Lifestyle

Hot Air Balloon Flight with Balloon Aloft

Kickstart your Australian vacation with an adventurous hot-air balloon flight over Canberra. These flights typically start at sunrise, offering a bird's eye view of the city's natural beauty and architectural marvels like Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, and Lake Burley Griffin. Depending on the wind direction, you might enjoy panoramic views of Canberra and possibly catch glimpses of kangaroos in the wilderness. Balloon Aloft, with over 35 years of experience and well-trained pilots, is the most renowned company for hot air balloon rides in Canberra.

Breakfast at The Cupping Room

After an exhilarating morning, indulge in a satisfying breakfast at The Cupping Room, a celebrated cafe in Canberra. Known for its inviting atmosphere and led by world-champion barista Sasa Sestic, The Cupping Room offers a delightful menu of brunch dishes and exceptional coffee. Opt for outdoor seating to enjoy some great people-watching while you dine. Favourites include French toast, Burrito Bowl, Salmon Eggs Benedict, Bruschetta, and Noodle Bowl. Don't miss their speciality coffee options like the Biscoff Latte and Salted Caramel Popcorn Milkshake for a unique treat!

Guided Tour of The National Museum of Australia

Next, embark on a private curator-led tour at the National Museum of Australia. Situated on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, this museum is celebrated for its distinctive architecture. It showcases Australia's rich history from 65,000 years ago to the present day through fascinating objects, ideas, events, and displays. The museum's extensive National Historical Collection features over 2,10,000 items focusing on

Indigenous cultures, European settlement, and human-environment interactions. Throughout the year, the museum also hosts a variety of special exhibitions, programs, and events.

Lunch at Akiba

Akiba is a lively restaurant in Canberra that serves contemporary Asian cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients cooked over a live fire using wood and charcoal. Their menu includes a variety of Asian dishes such as barbecue, raw bar items, and inventive dim sum. The dishes are colourful, flavourful, and well-balanced. The restaurant features an inviting outdoor patio dining area.

Akiba's popular dishes include charcoal-roasted edamame, Japanese Fried Bun, Vegan Umami Dumplings, Kimchi and Oyster Pancake, Fried Rice, Cone Bay Barramundi, and Lemon Tofu Cheesecake.

Private Session at National Arboretum Canberra

After a satisfying meal at Akiba, continue your journey at the National Arboretum Canberra with a private Walk on Country Tour. Established in 2010, this expansive botanical garden is dedicated to trees planted following the 2003 Canberra bushfires, showcasing a diverse range of species from Mediterranean climates and featuring themed gardens like the Himalayan Friendship Garden and the Australian National Bonsai and Penjing Collection

Led by an Indigenous Tourism Officer, the Walk on Country Tour offers a unique insight into Aboriginal culture and history, exploring traditional uses of plants and animals and providing hands-on learning experiences such as boomerang throwing.

Dinner at Corella Restaurant & Bar

Corella Restaurant & Bar is a cozy dining spot in Canberra's chic Braddon neighbourhood, celebrated for its emphasis on native ingredients and flavours in modern Australian cuisine. The restaurant offers a seasonal menu that evolves regularly, showcasing inventive dishes that are both visually appealing and delicious.

With stylish wooden furnishings, terrazzo floors, and ambient lighting, Corella exudes a chic Europeaninspired ambience. Noteworthy menu items include the Liver Parfait Toast, Prawn Bun, Crispy Eggplant, Spiced Cabbage, Lemon Risotto, Barramundi, Lamb Merguez Sausage, and Molten Chocolate Cake.

Stay Overnight at Ovolo Nishi

Call it a night at Ovolo Nishi, an opulent boutique hotel in central Canberra near Commonwealth Park. The property is well-known for its artistic and quirky interiors and architecture, impeccable service, and unique vibe. Furthermore, the hotel is within walking distance of Canberra's monuments, parks, restaurants, cafés, and shops. Ovolo Nishi's arresting interiors feature restored vintage furnishings, striking artworks, and a focus on environmentally sustainable practices.

Glass-Blowing Workshop at Canberra Glassworks

After a wholesome breakfast at Ovolo Nishi's in-house vegetarian restaurant, Monster Kitchen & Bar, make your way to Canberra Glassworks, a centre dedicated to the art of glass-blowing. Canberra Glassworks offers several workshops for all skill levels. Visitors can learn how to blow a tumbler or sculpture in a one-on-one glass-blowing class. Canberra Glassworks' sessions are educational and fun at the same time!

Lunch at Such and Such

Post your glass-blowing session, have a light lunch at Such and Such, a welcoming bistro. Such and Such offers a contemporary take on nostalgic classics, including global comfort food. The eatery's signature dishes include the Zippy Salad, Brussels Sprouts, Prawn Cutlet, Chicken Momo, Potato Stuffed Pierogi, Ricotta and Cauliflower Gnudi, and Fried Whitebait. Such and Such also serves set menus that include small portions of their signature dishes.

Zipline at Treetops Adventure Canberra

Next, unleash your adventurous spirit at Treetops Adventure Canberra, a fun outdoor park that provides guests with the feeling of flying through a lush green forest via aerial obstacles and zip lines. This nature park offers over 90 aerial obstacles spread out over eight different courses and 16 ziplines, for people of all ages. Treetops Adventure Canberra is an excellent destination for the entire family.

Soak In the Cityscape at Mount Ainslie Lookout

For sunset, make you way to Mount Ainslie Lookout, a viewpoint in Canberra offering unobstructed vistas of the city's skyline. The viewpoint is located inside the Canberra Nature Park and above the Australian War Memorial. It provides views of Canberra's landmarks, including Lake Burley Griffin, Parliament House, the National Carillon, the War Memorial, and the encompassing verdant mountains.

Dinner at Bar Rochford

End your Canberra trip with a delicious meal at Bar Rochford, one of the city's top restaurants located in the historic Melbourne Building. This establishment is both a wine bar and restaurant, offering a relaxed yet stylish ambience with industrial chic elements such as green leather booths, exposed concrete beams, weathered floors, a striking bar, and an open kitchen. Bar Rochford focuses on creative dishes made with local, seasonal ingredients. Their set menu includes diverse options like Potato Galette, Kingfish Crudo, Stracciatella, Calabrian Chilli Orecchiette, and Cheesecake Mousse with Raspberry Sorbet and Milk Crumbs, providing a memorable culinary experience to conclude your Canberra visit.