Canberra/Civic

Civic was established in 1927, 14 years after the city was founded. Before Civic was established, there wasn't a clear town or city centre; the closest that resembled anything like one was Queanbeyan town centre, but Queanbeyan is in NSW, not in the ACT.

The area encompasses Burley Griffin's original plan for a Civic Centre with nearby Russell planned to be Canberra's vibrant "Market Centre". However, Russell is now the headquarters of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), resulting in an unexpected abundance of markets and malls in Civic, more than what was anticipated in Burley Griffin's original plan. Due to Civic's constraints with height restrictions and limited space, many larger stores and markets have opted to move to Belconnen, Canberra's second largest town centre (excluding Queanbeyan).

As Civic approaches its centenary, it remains a relatively new central business district. Whilst you'll find an abundance of historic buildings and sites in the CBDs of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or even tiny little Hobart, there are very few in Civic; many would fail the criteria for being "historic" in Tasmania, perhaps even Sydney, and certainly lacks the antiquity of the Old World (most of it, at least).

The scarcity of true historic buildings have elevated the prominence of the few that are considered historic in a Canberran context. Most of Canberra's important government buildings are in South Canberra, whilst museums are scattered throughout Canberra, leaving only one in Civic. Canberrans also don't tend to pride in these buildings; the Sydney building, for example, may look good on the outside but are in a state of despair on the inside. Despite this, there are only two important historic buildings in Civic, the Sydney and Melbourne buildings — they have their problems, but they do contribute to Civic's architectural character.

Contrary to all the negativity with Canberra's historic sites, there is one thing that Canberra has that most other Australian cities don't have: a town square. Out of the six state capitals (and Darwin), only Adelaide has one: Victoria Square. However, Civic Square was not designed by Burley Griffin (it was completed in 1961, well after Burley Griffin's time) but instead by Yuncken Freeman (an Australian architecture firm) architects, though it was in Griffin's original plan, with the location purposefully chosen to be the centrepiece of Canberra, linking City Hill and Mount Ainslie, which has led to Canberra Theatre and several other government buildings (both federal and territorial government buildings) popping up.

The official urban entity designated as the "City" is separated into five distinct districts. Nevertheless, in practical usage, with the exception of NewActon, these district appellations are seldom employed by anyone other than the ACT government. These names have only materialised on road signs and their consistency is notably lacking.

Similarly, while this portion of Canberra bears the name Civic, its presence on signage is shockingly infrequent; instead, you'll primarily see "City". If you're somewhere closer to Civic, signage may direct you to specific facets of Civic, such as City West or City Centre. Curiously, "City Centre" can either refer to the entirety of Civic, or conversely, exclusively the northeastern sector of the district. However, in customary ACT fashion, signage is a dog's breakfast when picking one name for consistency; it remains haphazard and inconsistent.

There are few publicly available books about Civic, and often those that can be found are only found within Canberra. But despite that, it doesn't mean there are few books about Civic. In fact, the National Library of Australia (NLA) in Parliamentary Triangle, South Canberra has a sizable amount about Civic. Many are online-only and can be found on the library's catalogue.

Civic: the living city by Tony Powell (ISBN 9780646449487). Not a very popular book but it does go into great depth about Civic's city planning and why Civic is planned the way it is. The book is a bit hard to find though; few bookstores in Civic have the book but it can be found at the airport, or you may want to borrow it online from the National Library of Australia (NLA).

All buses to Civic stop at one interchange, 1 City Interchange; one of few in Canberra to have both bus and light rail services.

Being in the centre of Canberra, many lines connect to the rest of Canberra. The ideal way to get into Civic by bus is using these R-routes (i.e., the main important routes), which are as follows:

R2 from Belconnen to the northwest and the Canberra Outlet Centre in Fyshwick to the southeast. These operate at 12-minute frequencies until the 7:12PM service from Fyshwick.

R3 from Canberra Airport to the east, and Spence/Belconnen to the northwest.

R4 from Belconnen to the northwest, and Tuggeranong passing South Canberra to the south.

R5 from Lanyon Marketplace in Tuggeranong in the south, terminating in Civic.

R6 from Woden in the southwest via Barton. If you're arriving from Canberra Railway Station in Kingston, South Canberra, then use this rapid route.

R7 from Weston Creek also from the southwest.

R10 from Molonglo in the southwest.

There are also other ordinary bus lines. Unlike the R-routes, services are not very frequent, and these routes come from rather obscure or specific places, such as the Australian Defence Force Academy or the National Museum of Australia.

Except for bus line 53 to/from the National Museum of Australia in Acton and the Dickson Shops in North Canberra, all ordinary bus lines terminate at Civic. Otherwise, the ordinary bus routes are as follows:

31 from the Dickson Shops in North Canberra passing Braddon.

32 from several interchanges in Belconnen, including Cohen Street Interchange, Westfield Belconnen and Belconnen Interchange, and a lot of other minor stops along the way. However, if you're coming to Civic from these interchanges, you're better off taking the R2, 3, or 4 lines that don't go the long and convoluted way.

50 from Watson Terminus in North Canberra, passing the Dickson Shops.

51 from Dickson Shops (Dickson Interchange) but passing Lyneham instead.

54 from Majura Business Park near the airport.

55 from the Australian Defence Force Academy passing the Royal Military College.

56 from Fyshwick.

59 from Woden Interchange passing the South Canberra section of Barton.

182 from Lanyon Marketplace in Tuggeranong via Majura Parkway (M23).

Being at the centre of Canberra, Civic is well-connected in several ways. Many are good-quality roads, some of which are freeways, though the prime route which many travellers use is Northbourne Avenue from the north.

Northbourne Avenue (A23) is the main artery connecting Civic to NSW. It runs right through the centre of Civic. If you're entering the ACT via the Federal Highway (M23), all you need to do is stay on the same road until you reach Civic. If you're coming from the northern districts – namely, anywhere from Gungahlin, Hall or from New South Wales via the Barton Highway (A25), stay on Barton Highway and once you're at the Federal Hwy/Barton Hwy/Northbourne Ave intersection, turn right onto Northbourne Avenue until you arrive at Civic.

Parkes Way (unnumbered) doesn't exactly pass through Civic but is Civic's southern border, bypassing the city, and the easiest and fastest way if you're coming from Tuggeranong, Weston Creek, Molonglo Valley, and Belconnen. There are three exits along the freeway and one massive roundabout at the end.

Commonwealth Avenue (A23) connects Capital and State Circles to Civic. From Woden, use Adelaide Avenue northeast into South Canberra, which should later spit you out onto Commonwealth Avenue.

From the airport, head west onto Pialligo Drive and then on Morshead Drive. Continue until Coranderrk Street from where you'll need to turn right at the massive roundabout, and then you've arrived at Civic.

And if you're coming back from the snow (i.e., the Snowy Mountains), keep following the Monaro Highway (A23) which later becomes the freeway-grade Majura Parkway (M23), and exit onto Morshead Drive. Once you've taken the exit, turn left until you've arrived at Civic.

Despite initiatives from the territorial government to promote travelling to Civic on a bike and ditch the car, it remains a somewhat-uncommon method of entering Civic for visitors. Nevertheless, if you're keen to hit the pedal, four of Canberra's intracity bike freeways are in Civic:

C1 — largely follows a similar but more westerly alignment to the R1 light rail from Gungahlin. However, unlike the LRT, this cycle path starts at the northern Gungahlin suburbs of Moncrieff and Taylor at the T-intersection with C9 .

C3 — the main cycle path from Belconnen.

C8 — mostly a loop around Civic (officially named City Loop), but it starts in Acton and ends in Reid.

LBG — a loop around Lake Burley Griffin, connecting parts of Molonglo Valley, South Canberra, North Canberra and Acton with Civic, albeit in a somewhat indirect way.

There is a detailed guide to cycling in Civic from Transport Canberra.

Civic has connections from Gungahlin and North Canberra via Northbourne Avenue (A23). From Gungahlin, the R1 route starts at the town centre and heads east for a few metres until it changes direction and heads south, passing Dickson Interchange before terminating at the 4 Alinga Street station, just north of the Alinga Street/Northbourne Avenue intersection. The route is fairly short, and services are frequent, so you won't need any special planning ahead to use the light rail.

There are plans to extend the line down southwest towards Woden along either Capital or State Circle and Adelaide Avenue through the middle of the freeway. This project is separated in two stages, with stage 2A connecting Ailinga St station with Commonwealth Park, and stage 2B connecting Commonwealth Park and Woden. Construction started in 2023 with the cloverleaf ramp removal, with stage 2A projected to open in 2027. Stage 2B is much further on the radar and as of March 2025, is only expected to open in 2033.

Interstate coaches stop at 5 Jolimont Centre – including V/line (Victorian state operator) with coaches from Albury (via A25 Barton Hwy) and Bairnsdale (via B23 Monaro Hwy), and Murrays (private) from Sydney, Wollongong and Narooma.

NSW TrainLink coaches are often much more dispersed within Canberra and stop at nearby 6 West Row, but coaches from Queanbeyan, Eden, Cootamundra, Wagga Wagga and Goulburn all stop by Canberra Civic. Greyhound's Sydney to Melbourne coach also makes a stop here.

As in most of Canberra, Neuron Mobility e-scooters are available in Civic with pricing being the same as in the rest of Canberra. However, you may not park (i.e. end your ride) in either City Hill or Glebe Park while you may only park in designated parking stations in the NewActon precinct.

There is also a strict 15 km/h limit in the business centre (marked as city centre in § Orientation). You are also not permitted to ride an e-scooter anywhere near Civic Square and the ACT Legislative Assembly or into Canberra Centre. Your e-scooter will power down if you do happen to ride inside these zones.

1 Dendy Cinemas Canberra, Level 2, North Quarter, Canberra Centre, Bunda St, ☏ +61 2 6221 8900. A major multi-screen commercial cinema complex located within the Canberra Centre shopping mall. It screens a mix of mainstream Hollywood blockbusters, independent films, and foreign releases. Facilities include premium dining cinemas, a lounge bar, and a cafe. (updated Jul 2026)

2 Palace Electric Cinemas, Ground Floor, 2 Phillip Law St, ☏ +61 2 6222 4900. An 8-screen independent cinema located within the contemporary NewActon precinct. It specializes in international film festivals, independent cinema, art-house features, and documentaries. Features an on-site espresso cafe and a licensed prosecco bar. (updated Jul 2026)

3 Canberra Merry-Go-Round, Canberra Merry-Go-Round, ☏ +61 2 6257 7088. M-Th 11:30AM-2:30PM, F 11:30AM-4PM, Sa Su 11:00AM-3:00PM. An iconic heritage-listed carousel featuring 52 hand-carved wooden horses and two elephants alongside a traditional mechanical organ. It operated in Melbourne from 1914, but was relocated to its current octagonal pavilion in Petrie Plaza in 1974. Rides are free daily from 1–24 December during the city's Christmas festival. $3 per ride. (updated Jul 2026)

4 Canberra Theatre Centre (Canberra Theatre), Civic Square, London Cct, ☏ +61 2 6275 2700. Canberra’s central performing arts complex, encompassing the main Canberra Theatre, the Playhouse, and the Courtyard Studio. The venue hosts a regular rotation of national and international touring productions, including ballet, musical theatre, live contemporary music, and drama. (updated Jul 2026)

5 Casino Canberra, 21 Binara St, ☏ +61 2 6243 3700. Daily noon–4AM. A boutique gaming venue featuring classic table configurations such as blackjack, roulette, poker, and baccarat alongside electronic gaming terminals. Property facilities include a central sports bar and an on-site eatery. Under ACT territory law, traditional poker machines (pokies) are not permitted here. (updated Jul 2026)

6 Canberra Olympic Pool, 36 Constitution Ave, ☏ +61 2 6231 6354, canberraop@belgravialeisure.com.au. M-F 6AM-9PM, Sa Su 7AM-7PM. A central public health and aquatic centre featuring an indoor 50-m Olympic lap pool and a fully equipped health club fitness gymnasium. During the summer season, the outdoor complex opens to the public, offering a dedicated toddler splash zone and a diving pool equipped with 1-m and 3-m public springboards. Single swim entry from $8. (updated Jul 2026)

7 Holey Moley Golf Club, Canberra Centre, 148 Bunda Street, ☏ +61 2 5117 4845, info@holeymoleygolfclub.com.au. An indoor pop-culture and novelty mini-golf venue featuring 18 themed holes, alongside an attached arcade challenge space, karaoke rooms, and a licensed cocktail bar. From $20. (updated Jul 2026)

8 Kingpin Canberra, Level 1, Canberra Centre, 148 Bunda St, ☏ +61 2 6188 7601. A large multi-attraction indoor amusement complex. The venue houses upscale tenpin bowling lanes, over 100 modern and retro arcade terminals, virtual reality gaming setups, private karaoke rooms, and on-site escape room challenges. Features a fully licensed cocktail bar and a casual dining menu. Bowling from $18, arcade packages from $30. (updated Jul 2026)

9 Status Golf - Indoor Golf Centre & Sports Bar, Basement Level, 11 Akuna Street, ☏ +61 452 284 653, info@statusgolf.com.au. An indoor golfing venue featuring commercial golf simulators equipped with automated tee-up systems, ball-tracking telemetry, and a library of virtual international courses. Features an on-site sports bar serving drinks and light refreshments. Simulator hire from $40. (updated Jul 2026)

If you're a person into books, and souvenirs or want to take some gifts for those back home, Civic has several book and gift stores. Like all other stores in Civic, most are in either Canberra Centre or the pedestrian malls.

Australian Choice, Shop 12, Ground Floor, Canberra Centre (see Canberra Centre), ☏ +61 2 6257 5315, contact@australianchoice.com.au. A family-owned gift store that has an extensive range of souvenirs for you to take home. A lot of the souvenirs here are more "Australia specific" rather than Canberra specific and prices tend to be high. (updated Jun 2022)

Craft + Design Canberra, Level 1, North Building, 180 London Circuit (enter from Civic Square). W-Sa noon-5PM. This combined gallery and shop displays and sells Australian-made artworks, jewellery and glassware. (updated Aug 2024)

2 Dymocks Canberra, Shop CL17 Canberra Centre, Bunda St (behind the escalators in the Canberra Centre's basement food court), ☏ +61 2 6257 5057. While part of a fairly unexciting national chain, this branch of Dymocks is much better than average as it has well-chosen stock.

1 Civic Asian Noodle House, Sydney Building, 34 Northbourne Ave, ☏ +61 2 6247 5145 (landline), +61 405 558 353 (mobile). M–F 11AM–2:15PM, 5–9:15PM; Sa Su 5–9:15PM. Good laksa and pad thai at reasonable prices (ranging around $18) in a relaxed atmosphere. (updated Jan 2025)

2 CBD Dumpling House, Shop FG13C Canberra Centre (148 Bunda St) (enter from Scotts Crossing), ☏ +61 2 6262 8855. Daily 11:30AM–3PM, 5–10PM. Large and popular Asian restaurant. Specialises in dumplings, but has a good mix of other Asian dishes. The dumpling house also features an open kitchen, meaning you can watch the chef prepare the dumplings on a mass scale! (updated Jan 2025)

3 Fekerte’s Ethiopian, Phillip Law St (near Ovolo Nishi). A budget Ethiopian restaurant with some very flavourful spicy dishes and a whole slew of vegan and vegetarian options. It's one of only three Ethiopian restaurants in Canberra (with one being Ethiopia Down Under in Woden and the other in Civic). Both dine-in and takeaway are available. (updated Jun 2022)

4 Flavours Of Ethiopia, 33 Allara St, City Walk, ☏ +61 413 655 472. M–Sa 11:15AM–8:30PM (closed Su). Civic's second Ethiopian restaurant (and one of three in Canberra) is best known for its curry sauces and samosas, and it's owned by an Ethiopian couple (so it's indeed really authentic). There are plenty of traditionals to choose from with prices no higher than $20 per person. (updated Jul 2022)

5 Happy’s Chinese Restaurant, 1/17 Garema Pl, ☏ +61 2 6249 7015. Lunch: W–M 11:30AM–2PM (closed Tuesdays); dinner: Su–Th 5–9PM, F Sa 5–10PM. A simple Cantonese restaurant that's been in this area for quite a long time. The menu is not very extensive, but nearly all of them are value-for-price. The size of the restaurant is a bit small though. (updated Jun 2022)

6 Indo Cafe, Ground Floor, Nesuto Apartments, London Cct, ☏ +61 411 038 803, yetty@indocafe.com.au. M–F 11AM–3PM (closed Sa Su). Though it's called a cafe, it's not really a cafe but just a good place to have some cheap traditional Indonesian eats with takeaway lunch specials priced at $8. (updated Jul 2022)

7 Kebaba, Shop 4, 86-96 Bunda St, ☏ +61 2 6113 0346. Su–W 9AM–midnight; Th 9AM–2AM; F Sa 10AM–5AM. Has some traditional Turkish adana kebabs, pide and falafel. However, the portions are known to be rather small compared to a typical HSP (halal snack pack). (updated Jun 2022)

8 LanZhou Beef Noodle (Lanzhou Beef Noodle), 28 University Ave, ☏ +61 493 395 023. Su–F 11AM–8:15PM (closed Saturdays). A small noodle shop that brings the flavours from Lanzhou (a city in northwest China) and is best known for its Lanzhou beef noodles. There are some rather exotic meals on the men; otherwise, nearly everything found is either chicken or beef. (updated Jun 2022)

12 Bicicletta Restaurant, 1/15 Edinburgh Ave (near Peppers Gallery Hotel), ☏ +61 2 6175 2222, gallery.rest@peppers.com.au. Tu–Sa 5–10PM (closed Su M). Find some excellent homemade pizza, pasta and other Italian favourites in this authentic Italian restaurant, but with local ingredients. The wine list is a pretty selective one, and so are the daily specials. (updated Jun 2022)

13 Briscola Italian, 60 Alinga St (in ground floor of Melbourne Building), ☏ +61 2 6248 5444. Lunch: Tu–Su noon–2PM (closed Mondays); dinner: Su–Th 5:30–8:30PM, F Sa 5:30–9PM. Discover some "old fashioned" as dubbed by the restaurant themselves with some good classic Southern Italian cuisine. It won Canberra’s Best Italian Restaurant award in 2015, and it's always been family-owned by traditional Italians. (updated Jun 2022)

14 Chez Kimchi, 68/70 Bunda St, ☏ +61 2 6247 5525. M Tu closed; W Th Su 11:30AM–2:30PM, 5–9:30PM; F Sa 11:30AM–2:30PM, 5–10:30PM. A modern Korean restaurant with a good variety of chicken available. You can't go past the Gangjung, a very flavourful and tasty chicken and Chez Kimchi's local specialty. (updated May 2022)

15 The City Labor Club (Canberra Labor Club), 16 Petrie Plaza, ☏ +61 2 6230 0404, admin@laborclub.com.au. M–W 9AM–midnight; Th F 9AM–1AM, Sa 10AM–1AM, Su 10AM–midnight. It's Civic's branch of the Canberra chain Canberra Labor Club with a nice relaxed atmosphere with rather spacious lounges with modern Australian cuisine. The modern Australian restaurant has great cocktails, lunch, gaming machines and Wi-Fi. (updated Jun 2022)

16 Dosa Hut, 148 City Walk (Garema Ct), ☏ +61 2 6119 8088. M–Th noon–3PM, 5–9PM; F Sa noon–3PM, 5–9:30PM; Su noon–3PM, 5–8:45PM. A fusion dosa and biriyani restaurant with plenty of other Indian and Sichuan food – but also with the traditional classics, too. (updated May 2023)

17 Edo Tori, 43 Northbourne Ave (in Melbourne Building), ☏ +61 2 5119 2494, info@edotori.com.au. Daily 11:30AM–late. A modern Australianised Japanese restaurant with the strange slogan "Save Water, Drink Beer" with a strong emphasis on drinks. It's borderline between mid-range and splurge, but the quality is worth the bucks. Oh, and not to forget, if you're a sushi craver, they have sushi; it's somewhat discreet. Feed me menu: $59; lunch express: $39; Zeitaku feed me $89pp. (updated Aug 2022)

18 Kebaba Turkish Grill Bar, 11 East Row, ☏ +61 2 5105 4757. A Turkish grill bar that offers both dine-in and takeaway. Depending on what you order, there is a chance that you can see your meal being made. (updated Mar 2022)

26 Akiba, 40 Bunda St, ☏ +61 2 6162 0602. M–W 5–11PM; Th–Su 11:30AM–midnight. A modern Asian BBQ store with some great flavours and cocktails, particularly specialising in Japanese cuisine and barbecue. Do be aware the portions are very large – don't go ordering too much. (updated May 2022)

27 Courgette Restaurant, 54 Marcus Clarke St, ☏ +61 2 6247 4042. M–Sa noon–3PM, 6–9PM (closed Su). Sister restaurant to Aubergine Restaurant, fine dining. And as the name of the restaurant suggests, the restaurant specialises in zucchini-based meals. (updated Jun 2023)

28 Iori Japanese Restaurant, 41 East Row (in Sydney Building), ☏ +61 2 6257 2334. M–Th 6–9PM; F Sa 6–9:30PM; closed Sundays. A Japanese restaurant with some cosy settings with a mix of Japanese and Western food. The lighting tends to be quite nice, also being a mix of Western and Japanese styles. A particularly popular special of theirs is the Seared Salmon Roll. Minimum $40 per person. (updated Mar 2022)

29 SoLita Pizzeria, Restaurant & Bar, 143 London Cct, ☏ +61 2 6247 1010. Tu–Th noon–2PM, 5–9PM; F noon–2PM, 5–9:30PM; 5–9:30PM (closed Su M). A mix of Naples (an Italian city in Campania, Southern Italy) cuisine and Australian cuisine. The name of the restaurant comes from "South of Little Italy", and the range of pasta coming from Canberra may surprise you – because there's quite a lot. (updated Mar 2022)

30 The Meat & Wine Co., Ground Floor, 220 London Cct (cnr Constitution Ave and London Cct), ☏ +61 2 5134 5988, canberra@themeatandwineco.com. Tu–Sa noon–10PM. It's one of Canberra's finest steak restaurants and has an excellent selection of wine (they've very nitpicky with the selection; only the finest make it). It's got a bit of a traditional yet modern feel and look. There are two things that this restaurant is known for: its diverse à la carte menu and "aged" steak. (updated Jul 2022)

31 Wilma, 1 Genge St (cnr Bunda and Genge Sts), ☏ +61 2 6171 2092. F–W 5:30–9:30PM; Th 5:30–10PM. Sister to several Canberran restaurants, this splurge restaurant perhaps has some of the finest seafood and barbecue meat one could find in Canberra. Base banquets are from $75 per person while baller banquets are $95 per person. (updated Jun 2023)

32 Brew and Brew Cafe, 2 Constitution Ave, ☏ +61 2 6248 6927, hello@thebrewandbrew.com.au. Cafe: M–F 6AM–3PM; espresso bar: M–F 6AM–4PM. A cafe and a bar with lots of savoury treats and a wide range of meat and bread. À la carte breakfast and lunch are available and have an excellent, fine-picked wine selection, with a strong local emphasis. Wine is picked and only wines from the Canberra region (i.e., the ACT and the wineries in NSW near the ACT) are served. (updated Aug 2022)

33 Blue Olive Cafe, 56 Alinga St, ☏ +61 2 6230 4600. M–F 7AM–3PM. Famous for their delicious New York-style sandwiches. Great coffee and breakfast menu, wonderful service. (updated Feb 2015)

34 Cafe Alibi, 5 Farrell Pl, ☏ +61 2 6152 0606, enquiries@cafealibi.com.au. M–F 7:15AM–4PM. Just another ordinary, Australian cafe but with a wide selection of toasties. (updated Aug 2022)

35 The Cupping Room, 1/1-13 University Ave. M–F 7:30AM–3PM; Sa Su 8AM–3PM. A traditional cafe with a very long takeaway menu. (updated Aug 2022)

36 East Row Specialty Coffee, Cnr London Cct and East Row, Sydney Building, ☏ +61 493 050 331, info@eastrowspecialitycoffee.com.au. M–Sa 7AM–3PM; Su 8AM–2PM. It's best known for its specialty coffee (well, it's in its name) with an all-day breakfast and has a decent variety for lunch — halloumi burgers, gnocchi, or barramundi. If you're just popping in for a quick drink on a hot summer day, there are some good smoothies and shakes, but the smoothies and shakes might not be as good as their coffee. Breakfast: $16-22; lunch: $19-25; sides: $3-8.50. (updated Aug 2022)

37 Glasshouse Cafe, 10 Binara St, ☏ +61 2 6162 1155, glasshousecafe@iinet.net.au. M–F 7AM–4PM (closed Sa Su and public holidays). A mid-range cafe mostly known for their $17 weekday lunch specials (varies by day). Otherwise, they have a decent selection of burgers and salads, but those can be a bit more expensive than what you'd find elsewhere. (updated Jan 2025)

38 La Sable Patisserie, Shop EGK25 Canberra Centre, 89 Bunda St, ☏ +61 435 888 961, orders@lasable.com.au. M–Th 9AM–5:30PM; Sa 9AM–5PM; Su 10AM–4PM (closed F). Not so much a cafe, but is a mix of a patisserie and a bakery found in a shopping centre (Canberra Ctr) with an extensive variety of French or French-inspired desserts. It's a bit more expensive than a usual bakery, though. (updated Jun 2023)

39 The Moment Canberra, Shop EG01B, 148 Bunda St, ☏ +61 410 925 122. Su–Th 11AM–8PM; F 10:30AM–8PM; Sa 10:30AM–8:30PM. A bubble tea store (boba tea for speakers of American English) all ranging between $6 and $7 (which is quite cheap by Australian standards). (updated Jun 2022)

1 Bar Beirut, 25 Garema Place, ☏ +61 2 5114 3545, bar@barbeirut.com.au. Tu–Sa 5PM–2AM. This energetic venue in the heart of Garema Place is a love letter to the vibrant nightlife of Lebanon. Steered by charismatic owner Soumi, who cut his teeth in the underground club scene of Beirut, it serves up exceptional Middle Eastern mezze alongside some of the capital's most creative cocktails—including their signature cucumber and vanilla-infused Wasabi Martini. The vibe is highly social and feels like a sophisticated house party, topped off with live belly dancers and burlesque performers on Saturday evenings. Cocktails from $20. (updated Jul 2026)

2 Bar Rochford, Melbourne Building, 1st/65 London Circuit, ☏ +61 2 6230 6222. Tu W 5–11PM, Th 5PM–midnight, F Sa 5PM–1AM. Hidden upstairs on the first floor of the iconic 1920s heritage Melbourne Building, this acclaimed venue is a former winner of Gourmet Traveller’s Bar of the Year. Seamlessly blending industrial-chic concrete beams with stately green leather booths, the bar operates with a cool, unpretentious confidence. The exceptionally dynamic wine list focuses heavily on clean lo-fi, organic, and biodynamic producers from around the globe. The open kitchen serves up premium, Euro-leaning bistro dishes, while the bar staff spin vintage vinyl records late into the night. Cocktails from $22. (updated Jul 2026)

3 Blue Eyes, Level 1/5 Garema Place, ☏ +61 447 447 500. W–Sa 4PM–late. Upstairs overlooking Garema Place, this opulent lounge transports guests to the mid-century golden age of Frank Sinatra and old-world Hollywood glamour. The bar features a concave red-brick ceiling that creates an intimate, illicit speakeasy atmosphere, complete with glittering chandeliers, plush velvet curtains, and deep leather Chesterfield booths. It is a premier destination for champagne, classic cocktails, and smooth live jazz sets which play on the floor from Wednesday through Saturday nights. Cocktails from $21. (updated Jul 2026)

4 Dear Prudence, Sydney Building, 102 Alinga Street. M–Sa 3PM–late, Su 2–7PM. Inside the historic colonnades of the Sydney Building, this intimate wine and aperitif bar brings a slice of European flair to the city centre. Outfitted with beautifully distressed walls, moody candlelit tables, and large arched windows, it mimics a romantic, low-key New York wine lounge. Part of the broader Verity Lane Market food hall precinct, the bar features a highly curated, weekly rotating selection of undiscovered global and local lo-fi wines. It is an excellent, sophisticated sanctuary for dates or quiet conversations over cheese and charcuterie. Wine by the glass from $12. (updated Jul 2026)

1 Little Drifter Canberra (formerly Canberra City YHA), 7 Akuna St, ☏ +61 2 6248 9155, fax: +61 2 6249 1731. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. A centrally located city-centre hostel offering shared dormitory beds and private ensuite configurations. Amenities include a communal kitchen, a rooftop terrace with barbecue facilities, a lounge room with billiards, and a guest laundry. Dorm beds from $35, private rooms from $110. (updated Jul 2026)

2 BreakFree Capital Tower, 2 Marcus Clarke St, ☏ +61 2 6276 3444, toll-free: +61 1300 987 603, capitaltower.res@breakfree.com.au. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. An apartment-style hotel offering self-contained one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. Most apartments are equipped with a private balcony, full kitchen, and internal laundry facilities. Property amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, a sauna, gymnasium, and tennis courts. From $160. (updated Jul 2026)

3 Nesuto Canberra Apartment Hotel, 2 Akuna St, ☏ +61 2 622 91234, toll-free: +61 1800 188 388, reception.canberra@nesuto.com. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. A multi-storey apartment hotel featuring studios and one- or two-bedroom configurations with integrated kitchens and living areas. On-site facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool, a fitness centre, a spa, a sauna, and a tennis court. Secure undercover parking is available for a daily fee. (updated Jul 2026)

4 Novotel Canberra Hotel, 65 Northbourne Ave, ☏ +61 2 6245-5000, fax: +61 2 6245 5100, H2796-RE@accor.com. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. A mid-scale hotel offering 286 contemporary rooms and suites equipped with work desks, flat-screen televisions, and mini-refrigerators. Located directly above the Canberra city coach terminal, the property features an indoor heated pool, a fitness centre, an on-site restaurant, and extensive conference spaces. From $165. (updated Jul 2026)

5 Ovolo Canberra (Nishi Boutique Hotel), 25 Edinburgh Ave, ☏ +61 2 6287 6287, stay.nishi@ovolohotels.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. A boutique design hotel located in the New Acton precinct featuring rooms accented with original artwork and restored furnishings. Facilities include a locally focused restaurant and bar, a fitness centre, and comprehensive meeting spaces. (updated Jul 2026)

6 Peppers Gallery Hotel Canberra, 15 Edinburgh Ave, ☏ +61 2 6175 2222, allery@peppers.com.au. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. A boutique hotel housed inside a heritage-listed building featuring designer installations and high-end furnishings. Rooms are equipped with rain showers, micro-refrigerators, and work desks. On-site amenities include an Italian restaurant, a fitness pavilion, and complimentary Wi-Fi. From $180. (updated Jul 2026)

7 Quest Canberra, Melbourne Building, 28 West Row, ☏ +61 2 6243 2222, questcanberra@questapartments.com.au. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 10AM. A boutique aparthotel housed within the historic, heritage-listed Melbourne Building frame. It features 37 classic apartments ranging from studios with basic kitchenettes to spacious one- and two-bedroom layouts with laundry facilities and full kitchens. Off-site and limited on-site parking are accessible via reservations. From $160. (updated Jul 2026)

11 A by Adina Canberra, 1 Constitution Ave, ☏ +61 2 5134 6444, reservations.canberra@abyadina.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. A premium apartment hotel blending upscale residential architecture with luxury hotel services. Suites incorporate large floor-to-ceiling windows, modern workspaces, full amenities kits, and targeted kitchen infrastructure. Property facilities include a 24-hour concierge desk, an automated gym facility, on-site secure parking, and immediate access to city plaza dining. From $210. (updated Jul 2026)

12 Crowne Plaza Canberra, 1 Binara St, ☏ +61 2 6274 5500, reservations.cbrbs@ihg.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. An upscale hotel located adjacent to Glebe Park and Casino Canberra. Rooms feature contemporary decor and ergonomic workspaces. On-site facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a fully equipped fitness centre, a business lounge, and a specialty bar and restaurant. From $230. (updated Jul 2026)

13 Meriton Suites Canberra, 40 Allara St, ☏ +61 2 6190 8200. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 10AM. An upscale 5-star apartment hotel featuring 280 modern suites ranging from open-plan studios to multi-bedroom layouts and top-floor penthouses. All suites incorporate fully functional kitchens, internal laundry facilities, and flat-screen televisions. Shared amenities include an indoor swimming pool, a spa, and a fitness centre. Secure on-site parking and EV charging stations are available. From $190. (updated Jul 2026)

While the city centre's historic architecture is predominantly Christian, Civic features a diverse multi-faith community, including an active central Islamic prayer hall tucked into the northern commercial district.

1 Canberra City Musalla (Canberra City Prayer Hall), 6/16 Moore St. Open daily for the five obligatory prayers; Jummah (F) Khutbah typically begins at 1:15PM.. A welcoming and vital central city prayer space serving Muslim residents, corporate workers, and travellers visiting the CBD. The facility is split across two levels, with a dedicated private upstairs section reserved exclusively for women and girls. While a small kitchenette is available on-site, visitors are highly encouraged to perform wudu (ablution) before arrival as there are no dedicated restrooms inside the immediate suite. Deww. (updated Jul 2026)

2 Canberra City Uniting Church, 69 Northbourne Ave, ☏ +61 2 6257 4600, office@canberracityuca.org.au. Su 10AM (traditional), 2PM (Tongan), 5:30PM (contemporary). An exceptionally progressive, inclusive, and community-minded church community in the core of the city's commercial district. The building serves as a busy multi-faith hub on weekends and houses three distinct congregations on Sundays: a traditional service in the morning, a vibrant Tongan-language service in the afternoon, and a contemporary 'City at Night' service in the evening. Free. (updated Jul 2026)

3 Divergent Church Canberra City, 148/2 Akuna Street (gatherings are hosted inside the main Nesuto Canberra apartment hotel tower; enter the lobby and follow directional signage up to the 'Upper Room' auditorium), ☏ +61 468 383 575. Su 10:27AM and 4:57PM. A modern, casual Christian community leaning into the Pentecostal evangelical tradition, drawing a large crowd of local university students, young professionals, and city workers. Gatherings are held in a uniquely relaxed format that includes a standard mid-service intermission for coffee and social connection. (On the very first Sunday of every single month, the city congregation does not meet at this venue; instead, they join their wider regional branches for a unified regional service called 'ONE' at a rotating venue, which is advertised in advance on their website.) Free. (updated Jul 2026)

4 St John the Baptist Anglican Church (St John's Reid), ☏ +61 2 6248 8330. Varies for services; regular Sunday Eucharist services are held at 8AM, 9:30AM, and a contemporary service at 6PM.. It is just across the street boundary in the suburb of Reid. This historic church precinct is an absolute staple for any city centre guide. Founded in 1841, it stands proudly as the oldest surviving public building in the entire Canberra city area—predating the founding of the national capital by more than half a century. The stunning stone sanctuary features beautiful heritage stained glass windows, historic pioneer monuments, and a powerful pipe organ. The surrounding park-like churchyard and original 1840s schoolhouse contain the graves of the region's earliest European pioneering families. Free entry. (updated Jul 2026)

While massive indoor retail centres like the Canberra Centre provide pristine, modern public restrooms and premium parent rooms on every level during standard retail hours, several highly accessible municipal blocks are spread across the transit and parkland sectors.

5 Alinga Street Transit Interchange Public Toilet (Alinga Street Exeloo), Alinga Street (between Mort Street and East Row) (in the centre of the open-air pedestrian island, next to the Civic light rail terminus). Apr–Sep: Daily 7AM–8PM; Oct–Mar: Daily 7AM–10PM. An advanced, highly secure standalone 'Exeloo' public toilet pod. Featuring automatic sliding doors, completely touchless sensor-activated flushes and hand-washing basins, and a pre-recorded audio assistance guide. The wide, gender-neutral layout is completely wheelchair compliant and rigorously cleaned throughout the day. Closes automatically at night via system timer locks. Free. (updated Jul 2026)

6 City Community Health Centre Public Toilets, 1 Moore Street (on the ground floor foyer of the community health centre tower). M–F 8AM–5PM (closed Sa Su). Clean and safe public access restrooms operating inside a public government health building. Features standard layout facilities, full disability access compliance, and sharp-disposal containers. Highly recommended for those on the northern end of town who want an indoor alternative to the busy open-air transit pods. Free. (updated Jul 2026)

7 Civic Library Public Toilets (Civic Square Restrooms), Civic Square, London Circuit (indoors past the main entry foyer of the Civic Library building). M–F 10AM–5:30PM, Sa 10AM–4PM (closed Su & public holidays). Extremely clean and highly secure indoor public restrooms situated inside the main library pavilion. The facilities include fully accessible wide stalls for travelers with limited mobility, a dedicated private baby-change station, and water drinking fountains close by. Perfect for visitors exploring the Canberra Theatre Centre or the surrounding Civic Square public art installations. Free. (updated Jul 2026)

8 Glebe Park Public Toilets, Glebe Park, Coranderrk Street (tucked inside the park grounds near the central playground and covered rotunda structure). Apr–Sep: Daily 7AM–8PM; Oct–Mar: daily 7AM–10PM. A traditional brick municipal public toilet facility safely nestled inside Civic's premier historic green space. Fully accessible and family-friendly, it features close proximity to the park's walking trails, barbecue pavilions, and open lawns. The doors operate on automated timers linked to seasonal daylight savings times. Free. (updated Jul 2026)