Thinking about Spilt Milk Canberra? Thinking about how you haven’t visited our capital since that year six excursion to Parliament House (or Questacon if you were one of the lucky ones)? Thinking, ‘there must be more’? There is. These are our hottest tips for ways to spend a weekend in Canberra.
This event is supported by VisitCanberra.
BEST EATS
Step one: Eat good. Step two: see your favourite artists at Spilt Milk. Step three: see step one. Our dream weekend TBH. These are our go-to food spots in Canberra.
KITA
High on our hit list whenever we’re in town, Kita is a nocturnal hotspot for those who need great food and/or great coffee 6pm-6am. Nasi goreng and the Kita burger are must-try menu items and if you’re feeling adventurous (or just craving a one-off experience), don’t hesitate to add the curry of the week to your order. You’re in for a treat.
CUPPING ROOM
The Cupping Room is THE place to go in Canberra for breakfast and lunch. You might end up waiting for a table at peak brunch time, but it’s worth it. They also serve up Canberra’s award-winning ONA Coffee.
CBD DUMPLING HOUSE
A classic dumpling house that’s cheap, cheerful and fast, this is a Canberra cult favourite. Passers by can spy the chefs making the best dumplings in the city so don’t be surprised if there’s a little action on both sides of the restaurant window. A vibe.
GREASE MONKEY
Grease Monkey serves mouth-watering burgers and fried chicken out of an old mechanic’s garage which sounds scary but is done up real noice. If you’re thirsty, they have a solid selection of beer, wines and shakes as well. Cheers to that.
SWEET BONES
Sweet Bones is Canberra’s church of organic, plant-based, whole foods. It’s a vegan cafe and bakery at heart, and with a super expansive menu ranging from boneyard burritos to Cheeze Burgers, smoothies and tasty salads, there’s something for everyone.
BABY SU
The little sister to Canberra icon Lazy Su, Baby Su is a Japanese-Korean-American fast food hotspot. From their iconic Wagyu cheesesteak spring rolls to delicious poke bowls and ramen, it’s a feast you don’t want to miss. They also have delish vegan offerings, plus neon signs that’d be rude not to ‘gram.
PIZZA GUSTO
Pizza Gusto is a small hole in the wall affair, with wood fire pizzas that taste like Italy. Grab a pizza, sit outside on the picnic tables and BYO wine (there’s a bottle shop next door).
CIVIC ASIAN NOODLE HOUSE
Civic Asian Noodle House has some of the best Laksa in Australia. Its magical soupy goodness was named one of the best 100 things about Canberra by locals. Go for the combination or go home.
TREAT YOURSELF
If you’re looking for something extra delicious, check out one of Canberra’s eight hatted restaurants here.
DAMN GOOD COFFEE
BARRIO COLLECTIVE COFFEE
One of our favourite coffee haunts in Canberra, Barrio is the epitome of coffee culture in Canberra. They offer a short and sweet food menu as well as coffee that’s worth doubling/tripling up on. Starting your day here is starting your day right.
ONA COFFEE MANUKA
The home of the infamous Ona coffee! You haven’t really tried ONA coffee until you’ve had a pour from the OG and if you’re into coffee this should be way up on your to-do list.
THINGS TO DO
NATIONAL ART GALLERY
The National Gallery of Australia holds more than 166K pieces of art, and is one of the largest in the country. James Turrell’s permanent installation ‘Skyspace’ is open 24 hours, and sits at the entry of the gallery. The space comes to life at sunset and sunrise every day as a range change colours dance through the space, powered only by the sun.
CAPITAL BREWING CO.
Home to one of Canberra’s local craft beers. Treat yourself to a couple of fresh brewskis at the Capital brewery in Fyshwick and tack on a tour as well. The brewery also houses a Brodburger truck which serves up some of the capital’s best burgers (last burger rec for Canberra, we promise).
MOUNT AINSLIE
Walk, cycle or drive to the lookout and enjoy the serenity. Lovely at all times but a particular treat at sunrise and sunset. You could do way worse things in life.
OLD BUS DEPOT MARKETS
The Old Bus Depot Markets have been running every Sunday for over 20 years and have become one of Canberra’s icons. We’d highly recommend going to check out the food, fashion, jewellery, etc. on offer. Wholesome vibes all round.
AFTER DARK
MOOSEHEADS
You haven’t really gone out in Canberra unless you’ve been to Moose. If you want to go chasing waterfalls head downstairs or go upstairs if you’ve got the voice and want to understand it. That’s R&B down and golden oldies up, people.
FICTION
Fiction is Canberra’s largest night club in the city and plays host to some of the best international and local DJs. Perfect for dancing ’til your feet hurt and losing your voice in.
MOLLY
Home of whisky in Canberra, Molly is a speak easy set up in an old bank. Sound tracked with jazz, it’s worth the effort of finding the secret back alley door. Tip: look for the light above the entrance, you need to climb some stairs to get there.
88 MPH
Head to 88MPH for all your 80s guilty pleasures. 88MPH plays exclusively 80s music and is home to a light up dance floor, a novelty still far from wearing off.
SHOPPING
CANBERRA CENTRE
The Canberra Centre has all your shopping needs, from retail stores and fresh food supermarkets to cinemas and specialty shops. Perfect for last minute supplies or outfit alterations, it’s conveniently located smack bang in the middle of the city.
BRADDON
Braddon is the perfect place for a bit of a shopping spree. Check out The Hive for craft, art and design goods, the Designer Op Shop for vintage designer threads, and treat yourself to one-of-a-kind blooms and terrariums at Moxom & Whitney. We’re going through a green phase.