For those who can't shake the notion of Canberra being a city full of roundabouts and politicians, this article is one for you to read! Over the past few years Canberra has evolved as a diverse little cultural hub, below you'll find the Peppers 'Top 5' list for a weekend in this beautiful city.
Drink – Mocan & Green Grout
Combine a bike shop, art gallery and amazing coffee, and what would you end up with? Mocan and Green Grout café of course. If you happen to wake up feeling a little drowsy, with a craving only caffeine (and a croissant) will fill – we suggest you take a leisurely stroll down to this bustling New Acton café. Featuring up and coming local artists, and bikes from Goodspeed Bicycle Company, this isn’t your usual coffee shop. Alongside their delicious fair trade coffee, the pastries are supplied by A. Baker, another local Canberra favourite, and while this feature is sitting under the ‘Drink’ section, their breakfast menu is fairly delicious too... 1/19 Marcus Clarke Street New Acton South, Canberra 02 6162 2909 Photo credit: Mocan & Green Grout Café
Eat – Parlour Wine Room
If the sound of twice cooked crispy pork belly with fried onions & hazelnuts or oysters with Riesling, elderflower granita & finger lime pearls makes your mouth water, you need to head down to Parlour Wine Room. With a menu focusing on sophisticated Spanish tapas dishes, and a wine-list curated by Sommelier Peter Bell, you’d be hard-pressed not to order well. Located in the NewActon precinct, upon entering Parlour you feel like you’ve arrived in the Colonial era mixed with the modern day. Inviting leather couches and antique dark wood tables combined with the modern centre bar create a moody and inviting atmosphere. You’ll be surprised when you walk out and remember you’re not in Madrid. Tues – Sun: 12 Noon til late 16 Kendall Lane New Acton, Canberra 02 6257 7325
Shop – Handmade Canberra – Shop & Markets
Tucked into City Walk Boulevard, you’ll find Shop Handmade. A little different to your usual boutique, everything in Shop Handmade is sourced from local Australian designers & crafters. An evolution from Canberra’s quarterly Handmade Markets, it showcases everything from handmade silver jewellery and original art work, to artisan preserves and sweet treats. It is the perfect place to pick up a unique gift for loved ones at home, or to treat yourself to a little memento of your trip. The next Handmade Market is held at EPIC, Exhibition Park in Canberra September 26 & 27, 2015 10am – 4pm
See – The Palace Electric Cinema
If you’re after a movie experience that’s a little bit different to your regular night at the cinema, then The Palace Electric Cinema is a must visit. Located in the Nishi Precinct of NewActon, you’ll be able to enjoy all your big Hollywood blockbusters, side by side international art-house, independent and documentary films. Throughout the year it is also home to prestigious film festivals such as, The Lavazza Italian Film Festival, The Alliance Francaise French Film Festival and the Spanish and British Film Festivals. For those seeking a little international film culture, this is the spot to find it. NewActon Nishi 2 Phillip Law Street (Corner Edinburgh Ave and Parkes Way) New Acton, Canberra 02 6222 4900
Do – National Arboretum
A little different to the previous suggestions – this one will take you out of the city. Designed by Landscape Architects, Taylor Cullity Lethlean, the National Arboretum is a collection of 94 rare, endangered and symbolic forests, featuring over 48,000 trees and spanning 618 acres, it’s suffice to say that it is a place of natural beauty. With all areas planned solely for the purpose of community enjoyment, stand breath taken in the Himalayan cedar forest or learn how the Australian ecosystem works at the Native Southern Tablelands Ecosystems Park. For those with a green-thumb or penchant for the outdoors, this is a must visit. Forest Drive Canberra City 13 22 81 Photo credit: John Gollings