Canberra

Canberra: 24-hour itinerary

Canberra Insider

Hanging sculpture at entrance to National Gallery of Australia, Canberra

If you've just got 24 hours in Canberra, our Insider has put together the perfect itinerary just for you. Don't miss a thing!

Stock up

Canberra is situated in the heart of rich farmlands and, as such, is the end-point for plentiful top-quality produce. If you're in town early on a Saturday morning head out to Exhibition Park to the Capital Region Farmer's Markets. Stock up on some cheese and bread, fresh fruit and jams as well as tasty cakes (and see if you can find the woman who makes beautiful almond cakes with real roses on top and Turkish delight centres — they are to die for).

Get high

Now that you're stocked up with tasty goodies, drive up to the top of Mt Ainslie. From here you can see all of Canberra and the surrounding mountains. It's the perfect place to appreciate Griffin's planned approach to the Garden City movement of the early 1920s. Just a stone's throw away is Pialligo, a district of charming nurseries and cafes as well as the renowned Bison pottery studios. Podfood also comes especially recommended.

Culture vulture

Wander over to the National Gallery and sit in front of Jackson Pollock's Blue Poles. Spend a bit of time getting lost in the famous drip strokes or contemplating the surrounding controversy. Be among the first to see the stunning eleven new purpose-built galleries dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art. Afterwards, mosey over to Pork Barrel Cafe, adjacent to Old Parliament House's rose gardens. It's a lovely setting as long as they haven't busted out the fertiliser the day of your visit. If you need a caffeine hit, be impressed at the stain-glassed windows and massive bowls of coffee at the National Library's Bookplate cafe.

Woine toime

After a long day of food-y pleasure you might not be so hungry for dinner; instead, head to Benchmark Wine Bar and work your way through a few flights of vino with tapas. Benchmark has a wide range of wines and friendly, knowledgeable staff. Next, wander over to Knightsbridge Penthouse to sip on cocktails with Canberra's beautiful people.

Recover

The next morning swing by Satis organic cafe on your way out of town for a recovery coffee. This little gem is tiny and has erratic hours but serves yummy coffee laced with good intentions for the world.

Do you know of any other attractions that should be included in an itinerary for 24 hours in Canberra? Tell us about them below.

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Next: 48-hour itinerary

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Canberra itineraries Australia Australian Capital Territory

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