overseas.
Until December 2026 | Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House | moadoph.gov.au
Gurindji Freedom Banners
A powerful new exhibition commemorating the pivotal 1966 Wave Hill Walk-off opens at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Gurindji Freedom Banners: Mumkurla-nginyi-ma parrngalinyparla–From the darkness into the light unites all ten hand-painted banners for the first time in years, telling the story of when Gurindji and neighbouring peoples, led by Vincent Lingiari AM, walked off Wave Hill Station on 23 August 1966.
Their demands for fair working conditions and return of traditional lands sparked landmark change, leading to the first handback of Aboriginal land in 1975 and paving the way for the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1976. The textile banners were created in 2000 by 35 Gurindji people, many walk-off participants, with one recently recreated after going missing.
Now showing until late 2026 | Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House | moadoph.gov.au
Quantum Tomorrow: Imagined Futures
Step into a vibrant, near-future Australia where once-impossible technologies transform how we live, work, and play. Questacon’s latest immersive gallery, Quantum Tomorrow: Imagined Futures, makes the complex world of quantum physics accessible, playful, and incredibly fun.
Developed in collaboration with Canberra illustrator Paul Summerfield, the exhibition brings tomorrow’s tech to life through colorful, highly detailed illustrations, giant airborne sculptures, and a mesmerizing cloud chamber that reveals the invisible world of tiny particles. Along the way, visitors can meet the pioneering Australian researchers who are harnessing the unique behaviors of quantum objects to solve some of the world’s most critical challenges. From un-hackable communications and personalized medicine to ultra-responsive prosthetics, you’ll discover how a quantum future promises to make ordinary lives extraordinary.
Open daily through 30 June 2027 | Gallery 8, Questacon, Parkes | questacon.edu.au
Know My Name: Kee, Jackson and Delaunay
Know My Name: Kee, Jackson and Delaunay showcases two of Australia’s leading fashion designers: Linda Jackson and Jenny Kee, in conversation with international, multidisciplinary artist Sonia Delaunay (1885–1979).
The iconic and vibrant early designs of Kee and Jackson from the 1970s and early 1980s were directly inspired by the dynamic legacy of Delaunay, who was a member of the School of Paris and co-founder of Orphism, an art movement noted for its use of intense colours and abstract, geometric forms. As well as working in traditional mediums such as painting and printmaking, Delaunay’s practice also included textile, fashion, and theatre design.
For Jackson and Kee, who were beginning their shared journey in creating clothes as works of art, the discovery of Delaunay was revolutionary. This powerful display feature a rarely-seen collection of Kee and Jackson’s garments from their archives and are shown with the National Gallery’s collection of Delaunay’s prints, drawings, textiles and costumes.
Until 1 November 2026 | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes | nga.gov.au
Yarning: Sharing Stories, Celebrating Culture
Explore Yarning, a vibrant new exhibition at Australian Parliament House showcasing the creative voices and stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students from across the nation. Featuring artworks from over 70 young artists, the display showcases entries from the Yarning competition exploring themes of Country, identity, family, and reconciliation—including the three winning pieces. Located in the public area on the Level 1 Senate side, this inspiring collection offers a powerful platform for young First Nations storytellers.
Open daily until February 2027 | Australian Parliament House, Capital Hill | aph.gov.au
David Hockney: Portraits in Print
David Hockney: Portraits in Print opens at the National Gallery of Australia, drawing on the gallery’s own collection, the largest holding of Hockney’s work in the country. The display brings together more than 60 prints spanning almost 30 years, tracing the artist’s portraits of family, friends and collaborators across Los Angeles, Paris and London in the 1970s and 80s. Works include etchings, lithographs and photocollages, alongside experimental processes such as mylar sheets and faxes.
Until Sunday 14 February 2027, free | National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place, Parkes | nga.gov.au
Floral Impressions: Coins in Bloom
The Royal Australian Mint’s exhibition Floral Impressions: Coins in Bloom draws on never-before-seen objects from the National Collection to explore the rich symbolism of flowers on coins from around the world. The exhibition traces how floral designs struck into metal carry stories of national identity, cultural heritage and remembrance — from Australia’s kangaroo paw and the South African protea to the Western Samoan Teuila.
Decorative motifs such as laurel, olive and oak wreaths, used for centuries as symbols of victory, peace and strength, also feature. Commemorative coins in the exhibition show how flowers have honoured significant historical moments and individuals across cultures.
Until March 2027 | Royal Australian Mint, 62–114 Denison Street, Deakin | ramint.gov.au
National Library of Australia Treasures Gallery
The National Library has millions of books, and the Treasures Gallery answers the frequently asked question, ‘Where are they’. They also collect other items. From maps and manuscripts to photographs and paintings, the Treasures Gallery is where you can find highlights from their vast physical and digital collections. Behind-the-scenes videos, pages from William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice from the First Folio, a cedar bookcase carved by Dorothea Mackellar, photographs from the nation’s photo album, and a display of The Wiggles’ websites from 1997 to today from the Australian Web Archive are among the new additions.
Until December 2030 | National Library of Australia, Parkes | library.gov.au
Illustra: 50 Women for 50 Years
Illustra: 50 Women for 50 Years is a permanent portrait exhibition celebrating 50 years of women as residents at John XXIII College. Featuring fifty alumni, the exhibition pairs portraiture with personal reflections to capture the evolving experience of women across five decades. Photographed by ANU School of Art graduate Bronte Morel across Australia and internationally, each work is set in a location of personal significance. Together, the collection forms an intergenerational narrative of leadership, identity and community, recognising the enduring contribution of women to the College and beyond.
Permanent exhibition, open 9 am–5 pm daily | Front foyer, John XXIII College, 51 Daley Road, Australian National University, Canberra | johnxxiii.anu.edu.au
Flowers, food, farmers and plenty of reasons to head to Commonwealth Park – here’s what not to miss during the first week of Floriade 2026.
From Saturday 12 September, Commonwealth Park will burst into bloom for another four weeks of Floriade – but this year, there’s more to see than spectacular flower beds.
The 2026 Feast of Flowers theme gives you plenty of reasons to look beyond the tulips this year. You can explore the food-inspired garden beds, meet the people growing food in the Majura Valley Farm Kitchen Garden, watch floristry students create wildflower arrangements, hear from chefs and farmers, learn more about The Cook’s Companion, make a grazing box or join a long-table conversation about community and seasonal living.
And that’s just the first week.
Here’s what not to miss from Saturday 12 to Sunday 20 September.
Dig into a wildflower feast
Every day from Saturday 12 to Sunday 20 September, you can head to The Garden House by Bunnings Warehouse for CIT Floristry where students from the Canberra Institute of Technology’s Certificate III in Floristry will showcase Australia’s spectacular wildflowers in their hand-tied bouquets, created for the Wildflowers Australia National Students Competition and demonstrated live for Floriade visitors.
The designs then complete their tablescape installations bringing together flowers, foliages and food in balanced, harmonious displays. Students will be judged on technical skill, design and creativity, choice of materials and overall visual impact.
See what’s growing at Majura Valley Farm
The Majura Valley Farm Kitchen Garden is a working seasonal garden planted and looked after by the Majura Valley Farm team throughout Floriade 2026. You can wander through beds of spring vegetables, edible flowers and herbs, and find out how the crops grow, when to harvest them and how to eat them.
On Sunday 13 September, you can also pick up some growing inspiration at the Majura Valley Farm – Tomato Workshop. Visitors can learn how to plant and care for a tomato seedling, with each participant able to take one home in a compostable pot.
Then, on Sunday 20 September, get a little more hands-on at the Majura Valley Farm – Cut Flower Workshop. The team will show visitors how to grow snapdragons, zinnias or cosmos from seed, with each participant taking home a custom Floriade seed packet ready to plant.
Come hungry
The Feast of Flowers theme naturally lends itself to a little eating – and there are several food-focused events in the first week.
On Saturday 12 September, award-winning chef, restaurateur, author and television presenter Karen Martini will be at The Garden House for a live demonstration, conversations and an audience meet-and-greet. You can catch her demonstrations at 1 pm and 3 pm.
Then on Sunday 13 September, Mindy Woods will bring her experience as a chef, restaurateur and MasterChef Australia finalist to The Garden House. A Bundjalung woman, native food chef and owner of Karkalla on Country, Woods will take part in live demonstrations, conversations and audience meet-and-greets, sharing her knowledge of Indigenous Australian cuisine. There are two sessions to choose from: 10 am or 11.30 am – they’re free and you don’t need a ticket.
Later that afternoon, Fire & Spring – A Lunetta Cooking Demonstration will see Lunetta Executive Chef Tristan Rebbettes showcase a seasonal dish inspired by Floriade’s Feast of Flowers. The demonstration runs from 1.30 pm to 2.15 pm at The Garden House. It’s free, but you must book a spot online.
Guests will also receive a Lunetta recipe card to take home.
Celebrate 30 years of The Cook’s Companion
There are cookbooks, and then there is The Cook’s Companion.
On Thursday 17 September, Stephanie Alexander: The Cook’s Companion will celebrate 30 years of the book that has become a staple in kitchens across Australia. She will be in conversation with Canberra food writer and Fed Up author Lucy Ridge at The Garden House in an event delivered in partnership with the Canberra Writers Festival.
The event runs from 11 am to 1 pm and is free. It’s sold out, but you can join the waitlist.
Groovy Grazing CBR will lead this hands-on workshop, where participants create their own grazing box using seasonal produce, floral touches and Groovy Grazing’s tricks of the trade. You’ll even get to take home your grazing box, a grazing guide and a gift!
The workshop runs from 11 am to 1 pm on Friday 18 September at The Garden House. Tickets are $110, and the workshop is designed for people aged 15 and over.
If you’d rather skip the construction phase and get straight to the eating, Floriade Grazing Boxes are also available to pre-order for collection on Saturday 12 and 20 September and Friday 2 October. The boxes start at $65 – pre-order yours here.
Gather around the table
On Sunday 20 September, the first week of Floriade wraps up with Futuresteading Huddle: A Feast of Flowers. Part live storytelling event, part facilitated conversation and part community experiment, it’s a unique participatory experience that invites strangers to become neighbours through storytelling, meaningful conversation and shared reflection.
Hosted by author, farmer and educator Jade Miles, this long-table gathering draws on the ideas explored in her books Futuresteading and Huddle. Guided by a series of thoughtful prompts inspired by flowers, food, community and the changing seasons, participants are encouraged to reflect on what they are cultivating in their own lives, what deserves to flourish, what needs pruning, and the future they hope to grow.
The experience runs from 11 am to 12.30 pm at The Garden House. It’s free, but you must book a spot online before you come.
Explore further afield
Floriade is also popping up around Canberra as part of Floriade About Town, so you can keep the spring theme going beyond Commonwealth Park.
And, naturally, there’s a coffee stop worth adding to the itinerary, with The Cupping Room serving seasonal specials inspired by Floriade.
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Floriade 2026 – Feast of Flowers When: Saturday 12 September to Sunday 11 October, open 9.30 am to 5.30 pm each day, with last entry at 5 pm Where: Commonwealth Park, Canberra Web:floriadeaustralia.com
Program details are subject to change. Check the Floriade website before visiting for the latest information and booking requirements.
There is nothing quite like a spring morning spent wandering through a million blooming tulips.
And although there are plenty of food and drink options in Commonwealth Park, sometimes you want to fuel up or chill out off-site with a relaxed, sit-down meal nearby. Here’s where to eat near Floriade.
Parkes and Campbell (a five-to-30-minute walk)
The Marion
Just a short stroll from Commonwealth Park, The Marion offers a luxurious lakeside setting for a springtime sojourn.
Serving high tea from 10 am daily, you can indulge in freshly baked scones with cream and preserve, finely cut sandwiches, savoury pastries and delectable petit cakes all prepared daily by their award-winning pâtissier.
Open seven days a week from 8 am until 4 pm, Walter Café is the perfect pit-stop for some lakeside fuel. Along with coffee and tea, you can also indulge in wine, beer or an iced matcha if you need to cool-off from your walk.
As for food? Classic breakfast options are available until 12 pm when the offering swaps to the lunch menu, which includes share plates like warm sourdough bread served with aged balsamic and olive oil, mains like Korean-style braised lamb shoulder, and sides.
If that’s not enough, Devonshire tea (two buttermilk scones with homemade jam, dollop cream and a pot of tea or coffee) is available from 10 am!
Celebrating fresh, in-season, and vegetable-forward dishes and nestled in the leafy enclave of Parkes, Catbird has everything from breakfast burritos to sandwiches and salads.
Our pick that’s perfect for any time of the day? The Hot Honey Bird: buttermilk marinated fried chicken on a savoury waffle, served with hot honey, pickled red onion, fresh herbs and charred lemon.
For those willing to walk a little bit further, East Traders Hall offers plenty of options. Home to Lava Coffee, Lager House, Sliceria, and WORLD, there’s something for every time of day and craving.
From coffee to pizza, go for the food and stay for the atmosphere.
If you’re craving something like antipasto or a grilled steak with a glass of wine, Capitol Bar & Grill is the place to go.
With a focus on Modern-Australian dining, the bar menu (available Monday to Sunday from 12 pm) spans everything from shoestring fries to a classic hamburger, pizza, chicken schnitzel and even a hazelnut tiramisu for dessert.
For those seeking an energy hit after a morning of walking, order yourself a coffee or book a table at their QTea High Tea for the ultimate sugar hit.
Something about stopping at an eco-friendly café before looking at flowers feels right.
Open seven days a week from 7 am, Močan & Green Grout is the perfect spot for free or post-Floriade fuel. Grab a table amongst the garden beds to soak in the sun while you enjoy top-tier local coffee and seasonal, farm-to-table breakfast and lunch plates.
Situated on Marcus Clarke Street, this chic space is great for a luxurious meal.
With a wide variety of plant-based options as well as protein-based dishes, we recommend ordering the famous sugarloaf cabbage with parmesan cream and always make sure to leave room for dessert.
A modern deli and bar serving locally roasted coffee, pastries and signature sandwiches, Dom’s is perfect for the whole family.
Open seven days a week, here you can grab both fresh and toasted sandwich options, with the Italian-inspired menu ranging from the Dom’s Special (mortadella, basil pesto, sliced black olives, roasted red peppers and fior di latte) to the Tuna Melt (house tuna mix, guindilla peppers, green onion, and Swiss and American cheese).
It’s also worth noting that all the toasted sandwiches can be made gluten-free!
National Film and Sound Archive, McCoy Circuit, Acton | @doms.deli_
City (a 15 to 20 minute walk)
Redbrick Coffee City
With a food menu of refined classics, Redbrick focuses on local produce, lunch takeaway options and locally roasted coffee.
Open seven days a week, the all-day menu ranges from eggs benedict to beef short ribs, coffee to Capital Brewing Co. beer. Whatever mood you’re in, there’s sure to be something to satisfy you.
For those wanting a high-end, polished lunch in the city precinct, Such and Such offers inventive, bright spring flavours and an excellent natural wine list just across the footbridge.
With lots of different menus to choose from (including an hour-long IN AND OUT menu for $55 per person), whether you want something casual or bespoke, they’ll have an option for you.
Did you know that there’s a Two Before Ten on Constitution Avenue? A little oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, with floor-to-ceiling windows and cosy booth seating, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a busy morning.
On the seasonal menu, you’ll find all your café favourites, including a miso-butter avocado smash, soft chilli scrambled eggs and a sandwich special of the week. They also have plenty of grab-and-go if you’d rather get back to Floriade!
With a $33 lunch special every day, a meal at Clover won’t break the bank. Of course, if you’re looking for something more substantial, you can always look at the à la carte menu, where you’ll find options like confit duck Maryland, tempura eggplant and spaghetti alle polpette.
Order yourself a cocktail to wash it all down, because why not?
The fresh flavours of Sri Lanka are always best enjoyed after Floriade. Book a table here for a vibrant blend of Sinhalese, Tamil, Moor, Dutch and Malay tastes and textures. One thing to note is they only serve lunch Monday to Friday, but are open for dinner seven days a week, so make sure to plan your meal ahead!
Admit it, we’ve all been there – stalking social media and LinkedIn profiles, trying desperately to figure out how the hell someone got their dream job.
It seems impossible, and yet there they are, living out your career fantasy (minus the itchy business suit). It might seem hard to believe, but once upon a time, they were also fantasising about their future career, and with some hard work, they made it.
Welcome to How I Got Here, HerCanberra’s series that reveals everything you want to know about the secrets of career success.
This week, we meet Alex Wright-Moore – former UN human rights lawyer, award-winning public servant, and now Women’s Holistic Coach (and HerCanberra writer). From navigating the Syrian refugee crisis to supporting families through life’s hardest chapters, Alex’s career has been anything but linear. Rooted in a deep legacy of resilience and driven by a mission to see women truly thrive, here she takes us through her inspiring journey, her real definition of success, and how to reconnect with your inner power.
Existential crisis time: Who are you and what do you do?
Hi, I’m Alex Wright-Moore, a former UN human rights lawyer turned award-winning public servant, now working as a women’s holistic coach, writer and intuitive.
But let’s park the ego’s definition for a moment and get a little more real…
I’m a soul who feels most at home in nature, the mother of two miracle IVF babies and two mischievous rescue cats, and the partner of an incredible human who devotes his life to easing the pain of others. With French Mauritian, English and Australian ancestry, I carry the stories of migrants, pirates and convicts – people who reached for a better life with whatever tools they had. But at the heart of it all, I’m the daughter of two wise parents who taught me that how you treat people is the truest measure of your life.
In a world where women continue to be represented by all the wrong statistics, my work as a coach helps women reconnect with their inner guidance and rediscover how powerful they are. I live and work for a future where positive change for women isn’t just possible – it’s inevitable.
Let’s go back to when you were a kid, have you always dreamed of working in this industry?
While I experienced a taste of coaching in my adolescence through representative netball and competitive debating, it was never something I imagined as a career. By contrast, growing up in south-west Sydney as a student of Australia’s public school system, I vividly remember telling my parents at sixteen that I wanted to work for the United Nations, and them gently suggesting that graduating high school might be a good place to start. I had stumbled upon Gandhi at a very impressionable age and became activated by the idea of being the change you wish to see in the world. Only later did I learn his actual words were: “If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change.” Fortunately, the essence of this principle has stayed with me, shaping my values and remaining a guiding thread throughout my career, no matter how many times it has evolved.
Writing, on the other hand, is something I have been fascinated with since childhood – long before I understood why it resonated with me so deeply. In the years since, what I’ve come to know is this: the stories within us are a powerful vehicle for change. The way we tell them shapes the way we live them, and learning to tell them honestly is where change begins. That belief runs through everything I do. It’s why I write about the subjects that require us to be raw, real, and vulnerable: who we really are, what we struggle with, and how we find our way through the seasons of life.
And the intuitive part? That arrived quietly, almost stealthily, during the early Covid-19 lockdowns. While navigating the trenches of IVF, I finally committed to a daily meditation practice, and the stillness of that ritual opened something I could never have predicted –a direct, unmistakable channel to my intuition and a heightened sensitivity to the subtle energetic world that lives just beyond our five everyday senses. For years, my logical, evidence-driven lawyer mind had worked hard to explain away anything intuitive as imagination. So, when these experiences began to show up in my life in a way that was too big to ignore, for a while they sent me into fight/flight/freeze, shaking the foundations of what I believed about reality and what humans are capable of. However, over time, and with the right teachers, this intuitive capacity has become one of the most meaningful parts of my life. It has also reshaped my work, allowing me to offer a deeper, more resonant level of support to those who feel called for something more.
Tell us about when you were first starting out, what set a fire in your belly to get here and how did you do it?
When I reflect on the origins of my fire for coaching, the first sparks were ignited during my time as a UN human rights lawyer working in refugee camps in the Middle East. In the face of harsh conditions and seemingly insurmountable odds, I witnessed something that both surprised and fascinated me: while most refugees struggled on every level, a handful were somehow thriving, despite living in identical circumstances.
The contrast ignited a burning curiosity within me. I wanted to understand how such a phenomenon could exist. The more time I spent in the camps, the clearer the pattern became. Those who were thriving had cultivated a strong inner world – their mindset, their sense of identity, and a discipline for daily practices that sustained their well-being. They also appeared to carry something else: an innate sense of worthiness. They believed they deserved a good life and held an unwavering conviction that they would create one, no matter what was happening around them.
Encountering humans who could find ways to thrive in the face of such adversity led me to believe that perhaps anyone could. This idea lit me up more than anything ever had, and I developed an insatiable appetite to learn how. I went on to study behavioural science, human development, neurolinguistic programming, coaching, and somatic, intuitive, and holistic modalities of human transformation.
Somewhere along the way, I realised there are three essential ingredients required to change your life:
The willingness to examine the stories and programs you’re consciously and unconsciously running about the world, your place in it, and what you’re giving life to in your mind, body and energy field.
The capacity to recalibrate your internal world – to regulate your nervous system and release the blocks that keep you from becoming a match for what you want.
The bravery to take small, consistent, aligned steps toward your vision until you reach coherence.
I invested in great coaches, walked the path myself, and now I help others walk theirs.
Recall a time when you wanted to chuck it all in; what did you tell yourself when it got too hard?
Having experienced multiple miscarriages and seven rounds of IVF, there were many moments throughout this journey when I felt overwhelmed, grief-stricken, and hollow with defeat. Whenever I found myself in that place, my internal monologue sounded like this…
Alex, you know your brain is programmed to give momentum to whatever thoughts and stimuli you feed it. So, what you look for in this world you will find – and it will find you. If you look for reasons to give up in this moment, you will discover them everywhere. If you look for evidence that the world is unfair, that it’s hard, that you’re not enough, that it’s not possible, that you’re unworthy, you’ll find it with surprising ease.
Your work in conflict zones and human rights has shown you the very worst of what humans can do to each other when fear takes the reins. But you have also glimpsed the very best of humankind in places you believed held little capacity for light. You’ve witnessed humans helping each other against all the odds – giving life to generosity, joy, and hope in a daily existence on the cutting edge of uncertainty, loss, grief, and death. You’ve learned that life’s beauty is inseparable from its fragility and that everything has its counterbalance.
So, what if this darkness you’re in now is actually a space of becoming? What if you are in the womb of the universe –being invited to rebirth parts of yourself you’ve outgrown, so you can step into your next potential and give life to something new?
Right now, gratitude or joy may feel out of reach. So instead, reach for a softer place to land while you let yourself feel all the big feelings and move them through your system. In time, clarity and hope will return, and the weight of this experience won’t feel so acute and all-consuming. But since it does now, reach for what feels more accessible from this place. Reach for simple physical comforts. Reach for emotional nurture and compassion. Reach for connection with those you love. Reach for soul nourishment in the ways that are meaningful to you. Each step you take in this direction will gently bring you closer to where you want to be… a place where everything once again feels possible and you feel in alignment with what you wish for.
What was your biggest break?
Countless opportunities have shaped my path to where I am today.
To honour some of the biggest ones:
In my early twenties, I earned scholarships from the University of Technology Sydney to study international relations, politics and law in France and Denmark. Both experiences completely transformed my inner world, giving me firsthand insight into different languages, cultures, peoples, histories, and ways of life. I returned home changed, and that shift propelled me towards a career in human rights instead of politics.
My work for the United Nations in the Middle East was another defining chapter. It taught me about human nature, political and social systems, and the kind of life force I wanted to be in the world. When I returned to Australia, that experience paved the way for a near decade-long career in the public service, working at the executive level across federal, state and territory agencies – mostly managing human rights-based programs and coaching – while I navigated my journey to motherhood.
However, truthfully, my biggest breakthroughs have often come from my biggest breakdowns. As Taylor Swift sings in Labyrinth: “Break up, break free, break through, break down….” If I had to summarise how I got here in eight words, those would be the most apt since they capture the cycle of contraction and expansion I’ve lived through whenever something life-changing has been on the horizon.
Of all those cycles, my journey to motherhood has been the most transformative. It’s forced me to walk through the fire of infertility, recurrent miscarriage, chronic pain, severe endometriosis and IVF, and led me deeper into understanding what human beings are truly capable of. It has also been an experience where I’ve felt myself evolve my entire way of being in the world and opened doors to dreams I didn’t know existed.
The science of matrescence explains why so many women experience profound physiological and neurological metamorphosis through motherhood, so I know I’m not alone. But for me, the breakdown came when a trusted medical expert told me it was very unlikely I could have biological children due to the severity of my endometriosis. The breakthrough? Discovering that magic is real, accessible to everyone, and activated by belief and that only you can decide what is possible for your life. Two miracle IVF babies later, I’m living the reality I always felt was meant for me.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
You were born worthy. You don’t need to earn it, prove it, or perform for it. You are literal stardust – and when you begin to live from this place, everything in your life will shift.
Once you let go of the story that struggle must be built in before you can achieve what you want, a world of possibility will emerge unlike anything you’ve known before. Surviving an arduous journey doesn’t make you any more deserving of what you want. Can struggle deepen your lived experience? Yes. Can it serve as a vehicle for gratitude, learning lessons, and gaining wisdom? Absolutely. But it is only essential if you believe it is.
The sense of happiness and purpose you crave? It’s possible.
That dream job you want? It’s already in your energy field.
The babies you yearn for? They are in your field too.
The partner you dream about? The inner peace you crave? The business you want to generate? The life you imagine? All available – and your desire for them is not accidental.
But for them to come to life for you, you have to get out of your own way. You have to stop unconsciously self-sabotaging and be willing to do the invisible inner work to clear the obstacles (the limiting beliefs, trapped emotions, and conflicting values) you’ve put there. You have to create space for what you want to birth into existence – energetically, physically and mentally. You have to be willing to step outside of your comfort zone and be open to new ways of doing, so you can rewrite the stories and neurolinguistic programs you hardwired into your system when you were first learning how to be human. It requires a readiness to meet your shadow and work with your whole energetic being. If you’re willing to do that – and change the habits that keep feeding your old ways of thinking – everything you want becomes possible.
Ask yourself: What would your life feel like if you assumed you were a magnet for what you desire? If you trusted your intuition as your superpower? What would your nervous system feel like if ease and flow were built into your everyday reality? Cultivate an existence where you take responsibility for the energy you bring to the world. It will do more for your quality of life and everyday happiness than any level of external validation or material success. It will light your soul on fire.
… And so I did. And so it was.
What is it about your industry that you love and what makes you want to pull your hair out?
I became a holistic coach after growing increasingly frustrated with the limitations I experienced working as an executive coach in formal, bureaucratic settings. As part of my former work, I’d be engaged to build the capacity of managers or frontline staff, but it never took long to realise that the real human pain points – the ones ripe for genuine transformation – weren’t career-related at all. They lived in the shadow self, in personal relationships outside of the office, in family dynamics, intergenerational trauma, health challenges, unregulated nervous systems, and an absence of purpose or well-being in life. With traditional approaches to executive coaching, in my experience, these areas are almost always “off limits” to meaningfully dive into.
One of my biggest frustrations with the coaching industry is exactly this: so many traditional frameworks are blind to the role of somatic and holistic modalities in helping people make real progress. I often see leaders thriving professionally yet feeling deeply unfulfilled personally. In the face of this, the conventional models simply aren’t equipped to help them break through and they certainly don’t hold space for leaders to break down, recalibrate their nervous systems, or do the deep shadow work required for true transformation.
What I love is that transformational life coaching can do this – but it requires finding a coach with the right experience who is the right fit for you. It also requires an openness to doing the internal work and heavy lifting in this space.
My other frustration is the coaches who build their business models on the proposition that you require something outside of yourself to fix you. They position themselves as the solution and charge people and organisations extraordinary amounts of money on the premise that they are the expert who can fix what’s not working. The less marketable truth is this: the only person who can change you or your organisation is you. The work starts and ends with you, and you already have everything you need inside of you to create the change you’re seeking.
A good coach can offer tools, resources, new ideas, accountability, and unwavering support, but they cannot fix you. That part is yours. And the right coach? They will walk with you through the fire of your breakdown to your becoming. They will mirror to you what’s in your blind spots, ask you countless difficult questions, hold space for your pain, and sit with you when things get hard. When you want to give up, they’ll help you to own your patterns, remind you why you started, and shine a light on the paths available ahead. They won’t make decisions for you, but they’ll help you reconnect with your intuition and the answers already within you.
The right coach becomes your greatest ally – the one who celebrates you the loudest when you achieve the thing you thought impossible, and the bridge that helps you change your life for the better.
Tell us how you ‘stay in the know’, what media do you consume?
As I’ve grown older, I’ve become far more intentional about the media I allow into my life, as I’ve learned that every piece of content feeds me energetically, emotionally, and mentally. A few years ago, after watching Jeff Orlowski’s The Social Dilemma (2020), my husband and I removed social media apps from our phones. It freed us from carrying a portable stream of content in our pockets, competing for our attention around the clock, and it remains one of the best decisions we’ve made for our quality of life.
For my work as a holistic coach, Mindvalley and Gaia are my anchors. Each offers a rich volume of resources on the latest developments in science, personal development, human consciousness, and vitality. When I want to stay informed about global affairs, Al Jazeera and Politico are my go-to outlets – though over time I’ve developed firm boundaries around what I consume, when and how much. For local stories and perspectives, Women’s Agenda and HerCanberra always offer what I’m looking for. The Barefoot Investor remains my favourite weekly column, and the podcast currently lighting up my world is Why Isn’t Everyone Doing This? hosted by Emily Fletcher.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
After welcoming our second child, my husband and I recently moved from Bungendore to Canberra and found ourselves in our dream home in Gordon. It sits along a reserve, right on nature’s doorstep, with a private studio overlooking the beautiful southern ranges, an edible cottage garden, and sunrises that take my breath away. It carries a spaciousness and serenity I have been craving for more than two decades and offers a lifestyle we didn’t always believe would be accessible at this stage of our lives.
If you’d asked me even five months ago where I hoped to be in five years, I would have described exactly this: doing meaningful work that puts a fire in my belly, living close to nature in a property that affords room to breathe, and watching my children and family thrive in all the ways that matter. To have arrived here so soon feels like a gift. It has made anything feel possible, and I’m excited to stay open to whatever this next chapter brings.
With my husband hailing from New Zealand’s gorgeous South Island, we do plan to relocate there eventually. But for now, I am exactly where I am meant to be and satisfied to stay present and soak up the joy of this season.
Why should people follow in your footsteps?
Long before modern life pulled us away from ourselves, our ancestors lived in intimate relationship with nature, with seasons, cycles, plants, dreams and ritual. They deeply listened to their bodies and trusted quiet forms of knowing that lived beyond the rational mind – ways that were felt, practiced and honoured. They understood that the body is not simply something to be measured, but our bridge to possibility. Following our intuition doesn’t require abandoning reason. You can still be discerning, think critically, and trust what you feel. You can still value evidence and make space for mystery to appear in your life. You can stay grounded and invite magic into your everyday existence. You don’t have to choose. These things are not mutually exclusive, and your ability to integrate both will be the gift that keeps on giving in your life. My path is my own, but the power of living a deeper, more intuitive life has always been accessible to all of us. We simply need to remember and reconnect to ways of accessing it in our everyday lives.
What advice would you give your past self?
Sweet young Alex,
We live in a culture that worships what it can measure and dismisses what it cannot. But as you grow, your intuition isn’t something to shrink, soften or disguise so others feel comfortable. It is your superpower –the quiet force that will carry you through every impossible moment – and the reason you will defy the odds in every area of your life, despite constant external messaging that your dreams are impossible, unlikely or unrealistic.
None of what you achieve will be luck. It will be the result of years spent tending to your inner world, refining your energy and calibrating your way of being until it becomes the only way you know how to move through life.
Someone’s inability to understand how you work, or truly see who you are, says nothing about your worth. Your deep knowing is the oldest intelligence you hold. And teaching women how to access their own inner wisdom – how to clear what’s in the way, regulate their nervous systems, and trust the answers inside of themselves – will become the most meaningful human-rights work you ever offer.
The internal shifts these women make will transform their lives:
In the big dreams that come to life because they’ve resolved their blocks,
in the presence they bring to the moments that matter because their nervous systems are regulated,
in the grace they embody when things don’t go to plan because they’ve learned how to surrender,
and in the permission they give themselves to rest, savour, and breathe despite an endless to-do list, because they no longer doubt their worth.
These energetic changes will ripple outward, and this is how the world truly changes: by one woman at a time taking radical responsibility for how she shows up and choosing to show up differently. The way she shows up becomes the atmosphere her children grow within – and it will be an atmosphere of infinite potential.
So, my dearest love, keep following the path, keep expanding, keep learning, and keep cultivating coherence. Your wildest dreams are not only possible – they will arrive, in perfect time, when you’re ready. Have fun and don’t take life too seriously. Your unlimited capacity for joy is the very best of you.
With love,
Older, wiser, and ever-learning Alex.
You can find out more about Alex’s holistic coaching services, studio sessions, luxury health and wellness retreats, and women’s circles here.
