Welcome to Canberra
Lately Canberra has been staking a claim for the title of Australias coolest city and were not just talking winter temperatures. The nations bush capital has transformed into a cosmopolitan metropolis, with superb dining and world-class cultural experiences right alongside wildlife-filled bushland and serene lakeshore trails. Theres plenty to keep visitors entertained, whether youre here for the weekend or have a bit more time to spare.
| MARTIN OLLMAN/500PX
Canberra Top Sights
Visit Australias national art collection.
NATIONAL GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA DESIGNED BY COLIN MADIGAN AND ANDREW ANDERSONS; PEAR VERSION NUMBER 2 BY GEORGE BALDESSIN/TONYNG/SHUTTERSTOCK
Canberra Top Sights
The heart of Australian democracy.
PARLIAMENT HOUSE DESIGNED BY ROMALDO GIURGOLA/CONSTRUCTION PHOTOGRAPHY/GETTY
Canberra Top Sights
Memorial to Australias war dead.
SUNFLOWEREY/SHUTTERSTOCK
Canberra Top Sights
A microcosm of Australian flora.
LIZ JAKIMOW/SHUTTERSTOCK
Canberra Top Sights
A playful, interactive science museum.
QUESTACON DESIGNED BY LAWRENCE NIELD/GREG BRAVE/SHUTTERSTOCK
Canberra Top Sights
Canberras best-kept secret.
JEFFSHELTN/SHUTTERSTOCK
Canberra Top Sights
Australian fauna in the wild.
DANIIIELC/GETTY IMAGES
Canberra Top Sights
Wilderness on Canberras doorstep.
RODRIGO LOUREZINI/SHUTTERSTOCK
Canberra Top Sights
Local and international tree repository.
NATIONAL ARBORETUM DESIGNED BY TONKIN ZULAIKHA GREER ARCHITECTS CHAMELEONSEYE/SHUTTERSTOCK
Eating
For such a small city, Canberra punches well above its weight on the culinary front, with a sophisticated dining scene catering to politicians and locals alike. Established dining hubs include Civic, Kingston and Manuka. New Acton, the Kingston foreshore development and Lonsdale St in Braddon are the hippest new areas.
Muse | GEORGE FRANCIS DUNFORD/LONELY PLANET
Where to Eat When
Canberras dining scene is very schedule-specific. Mid-week youll find the most action around the city centre, with a secondary hotspot in Barton, close to Parliament. On the weekends, the focus shifts to the suburbs, with locals flocking to satellite villages such as Kingston, Manuka, Ainslie and Dickson. The exception is Braddon, which attracts the punters all week long.
Best Mod-Oz Restaurants
Innovative modern Australian dining at its most approachable.
The literary-themed menu makes for good reading and even better eating.
Spectacular seasonal dishes in Ainslie.
Playful takes on Australian favourites in Kingston village.
Best Breakfasts
Interesting, seasonal dishes and truly excellent coffee.
Traditional breakfast dishes are given an Asian twist at this New Acton cafe.
A cosy wood-burning fire and Scandi-inspired comfort food give you a real feeling of hygge.
Dickson locals flock to this light, modern cafe for flavourful breakfasts and smooth espresso.
Light, healthy breakfasts here are chock-full of seasonal ingredients.
Best Asian Dining
A wall of lucky cats invite you to dine on Japanese/Korean fusion with a twist.
Stylish pan-Asian restaurant right in the heart of Civic.
Locals come from miles around to slurp Canberras best laksa.
Superb fine-dining restaurant serving pan-Asian dishes.
Elegant Japanese dining tucked away in Bartons hotel district.
Best Pizza
We cant go past the wood-fired pizzas at this spot in the East Hotel, cooked right before your eyes.
Your local takeaway pizzeria elevated to a new level in Ainslie.
Grab a takeaway manouche (Lebanese-style pizza) while wandering the markets.
Wood-fired pizzas make a great lunch stop in nearby Murrumbateman.
Best Vegan Spots
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