Guidebook for Deakin
Food Scene
Pialligo Estate Smokehouse
Fairbairn AvenueDouble Shot Deakin
7 Hopetoun CctSilo Bakery
36 Giles StMonster Kitchen and Bar
25 Edinburgh AveLilotang
1 Burbury ClFine dining Japanese
Street food, bars and on the weekends (Sundays) - markets. Also, great views from the rooftop bar.
Westside Village
3 Barrine DrStreet food, bars and on the weekends (Sundays) - markets. Also, great views from the rooftop bar.
Akiba
40 Bunda StFantastic cocktails and modern Japanese fusion. Highly recommended!
A milkshake that makes people travel to Canberra especially – that’s got to be something pretty remarkable. Patissez in Manuka has tapped into a deep need in us all to consume epic concoctions of milkshake, pastry, custard, cream and other second-childhood-inducing treats, all to the tune of $9.50. As much a sight to see as any of Canberra’s other towering edifices.
16 locals recommend
Patissez
21 Bougainville StA milkshake that makes people travel to Canberra especially – that’s got to be something pretty remarkable. Patissez in Manuka has tapped into a deep need in us all to consume epic concoctions of milkshake, pastry, custard, cream and other second-childhood-inducing treats, all to the tune of $9.50. As much a sight to see as any of Canberra’s other towering edifices.
Pull up a chair, grab a beer and start a round of Cards Against Humanity at Canberra's new board games restaurant, which will allow you to get your geek on while enjoying wood-fired pizza and shared platters.
Guild
150 London CctPull up a chair, grab a beer and start a round of Cards Against Humanity at Canberra's new board games restaurant, which will allow you to get your geek on while enjoying wood-fired pizza and shared platters.
A hidden gem - ask for a recommendation from Mr Tan. The walls are lined with commendations from famous personalities and politicians.
13 locals recommend
Griffith Vietnamese Restaurant
6B Barker StA hidden gem - ask for a recommendation from Mr Tan. The walls are lined with commendations from famous personalities and politicians.
The best kebabs and turkish in Canberra. Seriously, you have not had a kebab this good. The HSPs are loaded too.
13 locals recommend
Turkish Halal Pide House
47 Novar StThe best kebabs and turkish in Canberra. Seriously, you have not had a kebab this good. The HSPs are loaded too.
Damn good Burgs. Can get quite busy.
The Double Brod is as big as your head.
41 locals recommend
Brodburger
11 Wentworth AveDamn good Burgs. Can get quite busy.
The Double Brod is as big as your head.
Drinks & Nightlife
Mr Wolf
122 Alinga StGreat music, drinks and vibe
Molly is secretive; speakeasies have always been about the hush. Molly is literally a hidden gem that transports you to a different era.
35 locals recommend
Molly
Odgers LaneMolly is secretive; speakeasies have always been about the hush. Molly is literally a hidden gem that transports you to a different era.
It’s sizeable, the space feels sophisticated and intimate, with booths providing privacy. Add a well crafted list of classic and newer cocktails, regular dance entertainment, DJs and more, and it’s sure to be a place to ‘get lucky’.
10 locals recommend
Lucky's Speakeasy
1 London CctIt’s sizeable, the space feels sophisticated and intimate, with booths providing privacy. Add a well crafted list of classic and newer cocktails, regular dance entertainment, DJs and more, and it’s sure to be a place to ‘get lucky’.
All Alpine ski lodge in decor, Hippo Co is one of city’s leading bars with a commitment to the craft of making a serious drink. There’s a great collection of whiskey and scotches, plus a balcony to take in the scene over Garema Place in Civic.
28 locals recommend
Hippo Co
17 Garema PlAll Alpine ski lodge in decor, Hippo Co is one of city’s leading bars with a commitment to the craft of making a serious drink. There’s a great collection of whiskey and scotches, plus a balcony to take in the scene over Garema Place in Civic.
Whisky bars seem to be all the rage at the moment, but Honkytonks does things a little differently – here it’s all about the TEQUILA! If too many ‘lip, sip, sucks’ have put you off it for life, I urge you to try again…this is a different experience entirely. Combined with some pretty amazing Mexican food, moreish Sangria, and a ‘cantina’-like atmosphere, the incense-filled interior of Honkytonks is great for a chilled after work drink, or something a little noisier.
16 locals recommend
Honkytonks
17 Garema PlWhisky bars seem to be all the rage at the moment, but Honkytonks does things a little differently – here it’s all about the TEQUILA! If too many ‘lip, sip, sucks’ have put you off it for life, I urge you to try again…this is a different experience entirely. Combined with some pretty amazing Mexican food, moreish Sangria, and a ‘cantina’-like atmosphere, the incense-filled interior of Honkytonks is great for a chilled after work drink, or something a little noisier.
If you like the idea of a deco inspired bar with table service, top quality drinks and a real sense of hospitality, then Polit Bar is the place for you. It aims to be the ‘thinking person’s cocktail lounge’, but not taking itself too seriously, and they also have regular music, board games, trivia, poetry and burlesque.
10 locals recommend
Polit Bar - more than cocktails
8 Franklin StIf you like the idea of a deco inspired bar with table service, top quality drinks and a real sense of hospitality, then Polit Bar is the place for you. It aims to be the ‘thinking person’s cocktail lounge’, but not taking itself too seriously, and they also have regular music, board games, trivia, poetry and burlesque.
BentSpoke Brewing Co.
38 Mort StGreat beers and food - get the charcuterie!
In the nearby Melbourne Building is Bar Rochford, a bar-cum-restaurant that’s sophisticated with a touch of grunge, and equally fitting for a quick after-work drink or lengthy session.
With a cracking wine list, and a menu boasting European and Modern Australian flavours, this is a destination for those barhops who are as serious about their food as they are their drinks.
As has become the norm for Canberra’s coolest bars, don’t expect obvious signage — Bar Rochford’s entrance is deliberately low-key, an unassuming door in the Melbourne Building, just next to Lemon Grass Thai.
28 locals recommend
Bar Rochford
65 London CctIn the nearby Melbourne Building is Bar Rochford, a bar-cum-restaurant that’s sophisticated with a touch of grunge, and equally fitting for a quick after-work drink or lengthy session.
With a cracking wine list, and a menu boasting European and Modern Australian flavours, this is a destination for those barhops who are as serious about their food as they are their drinks.
As has become the norm for Canberra’s coolest bars, don’t expect obvious signage — Bar Rochford’s entrance is deliberately low-key, an unassuming door in the Melbourne Building, just next to Lemon Grass Thai.
Suke Suke may be subterranean, but the experience is anything but cold. A lively Izakaya (or Japanese gastropub), it serves up Asahi on tap and a range of Japanese whiskys and sake, as well as Canberra district wines and more than 60 gins. To find Suke Suke, look for the light box in Verity Lane (in the middle of the Sydney Building) —you’ve hit paydirt when you discover the giant neon sumo at the base of the stairs.
Suke Suke
Suke Suke may be subterranean, but the experience is anything but cold. A lively Izakaya (or Japanese gastropub), it serves up Asahi on tap and a range of Japanese whiskys and sake, as well as Canberra district wines and more than 60 gins. To find Suke Suke, look for the light box in Verity Lane (in the middle of the Sydney Building) —you’ve hit paydirt when you discover the giant neon sumo at the base of the stairs.
The Highball Express
77 Alinga StParks & Nature
Red Hill
Nearby hill with grand views and dozens of walking trails.
‘When I really want to unwind, I head to the Arboretum to walk through the baby forests and try to visualise what they will look like in five, 10 and 100 years. It is such a beautiful place.’
131 locals recommend
National Arboretum Canberra
Forest Drive‘When I really want to unwind, I head to the Arboretum to walk through the baby forests and try to visualise what they will look like in five, 10 and 100 years. It is such a beautiful place.’
One of Canberra’s best-loved spaces, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve won the Ecotourism award. Those who come for lunchtime picnics or just hang in the main areas miss a lot of the action. The native animals are very active in the early morning and the evening when the rolling hills are completely covered with kangaroos and emus. In terms of hiking trials, the treks up towards Camelback Mountain and Tidbinbilla Peak are the most spectacular.
45 locals recommend
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Paddys River RoadOne of Canberra’s best-loved spaces, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve won the Ecotourism award. Those who come for lunchtime picnics or just hang in the main areas miss a lot of the action. The native animals are very active in the early morning and the evening when the rolling hills are completely covered with kangaroos and emus. In terms of hiking trials, the treks up towards Camelback Mountain and Tidbinbilla Peak are the most spectacular.
Lake Burley Griffin
Flynn DriveWalking, fishing, paddle-boating, cycling, segways and more.
Stunning views over the ACT and New South Wales - about a half and hour intermediate walk to the top or you can drive.
91 locals recommend
Mount Ainslie Lookout
20 Mount Ainslie DrStunning views over the ACT and New South Wales - about a half and hour intermediate walk to the top or you can drive.
Australian National Botanic Gardens
Clunies Ross StreetStunning native gardens with a great café.
Shopping
Shops
25 Dickson PlWestfield Woden
Keltie StreetThe next Handmade Market is September 10 &11, 2016 .
The Handmade Market is held at EPIC, Exhibition Park in Canberra, 10am – 4pm.
http://www.handmadecanberra.com.au/handmade-market/
Virtual Market - Next Handmade Market March 20-21st 2021
Flemington RoadThe next Handmade Market is September 10 &11, 2016 .
The Handmade Market is held at EPIC, Exhibition Park in Canberra, 10am – 4pm.
http://www.handmadecanberra.com.au/handmade-market/
Lovers of fine hand crafted wares, clothing collectors, food fanatics and jewellery junkies are just a few of the people who make their way to Canberra's famous markets.
67 locals recommend
Old Bus Depot Markets
21 Wentworth AveLovers of fine hand crafted wares, clothing collectors, food fanatics and jewellery junkies are just a few of the people who make their way to Canberra's famous markets.
Sample the region's freshest produce at the Capital Region Farmers Market held 7:30 to 11:30am every Saturday at Exhibition Park in Canberra.
29 locals recommend
Capital Region Farmers Market
Old Well Station RoadSample the region's freshest produce at the Capital Region Farmers Market held 7:30 to 11:30am every Saturday at Exhibition Park in Canberra.
For all your gourmet food needs! Visit Plonk for an excellent selection of beers, wines and spirits.
33 locals recommend
Fyshwick Fresh Food Market
36 Mildura StFor all your gourmet food needs! Visit Plonk for an excellent selection of beers, wines and spirits.
Headed up by creative director Brian Tunks, Bisonhome sells its ceramics and glassware from its light and airy flagship shop in the suburb of Pialligo. Rendered in a rainbow colour palette, Bison’s beautifully crafted ceramics are tactile and organic in shape, with everything from plates to mixing bowls to serving platters to vases to its signature tea bowls on offer here.
Bison
12 Beltana RdHeaded up by creative director Brian Tunks, Bisonhome sells its ceramics and glassware from its light and airy flagship shop in the suburb of Pialligo. Rendered in a rainbow colour palette, Bison’s beautifully crafted ceramics are tactile and organic in shape, with everything from plates to mixing bowls to serving platters to vases to its signature tea bowls on offer here.
Take a stroll around the neighborhood to browse fashion, books, vintage design stores and more.
20 locals recommend
Lonsdale Street
Lonsdale StreetTake a stroll around the neighborhood to browse fashion, books, vintage design stores and more.
Big and bold and jammed with all the labels and outlets required to be considered a true shopping destination. Canberrans flock to the Canberra Centre on the weekends and spend up big. There is a pleasant precinct feel about the place, though, with ample eateries located in and around the centre and pedestrian-ised side streets snaking out from it.
177 locals recommend
Canberra Theatre Centre
London CircuitBig and bold and jammed with all the labels and outlets required to be considered a true shopping destination. Canberrans flock to the Canberra Centre on the weekends and spend up big. There is a pleasant precinct feel about the place, though, with ample eateries located in and around the centre and pedestrian-ised side streets snaking out from it.
Fantastic pre-loved designer and vintage clothing. Great prices and value even if its a little out of the way.
Material Pleasures
3 Barrier StFantastic pre-loved designer and vintage clothing. Great prices and value even if its a little out of the way.
Woolley Street
Woolley StreetThe asian food centre of Canberra.
Essentials
Manuka Steakhouse
18 Flinders WayClosest place for essentials and Post office.
10-15min walk from our house
8 locals recommend
IGA Deakin Local Liquor
Closest place for essentials and Post office.
10-15min walk from our house
Arts & Culture
Australian War Memorial
Treloar Crescent (top of Anzac Parade)The National Gallery of Australia, winner of the Major Tourist Attraction award, is home to Australia’s national art collection, the largest in the country.
Nestled within the Australian Garden on the south side of the building, you will find a Skyspace by James Turrell, one of his largest and most complex installations to date.
Light is Turrell’s medium and his Skyspace is a viewing chamber that affects the way we perceive the sky.
206 locals recommend
National Gallery of Australia
Parkes Place EastThe National Gallery of Australia, winner of the Major Tourist Attraction award, is home to Australia’s national art collection, the largest in the country.
Nestled within the Australian Garden on the south side of the building, you will find a Skyspace by James Turrell, one of his largest and most complex installations to date.
Light is Turrell’s medium and his Skyspace is a viewing chamber that affects the way we perceive the sky.
The National Museum of Australia is a social history museum. We explore the land, nation and people of Australia. We focus on Indigenous histories and cultures, histories of European settlement and our interaction with the environment.
187 locals recommend
National Museum of Australia
Lawson CrescentThe National Museum of Australia is a social history museum. We explore the land, nation and people of Australia. We focus on Indigenous histories and cultures, histories of European settlement and our interaction with the environment.
Canberra Glassworks
11 Wentworth AveUnique pieces on display with hands-on demonstrations.
Beaver Galleries
81 Denison StAmazing private gallery hidden away in Deakin - also a fabulous brunch spot!
A joint NASA, JPL, CSIRO communications centre for hundreds of satellites and probes including New Horizons, Voyager 1 and 2. Actual moon rock and Apollo mission equipment on display. Highlights Australias role in various space exploration missions throughout history.
17 locals recommend
CSIRO - Tidbinbilla - Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex
421 Discovery DrA joint NASA, JPL, CSIRO communications centre for hundreds of satellites and probes including New Horizons, Voyager 1 and 2. Actual moon rock and Apollo mission equipment on display. Highlights Australias role in various space exploration missions throughout history.
National Portrait Gallery
King Edward TerraceArguably better than the National Art Gallery.
Entertainment & Activities
Mudd Spa
18 National CircuitQuestacon, aka The National Science and Technology Centre, was the Tourist Attractions winner, and it’s not just for kids. ‘Our adult visitors are often surprised at how much they enjoy their visit – with or without children in tow,’ explained tourism engagement manager Craig Whelan. ‘We hold regular adults-only ‘SciNights’ featuring more grown-up talks and activities, such as the science of winemaking, a closer look at sci-fi and even Brazilian samba dancing.’
146 locals recommend
Questacon - National Science and Technology Centre
King Edward TerraceQuestacon, aka The National Science and Technology Centre, was the Tourist Attractions winner, and it’s not just for kids. ‘Our adult visitors are often surprised at how much they enjoy their visit – with or without children in tow,’ explained tourism engagement manager Craig Whelan. ‘We hold regular adults-only ‘SciNights’ featuring more grown-up talks and activities, such as the science of winemaking, a closer look at sci-fi and even Brazilian samba dancing.’
National Zoo and Aquarium
999 Lady Denman DrFriendly Local Gaming Store. Selling board games, RPGs, wargames and paints. Plenty of gaming tables and regular events. Attached Tavern for meals and ales.
Three D6
38 Reed St NFriendly Local Gaming Store. Selling board games, RPGs, wargames and paints. Plenty of gaming tables and regular events. Attached Tavern for meals and ales.
Friendly Local Gaming Store. Selling board games, RPGs, wargames and paints. Plenty of gaming tables and regular events.
Jolt Games
56 Hoskins StFriendly Local Gaming Store. Selling board games, RPGs, wargames and paints. Plenty of gaming tables and regular events.