10 of the Best Hidden Gems in Canberra to Discover

Canberra may be meticulously planned out with fewer nooks and crannies than other cities around Australia, but that doesn’t mean it’s entirely without a few hidden treasures. Scratch beneath the surface, and you’ll find all sorts of locals-only hotspots across dining, shopping, history, and exploring.

While some – or many – of these may be fairly well-known to long-time Canberrans, this list is perfect if you’re new to the city or visiting for the weekend.

Ready to uncover the best hidden gems in Canberra? Here are our top ten favourites.

Canberra Balloon Spectacular

Hot air balloons are practically synonymous with Canberra. What may come as a surprise that during autumn, the annual Canberra Balloon Spectacular takes over the city, filling the sky each morning with colourful hot air balloons, as it has done since 1996.

If you’re eager to rise at the crack of dawn and soar over the city it is a truly remarkable experience. There is also the option to take in the spectacular sight from land or the water on Lake Burley Griffin with thousands of spectators gathering each morning.

From the balloon, view Canberra’s iconic landmarks and the surrounding valleys and mountains, all swathed in muted early-morning light – simply breathtaking.

There are a few different businesses that run hot air balloon rides during the spectacular in Canberra, including Balloon Aloft.

Balloons launch from the Parliamentary Triangle

2025 dates TBA

Old Parliament House Gardens

On both sides of Old Parliament House, you'll find breathtaking gardens that make you feel like you are stepping into a magical picture book.

Made up of blossoming roses, wisteria-arched walkways, and perfectly manicured lawns, it's a delightful place to stroll, read a book or have a picnic as you soak up the political history around you. 

East and west of Old Parliament House

Lanyon Homestead

If you're visiting Canberra for a hit of history, culture and heritage, you cannot miss a drive out to Lanyon Homestead. While you will tick off sites like the Australian War Memorial and the National Arboretum, the restored 1850s homestead remains one of Canberra's best-kept secrets.

Discover the stories of the families and convict workers who called Lanyon home, well before Canberra became what it is today. Walk the stunning gardens the surround the home, and opt for the guided and virtual tours to get the most out of your visit to the museum.

For something extra special, book a dinner under the stars in collaboration with Mt Stromlo Observatory, where you will enjoy a 2-course meal before stargazing and learning about the constellations above you.

Tharwa Drive, Tharwa

Kambah Pool

If you’re after some respite from Canberra’s summer heat, look no further than Kambah Pool. While not technically a pool at all – it’s a reserve on the Murrumbidgee River in Namadgi National Park – Kambah Pool is a fantastic spot to cool off when the temp skyrockets. The water isn’t overly deep, with plenty of space around the reserve to picnic or relax.

You can also canoe or kayak, fish, birdwatch or set off on a walk around the river. And if you’re so inclined, Kambah Pool has a nude bathing section a little further down from the main swimming area.

Kambah Pool Road, Kambah

Molly

With a physical address like 35°16'44.5"S 149°07'42.0" E and an email like shhh@molly.net.au, everything about Molly screams a hidden gem. This clandestine bar sits in the iconic Melbourne Building behind a big wooden door and down a pretty non-descript staircase.

But once you get inside, you’re greeted by a bustling atmosphere, beautiful surroundings, and an incredible 350 different types of whisky – along with gin and many other spirit varieties – behind the bar. Everything on the drinks list is good here, but we love the nutmeg-laced espresso martinis.

Wooden Door, Odgers Lane, Civic

Alpaca Magic

If having brekky with an alpaca is on your bucket list, we have the place for you. Just outside Canberra, you'll find Alpaca Magic, a charming, family-friendly farm where you can dine amongst their alpacas, llamas and donkeys.

Bookings are essential and will guarantee a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you feed the animals, walk the llamas around the farm, and tuck into your breakfast with your new furry friends close by. 

2771 Sutton Road, Sutton

Department of Pizza

Campbell’s local shopping precinct isn’t exactly where you’d expect to find one of Canberra’s best Italian restaurants, but such is the case with the Department of Pizza.

This casual pizza joint is exceptional, with a simple but excellent menu packed with classic flavours. Try the garlic prawn, pancetta and zucchini, or the equally simple but epic margherita, alongside a caprese salad and some confit garlic cheesy flatbread. Make sure to order the tiramisu to finish.

Plus, the pizza bases are made with a 30-year-old family sourdough rather than yeast, making even the (usually discarded) crusts taste like absolute heaven.

12 Blamey Place, Campbell

Sweet Bones Bakery & Café

Located right next door to Eighty/Twenty Food, mouth-watering smells waft from the doors of Sweet Bones Bakery & Café. Perfect for Canberrans with dietary requirements, Sweet Bones is one of our favourite hidden (and vegan!) gems in Canberra. They also dish out gluten-free dishes.

Their cakes and cupcakes are truly to-die-for making this one of our favourite spots to buy cakes in Canberra.

8/18 Lonsdale Street, Braddon

Tocumwal Lane

Canberra isn’t especially famed for its street art, but if you know where to go, you’ll find some amazing examples.

There are a few spots across the city where local artists showcase their work, with Tocumwal Lane in Civic a particular highlight. The space is mostly decked out with superhero-themed creations but is a bit of an evolving beast with new artworks added over time.

If you’re after more stunning street art in Canberra, Woden Town Square and various streets and alleyways around Braddon are also worth visiting.

Tocumwal Lane, Civic

11e Cave

From the same team behind one of the best restaurants in Canberra, Onzieme, 11e Cave is one of the city’s coolest hidden bars. You’ll have to head underground to visit this place; it’s inside an old bank vault beneath the restaurant. 

The wine bar has a lovely atmosphere alongside an excellent playlist, great cheese and charcuterie options, and, naturally, a fantastic drinks list. You can order all kinds of wines here, but we recommend ordering one of the bar’s seasonal cocktails – each one is shaken, stirred or blended to perfection.

35 Kennedy Street, Kingston

Finished exploring the best hidden gems of Canberra and keen to keep enjoying the city? We’ve got you covered. Here are our picks for the best markets in Canberra and the top museums in Canberra.