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A DAY AND NIGHT GUIDE

Fyshwick and Surrounds

Flip the switch below and discover Canberra by day or night
Concrete Playground
March 17, 2021
Fyshwick and Surrounds

Forget everything you think you know about Fyshwick — and Canberra, for that matter. The historically industrial precinct is in the grips of a cultural rebirth, not unlike the nation’s capital more generally.

Pay a long overdue visit to one of the city’s most diverse business and cultural precincts to meet the makers who are transforming it into a must-visit destination — for reasons other than its (admittedly excellent) fresh food markets.

Flick the switch above, and we’ll dim the lights to show you the best things to do once the sun goes down. You can also explore more Canberra suburbs and plan your trip here.

Forget everything you think you know about Fyshwick — and Canberra, for that matter. The historically industrial precinct is in the grips of a cultural rebirth, not unlike the nation’s capital more generally.

After you’ve made the rounds during the day, come back after hours to discover what makes Fyshwick tick long after the sun sets over its surrounding wetlands. We’re talking genre-bending eateries and breweries, and recreational activities aplenty.

Flick the switch above, and we’ll turn on the lights to show you the best things to do pre-6pm. You can also explore more Canberra suburbs and plan your trip here.

DID YOU KNOW

Hidden beneath nearby Jerrabomberra Wetlands is a network of WWI-era Western Front training trenches, considered to have been the best in the country at the time of their use. Though a ‘trench trail’ is still walkable today, even fewer remains exist of an internment camp built towards the end of the war to house some 5000 German and Austrian nationals who never showed up.

GETTING AROUND

We suggest opting for public transport around here. The Route 2 bus departs from the city and makes several stops along Canberra Avenue before reaching the Canberra Outlet Centre in Fyshwick.

DON’T MISS

Pialligo may be small (like, two perpendicular streets small) but it certainly packs a punch. Not only is it Canberra’s premier orchard district when the season allows it (shoot for autumn for crisp local apples), it lays claim to one of the city’s best vineyards. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better spot to enjoy lunch.

LOCALS LOVE

Fyshwick might be synonymous with its fresh food market, but one of its better-kept secrets is its thrifting scene. Hidden between the big-name hardware stores and fashion outlets is a slew of charming antique stores. The experience varies wildly from the highly curated to the risqué. Whatever you unearth, it’s bound to be unique.

DID YOU KNOW

Despite the ‘wick’ in Fyshwick coming from the Old English term for dwelling place, not that many people actually live in this suburb. In the 2016 Census, there were only 56 people that called the neighbourhood their home. Instead, this area is better known for the many commercial businesses — some of which you’ll discover below.

GETTING AROUND

This part of town is quite spread out. The Route 2 bus from Fyshwick back into the city stops before 8pm on weekends so, after dark, relying on ridesharing or driving is the best-case scenario for getting around.

DON’T MISS

Canberra’s mountainous outskirts mean that adrenaline fiends needn’t venture far if the occasion calls for high-altitude thrills. Entry-level climbers and skilled mountaineers alike would do well to whet their appetite at BlocHaus, an indoor bouldering gym with a higher density of crash mats than the neighbouring Brindabella Range has.

LOCALS LOVE

Arguably the jewel in the crown of the Dairy Road Precinct is Capital Brewing. Grab a spot in the beer garden and watch the sun set with a Brodburger in one hand and a beer in the other. Opt for a perfectly executed classic from the core range or try one of the taproom’s wild experiments.

What to check out in Fyshwick and surrounds

Do as the locals do.

Cafes and Restaurants

Start the day with an award-winning coffee, or stop in at one of Canberra's best bakeries.

1. Red Baron

Venture in for classic cafe fodder — or stay home to enjoy the spoils of the curated produce boxes.

2. Mount Majura Vineyard

A rustic winery with a stellar tempranillo and on-site glamping.

3. Wildflour Artisan Bakery and Cafe

Expect Ona coffee, hearty brunch dishes and failsafe pastries at this bustling Fyshwick cafe.

4. The Flute Bakery

This weekday-only patisserie has some of the best sweet treats in the city.

5. Ona Coffee House Cafe

No visit to Canberra is complete without sipping an award-winning brew here.

Arts, Culture & Leisure

Here, you'll find some of Canberra's best creative offerings — from locally made gin to emerging art.

1. Balloon Aloft Canberra

Get an eagle-eye view of Canberra in a hot air balloon.

2. Jerrabomberra Wetlands

Keep an eye out for wildlife as you wander through this man-made habitat.

3. Big River Distilling Co

Stop by this distillery door to sample artisanal gin and vodka.

4. Grainger Gallery

An independent art gallery in the heart of Fyshwick's Dairy Road Precinct.

Shops

You can find everything from artisanal chocolate to pre-loved homewares here.

1. Pink Flamingo interiors

Not for the faint-hearted, this is the only place you need to visit if maximalist interiors are your aesthetic.

2. Quizzic Alley

Visit the most magical shop in Canberra for Hogwarts merch galore.

3. Designer Op Shop Emporium

If Lana Del Rey created an op shop, this would be it.

4. Dirty Janes Canberra

A vintage store bringing the same quality and charm as the original Southern Highlands outpost.

5. Jasper and Myrtle Chocolates

Step up your sweet treat game with these premium handmade chocolates.

What to check out in Fyshwick and surrounds

Do as the locals do.

Leisure

Whether you're after some solo relaxation time or fun for the whole gang, this area has you covered.

1. Breakr

Take a baseball bat to vases and old mugs at Canberra's first breaking room.

2. Revelation Puzzle Rooms

Team bonding and group nights out are made even more fun by the escape rooms at Revelation Puzzle Rooms.

3. Axxe

Sharpen your weapons.

4. Rest and Recovery

Take a load off with float therapy at this Fyshwick recovery centre.

Restaurants and Bars

This area is home to several unassuming neighbourhood eateries that you'll want to visit again and again.

1. Pialligo Estate - CLOSED

This sprawling estate features a market garden, smokehouse, event spaces and a chic restaurant.

2. XO

Head here for bold Asian-inspired dishes and, thanks to it being set menu only, zero decision making.

3. Kita

Seek an alternative to after-hours venues at Canberra's only all-night cafe.

4. La Cantina Italian Restaurant

A rustic, art-filled Italian restaurant in Canberra's inner south.

Dairy Road Precinct

This tiny pocket of warehouses is transforming into one of Canberra's most exciting nighttime hubs.

1. Capital Brewing Co

The home of one of Australia's top independent craft beer labels.

2. Flow Yoga

Flow-style yoga classes in an expansive warehouse space.

3. BlocHaus Bouldering

This Fyshwick climbing gym boasts a whopping 850 square metres of bouldering space.

4. Vertikal Indoor Snow Sports

Hit the slopes at Canberra's indoor skiing and snowboarding centre.

CP Picks

Here is how our team loves to spend a few hours in Fyshwick and surrounds.

Find Your Way Through the South East

Track down the must-visit local haunts.

ARE OUT OF VIEW SHOW ALL

Discover more experiences to have in Canberra at VisitCanberra and start planning your next city break.

Words by: Nick Carolan

Top images: Capital Brewing Co, VisitCanberra; Lake Burley Griffin, VisitCanberra
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