PLAN A WEEKEND IN… CANBERRA

Oour capital it l city it hhas just had a makeover so it’s the perfect time for a visit!

With the recent swathe of new bar openings, pop-up food trucks and architect-designed hotels, Canberra is now firmly placed on the map as a dynamic weekend destination. Although with so much going on, you’ll struggle to fit it all into two days!

Where to stay

Everyone’s talking about Hotel Hotel (hotel-hotel.com.au) – for all the right reasons. The 68-room hotel has a focus on design, art and green design. Even if you don’t stay here, come to eat at the Monster kitchen and bar (monsterkitchen.com.au), and spend the afternoon enjoying the atmosphere and tranquil views over the lake.

For those travelling with their pooches, the Mercure Canberra (mercurecanberra.com.au) has recently launched pet-friendly rooms. Their Pampered Pets package includes access to an enclosed garden, pet bedding, a food bowl and a special gift for your pet to take home.

Eat & drink

To experience some of the tastiest food in Canberra, visit the “hipster” neighbourhood of Braddon, near the CBD. The former industrial area has been made over as a foodie haven with alfresco bars and cafes spilling over the pavements on summer days and balmy evenings.

In prime position at 16 Lonsdale Street is The Hamlet, a collection of parked food trucks offering up everything from noodles to burgers.

For the best views of the city, visit the stunning 250-hectare National Arboretum (national arboretum.act.gov.au). Not only does the relaxed cafe have a huge range of foodie options, when you’re finished eating you can join a free guided forest walk.

Night owls will love the New Acton cultural precinct, which has a range of late-night bars, including Parlour (parlour.net.au). It serves tapas and local wines in a beautiful art deco dining room.

Play

There’s no question Canberra is home to some of Australia’s most important art galleries and museums, so deciding which to visit can be challenging.

For art lovers, the National Portrait Gallery (portrait.gov.au) shows a unique snapshot of Australian culture.

The Australian War Memorial (awm.gov.au) has an impressive display of planes in its renovated Aircraft Hall, and Questacon (questacon.edu.au), with seven floors of interactive science displays, is a family favourite.

The Old Bus Depot Markets (obdm.com.au) on the Kingston Foreshore every Sunday, are filled with local produce, craft and international food.

Nearby Canberra Glassworks (canberraglassworks.com) offers

the chance to see artists at work, while a little further down the lake is a popular restaurant strip with views of Lake Burley Griffin.

Stop for a picnic at Weston Park, near Yarralumla, to see the many friendly kangaroos that live on this side of the city.

And wine lovers can do a day tour with Canberra Winery Tours (canberrawinerytours.com), including tastings and lunch at the beautiful Murrumbateman Winery (murrumbateman winery.com.au).