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Forget the decision of whether to live north or south of the lake in Canberra. More importantly - which side should you dine? From lakeside mornings at the Kingston Foreshore to the quirky cafes hidden in the suburbs, here are our picks of some of the most delicious south side brunch venues:<a href="https://doubleshotdeakin.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Double Shot, Deakin</a>This vibrant cafe at the Deakin shops is the place to be or be seen in the Inner South. Grab a table and settle into the large, leafy courtyard for delicious brunches and nourishing dishes, like Strawberries and Cream Hotcake or Shakshouka, or just go for their famous peanut butter smoothie.<a href="https://silobakery.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Silo Cafe and Bakery, Kingston</a>This Canberra institution at the Kingston shops is renowned for its freshly baked breads and pastries, all made on-site. Pop in for a loaf artisan bread or grab a seat to enjoy breakfast or lunch from their a la carte European-inspired menu, like pumpkin beignet or tartine Parisienne.<a href="https://space-kitchen.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Space Kitchen, Phillip</a>Pina Colada Hotcakes anyone? There’s certainly nothing dull about brunch at Phillip’s Space Kitchen. The Eaton Mess Waffle will keep any sweet tooth happy, or the Space Green Eggs and Ham is a seriously next level eggs benny. You can wash them all down with a great coffee, or their extensive Space Booze menu which includes 18+ milkshakes. And don’t forget to grab something from their colourful display of jaw-dropping sweets on the way out for later.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/CommonGroundsGowrie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Common Grounds, Gowrie</a>Tucked away at the quiet Gowrie shops, Common Grounds is a buzzing cafe, popular with locals for breakfast, lunch and seriously good coffee. There’s plenty of room to sit, both indoors and out, and the venue is kid-friendly, be they of the human or fur variety. Expect to wait for a table on weekends.<a href="http://www.musecanberra.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Muse Canberra, Kingston</a>Breakfast menus don’t come much more interesting than Muse Canberra’s. Nestled underneath the funky East Hotel in Kingston and attached to a beautiful book store, the all day eatery’s morning menu takes you from spiced roast plum brioche french toast, through to smoked ocean trout kedgeree or the indulgent Baked Soufflé. Best enjoyed with a blood Mary on the side.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/morningdewcanberra/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Morning Dew, Denman Prospect</a>The first cafe to open in Molonglo Valley, Morning Dew serves Canberra’s famed Ona Coffee, plus an all-day breakfast and lunch menu and locally made pastries. Located at Denman Village Shops with an impressive outlook over the valley, it’s a great suburban spot for a relaxed weekend brunch.<a href="https://patissez.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Patissez, Manuka</a>Original home of the Freak Shake, Patissez is well-known for their monster, loaded milkshakes and Insta-worthy creations. But the cafe, sitting in the leafy courtyard at Manuka shops, also has plenty of savoury options, with a full breakfast and lunch menu and great coffee.<a href="https://www.meatingroom.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Meating Room, Weston Creek</a>The main watering hole in Weston Creek, Meating Room keeps the locals happy with all day dining. You can start your day with a healthy acai bowl through to indulgent honeycomb and chocolate pancakes. Pop up to the bar, lined with milk crate chandeliers, to order and grab a coffee.<a href="http://www.abitetoeat.net.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Bite To Eat, Chifley</a>An eclectic cafe at the Chifley shops, A Bite To Eat keeps locals well-fed and hydrated from early morning breakfasts right through to late night drinks. The charming local, oozing with retro-chic, has a menu with something for everyone. Sink into a couch or pull up a chair in the leafy courtyard for a lazy meal and really good coffee.<a href="http://pennyuniversitycafe.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Penny University, Kingston</a>At this Kingston favourite, you can make your first meal of the day Banoffee Croissant French Toast, topped with vanilla whipped mascarpone, popcorn, salted caramel andshaved chocolate, and teamed up with some seriously good coffee.<a href="https://redbrickcoffee.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Redbrick Espresso, Curtin</a>Since starting out as a suburban espresso bar and coffee roastery, Redbrick Espresso has grown to five locations across Canberra, but the cafe at Curtin shops is where it all began. These days the vibrant venue serves simple, delicious food, and of course, their amazing coffee, seven days a week.<a href="https://www.foxandbow.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fox and Bow, Farrer</a>Nestled at the Farrer Shops, Fox and Bow is a family-run cafe that’s loved by locals. The owners like to think of the cafe as an extension of their own home, so you can expect uncomplicated, tasty food, with a touch of Spanish influence, plus incredible coffee, and a warm welcome.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/standbymecafe/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stand By Me, Lyons</a>Another suburban cafe gem, this time in Lyons. Stand By Me is a family-run cafe, known for their gutsy, intriguing breakfast dishes (which are usually highly Insta-friendly). Try their French Toast, which regularly changes its toppings, or treat yourself to their homemade cakes. Even if it’s your first time, you’ll most likely be treated like a regular.<a href="http://www.mapleandclove.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maple and Clove, Barton</a>This wholefoods cafe in the Realm precinct is all about nourishing the body from the inside. But healthy doesn’t have to be dull - just try the blue swimmer crab omelette or savoury spelt waffle. On a sunny day, grab a table in the leafy courtyard.<a href="https://localpresscafe.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Local Press Cafe, Kingston</a>Another health-conscious cafe, Local Press enjoys waterfront views at the Kingston Foreshore. The relaxed venue serves up seasonal fare with ingredients that are unrefined, unprocessed and free of unnecessary additives and preservatives.

The south side guide to Canberra brunches

Region profiles

Canberra’s newest and smallest region, Molonglo Valley is close to the city yet sits right in the middle of a stunning natural playground.The region’s original residents have moved in and made Molonglo Valley home, and this vibrant and active community already enjoys brand new facilities including schools and shopping centres. And there’s more to come, with new suburbs and land releases on the way, and a $36 million leisure centre currently under construction.<img alt="Molonglo Valley 2" class="richtext-image full-width" height="600" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/P1122367.width-800.jpg" width="800">No matter where they live, residents all enjoy expansive views across Canberra and the surrounds, and Stromlo Forest Park, the National Arboretum and the Cotter Reserve are also nearby, with easy access to the Molonglo River.<h2 data-block-key="1u8fz">PLAY</h2><a href="https://stromloforestpark.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">STROMLO FOREST PARK</a>Molonglo Valley’s suburbs have the world-class Stromlo Forest Park right on their doorstep. Set amongst stunning forest, the world-class, multi-use recreational sporting facility includes a 1.2 kilometre road criterium cycling circuit, a 2.5 kilometre grass cross country running track, a network of equestrian trails and over 40 kilometres of mountain bike trails.<a href="https://www.nationalarboretum.act.gov.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NATIONAL ARBORETUM</a>With one of the world&#x27;s largest living collections of rare, endangered and significant trees, the National Arboretum is one of Canberra’s most impressive natural attractions. Walk, drive, cycle or even horse-ride around the 250 hectare site, which features 94 forests of rare, endangered and symbolic trees from around Australia and the world, plus a large bonsai collection, and is also home to one of the most exciting playgrounds in Canberra.COTTER RESERVESet on the banks of the Cotter River, the Cotter Reserve is a popular spot for barbeques, picnics, swimming, fishing, bushwalking and relaxation. Walk the Cotter Dam Discovery Trail, lined with stories of Canberra&#x27;s water history, to the 16-metre wide, amphitheatre style viewing platform where you can enjoy the majestic views of the dam wall. The Cotter Campground is one of the most popular spots to pitch a tent in the ACT, and has facilities including an electric barbeque plus toilets and showers. The reserve is also a great spot for spotting wildlife<img alt="Molonglo Valley 2" class="richtext-image full-width" height="600" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/P1122264.width-800.jpg" width="800"><h2 data-block-key="gkp2j">SHOP</h2><a href="https://www.thecuratoreum.com/default.asp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">THE CURATOREUM</a>The Arboretum isn’t just a great spot for enjoying nature. Located inside the Visitor’s Centre, the Curatoreum gift shop is a treasure trove of books, homewares, jewellery, stationery, unique gifts and toys.<a href="https://denmanprospect.com.au/denman-village-shops/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DENMAN VILLAGE SHOPS</a>The main retail hub for the area, Denman Village Shops has an IGA, doctor’s surgery, chemist, liquor store, gym, cafe and more. The architecturally-designed shopping centre boasts impressive views of the National Arboretum and stunning public art.<img alt="Molonglo Valley_Image 3.jpg" class="richtext-image full-width" height="600" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/Molonglo_Valley_Image_3.width-800.jpg" width="800"><h2 data-block-key="oigxr">EAT</h2><a href="https://www.facebook.com/morningdewcanberra/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MORNING DEW</a>The first cafe to open in Molonglo Valley, Morning Dew serves Canberra’s famed Ona Coffee, plus an all-day breakfast and lunch menu and locally made pastries. Located at Denman Village Shops with an impressive outlook over the valley, it’s the place to be for a relaxed weekend brunch.<a href="https://gingercatering.com.au/the-conservatory-restaurant/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">THE CONSERVATORY RESTAURANT</a>Sitting in the National Arboretum’s visitor centre with a sweeping outlook across Lake Burley Griffin and back towards the city, the Conservatory Restaurant offers the epitome of a meal with a view. Open for breakfast and lunch, food is elegant yet simple, and centred on local organic and biodynamic produce.<a href="https://www.handlebarstromlo.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">THE HANDLEBAR STROMLO</a>After a day out at Stromlo, kick back, relax and enjoy the spectacular views from Handlebar. Run by a group of local mountain bikers, the family-friendly cafe serves coffee, jaffles, pastries, and snacks, plus wine and local beer, with plenty of space for the kids to run around.[Molonglo Valley_Image 4]<h2 data-block-key="l8avq">LIVE</h2>As some of Canberra’s newest suburbs, Molonglo Valley is flush with new houses on larger blocks, from architecturally designed homes, to spacious family houses, and apartments and townhouses, some which enjoy waterfront living.<img alt="Molonglo Valley 4" class="richtext-image full-width" height="600" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/P1122223.width-800.jpg" width="800">No matter where you’re based in the valley, nature is never too far away, and most houses enjoy expansive views across Canberra and the surrounding natural habitat.Houses in the new suburbs also have a strong sustainability focus - Denman Prospect was Australia’s first suburb to have a minimum requirement for solar installation on all dwellings.<img alt="Molonglo Valley 5" class="richtext-image full-width" height="600" src="https://d2t3vhau9g43uy.cloudfront.net/media/images/P1122275.width-800.jpg" width="800">

2 news articles with tag molonglo-valley

The south side guide to Canberra brunches

Where to eat, shop, play and live in Molonglo Valley