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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Arts, Culture & Leisure
Here, you'll find some of Canberra's best creative offerings — from locally made gin to emerging art.
Shops
You can find everything from artisanal chocolate to pre-loved homewares here.
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.
Restaurants and Bars
This area is home to several unassuming neighbourhood eateries that you'll want to visit again and again.
Dairy Road Precinct
This tiny pocket of warehouses is transforming into one of Canberra's most exciting nighttime hubs.
CP Picks
Here is how our team loves to spend a few hours in Fyshwick and surrounds.
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Quizzic Alley
Wands, Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans and spinning time-turner necklaces — you'll find all of these and more here. -
Naked Cubby
For a memorable stay during your Canberra trip, book of Naked Cubby's bell tents (or the new tiny house) set within the vines of Mount Majura Vineyard. -
Ona Coffee House
Canberra's coffee scene is nothing to be sniffed at and it's thanks, in large part, to Ona. The capital-born roastery has a slew of awards to its name — and a goal to create the most sustainable coffee in the world.
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Axxe
Channel your medieval side and challenge your mates to an axe throwing duel. -
Blochaus
This indoor climbing gym has a whopping 850 square metres of bouldering space. -
XO
Across this South East Asian-inspired diner's set menu, you can expect innovative noodles, dumplings, Golden Gaytime-inspired desserts and more.
Find Your Way Through the South East
Track down the must-visit local haunts.
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