Come With Us As We Explore this “15-Minute City” and its Surprising
Wealth of Natural Beauty and Culinary Delights
Looking to head “Down Under” from Southern California – that is, to the nation of Australia – will, for many of us, evoke thoughts of two particularly well-known destinations: the east coast metropolises of Sydney or Melbourne, Australia’s two largest cities. And while both offer an amazing variety of cityscape, cultural landmarks and dining delights, their decidedly urban atmosphere could remind you of a place you just flew 14 hours away from.
To buck the trend and try something new, why not Australia's capital city Canberra? One of only a handful
of planned cities in the world, purposely positioned between Sydney and Melbourne – Canberra provides in itself a unique set of delights given its location, size and diverse range of experiences on offer. Importantly, Canberra is easy to navigate with most of its attractions and destinations located within close proximity of one another, making it truly a “15-minute city.”
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When I first arrived in Los Angeles, I think the question I was asked most frequently as a chef was, ‘What is Australian cuisine? Inviting folks to my property to show them what our food and hospitality is all about is going to be a real celebration!
— Curtis Stone
Canberra: Australia’s Culinary and Cultural Capital
Wine-Lovers Paradise
Culinary Capital City
Center of Culture
The Great Outdoors
Click below to explore highlights of Australia’s capital and its wealth of unexpected experiences just waiting to be discovered.
A Wine-Lovers Paradise
The master-planned Canberra – designed to be the seat of Australia’s government – has a unique distinction among major cities in the nation: It is landlocked. The geography around Canberra, leading with rolling hills and developing into some of Australia’s only snowcapped peaks, offers a unique terroir for winemaking.
Winemaking hit its stride in the region in the 1970s, when a group of scientists noted the similarities between Canberra’s climate and famed wine growing regions Burgundy and Bordeaux. Now, with 50-plus wineries within 35 minutes of the city center, there’s no shortage of choice – in fact, there are now three distinct wine regions in the cool-climate foothill terroir, the kind of conditions perfect for complex Sangiovese, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Tempranillo and Shiraz. (Clonakilla’s O’Riada Shiraz 2023 will be showcased at this year’s Great Australian Bite in Malibu).
Culinary Capital in the Capital City
Canberra, similarly to Australia as a whole, is a melting pot of cultures, and its culinary excellence reflects this. From Australian native ingredients and techniques to a bevy of worldwide influences, Canberra offers incredible options for dining.
Of course, it all starts with the elements of food, and there is one that Canberra uniquely produces: The famed black truffle. The “magic” tuber, found only rarely outside of Europe, is grown with success in Canberra and is a feature in their cuisine. During truffle season (June – August), you can go on a truffle hunt and delight in watching adorable canine hunters help uproot the treats – or simply sit back and enjoy truffle-infused dishes at one of Canberra’s many acclaimed restaurants.
Beyond ingredients, it's the techniques and the creativity in the capital’s food scene that create the highlights. And, like any part of a journey in Canberra, convenience is key – hop on transit over to trendy neighborhoods Acton or Braddon for foodie experiences you won’t want to miss, from morning coffee all the way to after-dinner cocktails.
A Center of Culture
Of course, the city offers more than food and drink. As the capital, Canberra is home to many of the country’s most iconic cultural attractions, museums and galleries. From viewing government in action at Australian Parliament House to taking in the history of a nation at the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra has no shortage of vibrant cultural experiences, often within walking distance of your hotel. Offerings for the entire family abound, whether you’re interested in history, politics, art or science and technology – if you’re with the kids, the Royal Australian Mint even gives them an opportunity to create their own Australian Dollar.
From the moment you arrive in Canberra, you’ll be in awe of its stunning natural beauty – the city is framed by mountains and bushland – you may even spot a kangaroo while sipping your coffee in the morning. In fact, more than 70% of the city limits are dedicated parkland and nature reserves – truly a nature lover’s paradise.
Immerse yourself in Canberra’s pristine landscapes by trying one of the many hikes and nature walks within short distance of the city center, like the local favorite ‘bridge to bridge’ loop around Lake Burley Griffin. And why just walk? Biking trails are everywhere and provide a fun and unique way for you, your partner and the whole family to explore the city.
When it's time to lay down your head, the options are many and varied, ranging from stripped-back
glamping experiences to premium accommodation in the heart of the city. Regardless of the accommodation style you choose, the scenery – and the famed Australian hospitality – abound.
THE Great Outdoors
Something for Everyone
Whether you’re a culture vulture, a nature seeker or traveling with the whole clan, Canberra has
an offering for a unique Australian odyssey, short on travel worry and long on relaxation. Enjoy
a respite for a few days and experience some of the highlights or settle in for a longer term stay
for a thorough exploration of this still somewhat under-the-radar destination, though it may be
worth noting the longer one stays, the longer one tends to want to stay, so be prepared to be
flexible!
For more information on Canberra’s lengthy list of offerings to help you start planning your trip,
head to visitcanberra.com.au.
Distinct from other Aussie wine destinations, Canberra offers not just varied and rare varietals but something more: proximity. Some of its best regional wineries are within shouting distance of the city, allowing for an easy drive or rideshare. Not to mention, many are small, family-run operations where visitors can often meet the winemakers themselves.
The master-planned Canberra – designed to be the seat of Australia’s government – has a unique distinction among major cities in the nation: It is landlocked. The geography around Canberra, leading with rolling hills and developing into some of Australia’s only snowcapped peaks, offers a unique terroir for winemaking.
The master-planned Canberra – designed to be the seat of Australia’s government – has a unique distinction among major cities in the nation: It is landlocked. The geography around Canberra, leading with rolling hills and developing into some of Australia’s only snowcapped peaks, offers a unique terroir for winemaking.
Credit: Royal Australian Mint
Credit: Royal Australian Mint
Credit: Ashley St George, Pew Pew Studio
Credit: Ashley St George, Pew Pew Studio
Credit: Ashley St George, Pew Pew Studio
Credit: Lean Timms
Credit: Nathan Darma
