Canberra

For most people who grew up in Australia, primary school excursions left you thinking that Canberra was all about politicians and roundabouts. Years later, that concept couldn’t be further from the truth. Over the last few years Australia’s capital city has had quite the food, drink and culture revolution. Spend a weekend in Canberra and you can wander through breweries, eat at spectacular restaurants and cafes and stay at top accommodation spots.

Wine

• Clonakilla–Tim Kirk and Bryan Martin are all class. This winery, established in 1971 by Tim’s dad, John Kirk, is home to the most awarded and most recognised wine of the Canberra region:  the Clonakilla shiraz viognier. My preffered pick was the Clonakilla 2016 O’Riada shiraz and  2018 Viognier Nouveau (3 Crisps Lane, Murrumbateman). Cellar door open 7 days, 10:00-5:00pm
• Collector wines– Alex McKay flew out of the gates with his first solo wine – the 2005 Marked Tree Red, made with hand-worked shiraz from small parcels of land around Murrumbateman – when it was announced as NSW Wine of the Year in 2007. His is a bespoke approach: buying grapes direct from growers and crafting wines to reflect the fruit. Yep, he’s one of the disruptors. A visit here is a must! (7 Murray St, Collector). Cellar door open 7 days, 10:00-5:00pm
• Four Winds vineyard– four winds is a producer to keep an eye on as they pick up the pace with their wines. (9 Patemans Ln, Murrumbateman). Cellar door open 10:00-4:00pm, Thursday to Monday.
• Helm wines–  Ken Helm has now produced 40 vintages of the classic dry riesling. They are well worth a try! (19 Butts Rd, Murrumbateman). Cellar door open 7 days, 11:00-4:00pm
• Lark Hill winery– Certified biodynamic vineyards. The Carpenters are focussed farmers, good folks and make good wines. (Corner Joe Rocks and Bungendore Rd, Bungendore). Cellar door open 11:00-4:00pm, Wednesday to Monday.
• Mada wines– although it doesnt have a dedicated cellar door, these wines should be first on your list to try. They all display supreme elegance with wonderful full fruit flavours. My personal favourites were the 2018 Riesling , 2018 Blanc and 2018 Shiraz. Hamish Young is certainly a winemaker to watch! (Call Hamish for an appointment- 0406 790 975)
• McKellar Ridge Wines- a solid line-up of cool climate wines. (2 Euroka Avenue, Murrumbateman). Cellar door open on weekends from 10:00-4:00pm
• Mount Majura– The Mount Majura wines are certainly on song at present. In fact one could say that Mount Majura is Australia’s preeminent tempranillo producer. (88 Lime Kiln Road, Majura) Cellar door open 7 days, 10:00-5:00pm
• The Vitner’s Daughter– a boutique producer creating wines that reflect their terroir. (Crisps Lane, Murrumbateman). Cellar door open on weekends from 10:00-4:00pm

Dine

• Agostini’s– Combining northern Italian cuisine with a Roman twist, the menu at Agostini’s offers pizza, pasta and a whopping 1kg steak. https://easthotel.com.au/eat-and-drink/agostinis/
• Brodburger– serving Canberra’s best burgers. Try it and decide for yourself!  (11 Wentworth Ave, Kingston)
• Grease monkey– the grease in the name is a clue to how proud this place is about its incredible burgers. Another one to try for burger lovers! (19 Lonsdale St, Braddon)
• Doubleshot– This inner-south brunch mecca goes above and beyond in the food department but it’s the eye-catching style – high ceilings, big wall murals, a log-lined coffee bar – that also keeps locals coming back for more. The must-order drink is the peanut butter smoothie, a creamy concoction of the nut butter, banana, dates and almond milk, and as for meals, take your pick from the shakshouka, rostis or a hearty breakfast burrito. http://doubleshotdeakin.com.au/
• Eightysix– For dinner, make your way to the trendy suburb of Braddon. The buzz at Eighty six is hard to find elsewhere in the nation’s capital. The seasonal menu is ever-changing and is scrawled across the blackboard on the left-hand side of the restaurant. Dishes are designed to share but when it comes to dessert, order one for yourself. You won’t want to share Eightsix’s famous caramel popcorn sundae. (Mode 3, Elouera street and Lonsdale streets, Braddon). https://eightysix.com.au
• Italian and sons– my pick of Canberra’s restaurant scene. The food here is first class. A visit here is a must! (7 Lonsdale St, Braddon). https://italianandsons.com.au/
• Lazy-su– it’s modern Asian with a strong Japanese influence and when you go there, you’re transported. It doesn’t feel like Tokyo or Korea but it has this almost cartoonish, surreal element that comes from those countries. It’s unpretentious and fun. (1/9 Lonsdale St, Braddon)
• Lilotang– Lilotang serves delicious traditional Japanese cuisine with artistry and style in a sleek, sharply designed modern space. The sushi is prepared with precision, blending flavours and textures perfectly, and the sashimi, presented on a shining platter, gleams like a work of art. (18 National Circuit, Barton).
• Mee’s sushi– Expect to find a constant line out the door at Mee’s sushi. Sushi rolls – for which Mee’s is best known – are generously sized and brimming with fillings. There are the usual suspects, such as tuna, salmon and chicken teriyaki, but don’t pass up the people’s favourite: chicken schnitzel with lettuce and homemade mayonnaise. (Shop 4, 1-15 Flinders Way, Manuka)
• Rye– A recent addition to the ever-expanding dining scene in Braddon, Rye’s Scandinavian-inspired fit-out alone is worth a visit. The warm, light-filled space, with timber surfaces and neutral tones throughout, inspires long, slow brunching. Order accordingly. The toasted orange-and-raisin sourdough with ricotta, fresh figs and honey is a great place to start before moving on to something more substantial such as the blue swimmer crab omelette with greens and chilli jam. (9 Lonsdale Street, Braddon) http://www.ryecafe.com.au
• Mocan & Green Grout–Mocan & Green Grout sources produce from local surrounding farms and serves up fair-trade coffee. To experience what Mocan & Green Grout is all about, order the baked eggs with charred eggplant, harissa and Meredith chevre. (1/19 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra)
• The cupping room– part of ONA coffee, Canberra’s largest specialty roasters, The cupping room’s champion baristas take their coffee very seriously and offer a huge variety of great brews. Prefer something cooler? Get your daily fix with an iced coffee, injected with liquid panela syrup. The French toast with rhubarb is also a hit! (1/1-13 University Ave, Canberra)
• Zaab– serving up Lao-Thai street food, this Lonsdale Street restaurant has plenty of personality. (9 Lonsdale Street, Braddon) http://zaabstreetfood.com.au/

Recline

• East Hotel– located between Canberra’s most happening areas of Kingston and Manuka, there’s a sense of cool at the East hotel. Part modern eco-hotel, part local art cooperative, this place is relaxed and playful. From the funky lobby to the stylish rooms (140 stylishly appointed one- and- two-bedroom apartments and studios), everything has been designed with precision and authenticity. With its handy location and exceptionally friendly staff, there’s good reason to check in to this property next time Canberra calls. https://easthotel.com.au/
• Ovolo Nishi (formerly Hotel Hotel)– the 68 room hotel (also houses stunning apartments for families) is groundbreaking – and not just for Canberra. There’s really nothing else like it in Australia, which means that it made Canberra a talking point when it popped up a couple of years ago. The precinct of NewActon, fittingly for Canberra, was carefully planned – but not by bureaucrats and public servants. Instead, it’s the result of the collaboration of creatives, architects and designers – and its crowning glory is Ovolo Nishi. https://www.ovolohotels.com.au/ovolonishi/
• QT Hotel– A luxury hotel with a touch of cool or a cool hotel with a touch of luxury? QT Canberra is the latter for mine but either way it’s a great place to stay when you’re visiting the capital. Formerly Ridges Lakeside—an iconic but tired site—QT celebrates its city with plenty of nods to Canberra’s history and highlights including scattered political references . The rooms are modern , the service is strong and the restaurant (Capitol Bar & Grill) and bar (Lucky’s Speakeasy) are both well worth a visit. www.qthotelsandresorts.com/canberra

Plus

• Australian Institute of Sport– see where Australia’s sporting champions are made on a 90-minute guided tour. (Leverrier St, Bruce)
• Australian national botanic gardens– features the most comprehensive display of living Australian native plants in the world. With walking trails, spacious lawns and a range of educational activities, it perfectly combines fun with learning. (Clunies Ross Street, Acton)
• Barrio collective coffee– operated by brilliant coffee roasters and barista’s. (59/30 Lonsdale St, Braddon)
• Canberra Glassworks– did you know Canberra is the capital of glass art in Australia? This cultural centre in the former Kingston Powerhouse building is a working studio for glass artists, a home to workshops for aspiring glassworkers, and an exhibition space. It’s also now the permanent home to the cult burger joint Brodburger. (11 Wentworth Ave, Kingston)
• Canberra indoor rock climbing– challenge yourself with walls from 6.5m to 8.5m high. All levels are catered for, including kids six years and under. (38-40 Essington st, Mitchell)
• Capital Brewing Company– The aptly named Capital brewing company is a must-visit if you’re into craft beer. This warehouse space is a relaxed environment to enjoy the brewery’s creations, which range from a crisp California common ale through to a warming coffee and oatmeal stout. Remember to grab a few for later before you leave, and if you’re there on a weekend, be sure to book a brewery tour too. (Building 3, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick)
• Capital regions farmers market– held between 7.30am and 11.30am each Saturday, this lively market brings together over 100 stalls representing local growers and producers. Choose a hunk of sourdough from Bread Nerds, goat’s cheese from Bryan Loader, tomatoes from Cool Climate Produce and perhaps some pickles from Franklin Road Preserves, and you’ve got the makings of a picnic. (Exhibition Park, Mitchell )
• Cockington Green Gardens– experience one of the most charming and unusual tourist attractions. Venture into the delightful and fascinating display of meticulously crafted miniature buildings featuring more than 30 different countries, set within beautifully landscaped gardens. https://www.cockingtongreen.com.au/
• Corrin Forest– just 45 minutes drive from Canberra, Corin forest provides year-round alpine adventures for all ages. http://www.corin.com.au/
• Frugii dessert laboratory – Owned by local ice cream alchemist and passionate pastry chef John Marshall, Frugii makes ridiculously tasty ice cream, sorbets and desserts using fresh, all-natural ingredients. You can grab a little something to take away, or perch on a stool in the crisp, clean-lined shop and tuck in on the spot. Dessert fans travel from far and wide to sample his flavour sensations. (28/30 Lonsdale St, Braddon)
• National Arboretum– featuring more than 44,000 trees in 94 forests accross 250 hecates, the Arboretum Canberra is one of the largest tree conservation projects in the world. Refresh yourself after a wander with a bite in the Sprout café or romp through the acorns of the fantastic Pod Playground (great for children).  (Forest Dr, Weston Creek)
• National Gallery of Australia– If you  love a bit of culture, might I recommend popping into the National Gallery of Australia. There’s also free parking on the weekend. Visit their website for upcoming exhibitions. (Parkes Pl, Canberra). https://nga.gov.au/
• Old Bus Depot markets– A relaxed Sunday morning shopping destination, this general market has a bohemian feel, with stalls selling handmade clothes, jewellery, scarves and homeware stalls, as well as vendors preparing good things to eat and drink. Regulars include Fekerte’s Ethiopian Cuisine for injera, Song’s for Lao spring rolls, Veganarchy for dairy-free cupcakes and Rowan Farm Berries, who sell wicked chocolate-dipped strawberries. (21 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston )
• National dinosaur museum– houses the largest permanent display of dinosaur skeletons and prehistoric fossils in Australia. (6, Gold Creek Rd, Nicholls)
• Parliament house– The Parliament House building is the focal point of Canberra. A visit to Parliament House offers you the chance to be a part of democracy in action. (Parliament Dr, Canberra).
• Royal Australian mint- since opening in 1965, the Royal Australian mint has produced more than 15 billion coins. I recommend taking the 30 minute tour to learn about the history of coins in Australia. (Denison St, Deakin)
• Questacon– start the day at one of Canberra’s most popular family destinations, where learning about science and technology is made fun. (King Edward Terrace, Parkes)
• Tesltra Tower– indoor and outdoor observation decks offer stunning 360-degree views of Canberra. (100 Black Mountain Drive, Acton)
• The National Zoo and Aquarium– Observe land and sea creatures in Australia’s only combined aquarium and zoo. http://nationalzoo.com.au/