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The centre of attention: why you'll love Civic
Right on the doorstep of The Australian National University’s (ANU) campus lies Canberra’s city centre – the lively, modern hub fondly known as ‘Civic’. At its beginning, Civic consisted of little more than the Sydney and Melbourne Buildings (still standing and now heritage-listed).
Over the past century, Civic has grown into a bustling CBD. Wide streets and paved open plazas. Colourful graffiti art-adorned laneways. Leafy public spaces with plenty of seating. Shops, galleries and theatres. Light rail and bus stations. And lots of places to eat, play and relax.
It’s easy to enjoy Civic, especially when it's just a short walk or ride away.
Overview
- The Canberra Centre, a short walk from ANU, is a hub for shopping and entertainment.
- Some of Canberra's best restaurants are in Civic.
- There are cultural attractions galore, with live music, festivals, shows and exhibitions.
Here are our top recommendations for the best activities in the heart of Canberra city:
1. Discover the Canberra Centre
Only 10 minutes by foot from the ANU campus, Canberra Centre is an inspiring hub for shopping, fashion and entertainment. First opened in 1963, it was the first fully air-conditioned shopping mall in Australia. Such luxury back then!
Today it offers the best in luxury shopping experiences, with its array of premium retail outlets inside the multi-storey centre (and air-conditioning that still makes it an excellent place to hide from the summer heat).
Explore the North Quarter when you feel peckish, particularly the CDB Dumpling House, one of Canberra’s best-loved dumpling restaurants.
If shopping isn’t your thing, enjoy the latest films at Dendy Cinemas. Or get hold of a Kingpin Uni Pass and go bowling, get lost in the arcade games or an escape room, or challenge your friends to a karaoke sing-off.
In front of the Canberra Centre with the iconic Robert Woodward fountain.
2. Refuel at Verity Lane Market
The perfect place to eat and drink, this quirky food hall has something to suit every taste. Whether you’re looking to catch up over a casual lunch, a celebratory dinner or to meet up with a friend over a drink after a hard day of studying, the range of food vendors in Verity Lane will tick the box.
People enjoying their lunch at Verity lane.
3. Take yourself to the theatre
Utilise your student discount to amplify your cultural side with a visit to Canberra’s biggest performing arts venue. There’s always a diverse range of productions running, from theatrical performances to dance and musical theatre, classical music concerts and stand-up comedy.
Situated in Civic Square, the Canberra Theatre Centre is super easy to get to from the ANU campus. Just hop on an e-scooter or take a quick 10-minute walk.
Outside the Canberra Theatre Centre.
4. Ride the famous merry-go-round
For a unique experience, pop into Petrie Plaza and jump aboard the picturesque merry-go-round for some old-school fun. The merry-go-round itself is over 100 years old and its horses and elephants have been delighting adults and children alike all this time. Operating during all the seasons, it’s a charming trip back to a time that's worth remembering.
Canberra’s historic Merry Go Round in Petrie Plaza.
5. Enjoy Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG)
CMAG is an excellent spot to learn more about the city of Canberra, its history and arts scene. With a range of exhibitions and collections on display, from paintings, ceramics and photography, and a range of education programs, it’s your opportunity to skill up and learn about the individuals and groups who’ve had a significant impact on the development of this city.
The building is beautiful and entry is free too, so there’s no excuse. Especially now that there's a cafe in the long, light-filled entry hall.
Outside the Canberra Museum and Gallery.
6. Listen to live jams
If listening to live music is your thing, you can’t go past Smith’s Alternative. Located in the historic Melbourne Building in the heart of Civic, something is happening there almost every day of the year. Whether it’s live music, poetry, stand-up comedy, cabaret, theatre performances or something else, you will surely be entertained when you visit.
7. Ice skate in Civic Square
During the Winter in the City festival, Civic Square is transformed into a frosty wonderland with the addition of an open-air ice-skating rink for a few weeks mid-year. Rug up in your woollies and get yourself and your friends there for some fun on the ice. If you’d rather not skate, browse the market and food stalls where you can munch on roasted chestnuts while enjoying live music and sipping on warm wintery drinks.
8. Lounge in the shade in Glebe Park
Find a leafy spot for a summer picnic, then while away the afternoon in the shade of the beautiful trees amidst this inner-city pocket of greenery. Feeling energetic? We recommend bringing a frisbee or football to throw around with your friends.
9. Get yourself a new pair of shoes from one of Canberra’s oldest shops
Operating since 1930, Redpath Shoes in Garema Place is the best spot for buying yourself that pair of Doc Martens you’ve had your eye on for ages. Specialising in Australian and European-made shoes, quality is paramount in this lovely little shop. Love making old things new again? You can bring your shoes here for repair too. Plus, the palette of shoe polish colours they stock in the shop will blow you away.
10. Eat at the ANU Food Co-op
For an affordable, nutritious, vegetarian lunch, walk from campus to the ANU Food Co-op on Kingsley Street. You can also stock up on your bulk items here, like dishwashing detergent, pasta, nuts and pulses. Be sure to bring your own containers, bags, and jars – but they recycle some of these here too.
Canberra city: it's a vibrant and entertaining spot with something for everyone. Imagine yourself studying in the heart of Civic.
