Canberra through the lens of a Tasmanian
A guide for Tasmanians visiting the capital.Updated 31 Jul 2026
Discover photographer Eliska Sharp's guide to Canberra and the surrounding region. As a former local, now based in Tasmania, Eliska has a unique perspective on what makes Canberra a magical place to visit.
"Although my husband and I now live in Tasmania, Canberra remains a place I love returning to. Many of my earliest Australian memories were made here, and over the years I've developed a growing appreciation for what makes the city special. To me, Canberra is all about balance. It combines incredible food and wine with beautiful natural spaces, thoughtful design, fascinating history and easy access to the outdoors."
As a photographer, I am always paying attention to light, atmosphere and the little details that give a place character. Canberra rewards that way of seeing. The changing seasons, the golden evening light, the lakeside walks and the surrounding mountains all contribute to a city that continues to surprise me every time I return."
Eliska's Itinerary
Day One
Coffee and pastries meet heritage and wide open spaces.
Day Two
Hikes followed by local produce.
Day Three
Venture into the surrounding region.
Day One
My first stop would be Lava Coffee. There is something comforting about beginning a trip with a really good coffee, and Lava is exactly the sort of place that helps ease you into Canberra's slower pace.
From there, I'd spend the morning at the National Portrait Gallery. Portrait photography has always fascinated me because it reveals so much about both the subject and the person behind the camera. I love wandering through the gallery and taking time with the works that draw me in. It's one of those places that feels different every visit.
Next, I'd head to Bison Home. As someone who loves interiors, design and collecting beautiful pieces for our home, Bison is impossible for me to walk past. Their ceramics are iconic Canberra and somehow manage to feel both timeless and playful. Even when I'm not buying anything, I always leave feeling inspired.
For lunch, it has to be Under Bakery at Dairy Road. Good bakeries tell you a lot about a city, and Under is one of my favourite spots in Canberra. The pastries are exceptional, the space feels effortlessly cool, and their buns have become something of a ritual whenever I visit.
After lunch, a walk around Lake Burley Griffin feels like the perfect way to balance out the pastries from Under Bakery. Along the shoreline sits Blundells Cottage, one of Canberra's most charming historic sites. It's easy to think of the capital through its national institutions and grand buildings, but places like Blundells tell a much quieter story. I love how personal it feels. In spring, when the cottage gardens are in bloom and the lake is sparkling nearby, it is particularly beautiful.
As the afternoon fades into evening, I'd make my way through Acton Park. The views across the lake towards Telstra Tower are wonderful, especially as the light begins to soften. It is a simple walk, but one that always reminds me how much open space Canberra has.
Dinner would be at Rebel Rebel. Canberra's dining scene continues to punch well above its weight, and Rebel Rebel is one of the reasons why. The menu is creative without trying too hard, the atmosphere is relaxed, and every meal feels designed to be shared. It is the sort of place where one plate inevitably turns into several.
"It's easy to think of the capital through its national institutions and grand buildings, but places like Blundells tell a much quieter story. I love how personal it feels. In spring, when the cottage gardens are in bloom and the lake is sparkling nearby, it is particularly beautiful."
Day Two
The day would begin with breakfast before making my way to Bedst for a specialty coffee. It is one of my favourite little coffee spots in Canberra and exactly the sort of place I seek out when travelling. Coffee in hand, I'd then head out into nature, because one of the things I love most about Canberra is how quickly the city gives way to bushland and mountain views.
About 30 minutes from South Canberra, Square Rock would be my choice for a morning adventure. The walk itself is beautiful, but the reward at the end is even better. Emerging onto the granite outcrop and looking out across the landscape feels much more remote than it actually is. As a photographer, I love the textures here, from the weathered rock formations to the twisting gums and expansive skies.
For visitors wanting additional options, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Mount Stromlo and Shepherds Lookout are all wonderful reminders of how connected Canberra is to the natural environment. Few capital cities make it this easy to swap a café for a walking trail.
After a morning outdoors, I'd settle in at Paranormal Wines. This is exactly my kind of place. Beautiful wines, thoughtful shared plates and a relaxed atmosphere that encourages you to slow down and enjoy the afternoon. I love discovering interesting local producers, and Paranormal always feels like somewhere built around genuine passion.
Later in the day, I'd wander through the Senate Rose Gardens and the grounds of Old Parliament House. Having grown up in Europe, I've always been drawn to formal gardens, and this is one of my favourite places to slow down in Canberra. In spring, when the roses are flowering, it becomes even more beautiful.
For sunset, I'd head to Dairy Farmers Hill Lookout at the National Arboretum Canberra. Few places capture Canberra quite like this. The rolling hills, forests and wide-open views seem to stretch forever, particularly as the afternoon light softens. It is the kind of place that encourages you to sit for a while and simply take it all in.
For dinner or a late drink, it has to be Bar Rochford. If there is one place in Canberra that is completely non-negotiable for me, it is this one. Every time I return to the city, I find myself back here. Tucked away upstairs in the Melbourne Building, Bar Rochford has a mood all of its own. The drinks are excellent, the food is designed for sharing, the music is always spot on, and the lighting somehow makes everyone look like they're in a movie. I love settling in for the evening and letting the night unfold. If I could only recommend one Canberra venue, this would probably be it.
"Few capital cities make it this easy to swap a café for a walking trail."
Day Three
Whenever I think about Canberra, I naturally think about the Snowies too. One of the things I love most about visiting the capital is how easily a weekend of great food, wine, culture and nature can turn into a mountain escape. The Snowy Mountains have become a special part of my visits over the years, not least because it is where my husband and I were married, but even without that personal connection, I think it is one of the most beautiful parts of Australia.
One of the things I love most about the Snowies is how different they feel throughout the year. In winter, the region transforms into Australia's alpine playground, with skiing, snowboarding and snow-covered landscapes drawing visitors from around the country. In the warmer months, the focus shifts to hiking, mountain biking and exploring the alpine wilderness. The Snowies are also home to Mount Kosciuszko, Australia's highest peak (it sounds a bit daunting, but the track is super accessible!), along with some of the country's most spectacular high-country walks. Whether you're seeking adventure or simply looking for space to slow down, it is a region that seems to offer a little bit of everything.
For a stay in the region, I'd choose Mill Cabin, which holds a very special place in my heart and is genuinely one of my favourite places to stay anywhere in the world. My husband and I were married in the Snowy Mountains, and some of my favourite memories from the region have been made here. I'll never forget the morning we were preparing breakfast when a baby wombat wandered up to greet us. It's moments like that which make the place feel truly magical. Between the mountain views, cosy evenings by the fire and the sense of escape from everyday life, Mill Cabin is one of those rare places that stays with you long after you've left.
"One of the things I love most about visiting the capital is how easily a weekend of great food, wine, culture and nature can turn into a mountain escape."
What I love most about finishing a Canberra trip this way is that it reminds me just how special this part of Australia really is. Within a few hours, you can go from award-winning restaurants, intimate wine bars and world-class cultural attractions to mountain peaks, alpine trails and complete tranquillity. Few destinations offer that kind of variety so effortlessly.
That balance is what keeps drawing me back. Canberra and its surrounding regions have a way of surprising people. They certainly surprised me. What began as the place where I started a new chapter of my life has become somewhere I return to again and again, discovering something new each time.
I'll always be a firm advocate for Canberra and the region whenever I hear people underestimate it. For me, it is a place where exceptional food, beautiful landscapes, fascinating history and genuine adventure all come together. And whether I'm wandering through the city or ending the day in the Snowy Mountains for a longer adventure, it never takes long to remember why I fell in love with it in the first place.
