Canberra for foodies

It’s the seat of the country’s government and the capital of Australia, but this compact city often gets overlooked in favour its bigger, brighter and bolder neighbours.

Canberra has been working hard to shrug off some of the more unfortunate stereotypes attached to it, and is now home to a burgeoning food and drink scene. Expedia’s Aussie travellers tend to visit for 1-2 nights and that’s plenty of time to check out a few local hot spots. Our advice? Get there now before the rest of the world wakes up to the bush capital’s considerable charms.

It’s not all politics

Diplomats, government officials and public servants. It’s true – many of the city’s 380,00 inhabitants have political leanings, and while talk of laws and legislation might not be your idea of fun, that doesn’t mean Canberrans don’t want somewhere great to eat and drink at the end of the day. And that’s where a new generation of enthusiastic restaurateurs come in.

EightySix in Braddon has no menu – just a handful of dishes written up on the chalkboard wall – and has earned a reputation for its service with a side of attitude, thanks to feisty front of house manager and co-owner Sean Royle. Luckily, the rough and ready approach can be forgiven when you taste chef Gus Armstrong’s food. Named the hottest restaurant in the ACT by the Weekend Australian, EightSix’s insanely good popcorn sundae dessert also recently graced the cover of Gourmet Traveller. With a larger-than-life photo of chef Marco Pierre White looming over proceedings in the kitchen, don’t be surprised to hear the odd swear word emanating from behind the pass.

Canberrans can have fun

Looking at a map of the city, you’d be forgiven for thinking this city is all landmarks and history lessons (and a surprisingly high amount of roundabouts). Yes, purpose-built Canberra is home to heaps of museums and galleries – not to mention the 81-metre flagpole of Parliament House and the imposing Australian War Memorial, but that doesn’t mean it’s all learning and no fun. From interactive exhibits at the National Museum Australia and a who’s who of Aussies past and present at the National Portrait Gallery, to the walk on the wild side offered at the National Dinosaur Museum, there’s something for everyone. And when you’re done getting your cultural fix, you can kick back with a beer and a burger at Brodburger. Located next to Canberra Glassworks, this all-day diner serves flame-grilled patties and baskets of fries, and started life as a pop-up caravan. You see? Utterly unpretentious.