Canberra

Canberra [1]is the capital city of Australia, located in the Australian Capital Territory (which is surrounded by the state of New South Wales), southwest of Australia's largest city Sydney. It has a population of about 325,000 people.

Culture and History

History

Canberra was established in 1913 as a purpose-built capital for the newly federated Australian nation - this brought the rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne for national capital status to an end. The artificial creation of the city was not without critics however - many said that it was a "waste of a good sheep pasture". Canberra is a highly planned city, its primary design conceived by the American architect Walter Burley Griffin and built on the shores of an artificial lake (Lake Burley Griffin). Populated at first largely by politicians and public servants, it has taken several decades to develop its own identity and culture. A building spree in the late 20th century and a concerted effort to develop public institutions in the city have made it a viable destination for the traveller.

Lake Burley Griffin divides central Canberra, with the the city centre, known as "Civic", on the north side and the parliamentary and embassy area on the south side. National institutions are likewise divided, examples being the National Museum and the War Memorial on the north side and the National Library and National Gallery on the south side.

For decades Canberra was dubbed as a boring and empty city with nothing more to offer than a chance to see couple of politicians and a few so-so restraunts. However today Canberra is a bussling and energetic city with as much to offer as Sydney or Melboune just on a smaller scale.

People

A lot of people who live in Canberra are not originally from Canberra, having usually moved there to study or take up employment with the Australian Government. A common pattern is that people from other parts of Australia move to Canberra, study or work for a few years and then return to their place of origin or move on to elsewhere. As this means a constant influx of new arrivals to Canberra, you should not be reluctant to ask for directions etc. from locals - they are more than used to it and usually only too happy to help.

Canberrans on the whole are easygoing, friendly and tolerant people who have the highest levels of education and income in Australia.

Ethnically, Canberra's population is more diverse than most regional areas of Australia, but nowhere near as culturally and linguistically varied as Sydney and Melbourne.

Climate

While Canberra can get just as hot as anywhere else in Australia during the summer months, with temperatures above 35ºC a regular occurrence from December through to March, many overseas visitors are surprised to find that Canberra can get bitterly cold during the winter months owing to its altitude and proximity to the Snowy Mountains, Australia's only alpine region. Overnight temperatures in winter frequently drop below zero and tend to hover between 8ºC and 14ºC during the day.

Due to its inland location and relative altitude, Canberra tends to be much less humid than other Australian cities. Its proximity to the Snowy Mountains also means that the hottest days are often mitigated by welcome cooling mountain breezes, particularly towards the end of the day.

Travel to Canberra, visa requirements

Flights to Canberra, airtickets

As Canberra is the political centre of Australia, Canberra International Airport (CBR) is well served by flights from other Australian capital cities. The following airlines fly to Canberra daily:

From other cities you can fly to one of the above cities and then to Canberra. International visitors would normally fly to Sydney or Melbourne and transfer to a domestic flight to Canberra. Flying time is 50 minutes from Sydney, 1 hour from Melbourne, 2 hours from Brisbane and Adelaide, and 4 hours from Perth.

By train

NSW Countrylink [5] runs services from Sydney to Canberra twice a day. The train arrives in Kingston on the south side of Canberra (it's a good destination, but if you want to be in the city you'll have to make your own way there); the station is about 20 minutes' walk from most of the attractions on the south side of Lake Burley Griffin. The economy fare is $49.50. The train route from Sydney is quite scenic, running through the Molongolo Gorge . Countrylink also runs a once-daily train/bus between Melbourne and Canberra: the bus runs from the centre of Canberra to the small town of Cootamundra, where travellers switch to the train to Melbourne's Southern Cross Station (known as Spencer Street Station until December 2005); tickets cost $90.

NSW Countrylink also run daily buses to and from Eden on the South Coast, via Bega and Cooma.

Buses to Canberra

Murray's Coaches [6], tel 132251, operate a bus service between Sydney and Canberra five times a day. Be sure to book an express service - it will knock an hour and a half off your trip. Cost is $36 and there are a limited number of 2-week advance fares for $15 (or $28 discount tickets also available). The bus takes you right into the centre of Canberra city, whereas the train will take you to Manuka/Kingston area (which may require a cab to the city).

Greyhound Pioneer [7], tel 131499, operate a bus service competing with Murray's. Fares seem to be either $15 or $36, so you might get lucky and get a cheap ride. Note that it may not be possible to get the $15 fares when booking a return journey; if so, you probably need to book each leg separately.

By car

Canberra is 300 km (186 miles) drive from Sydney and 650 km (404 miles) drive from Melbourne. Drivers would take the dual carriage Hume Highway which connects Sydney and Melbourne and then take the Canberra turnoff just after Yass (Barton Highway - coming from Melbourne) or Goulburn (Federal Highway - coming from Sydney). Canberra is approximately 40 minutes drive from each turnoff.

Get around

Buses to Canberra

ACTION buses [8] cover the majority of Canberra. Fares [9] are currently (Mar 06) AU$3.00 for adults and AU$1.50 for concessions (have your student card ready to show the driver). There are also all-day, weekly and monthly tickets available. An off-peak all-day ticket costs $4 and is valid for travel on weekdays between 9am & 4.30pm and after 6pm, as well as all day on weekends and holidays.
There has been increasing criticism of ACTION, as services have decreased in number and prices have increased. Many residents will tell you not to use ACTION services. During peak hours, ACTION buses, especially inter-town routes, can be extremely crowded.

Tips for riding the buses:

  • If you need to change buses to get somewhere, ask for a transfer ticket; it'll let you on to as many buses as you need within 90 minutes of getting on the first bus.
  • Tell the driver where you need to get to (and how quickly if that's important) and ask them what your options are. Some buses snake through the suburbs and can take a while to cover a relatively short distance while others may be more direct or express services.
  • Buses do not operate between midnight and 6am, and after 7pm on Sundays and public holidays.

By cycle

Canberra has a very good network of cycle paths which are generally separate from the road network. The grade can be a little steep as Canberra is fairly hilly. Pedal Power has a list of commuter and other routes. A street map bought from a petrol station or newsagent will also show bike paths. Bike helmets are compulsory. There are bike racks to lock your bike up at most shopping centres and points of interest. The bus interchanges have bike lockers to rent in the longer term.

Canberra attractions and sightseeing

  • Australian War Memorial, Treloar Crescent (top of ANZAC Parade, at the other end from Parliament House), ph 02 6243 4211 or 02 6243 4598 (for recorded information), fax 02 6243 4325, [10]. Daily 10am-5pm. Not just a memorial, this is one of Australia's premier museums, covering Australian military history from Federation to the present day and including fascinating exhibits of equipment, memorabilia and battle dioramas. You could easily spend a full day here (it has a café, or bring a picnic lunch if the weather is nice and sit on the lawns at the front). Free.
  • Parliament House of Australia, across the lake from ANZAC Parade, ph 02 6277 5399 or 02 6277 2727 (for recorded information), [11]. The seat of Australia's federal government and legislature and a remarkable piece of modern architecture.
  • Old Parliament House, King George Terrace, ph 02 6270 8222, fax 02 6270 8111, [12]. The headquarters of Australian government from the 1920s to 1988, this building is a must for political and/or historical junkies. The building gives a real feel of what it was like when it was in use and has regularly rotating exhibitions on the controversies and scandals that rocked Australian politics. Most of the main rooms - the Prime Minister's office, the Cabinet Room, the various party rooms, the two houses - are open to visitors, as are many smaller rooms like the whips' offices and the broadcasting area. There are also historical photos of Canberra as it used to be, including the times prior to the creation of the artificial lake that show Canberra under snow during winter (the lake warmed up the city and snow falls rarely on the city now). The gift store has decent souvenirs. Parking is free, admission is A$2 for adults, A$1 concession.
  • National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, ph 02 6208 5000, fax 02 6208 5099, [13]. This controversial museum has lots of interactive exhibits and groups items by concept rather than era. Free admission except for special exhibits.
  • National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place, Parkes, ph 02 6240 6502, [14]. 10am–5pm. Located by Lake Burley Griffin, this modern structure is one of the country's largest art galleries. It has a vast collection of paintings and sculptures collected from Australia and the rest of the world and has excellent Aboriginal artwork. A nice gift store. Free except for special exhibits.
  • National Library of Australia, ph 02 6262 1111, fax 02 6257 1703, [15]. The library is primarily a research centre, but normally has one exhibition showing parts of the collection. Also notable for its neo-classical architecture.
  • Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), Leverrier Crescent, Bruce, ph 02 6214 1111, fax 02 6251 2680, [16]. The AIS is Australia's elite athlete training facility. It is open both for tours and for fitness classes. There is a large pool available for public lap swimming at certain hours.
  • Questacon - The National Science and Technology Centre, King Edward Terrace, Parkes, ph 02 6270 2800 or 1800 020 603 (free call, recorded information), [17]. 9am-5pm. Questacon is an interactive museum of science with exhibits illustrating scientific ideas from the principles of physics to the motion of an earthquake. Great for kids and excellent science books can be picked up here. (Oct 06) $15.50 adults, $10.50 concessions, $9 children, and $46 for a family of 2 adults and 3 children.
  • Royal Australian Mint, [18]. Take a tour of the mint and see how coins are made. You will even get the chance to mint your own souvenir coin. Look for the pudding coins as a souvenir (not always available).
  • Australian National Botanic Gardens, [19]. Located at the base of Black Mountain, the ANBG has the largest collection of Australian native flora in the country. It also has some interesting water dragons that live in the water features around the gardens. A delightful place for a picnic, try to grab some food from the city centre first to take with you for lunch. If you are there during summer, call and ask about the jazz evenings. These are held on the weekend and many families attend with evening picnic and champagne in tow, to chill out to the sounds of jazz in the balmy evening temperatures.
  • Telstra Tower, Black Mountain Drive, Acton, ACT (5 km from the city centre), tel 02 6219 6111, fax 02 6257 6600. Daily 9am-10pm. This functional communications tower rises 195 m above the summit of Black Mountain, providing 360 degree views of Canberra and the countryside around it. Well worth a visit, day or night, for the fantastic views - look for the cork tree plantation and Parliament House. It has a revolving restaurant and telecommunications history display. $6.00 adult, $1.90 child/concession.
  • Prime Minister's Lodge. Generally closed to the public and one can only see part of the garden from behind the wall. There are open days about once a year and if you are lucky to be in Canberra then, it shouldn't be missed.
  • Government House. An official residence of the Governor-General, representative of the Queen. Closed to the public except for open days. It can be observed from the hill off the Scrivener Dam Rd. Often kangaroos are to be spotted munching grass on the lawns, so be careful driving along the ride that gets to the viewpoint, especially at dusk.
  • Embassies. As the national capital, Canberra hosts the embassies of other countries. Some of them are architecturally interesting and worth looking at, particularly:
    • The Embassy of China
    • The Embassy of Papua New Guinea
    • The whole 'Embassy district' in leafy Yarralumla suburb. It is best to have a car for touring here.

Explore

  • Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve [20] is about a 40 minute drive from Canberra. It forms the northern part of the Australian Alps. You can take Ranger guided walks or have fun with the hands on displays such as the interactive computer program on Tidbinbilla's bird species and look at the live animal displays. The gift shop sells an interesting range of clothes, toys, books, cards and souvenirs. Coffee and light refreshments are also available.

Events

  • Floriade - festival of flowers, a yearly event held in spring (September), not to be missed. Tulips are the main feature but many other colourful flowers and floral displays are featured. There are also sculptures, garden stalls, makeshift restaurants, activities, live music and sometimes there is even a gnome festival where children (and some adults) paint gnomes and enter a competition to choose the best. Great for a photo opportunity!
  • The Multicultural Festival - a must to visit, has many events, such as concerts, performances and an International Food Fare with over 200 stalls selling original food of different countries. Happens every year.
  • Thai Embassy Food Fair - once a year - do not miss this! The Philippines, Sri Lanka and some other embassies do similar events sometimes.
  • Diplomatic Charity Bazaar - held occasionally. Great place to buy original things specific to various countries, sold by staff of the embassies.
  • The National Folk Festival - held every Easter over 5 days, featuring local, national and international folk musicians, dancers and craftspeople.
  • Tip - Check out the Canberra Times newspaper on Saturday for upcoming events.

City tours

There is a lot to do on and around Lake Burley Griffin:

  • Hire a paddle boat, canoe or kayak and mess around on the lake. Hire is available from:
    • Lake Burley Griffin Boat Hire, Acton Jetty Acton. ph 02 6249 6861.
    • Row'n'Ride, Canberrra Avenue, Fyshwick. ph 0410 547 838.
  • Walk, cycle or skate around the lake. Hire is available from:
    • Capital Bicycle Hire[21], which rents high quality mountain bikes and runs tours around Canberra's extenisve bicyle path network and off-road trail system. Phone 0412 547 387.
    • Mr Spokes Bike Hire, Barrine Drive, Acton. ph 02 6257 1188.
  • Mountain Biking. Canberra offers a large number of Mountain Biking locations around Canberra, many of which are considered some of the best in Australia. See Canberra Off Road Cyclists (CORC) for locations. Canberra is also home to the largest 24 hour Mountain Bike Race in the world (Scott 24hr), held in early October each year.
  • Old Bus Depot Market. By the shores of the lake in Kingston, this weekend market hosts craft stalls, fresh food from various cultures, plants, organic food, street performances and more. A worthwhile visit.
  • Dendy Canberra Centre Upper Level. A movie theatre with a difference. Open late and screening world movies as well as some Hollywood flicks, Alcohol and a large array of hot food makes this cinema more of a cross between a restraunt and a movie theatre than your traditional popcorn and coke style cinema. Although popcorn and coke are both sold here as well.

Learn

Three universities are based in Canberra: The Australian National University (ANU) [22] located in Acton, relatively close to the city centre, The University of Canberra (UC) [23] in the suburb of Bruce (about 8 km (5 miles) NW of the CBD)and the Australian Catholic University [24] at Watson (about 5km NE of the CBD). The Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) [25], a faculty of The University of NSW, provides teaching for military and civilian undergraduates and postgraduates.

Work

Check out the Live in Canberra website ([26]) for links to numerous employment opportunities for professionals, service workers and tradespeople.

There is no 'R9'.

Shopping, Canberra souvenirs

  • Fyshwick Market, Dalby St (Cnr Mildura St) Fyshwick, tel 02 6295 0606 - Fresh produce, including fruit, vegetables, meat and fish. Open Thursday to Sunday. Sunday afternoons are a good time to pick up some bargai
  • Belconnen Market http://www.belconnenmarkets.com.au/, Lathlain St, Belconnen (off Benjamin Way), ACT | Telephone: +61 2 6251 1680 | Fax: +61 2 6251 7721 The Markets are open from 8:00am to 6:00pm Wednesday to Sunday. Some stores now open 7 days a week. Thursday's is senior's day with 10% discounts.

Canberra has never been a shopping mecca, but in the recent years things improved a bit and one doesn't necessarily have to go to Sydney to keep up to date with the latest fashions.

Many of the most interesting shopping experiences are at the national institutions, almost all of which have specialist shops inside. The National Gallery has a superb range of art books, both overseas and indigenous. Likewise the National Library, the Questacon Science Museum, the War Memorial, the National Museum at Acton, the Film and Sound Archive, and so on - if you're looking for unique Australian items, these are the places to go.

  • Canberra Centre in Civic is a large shopping mall, which hosts two large department stores 'Myer" and 'David Jones' and many specialty shops for fashion wear. 'Ecco' shoes has a good selection. 'Country Road' is here as well as the others. The second floor of the centre hosts 'Laura Ashley' and 'Pumpkin Patch' - a good children clothing shop, 'Bed Bath and Table', to name just a few. The Canberra Centre has been recently expanded to include three new blocks, with a larger range of fashion stores and a new movie theatre. Many international designer brands have also opened here including GUESS, FRENCH CONNECTION (FCUK) and HUGO BOSS amongst others as well as many upmarket Australian Brands such as PETER ALEXANDER.

Behind the main Canberra Centre buildings in City Walk, there is another one behind in Bunda Street, which hosts 'Target' department store and 'Supabarn' supermarket, along with food outlets and specialty food shops.

Adjacent to Civic, Lonsdale St in Braddon also houses a handful of boutiques, specialising in independent clothing labels and other designer objects.

Canberra Centre has a convenient pay-parking carpark.

  • Manuka is another shopping area, in Griffith which has 'boutiques' and restaurants. Millers of Manuka boutique sells leading women's fashion brands like Max Mara and others. For less expensive women's clothing try Witchery. Booklovers would do well to check out Paperchain bookstore.
  • Kingston is yet another shopping and restaurant area not far from Manuka.
  • Fyshwick is the suburb to shop for appliances and technical stuff, it is also Canberra's 'red-light' district.
  • Belconnen Mall is the name of the enclosed shopping centre owned by Westfield located within the Belconnen Town Centre to the north. Although it does not have as many clothes stores, it features a 'Myer' department store and a 'K-mart', as well as two supermarkets and a food court. It is located over three levels.
  • Woden Westfield and Tuggeranong Hyperdome are the two major enclosed shopping centres to the south, located within the Woden and Tuggeranong town centres respectively. Woden Plaza features a 'David Jones' department store, a 'BIG W', two supermarkets, as well as approximately 200 specialty stores and a food court. The Tuggeranong Hyperdome (further south) features a small 'Myer' department store, a 'K-mart' and a 'Target', as well as supermarkets and a food court plus specialty clothing stores.

Markets

  • Canberra Antiques Centre, Ph/Fax: (02) 61623737, [27]. 10am - 5pm seven days at 37 Townsville Street, Fyshwick. Over a dozen professional dealers, both local and interstate, offer a top variety of antique and retro furniture, funky vintage clothing, vintage fabrics, militaria, numismatics, pottery, vintage needlework tools & accessories, electricals, silver, art glass, quality bric-a-brac and designer items. Well presented with great music playing and a nice vibe throughout.
  • Jamison market - every Sunday near Jamison centre, in Belconnen. Fresh produce stalls and flea market. Come and get your bargain. Vinyl records, second hand clothing, furniture, bric-a-brac.
  • Old Bus Depot Market, every Sunday. Arts and crafts – all of a high standard. Food stalls, including fresh produce and live music.
  • Gorman House market - every Saturday in Braddon, just north of the city (easy walk). Crafts, second-hand items, antiques, international food in a lovely, grassy setting.
  • Tuggeranong Markets - First Sunday of every month in the lovely Tuggeranong Homestead opposite the Calwell Shops. Lots of stalls, selling amazing stuff.
  • Trash and Treasure Market in Woden is hosted by Rotary and held every Sunday morning. Expect a mixed bag of books, plants, and assorted household junk.

Good restaurants and cheap meals

Note that as of Dec 2006, all public buildings in Canberra are smoke free.

Budget

  • Griffith Vietnamese Restaurant, Griffith Shops. Cheap, no frills place with little/no décor and tasty Vietnamese food.
  • Cornucopia Bakery, 40 Mort Street, Braddon, ph 6249 1494. Wide range of traditional bakery products, meat pies and sandwiches, prepared on the premises.
  • Pide House, 2 Lawry Place, Jamison Group Centre, Macquarie (near Belconnen T/C) and Woden Plaza, Corinna Street, Woden. tel 02 6251 3325 (Jamison) and 02 6260 3016 (Woden). Nice, inexpensive Turkish food in a proper restaurant (not a takeaway outlet). The Woden location is open all day (one of the very few in Canberra). Restaurant website
  • The Front Gallery and Cafe, Lyneham Shops, Wattle Street, Lyneham. Enjoy a coffee and explore an art exhibition. Comfy couches. 8am – 10pm Tues - Sat & 8am – 6pm Sun - Mon.
  • Hansel & Gretel 42 Townsend St. Philip. Great European style shop and cafe. Canberra's best coffee is roasted and sold on the premises. Also great selection of nuts, chocolates, and Easter and Christmas treats. The cafe serves healthy light lunches and a selection of cakes and biscuits.
  • Yarralumla Halal Pide House 45 Novar St Yarralumla. +61 2 6281 1991. High quality Turkish at a reasonable price, no alcohol allowed on premises. Take away available.
  • Kismet, Flinders Way Manuka. Another wonderful Turkish eatery at easy on the pocket prices, Kabak and Falafel are easily one of the best in Canberra if not Australia.

Mid-range

  • Silo Bakery and Cafe, 36 Giles St, Kingston. tel 02 6260 6060. Best breakfast in town, however almost always very crowded - expect 'attitude' instead of service. They also have a dedicated cheeseroom. http://www.silobakery.com.au/
  • Cafe D'Lish, Shop 3, Duff Place, Deakin. tel 02 6281 3533. fax 02 6281 3450. Swiss owner, nice pastries made on premises.
  • Bruno's Truffels, Unit 2, 106 Mawson Place, Mawson. tel 02 6286 6377. Nice cafe and shop for locally made chocolates and pastries.
  • Belluci's Restaurant, Cape St (cnr Woolley St), Dickson. tel 02 6257 7788. Popular Italian.
  • New Asia Chinese Restaurant, Unit 75, The Coventry Apartments, 2 Cape Street, Dickson, 02 6262 8860. - Offer authentic Shanghai, Sichuan, Cantonese, and some Malaysian cuisines. Some of the signature dishes include: Crispy Fragrant Duck, Yu Xiang Pork and Egg Plant Hot Pot, Shantung Lamb and Shantung Chicken. The food is fresh and the service is friendly. Very popular with Chinese oversea students and local communities. Open 7 days a week (except Saturday and Sunday lunches). Fully licenced. BYO for bottled wines only. Setting capacity: 34 people.
  • Four Rivers Sichuan Chinese Restaurant, Unit 66, The Coventry Apartments, 12 Challis Street, Dickson, 02 6162 0667. - Very tasty, authentic Sichuan cuisine. Yum-cha lunches.
  • Sukothai, 27 Bentham Street, Yarralumla. tel +61 2 6281 1092. Inexpensive non-authentic Thai food. Eat in and takeaway.
  • Maestral Seafood Restaurant, 13 Trenerry Street, Weston Creek. tel +61 2 6287 3930.. Mediterranean/Croatian, lots of fresh seafood and steak. Prime Minister John Howard has eaten here! (Don't worry, whatever your political views, it's still great food!)
  • Tu Do, 7 Sargood St, O'Connor. tel +61 2 6248 6030. Cheap and tasty Vietnamese, very popular with the local Vietnamese community. Good bar nearby too.
  • Rama's, Shop 6, Pearce Shopping Centre, Hodgson Crescent, Pearce. tel +61 2 6286 1964 or +61 2 6286 9437. Fijian/Indian, best (and hottest - no joke) curries in town. Can be very noisy.
  • Dickson shops: This is the Canberra equivalent of Chinatown. Lots of great Asian food and a few pubs/clubs to have a beer at. This shopping centre is located a 10 minute bus ride north of Civic, just off Northbourne Avenue, and has a fantastic eat street, with everything from Thai to Turkish to Vietnamese at reasonable prices. Turk Oz has a delicious spinach and feta pide. Dickson Noodle House makes a terrific Laksa and is quite cheap. Au Lac is an excellent vegetarian Vietnamese place with delicious soy-based versions of everything. Questionable hygiene at New Shanghai Chinese - kitchens were criticised by ACT Health.
  • Ginseng, 15 Flinders Way, Manuka. tel +61 2 6260 8346 or +61 2 6260 8347. Try either the traditional or vegetarian Singapore noodle and the Laksa. Book in advance and ask for a table on the second floor, you will get the best view of the Manuka tree tops!!
  • Wagamama, Canberra Centre (North Quarter) Bunda St Canberra City. 61 2 6248 7955. Lovely Japanese in a funky and not at all intimate atmosphere. Strongly recommend the Ramen and Moyashi Soba.
  • CREAM, Cnr Bunda and Genge Sts Civic (Canberra Centre North Quarter) +61 2 6162 1448. Cool, Hip and extremely funky! Lunch and dinner served as well as coffee and a wonderful array of cakes and sweets. A must if you want to experience the modern Canberra at its best.
  • Red Belly Black, located near the ACT law courts in Hobart Place. Excellent coffee, good breakfast menu, mid priced lunch menu, great cakes. Only open Mon - Fri from 7:30am until 4pm. A good way to start the weekday morning.
  • Koko Black Bunda St Canberra Centre North Quarter. Warm and tasty Chocolate shop with a second to none chocolate selection as well as a innovative and interesting Hot Chocolate and Drink Menu. Nice, welcoming decor.
  • Sammy's Kitchen Bunda St Canberra Centre North Quarter. Serving a menu inspired mainly by Malaysian but also Cantonese flavoures. Another restraunt with cool and sometimes almost yuppy feel.

Splurge

  • Rubicon 6A Barker St, Griffith. Tel 6295 9919. Consistently excellent food, extensive winelist and BYO (bring your own) are accepted. Great atmosphere, romantic rear indoor courtyard.
  • Aubergine Restaurant, 18 Barker St, Griffith. tel 02 6260 8666. Food is very good, but beware the cancellations policy when changing a booking - you could be charged for the meals your party did not eat.
  • Courgette Restaurant, 54 Marcus Clarke St, Acton. tel 02 6247 4042. Sister restaurant to Aubergine Restaurant, fine dining. Fantastic weekday 4-course lunch for under $45.
  • The Chairman & Yip Restaurant, 108 Bunda Street, Canberra City. tel 02 6248 7109. Australian/Asian.
  • Ottoman Cuisine Restaurant, Cnr Broughton & Blackall St Barton. tel 02 6273 6111. Consistently awarded best Turkish in Australia, great atmosphere..
  • The Promenade Cafe at the Hyatt hotel, Commonwealth Ave, offers daily buffet dinners in its restaurant from 6pm and high teas from 3 to 5pm.
  • The Ginger Room, located in Old Parliament House, the Ginger Room offers fine dining, in either a two course, or three course meal option. Food offerings can be inconsistent in quality but if it is good, it's really good.

Canberra nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs.

  • King O'Malleys in Civic (inside City Walk Hotel building, Ground floor). Large Irish pub with a relaxed atmosphere, does pub-style meals lunch and dinner and a home for all types.
  • Wig and Pen (Canberra House Arcade, Alinga St Civic, 6248 0171). Serves a wide range of award winning beers brewed on the premises, as well as a selection of other boutique and independent brews.
  • Toast Café & Bar (219 London Circuit, Civic, 6230 0003). Often considered the home of "alternative" nightlife in Canberra. Live music often on Thursdays and Fridays. Saturdays often feature DJs / dance / electronic music.
  • The Phoenix (21 East Row Canberra City, 6247 1606). About as rustic and dingy as a Canberra establishment is likely to get, this pub attracts a varied crowd, with more than its fair share of bohemian types.
  • Trinity Bar (Just behind the Turkish Pide House in Dickson). This is a great lounge bar with impressive cocktail menu and jazz/DJs playing each evening Thurs-Saturday. Soon to be opening in Tuggeranong on Anketel St.
  • Hippo Lounge (Upstairs, Garema Place, Civic). Cocktail bar with an intimate setting amidst Baroque-meets-student-digs decor. There's also live Jazz on Wednesday nights.
  • Old Parliament House. Every Friday afternoon (5pm to 7pm), the court yards of Old Parliament House have DJs and reasonably priced cocktails. It is very popular with graduates after work, before heading off to other places.
  • Academy (Bunda St Civic). Two-tiered nightclub, Canberra's largest, is a converted movie theatre which retains the old projection screen. Enjoy the dance floor downstairs or sit back in the cosier cocktail bar upstairs.
  • Cube (Petrie Plaza Civic). Canberra's only gay nightclub with a variety of theme nights. Fridays and Saturdays are busiest.
  • Uni Pub (University Ave). Multistory bar with levels dedicated to various activities including Pool and a Restaurant. Fridays and Saturdays are busiest.
  • Filthy McFaddens (Kinston). Tucked away in a corner of Kingston Green a slate floored Irish pub opened by the owners of The Phoenix. Catch folk music most Friday/Saturday nights.
  • PJ O'Reilly's (West Row - City). Another Irish themed bar like King O'Malley's.
  • Mooseheads (East Row - London Cct - City). A bar with local history. Recently burnt down and restored, Mooseheads is famous as an Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) hangout.
  • Tilly's (Lyneham Shops). Formally a "female only" establishement (in theory) it now opens it's doors to everyone and is a fantastic venue for acoustic local and international acts. Large range of alcohol available.
  • All Bar Nun (O'Connor Shops). Recently expanded bar in a suburban shop setting. Great for pre-dinner drinks before moving on to one of the small restaurants in the area.
  • Kemlin Bar (Northbourne Ave - City). Lounge bar with a good cocktail list. Find a DJ there most weekends.
  • Shooters (East Row - City). Rough and tumble reputation.
  • Das Kapital (Narrabundah Shops). Intimate lounge bar, $5 Homemade Pizza and $10 jugs of Beer Wednesday-Thursday. DJ's and Bands most weekends.

Hotels, youth hostels, lodging

Serviced apartments

Serviced, short-term apartments are widely available throughout Canberra and are available for stays as short as one night. Amenities typically include kitchen, washer and dryer, and separate bedrooms. A full range of properties exist from budget to 5 star.

  • Southern Cross Apartment Rentals [28] offers a wide range of serviced apartments throughout Canberra.

Budget

  • Canberra City YHA, 7 Akuna Street, Canberra City, tel 02 6248 9155 (canberracity@yhansw.org.au, fax 02 6249 1731), [29]. Beds in a shared dormitory from $26 per night. Double or twin rooms from $76 per night. Family rooms $96 per night.
  • City Walk Hotel, 2 Mort Street, Canberra City (at the suburban bus interchange), tel 1800 600 124 (free call inside Australia) or 02 6257 0124 (fax 02 6257 0116), [30]. Beds in a shared dormitory are $22 per person per night. Single rooms are $45 per night, and twin/double rooms $60 per night.
  • Victor Lodge, 29 Dawes St, Kingston, +61 02 6295 7777 (contact@victorlodge.com.au, fax +61 02 6295 2466), [31]. Reception 7:30am-9pm. Kitchen is only open from 11am-9pm but breakfast is provided and included in the rates. Free parking. Shops, cafes and grocery store are nearby. Dorm beds from $27.

Mid-range

  • Rydges Eagle Hawk Resort, Federal Highway. ph 02 6241 6033. fax 02 6241 3691. email reservations_eaglehawk@rydges.com, [32]. This large resort, a few kilometers from the outskirts of Canberra, has motel-style accommodation. Rooms include small kitchenettes, and it is possible to get two rooms with an adjoining door for families or groups. The resort has a large pool, a breakfast room and restaurant, and a small spa and sauna area. Double rooms $140 per night without breakfast and $170 with breakfast. Rates may be as low as $110 if you pay in advance and agree to a 48 hour cancellation period via the Rydges Direct system.
  • Novotel Canberra Hotel, 65 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra ACT 2600 - Ph: 02 6245 5000 Fax: 6245 5100 E: H2796-RE@accor.com, [33]. In Canberra's Civic Centre on Northbourne Ave, Novotel Canberra accommodates business and convention visitors, and families travelling with children. Relatively close to major attractions including old and new Parliament Houses, Questacon, the Australian War Memorial and the National Museum of Australia. Rate range $150 - 250.
  • Rydges Lakeside Canberra, London Circuit, ph 1300 857 922 - Rydges Lakeside Canberra is located on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Major Attractions include the Parliament House, Australian War Memorial, National Gallery of Australia, and National Museum of Australia. Rydges Hotels and Resorts is an Australian owned and operated company.
  • Rydges Eagle Hawk Resort, Federal Highway, ph 1300 857 922 - Rydges Eagle Hawk Resort Canberra is set amongst 30 acres of natural Australian bush. Hotel facilities include an outdoor pool, tennis courts, gym, sauna and spa, grass play areas and children's playground. Rydges Hotels and Resorts is an Australian owned and operated company.
  • Rydges Capital Hill, Cnr Canberra Avenue & National Circuit Forest, ph 1300 857 922 - Centrally located within a close proximity to Parliament House. All of the Nation's major attractions are within minutes. Rydges Hotels and Resorts is an Australian owned and operated company.

Splurge

  • Hyatt Hotel Canberra, Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla. tel 13 1234 (local call within Australia) or 02 6270 1234. fax 02 6281 5998. email canberra@hyatt.com.au. [34] Double room from $190 per night.
  • Hotel Kurrajong, Canberra Hotel in Australia Address:National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600 Australia. Tel: 011 61 2 6234 4444. Fax:011 61 2 6234 4466. Each of the Kurrajong’s 26 superbly appointed rooms feature King size beds, mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities, in-room safe, free in-house movies. It offers best rates online.

Bed and Breakfast

  • There are a number of Bed and Breakfast places just off Northbourne Avenue, in Canberra's inner north. These tend to be mid-range, cost-wise, but are comfortable and refreshing if you are looking for a 'home away from home'.

Contact

The National Library of Australia provides free WLAN and free internet access from its 40 computer terminals (webmail is blocked on some computers, so ask the staff to show you which ones you can access webmail from). The library is located adjacent to Commonwealth Avenue Bridge on the southern side of Lake Burley Griffin near the National Gallery of Australia and Questacon. It is open 9am-9pm Monday-Thursday, 9am-5pm Friday-Saturday and 1.30pm-5pm on Sundays.

Stay safe

Canberra is a very safe city and enjoys one of the lowest crime rates in all of Australia. However, it is wise to be cautious at night, especially around the bus interchanges at Civic, Woden, Tuggeranong and Belconnen.

Get out

NSW regions:

Retrieved from "http://wikitravel.org/en/Canberra"
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