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 (Tue to Sat, 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.
THE 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 spicy cali burritos to loaded banana bread, smoothies and tasty salads, there’s something for everyone.
LAZY SU
Canberra icon Lazy 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. They also have a little sister, Baby, not too far away.
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 + Gelato Messina).
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 21 hatted restaurants here. Fun fact: Post Malone dined at Raku when he was here for Spilt Milk in 2023.
DAMN GOOD COFFEE
BARRIO COLLECTIVE COFFEE
One of our favourite coffee haunts in Canberra, Barrio is the epitome of coffee culture in Canberra and it’s on one of Canberra’s most popular streets. 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 HOUSE FYSHWICK
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 GALLERY OF AUSTRALIA
The National Gallery of Australia holds more than 155K pieces of art, and includes the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. The outdoor sculpture garden, open 24 hours, features James Turrell: Within without—a skyspace that transforms at sunrise and sunset as shifting natural light creates an immersive experience. While you’re there, don’t miss Ouroboros by Lindy Lee, the newest sculpture to join the garden.
CAPITAL BREWING CO.
Home to one of Canberra’s local craft beers. Treat yourself to a couple of fresh brewskis at the Capital Brewing Co. 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 LOOKOUT
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.
HAIG PARK VILLAGE MARKETS
Every Sunday at the end of Lonsdale Street in Braddon you’ll find artisan goods, produce, and great community vibes in a leafy setting, all at Haig Park Village Markets.
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 to shop local. Check out Pop Canberra for souvenirs of everything Canberra including the iconic bus shelters in mini form to take home. Or browse the racks of newly opened Canberra Garms, which specialises in Y2K and 90s vintage streetwear. Treat yourself to rare indoor plants at The Green Vine Plants (we’re going through a green phase), and bite into a crepe cake at Supersweet Café next door.