INNER NORTH
It's no surprise Canberra's inner north has become a popular area for both locals and visitors to spend time. Not only does it boast a thriving arts and culture scene but it also has top-notch food and drink options at every turn.
This pocket of Canberra has something to interest all types of traveller. Want to spend a day mooching about the boutique shops and sipping expertly poured coffee? Perhaps you’re a culture vulture on the hunt for the next big thing in contemporary art? Or maybe you want to get back to nature. You can do it all here.
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.
It's no surprise Canberra's inner north has become a popular area for both locals and visitors to spend time. Not only does it boast a thriving arts and culture scene but it also has top-notch food and drink options at every turn.
If we can give you one tip for spending an evening in the inner north, it’s this: go hungry. The city and Braddon have fine dining options aplenty, plus a fancy, buzzing dining hall in Verity Lane Market. And the night needn’t end there, with plenty of options for post-dinner entertainment and drinks.
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.
Over 70 percent of the ACT is open, green space. Following suit, the inner north of Canberra has a number of beautiful spaces and parks with trees, plants, shrubbery, birds and wildlife to explore. It’s a good place to take in a breath of fresh air.
Save driving for after dark and spend the daylight hours exploring on two wheels. The Share a Bike scheme has self-service bike rental stations at multiple spots around the area, including the Crowne Plaza and QT Canberra, and prices start at just $1.50 per hour.
The Australia National Capital Artists Inc (ANCA) puts the works of local artists on display at its gallery and studio space in Dickson and supports them through the artist-run initiative. Head there to check out the local talent.
When the weather’s fine, locals flock to Haig Park, an expansive 19-hectare nature that sprawls across Braddon and Turner. It boasts over 2000 trees, plus tennis courts, a bowling club, an off-leash section for pups, a fitness track and barbecues for lazy Sunday lunches.
The north of Dickson harbours a hub of Asian eats. Grab noodles from Two Sisters Lao Thai Cuisine, homemade dumplings from Dickson Dumpling House or pho from Pho Phu Quoc. You’ll also find a number of Asian supermarkets specialising in fresh produce and hard-to-find ingredients in the area.
When nighttime hits, you have two decent options for exploring the inner north. The first, of course, is by car or your ridesharing service of choice. The second is the light rail, which basically cuts through the centre of Dickson, Turner and Braddon and terminates at Alinga Street.
A visit to Bentspoke Brewing Co in Braddon to taste its award-winning craft beer is a must. In 2021, its IPA, the Bentspoke Crankshaft, took out the number one spot in GABS Hottest 100, the nation’s largest craft beer poll. Oh, and three of its other brews also nabbed places in the top 20.
The residents of Canberra’s inner north don’t mind a good venue hop through many of the area’s beloved pubs and bars. If you’re looking for a place to start, Hopscotch in Braddon will serve you a fine beer with a pizza to prime your stomach.
What to check out in Braddon, Dickson, Acton and the CBD
Do as the locals do.
Cafes
Canberrans take their coffee very seriously and nowhere is it clearer than in the inner north.
Arts, Culture & Leisure
Spend the day admiring the work of up-and-coming creatives — or get the blood pumping.
Shops
Forget high street. The inner north offers a boutique shopping experience from one-of-a-kind gifts to luxe booze.
What to check out in Braddon, Dickson, Acton and the CBD
Do as the locals do.
Restaurants
Cheap and cheerful takeaway? Or an all-out, wear-your-stretchy-pants feast? Either way, you're sorted.
Bars
Hop tip: some of the best spots to enjoy a tipple in the inner north are hidden in plain sight.
Arts, Culture & Leisure
The fun doesn't stop when the sun goes down — the inner north is a hive for after-dark action.
CP Picks
Here is how our team loves to spend a few hours in the inner north.
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Kyo Coffee Project
Japanese-inspired fare and an expertly curated coffee offering make this Braddon hideaway a must-visit. -
Bisonhome
Brian Tunks' simple and elegant ceramic designs are used by Canberra's top restaurants, cafes and shops — and you can own them, too. -
National Film and Sound Archive
Consider yourself a cinephile? This not-for-profit institution has collected over three million works for you to lose hours diving into.
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88mph
Bike shorts, power suits and mullets may be back in 2021 but, at this 80s-inspired bar, they never left. Swing by to boogie to Bowie on the d-floor or belt out a classic ballad in a private karaoke room. -
Pilot
If you're going to splash out on one fancy meal in Canberra, make it Pilot. But, also, make sure you secure a booking well in advance — this tiny dining room only has 22 seats. -
Bar Rochford
This chic bar inside the Melbourne Building may be better known for its cocktails, but a word of advice: don't skip the snacks.
Find Your Way Through the Inner North
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: Marnie Vinall
Top images: Barrio Collective Coffee, VisitCanberra; Assembly