Best Things to Do Along Canberra’s Light Rail Line
Updated 25 May 2026
All aboard — food precincts, cocktail bars and cultural gems await.
Spanning 12 kilometres and running from early morning until late (1am on Saturdays), Canberra’s light rail isn’t just for commuters — it’s your ticket to a seamless, car-free food crawl. Think of it as a curated tasting trail, connecting neighbourhood cafés, markets, design stores and some of the city’s best dining.
With Canberra’s food scene continuing to level up, the only real challenge is deciding where to go. So instead of choosing just one spot, why not try a few? Hop on, hop off, and let the light rail do the work.
Here’s how to spend a day (and night) eating, drinking, shopping and playing your way from Gungahlin to the city.
Day
Start strong: coffee in Gungahlin
Kick things off in the north where mornings feel easy and unhurried.
Sunday in Canberra Cafe is bright, welcoming and reliably excellent — the kind of neighbourhood spot that sets the tone for the whole day. The menu leans playful, with Latin-inspired twists like chimichurri croissants, fish tacos and tequila-marinated chicken, alongside crowd-pleasers like the indulgent 'recovery burger'.
Pair it with a Seven Miles coffee and ease into the day before hopping on at nearby Gungahlin Place.
Market wander: EPIC
If you come on a Saturday, a short ride down the line brings you to EPIC — home to the Capital Region Farmers Market, on every Saturday.
This is where the region shows off. Expect rows of fresh produce, handmade pasta, baked goods and small-batch pantry staples, plus the occasional gourmet surprise (think truffles or craft drinks). It’s equal parts shopping and snacking, so arrive hungry and take your time.
Art stop: Watson
Next, hop back on and continue south to Swinden Street for a quick detour to the Gallery of Small Things (GoST).
This intimate gallery champions handcrafted ceramics, jewellery and small-scale artworks that blur the line between art and functional object. Everything is for sale, making it less about browsing and more about discovering something meaningful to take home.
Afternoon drinks: Dickson
Back on the light rail, make your way to Dickson Interchange — one of Canberra’s most established food precincts.
At Dickson Taphouse, you’ll find an easygoing pub atmosphere paired with serious beer credentials. With up to 18 rotating taps (many of them local), it’s a great place to slow things down with a mid-afternoon drink.
If you’re in the mood for a second coffee, Highroad's bright, airy café is well worth the stop.
Shop: Braddon
Jump back on and ride into Elouera Street, your gateway to Braddon’s design and dining hub.
First stop: Hive Braddon, a beautifully curated store filled with thoughtful, design-led pieces. Nearby you'll find The Green Vine Plants for rare and unique plants, POP Canberra for Canberra-specific gifts, and op shops.
Lunch: city centre eats
From Braddon, it’s a short walk or one quick stop to Alinga Street, right in the heart of the city.
Head to Verity Lane Market for lunch, where multiple vendors make it easy to follow your cravings. Short on time? Grab a quick bite. Otherwise, settle in and take a breather.
Night
Get active
Looking to mix things up? Blochaus Bouldering in Mitchell is your wildcard stop. Think climbing, but more social and accessible — shorter walls, padded mats and no need for ropes, partners or specialised gear. It’s perfect if you want something active without the commitment.
Wine and dinner: city
Back in the city, slow things down at Dear Prudence, a cosy, Barcelona-inspired wine bar made for long conversations and shared plates. The list is approachable, the vibe is effortless, and it’s an ideal pre-dinner stop.
From here, you’re within walking distance of some of Canberra’s best like Eightysix for bold, inventive dining, or Zaab for punchy Thai flavours.
Late-night drinks
Not ready to head home? You’re in the right place.
Climb the stairs to Bar Rochford for a moody, music-led wine bar experience, or hear records spinning at Bar Outro. Prefer something more low-key? Assembly and Hopscotch offer a casual way to end the evening.
If you're after a different kind of drink, just steps away is one of the newest additions to the light rail trail: Ujin Matcha House. A calm, minimalist Japanese tea house serving premium matcha daily from 8am to 9pm.
