Visiting Canberra

One of Ferg’s favourites, eightysix combines great food with a cutting-edge vibe and wonderful hospitality

A haven of serenity and the best place for a restorative stroll, the Ausralian National Botanic Gardens are dedicated to Australian native flora. Frank has many favourite places in the gardens, including the rainforest gully in summer!

A wine bar with some interesting inclusions for the adventurous (that’s Kate). Great simple wine bar food to match. Bar Rochford.

Canberra’s newest icon, Leo is watching the 100-odd forests of the National Arboretum grow. Award winning architecture, and the Pod playground is a winner with kids.

Winemakers love a beer, but Fergus claimed this one first. Bentspoke is the epicentre of Canberra’s brew scene. Great variety among the 21 taps.

Kate says ” I am not a ‘I like shopping’ kinda gal. However when this market comes around about 4 times a year you can’t keep me away. Local and handmade.”

Italian and Sons is a great favourite of Ferg’s. Classic Italian cuisine, done perfectly, in a place that you just want to come back to again and again.

A favourite for most of us, whether its riding the cycle path that encircles it, watching kids row on it, running the bridge to bridge loop, sailing, or canoeing over to Springbank Island for a picnic, the central gem of Canberra is full of opportunities.

Manuka Oval is one of Leo’s favourites for watching local and national cricket and footy

Akiba is Ferg’s favourite place for a cocktail and a bite. Always buzzing.

There’s always more to see at the National Gallery of Australia. Among Frank’s favourites are two that are not even in the building: Skyspace, and the Sculpture Garden.

Highball Express is a favourite of mine and my friends alike. This Cuban themed bar has some seriously good drinks — Kate

National Portrait Gallery wins Ferg’s prize for best architecture, but what’s inside is remarkable.

Stromlo is Frank’s favourite place for mountain biking — plenty of rocky technical stuff but some fast flowy trails too. Majura Pines, right next to the vineyard is not far behind.

Ferg is a regular at Vincent in Barton, a cool wine bar with cutting edge dishes served by Chef Ute, (ex Pod Food, Circa and Vue de Monde)