Where to eat, shop, play and live in North Canberra
Right next to the city centre, buzzing north Canberra has seen a huge amount of development in recent years, with the addition of the light rail system and a number of new residential developments in the city and along the Northbourne corridor.
North Canberra is home to some of the country’s great treasures, like the Australian War Memorial, National Museum and the Carillon. It’s also a destination for students from all around the country and even the world, who come to Canberra to study at the Australian National University, Royal Military College Duntroon or Canberra Institute of Technology.
It’s an entertainment hub with several theatres and galleries, two cinema complexes, Canberra Centre shopping precinct, two public swimming pools, and Thoroughbred Park race course.
And the inner-city suburb of Braddon, which was once an industrial area heavily populated by mechanics, is now home to Canberra’s busiest dining strip, with restaurants, cafes, bars and a brewery plus boutique stores.
With close access to the Canberra CBD, many of the north Canberra suburbs also benefit from one of 14 stops along the new light rail system. The Civic bus interchange and Jolimont Centre also mean bus access to the rest of Canberra and interstate.
And even though it’s so close to the city, North Canberra is home to three of Canberra’s highest mountains - Mt Ainslie, Black Mountain and Mount Majura - as well as the Australian National Botanic Gardens and Commonwealth Park, so it’s never far to escape and enjoy a bit of nature.
PLAY
AINSLIE AND GORMAN ARTS CENTRES
Located just down the road from each other and a stone’s throw from the centre of the city, the Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centres are cultural spaces nurturing Canberra’s best emerging talent across visual arts, music, dance, literature and more, and home to an exciting program of theatre, events and exhibitions. Gorman Arts Centre also has award-winning Sage Restaurant.
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS
Hugging the lower slopes of Black Mountain, the Australian National Botanic Gardens are home to the most comprehensive display of living Australian native plants in the world. Connect to nature with a relaxing wander through the beautiful collection, or visit the Gardens’ day spa, cafe or bookshop.
Canberra Theatre Centre is Canberra’s premier performing arts venue, with a world-class program of theatre, music, comedy, dance, circus and kids entertainment running all year round, right in the heart of the city.
MT AINSLIE
To see the planned nature of Canberra in all its glory, you can’t beat the view from the summit of Mt Ainslie. It’s a quick drive to the top, or for the full experience, park the car at the back of the Australian War Memorial and walk up. The sealed bitumen path can be steep in parts, and the walk will well and truly get the heart pumping, but it’s all worth it for the views at the top.
COMMONWEALTH PARK
Right in the middle of the city, Commonwealth Park is more than 34 hectares of beautifully manicured parkland on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin. For four weeks of the year the park plays host to Floriade, the country’s biggest flower show and celebration of spring. It also has concerts, music festivals and other events throughout the year.
SHOP
Just try and swing by this suburban IGA and leave empty-handed. While it stocks a full range of groceries, Ainslie IGA is most well-known and loved for its cheese aisle, which stocks products from all of the world is like Disneyland for cheese-lovers. And just next door is Ainslie Cellars, one of the best spots to shop for local beers, wines and spirits.
Need a gift for expectant parents? This is the place to go. Located on Lonsdale Street in Braddon, Tip You’re It sells a gorgeous range of kids’ furniture, décor, artwork, and fashion you’ll wish they made in adult sizes.
Shop a beautiful collection of goods by local artists and makers at Trove Canberra in Dickson. The cooperative sells jewellery, clothing, millinery, ceramics, art, homewares, candles, soaps, cards and more, and also hosts regular crafty workshops.
EATS
For Ainslie locals (and even those from suburbs further afield), Edgar’s Inn is like a home away from home. The cosy pub has all day dining, from hearty breakfasts through to quality pub meals and wood-fired pizzas, and serves a wide range of refreshing beverages and local wines. Edgar’s also hosts regular live music and is a great spot to watch live sport.
Previously a much-loved grungy cafe, bar and gallery, The Front was refurbished and reopened in 2018 with a fresh new look and menu. Nestled at the leafy Lyneham shops, the chilled out venue serves an all-day menu of breakfast and lunches, brimming with local produce, plus seriously good coffee. The space also hosts live music, poetry and comedy, plus a range of exhibitions in their gallery.
Another well-loved suburban watering hole, The Duxton in O’Connor is a relaxing spot to enjoy a pub meal with family or friends, washed down with a big range of local wines and beers, or to enjoy live music or sport on the big screens.
LONSDALE STREET, BRADDON
Once an industrial area, Braddon’s Lonsdale Street is now the busiest dining strip in Canberra. You’re spoilt for choice with some of the best coffee you can find in town at Barrio, Lonsdale Street Roasters, and Kyō Coffee Project, or incredible brunches at Rye Cafe or Sonoma. You can watch the beer brewing at Bentspoke Brewing Co, relax in the beer gardens at Hopscotch or Assembly, enjoy funky Asian cuisine at Lazy Su or Zaab, or settle in for award-winning dining at Italian and Sons or eightysix. And always save room for dessert with inventive ice cream concoctions at Frugii Dessert Laboratory or Gelato Messina.
LIVE
The inner north has seen a huge amount of new development over recent years, both within the suburbs and along the Northbourne light rail corridor, with a large number of newly-built apartments and townhouses. Some of the older suburbs like Ainslie, Lyneham and O’Connor offer a mix of older homes, heritage houses and architecturally designed masterpieces on larger blocks, only a short drive - or walk - from the centre of town.
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By Zango Team