Here’s your guide to what’s open in Canberra
- Sip happy in the Capital Brewing Co. Taproom
- Cycle or hike the Mount Stromlo trail
- Pick up local treats at the Farmers Market
....and yes, Questacon is open!
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Explore
Canberra has well and truly earned the title of ‘bush capital,’ surrounded by mountains and with huge natural bushland within the city itself, you’re always close to a great hike or cycle trail – and they’re open for you to enjoy!
Go for a hike:
- The Mount Ainslie (Kokoda) Track is a must-do, and a regular weekend wander for Canberrans, with stunning views leading to Parliament House
- Chase waterfalls and mountain pools along the trail to Gibraltar Peak in the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. This one will keep you out all day, and may get icy in winter, so pack water and a thermos, and make sure to stick to the trail!
- The National Arboretum and Lake Burley Griffin both have iconic trails running between trees, BBQ spots, toilets and cafes, perfect for taking a day out with family or a group needing snack breaks
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Get on ya bike:
- Conquer Mount Stromlo, follow the sealed road winding up the mountain and check out the observatory when you make it to the top!
- If you’re really into hills, the National Arboretum has plenty to head up and down, all set within beautiful views and trails that weave through trees, forests and shrubs
- Keep it chill around Lake Burley Griffin, a smooth cycling route where you can hire tandem bikes and pedal cars
Eat, Drink and Snack…
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When you’ve just gotta get that food fix, and the incredible Canberra food and wine scene is ready to welcome you! All down Canberra’s famous Lonsdale Street you’ll find specialty coffee at spots like Lonsdale St Roasters 07 and Barrio, with the award-winning Cupping Room by Ona just around the corner on University Ave. If you can’t score a table at The Cupping Room, the Ona team have sister cafes close by, Typica, the first ever Ona store, in Manuka serves up burgers and more in the quiet and leafy Manuka Parade, while Highroad in Dickson is your high-class brunch mainstay. Head to nearby Lyneham for a pub feed and tipple at the Capital Brewing Co, or enjoy a piece of history at Tilley’s Devine Café and Gallery.
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While in the inner suburbs of Canberra, you can’t miss picking up a few dumplings from the famed Dickson Dumpling House, or their CBD counterpart on the ground floor of the Canberra Centre. Made fresh to order, you can fill your belly with fresh dumplings for less than $15 a person. Their san choy bao is delish, and don’t get us started on the soup dumplings, they’re what dreams are made of!
Relax and Enjoy
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Many of the classic Canberra museums, markets and more are open for you to enjoy, from fine art to feisty theatre – just make sure to snap up tickets before they sell out!
- Questacon is open and running their interactive Mission to Mars exhibit, but you must have a valid ticket to enter, and sessions are timed
- The National Gallery of Australia, National Portrait Gallery, and Museum of Australia are all open, but with timed visits only. It’s still free, but bookings are essential!
- The National Zoo and Aquarium is back open and welcoming guests. Ticket numbers are limited, so if you’re thinking of saying hello to some lions, tigers or bears, make sure to purchase your ticket first
- The famed Old Bus Depot Markets are closed for now, but you can still pick up fresh fruit and veg, as well as locally made goodies, at the Capital Farmers Market at Exhibition Park every Saturday morning from 7am... the early bird gets the worm in this case!
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If you’ve been missing some live entertainment, there are limited musical and theatre shows available at the Canberra Theatre Centre.
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