YOUR SHERO INSPIRED ITINERARY FOR CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA'S CAPITAL

YOUR SHERO INSPIRED ITINERARY FOR CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA'S CAPITAL - Follow in the footsteps of Mediacorp TV series SHERO and discover scenic surroundings, quiet nature, hidden gems, cool adventures, and a foodie wonderland in Canberra, Australia's capital. These are our recommendations of the filming locations to visit to have you living out your SHERO dreams.

Australian Parliament House

The home of Australia's government is a grand building, Australian Parliament House is one of the few working parliamentary buildings in the world that opens its doors to the public, which makes a visit to the iconic building a truly unique experience. Visitors can watch the House of Representatives and the Senate from the galleries on sitting days - but there's so much more to this iconic building than meets the eye. Head up to the grass roof and take in the spectacular views or take a guided tour to explore its unique architecture, and art collections and go behind the scenes for a once-in-lifetime experience.

Mount Ainslie Lookout

Head to Mount Ainslie Lookout to get a perspective of Canberra. You can either drive or walk up to the top, where you'll be treated to sweeping views of the city and surrounding the Brindabella Mountain ranges. This spot is a favorite among both locals and visitors. You can follow the walking trail that runs behind the Australian War Memorial to reach this picturesque location, and you might even encounter some friendly kangaroos along the way.

National Zoo & Aquarium

Pat a cheetah, feed a bear, or meet a meerkat—get up close and personal with some of the world's most amazing creatures. From lions and tigers to giraffes and monkeys, the Zoo features a variety of native and exotic animals, as well as the largest inland saltwater tank in Australia. Stay at Jamala Wildlife Lodge for an all-inclusive African-inspired safari experience.

National Gallery of Australia's Sculpture Garden

An incredible 160,000-plus artworks are held at the National Gallery of Australia, including the world's largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. See 19th-century masterpieces from around the world through to modern Australian classics like Jackson Pollock's Blue Poles. A walk through the hidden Sculpture Garden behind the building on the lake's foreshore is a must, and don't miss James Turrell's Skyspace, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Old Bus Depot Markets

At the iconic Old Bus Depot Markets, held each Sunday, you'll find over 200 stalls of exceptional quality, local produce from artisan baked goods to beautiful hand-crafted items made by local and regional creatives. In a fabulous old industrial building, you'll experience the endless color, tastes, sounds, and atmosphere – there's simply no better way to spend your Sunday morning in Canberra.

Cockington Green Gardens

You'll feel like a giant at this miniature village in Canberra's Gold Creek Village. Take a trip around the globe at Cockington Green Gardens home to intricate displays of tiny hand-crafted buildings from more than 30 countries. From Scotland's Braemer Castle to Peru's Machu Picchu, marvel at the attention to detail in every creation – many of which take thousands of hours to handmake. Don't pass up a ride on the garden's miniature steam train – a crowd favorite!

National Arboretum Canberra

Just six kilometers from the city center, wander through a mosaic of living forests and gardens offering breathtaking views of the city and Lake Burley Griffin. Your hardest choice will be deciding whether to walk, bike ride or take a bus tour through the forests. The National Arboretum is perfect for a picnic or to watch the sunset with over 44,000 rare and endangered trees across the 250-hectare site. There's also a café, restaurant, and the stunning National Bonsai & Penjing Collection of Australia to visit.

Explore the capital's famous Lake Burley Griffin

At the heart of Canberra is Lake Burley Griffin, surrounded by galleries, museums, cafes, and parks, as well as walking and cycling paths. Do as the locals do and spend an hour walking the 'bridge to bridge' path around the lake, stopping for a coffee along the way. Peddle your way across the lake in a classic paddle boat or enjoy a floating picnic on an electric GoBoat. It's always a good idea to stop at Walter Cafe for a coffee and a sweet treat, but nothing beats sitting down for a delicious meal overlooking the sweeping views of the lake. 

Indulge your inner foodie in Braddon

Just a few minutes walk from the city center is Braddon, Canberra's ever-evolving shopping and foodie precinct, where you'll find a variety of boutiques, cafes, bakeries, restaurants, and bars. At the heart of this hipster haven is Lonsdale Street, which flaunts an exciting variety of independent stores showcasing local makers and creatives. Taste delicious hand-made chocolates at Engima Fine Chocolates, grab a healthy and nutritious bite to eat at EightyTwenty, and pop into Pop Canberra, a locally curated store showcasing Canberra's best local creators. Book a tour with Eat Canberra Food Tours and discover some of the city's best eats and hidden gems.

Snapper & Co

Canberra's favorite lakeside eatery, Snapper & Co is located on Lake Burley Griffin's shores at Yarralumla. This is the perfect spot to watch the sunset with a side of fish and chips at the casual indoor and outdoor eatery. If you prefer to sit out in the open air, there are loads of seating, a vast grassed area, a gelato bar, a selection of divine food and drinks menu, and unrivaled views. On weekends, Snapper & Co. offers a breakfast service, lunch, and dinner, and over the warmer months of spring and summer, sit back and soak up the sounds of live local music every afternoon. It's a beautiful way to end a perfect day!

Monster Kitchen and Bar

You can't go past Monster Kitchen and Bar for a swish hang-out in Canberra. You'll find the sleek spot on the ground floor of the ever-so-cool and arty boutique Ovolo Nishi Hotel. Since October 2020, Monster has offered (and perfected) an entirely vegetarian menu, pairing a love of wine and good vegetarian food in one eclectic dining space.

Watch SHERO on Channel 8, every Monday to Friday, from 9pm until 7 July to get a peek at the filming locations in Canberra, and to start planning your trip.

For more travel inspiration head to visitcanberra.com.au