Just a few minutes’ walk from the city centre is Braddon, Canberra’s ever-evolving shopping and foodie precinct. Formally a light industrial area, Braddon has transformed into a hipster haven teeming with boutiques, cafes, bakeries, restaurants and bars. Some of the local shops and eateries still pay homage to the area’s past, decorating their spaces with cheeky references to the mechanic garages and car yards that used to dominate the precinct.
DO
Head to Braddon for a morning of perusing local wares, discovering new makers and nibbling delightful delicacies. This street is well known for its coffee culture and brunches so work up an appetite shopping before settling down in one of the many eateries.
As the day turns to night, bars take over from the cafes and cocktails replace smoothies. Sip you’re your way through the 18 locally crafted brews at BentSpoke Brewing Co, go bar hopping, or take a foodie walking tour to discover even more delicious flavours.
WHERE TO GO
At the heart of this popular Canberra precinct is Lonsdale Street, lined with a variety of one-off stores showcasing local creatives and regional growers.
Make a bee-line for the Ori Building, named after its origami-like folds on the building’s façade and home to popular fashion, homeware and design stores. Pick up the perfect piece at Handsome Pretty, or try a handcrafted chocolate from Enigma Fine Chocolates, or indulge in a truly inspired flavour of ice cream at Frugii Dessert Laboratory.
Across the road, the Nibu and Palko buildings host the trifecta of good coffee, great food and excellent shopping. Get a hit of caffeine at Kyo Coffee Project, try sensational ramen at White Chaco, or pick up some ceramics at Bisonhome as a beautiful reminder of your getaway to the capital.
SLEEP
To get the true Braddon experience you need to stay close so you can wake up to the smell of coffee wafting from Lonsdale St. Choose from many nearby hotels and apartments including Midnight Hotel, which heroes sunlight and privacy in its generously sized rooms. If you want to watch the sunset from a rooftop bar Canberra Rex Hotel is for you.
Located within a short walk of two Light Rail stops, Braddon is easily accessible so wherever you choose to rest your head you’ll be able to enjoy the delights of Lonsdale St.
EAT
From exceptional coffee roasters to creative cafes and award-winning restaurants you won’t go hungry in Braddon. Start the day with tofu scrambled ‘eggs’ at the vegan café and bakery Sweet Bones or enjoy all the brunch classics at Lonsdale St Roasters. For lunch enjoy Asian-inspired eats at Lazy Su or wrap your hands around a burger from Grease Monkey. If you’re after an award-winning dinner to rave about look no further than eighty-six and its slow-cooked lamb shoulder. With a dizzying array of bars to choose from one thing is for certain, riesling lovers should head to Rizla – Australia’s first bar dedicated to the humble riesling.