I recently wrote and put together a local’s healthy guide to Canberra for The Fit Traveller. So if you’re a local, interstate visitor or international visitor and you’re looking for a healthy trip to the nation’s capital then this is the perfect guide for you.
Canberra has come along way since I first moved here from Queensland in 2010. It’s no longer known as just the hub for Australian politicians and the never-ending roundabouts. There’s a buzzing food and drink scene in Canberra with lots to do and plenty of places to explore. So, next time you visit Australia’s capital city use this locals’ healthy travel guide to help you find ways to keep your taste buds dancing and your body moving.
Healthy eats
Local Press Café | 9/81 Eastlake Parade, Kingston Foreshore, Canberra
Local Press Cafe is set in the trendy Kingston Foreshore and boasts an array of delicious and health conscious options. From the famous green pea pancake to their own cold-pressed juice, dairy-free smoothies and a range of healthy sweets, everything at this café is delicious. They also support some great causes to encourage sustainability. It’s one of my favourite cafes in Canberra and I usually take visitors here for breakfast, brunch or lunch. It does get really busy so try not to go at peak times to avoid the crowd. It’s also near Lake Burley Griffin so you can easily go for a walk or run before or after you eat.
Best places to move
STAND UP PADDLE BOARD ON ONE OF CANBERRA’S BEAUTIFUL LAKES
SUP’ing Caveman | Molonglo Reach Park, Campbell
Get out on the water with The SUP’ing Caveman, Canberra’s original stand up paddle boarding company. The first time I tried SUP was on the Noosa River and although Lake Burley isn’t quite Noosa, being out on the water in Canberra is just as good. Matt from The SUP’ing Caveman teaches groups and individuals in Canberra and is a gun on the board. Book in for either a group booking or a private class with Matt. I’ve been told that going at sunset on a nice day in Canberra is a magnificent treat. You can also try Yoga SUP and if you visit Canberra at the right time of the year you might be lucky enough to watch the balloon festival from the lake.
Best places to play
EXPLORE CANBERRA’S MARKETS
If you’re looking to pick up some fresh produce, a quick lunch or breakfast, some unique handmade products or just have a browse then you need to head to one of Canberra’s many markets. Hopefully your trip will coincide with one or more of the following:
- Farmers and Foodie Markets | Old Bus Depot Building, 21 Wentworth Ave, Kingston |Friday 4-8pm
- Capital Region Farmers Market | Exhibition Park in Canberra, Flemington Road, Mitchell | Saturday 7:30-11:30am
- Canberra Southside Farmers Markets | Canberra College, Cnr Launceston St & Yamba Drive, Phillip | Sunday 8-11:30am
- Old Bus Depot Markets | Old Bus Depot Building, 21 Wentworth Ave, Kingston | Sunday 10am-4pm
- The Handmade Market | Held four times a year from 10am-4pm on Saturday and Sunday of the weekend they are held. They are definitely worth checking out. Tens of thousands of people travel from all over Australia to attend these markets each time they’re held.
Visit The Fit Traveller for the full guide.
Amelia Bidgood
Amelia is the Founder and Editor of Eat Canberra and the Founder and Managing Director of Eat Canberra Food Tours. She's a qualified journalist, presenter, freelance writer and also runs a boutique communications agency working with small business owners on all things social media, content creation and marketing. She's taught cheesemaking classes, judged hospitality and tourism awards, completed the WSET Level 1 Award In Wines, loves to cook and has travelled to 23 countries. She's also passionate about mental health and has recently started studying to become a Counsellor.