If you're heading on a wine weekend to Canberra, we have you covered. Below you'll find the ultimate Canberra itinerary, including how to spend two or three days in the capital city.
Things to do in Canberra
Canberra may not immediately scream ‘weekend away’, but take a closer look – the capital city is no longer just for politicians, art lovers and sixth graders on school camp. The region has long turned out incredible wines, but, more recently, it’s also become a hub for outrageously good food. Its growing collection of top bars and restaurants is now just as much a drawcard as seeing that iconic Blue Poles painting in the flesh.
This means that time can fly right by in Canberra, so if you only have a weekend to spare, you’ll need to make some serious decisions about how to spend it. Can you squeeze in a gallery and markets, and still visit top cellar doors and bars? It’s all possible. For the ideal Canberra itinerary, take your pick from the following ideas that can fill a weekend – or three.
Where to stay and eat in Canberra
The best weekends away start early, so arrive on Friday afternoon. This way, you can still catch a tour of Parliament House – the last one runs at 4pm. Even if you plan to see loads of wineries, staying in town is the way to go; just be sure to have a car. Choosing between hotels, however, is trickier than it once was, with a rise in savvy boutique options. So, why Ovolo Nishi? The clincher is its proximity to some cracking venues.
This distinctive hotel (you can’t miss its façade) is in the art and culture district of NewActon. From here, it’s a five-minute stroll to Rebel Rebel for a pre-dinner drink. Long day of travel? The Santo Pauletto, which mixes Campari, sweet vermouth and espresso, is the perfect aperitivo.
You’ll be tempted by the food at Rebel Rebel – it’s by Sean McConnell, brother of famed Melbourne chefs Andrew (Gimlet, Cumulus Inc and more), and Matt (Bar Lourinhã) – but try to keep your appetite intact. You’ll want to be hungry for dinner at award-winning new restaurant Such and Such, which is a 15-minute walk away. The team from Canberra’s celebrated Pilot has created a slick yet casual destination. The shared set menu is a very good time, and there’s fun to be had with the smart wine list (props for the inclusion of Indigenous place names). That’s a first night done right in Canberra.
How to spend 48 hours in Canberra
For the early risers, Mt Ainslie Lookout awaits. Park at the War Memorial and make the half-hour ascent for sweeping views across Canberra – you can also drive up, but this steep walk is worth it. Then it’s coffee and breakfast at Capital Region Farmers Market, 10 minutes away, plus a chance to fuel up for the day, car snacks included.
With Canberra District wineries spread across four main clusters, you’ll need to pick a direction. Make today about Murrumbateman and start with a pre-booked tasting at Eden Road Wines. Winemaker Celine Rousseau makes pristine wines from estate vines and neighbouring regions, and they’re all excellent expressions of these cool climates. Keep an eye out for the racy Cullarin Block 71 Chardonnay – it’s a top scorer for good reason.
From here, it’s 10 minutes to Helm Wines, where Ken Helm and wife Judy have put riesling and cabernet front and centre for more than 40 years. Prepare to be charmed by the 100-year-old schoolhouse setting, personalised tasting and exceptional wines that continue to set the bar for the wider region. Even if you don’t taste the Helm Premium Riesling, don’t leave without a bottle or two for later.
Next, head to the striking Shaw Wines cellar door to try standout wines spanning riesling and rosé, shiraz, cabernet and more. If the outlook through the floor-to-ceiling windows makes you want to settle in, linger over a produce platter, or wander next door to Olleyville restaurant for a bigger meal – think cured salmon, porchetta or a tomahawk steak to share.
After lunch, it’s time for Clonakilla. Tim Kirk’s coveted winery is synonymous with pinnacle shiraz viognier, but don’t overlook their brilliant whites. Book ahead for a tasting of latest releases, and potentially a few back-vintages, too. Savouring these true benchmarks in situ is a can’t-miss experience.
From here, it’s a 40-minute drive back to Canberra, but if timing (and energy) allows, you might even manage that Blue Poles viewing – the National Gallery closes at 5pm. Otherwise, return to the hotel, drop off your goods, and prepare for the night ahead. It would be rude to skip a pre-dinner drink at Parlour considering this Canberra classic is a three-minute walk from the hotel. Soak up the atmosphere at this historic building over a wine from a local producer without a cellar door – MADA or Ravensworth, perhaps.
Then, for a full flavour assault, go for dinner at Bar Beirut, where the Middle Eastern dishes are as vibrant as the venue. The tight drinks selection is also a highlight, with Lebanese wines well represented. And if you’re up for a nightcap, take a cab to High Jinks. Open until late, this underground bar is just a few minutes’ walk back to the hotel.
Canberra in three days
Today’s cellar doors are in Bungendore’s direction, so get started with some of Canberra’s best coffee at Intra – the original Provan Street venue and newer Lonsdale Street branch are both excellent.
To sample other wine styles thriving in the region, stop at Mount Majura Vineyard on the way out of town. Tempranillo is a calling-card – its premium 10-wine tasting includes three single-site tempranillos. Then it’s off to Lark Hill, where the focus is on biodynamics in this cool, high location, which helps to produce super-pure fruit. Tastings offer insights into its expansive range across sparkling, riesling and grüner veltliner, and grenache, shiraz and pinot, among others. Expect bright, aromatic and deliciously complex wines.
For one last stop, beeline to Gundog Estate, which is housed in historic stables. Also with a base in the Hunter Valley, this Gundaroo cellar door offers line-ups of their premium Canberra District and Hilltops wines. After that, head next door to Grazing Restaurant – choose from the likes of croquettes, fish curry and a chocolate tart – and that’s some solid Canberra District ground covered.
Finally, it’s 30 minutes back to Canberra Airport, or you can set off on the drive home, hopefully with a boot-load of wines.
Top image credit: Clonakilla/David Reist.
