Canberra CBD Suburb Profile 

There is a lot going on in our nation’s capital, and Canberra City is no exception. In what is locally known as Civic, high-flying offices sit alongside pedestrian malls, heritage buildings and shiny new developments, all of which are overflowing with an ever-evolving roster of designer stores and chic hangouts. Including late-night revelry that’s not always for the faint-hearted.

Jump to homes

Say Canberra City, and you may get a confused look from the locals. An area long known by its unofficial name, Civic, this bustling hub is a real mixed bag. For those living in Canberra CBD, it offers a unique blend of attractions and lifestyle perks. A metropolis that likes to be the centre of attention, Civic has no intention of being sidelined by its vibrant neighbours. Pulsing with an impressive foodie, bar, and shopping scene, Civic is a standout for its many attractions: Canberra Centre, Canberra Museum and Gallery, Civic Square, The Canberra Theatre, The Street Theatre, Canberra Carousel, and Casino Canberra (just to name a few). And unlike other cities, thanks to building height restrictions, Civic’s skyline isn’t punctuated by high-rises.

A widely popular shopping destination, Canberra Centre houses all the big brand names and smaller boutiques, as well as a dedicated health and wellness precinct on the ground floor. North Quarter is the centre’s outdoor dining destination, and pedestrian malls like City Walk and Garema Place overflow with more shopping opportunities, culinary delights, and after-hour hangouts.

The heritage-listed Melbourne Building plays a starring role on Civic’s foodie trail and clubbing scene. Garema Place is also a popular go-to, not only for its seriously good food but also for its vast selection of cocktail lounges, wine bars, and much-loved pubs.

But Civic is not all about fun and games. For those living in Canberra CBD, there’s also the convenience of being close to the ACT Legislative Assembly, ACT Magistrate’s Court, and the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science. Right next door is the sprawling campus of the prestigious Australian National University. Needless to say, there’s a buzz to Civic that ebbs and flows throughout the week, appealing to many.

Area Features

Civic Square

Part of Canberra’s tourist trail, Civic Square holds plenty of local significance, with a dash of culture and democracy thrown in; ACT Legislative Assembly, Canberra Museum and Gallery, Civic Library and The Canberra Theatre can all be found here.

Shopping

A firm favourite around town, Canberra Centre is the go-to shopping destination. Boasting all the big brand names, high-end boutiques and all the alternative shopfronts that you can imagine. The ground floor is a dedicated health and wellness district, and there’s a plethora of food options to choose from.

Eat & Drink

Civic is a real culinary experience with many on-trend cafes and fine-dining restaurants at the top of their game. Coffee-mad folk are well-catered for and much to the delight of locals, multi-cultural eateries have a strong presence. Civic is also home to Canberra’s largest nightclub district, with the beats kicking-on well into the small hours of the morning.

Australian National University

One of the nation’s most prestigious academic institutions, the Australian National University has a sprawling campus in neighbouring Acton. Academics and students hailing from all corners of the globe are drawn to this highly revered institution. And the students love to make the most of Civic’s café scene and after-hours hotspots.

One of Canberra’s hot-spots, Civic has broad appeal. With Australian National University nearby and apartment living on the rise, Civic tends to attract professionals, the well-educated, civil servants and students in droves.Its prime location also means Civic has more than its fair share of tourists, all who check-in to one of the many big-name and smaller boutique hotels around town.