19 Things To Do In Fyshwick, Canberra

Canberra’s former industrial hub has been transformed into an epic family-friendly playground by forward-thinking entrepreneurs and a feast of new delights.

Fyshwick. It’s an odd name for this tiny suburb, south of Canberra’s CBD and just metres from Canberra Airport. Yet it feels strangely appropriate. Named after Tasmanian politician Sir Philip Fysh, it’s one of the most eclectic areas of Canberra.

Fyshwick’s reputation for seedy adult venues is a thing of the past, replaced by a brighter, more family-friendly vibe fueled with artisanal bakeries, op-shop emporiums, breweries and markets.

In its early days, this was considered a light industrial area with a few warehouses. Not much happened here, and hardly anyone wanted to make the trek outside of Canberra City. Fast forward to today, and Fyshwick is one of the coolest suburbs in Canberra, on par with lifestyle meccas like Braddon and Manuka, with plenty of fun things to do.

I make it a point to visit Fyshwick every time I’m down in the Capital, primarily to take one of my favourite walks in Canberra.

In Short

If you only have the time to do one thing in Fyshwick, head straight for Jerrabomberra Wetlands. It’s rare to have such a bountiful, picturesque habitat like this so close to a CBD, making it a great hidden gem for those exploring Australia’s boutique Capital.

You can do the entire loop in just 40 minutes, so it’s a very approachable walk, no matter the rest of the day’s plans. The route is a peaceful, contemplative, and still walk, and you can expect to have most of the area to yourself, save for a few birdwatchers and nature lovers.

1. Grab a paddle at Capital Brewing Co.

cyclists at Capital Brewing Co. — Pop by the progressive craft beer label for a delicious on-tap brew. (Credit: VisitCanberra)

When the award-winning Capital Brewing Co. opened in 2016, it forced a shift in how locals view Fyshwick. The years that followed saw the suburb elevate its artisanal offerings, becoming a hub for Canberra’s local businesses.

The progressive craft beer label is best represented by a lively taproom, where tasting paddles showcase the team’s penchant for experimental and sustainable brewing.

A dozen taps are regularly switched out for Capital’s beers, which have picked up plenty of accolades for the label’s sustainability ethos. This is consistently named one of Australia’s best breweries for good reason.

Address: Building 3/1 Dairy Rd, Fyshwick

2. Grab a flaky croissant at Wildflour

artisan pastries and coffee at Wildflour, Fyshwick — Artisan pastries perfectly paired with specialty coffee. (Credit: VisitCanberra)

Wildflour is an artisan bakery and cafe standing tall at the forefront of Fyshwick’s communal food scene. The croissants are perfectly flaky and packed with flavour, coupled with some of Canberra’s finest coffee, best enjoyed in the leafy outdoor area.

You’ll spot Wildflour’s sourdough and various pastries at other cafes across Canberra. Still, nothing beats getting everything fresh from the source in a simple, family-friendly setting within spitting distance of Canberra Airport.

Address: 8 Townsville St, Fyshwick

3. Find some treasure at Designer Op Shop Emporium

Peruse vintage goods at Designer Op Shop Emporium. (Credit: VisitCanberra)

Just over a dozen of Canberra’s finest makers, artisans and craftspeople have come together under one roof, building Designer Op Shop Emporium into something special for Canberra shoppers.

Owned by mother and daughter duo Sharyn and Taylor Pitsilos, DOS Emporium is a veritable oasis of vintage chic fashion, design, homewares, luxury toiletries, fresh flowers and other highly individualised items packed with personality.

Much like POP Canberra in Braddon, the Emporium is an essential part of the city’s identity, and locals are fiercely proud of it. I’ve managed to find quite a few treasured items there over the years, and it always seems different every time I go back.

Address: Corner Of Barrier Street And, 1 Lyell St, Fyshwick

4. Scale a wall at BlocHaus

indoor rock climbing at BlocHaus, Fyshwick — Challenge yourself at this indoor rock climbing gym. (Credit: Izzy Huang)

BlocHaus is Canberra’s original bouldering gym and a big reason why locals regularly fly through Fyshwick. The range of unique climbing walls caters to both beginners and hobbyists, with enough space so you won’t be stuck waiting for your turn for too long.

There’s also a separate section, FamilyHaus, designed for anyone over the age of 5, so younger climbers can build up their skill set. Consider this one of the best kid-friendly things to do in Canberra.

Address: 2, 2/1 Dairy Rd, Fyshwick

5. Sort through the piles at Canty’s Bookshop

Canty’s Bookshop, Fyshwick — Score a good read at Canty’s Bookshop.

Dating back to 1922, the family-owned Canty’s Bookshop dusts off the charm of yesteryear and acts as a time capsule for Canberra. You’ll find 1.2 kilometres of bookshelves and piles upon stacks of both old and new books at generous prices.

Owner Luke Canty is a well of knowledge, so think of him as a kind of literary sommelier, keen to match your inclinations with the right page-turner so you’ve got a new favourite to spend time with.

Address: Fyshwick Plaza; 59-61 Wollongong St, Fyshwick

6. See a show at Mill Theatre

The late-night vibrancy you’ll pick up from Dairy Road centres around the eclectic Mill Theatre . It’s a small, 67-seat greybox studio, but this refreshingly unique performing arts venue has been shouldering Canberra’s creative scene since it first opened in November 2022.

Tiny, independent and passionate performances regularly flirt their way onto Mill Theatre’s dynamic schedule, so you’ll always have something to pencil in amongst Fyshwick’s many great spots for a pre-show dinner like Canteen and Brodburger.

Address: 3.3/1 Dairy Rd, Fyshwick  

7. Bring some binoculars to Jerrabomberra Wetlands

the Grevillea Park, Fyshwick — The Jerrabomberra Wetlands can be seen from Grevillea Park. (Credit: VisitCanberra)

Canberra’s manageable size is typically what makes the city such a unique and incredible part of Australia. There are very few places where bountiful wetlands sit so close to the CBD, and yet Fyshwick is the home to one of the city’s favourite natural habitats: Jerrabomberra Wetlands .

It only takes around 40 minutes to walk the entire loop of the 174-hectare protected area, which sits on the Molonglo River floodplain and is most popular amongst enthusiastic birdwatchers and nature lovers.

Scan your surroundings carefully, and you may even spy some trenches used for training during the war days by Duntroon Royal Military College.

Address: Dairy Rd, Fyshwick

8. Pack a picnic basket at Urban Providore

Although Sydney and Melbourne’s top-heavy dining scenes are in constant lock-step, Canberra is far from an insecure middle child. Having the best of both Victoria’s and New South Wales’ produce at your doorstep will do that to you.

It’s no secret that Canberra is a foodie’s paradise, so pop by Urban Providore . This Fyshwick food hall celebrates local and specialises in gourmet artisanal products.

Spend some time browsing through shelves of chocolate delights and local wines, or get the owners to whip you up a gourmet picnic hamper before you head to any of the best picnic spots in Canberra.

Address: 80 Kembla St, Fyshwick

9. Take a trip to Paris at The Flute Bakery

The Flute Bakery, Fyshwick — This homely patisserie has all the French treats you could hope for. (Credit: VisitCanberra)

Authenticity isn’t just crucial for the kitchen, it also plays a part in ambience. Step inside the unapologetically French Flute Bakery and it’s like you’ve just hopped on a flight straight to Paris, with beautiful pastries made to exacting standards.

Mousse cakes, tarts and multi-coloured macarons line the display cabinet at this homely patisserie, which in true Parisian style is only open on weekdays. Those sweet and savoury pies are some of the best in Canberra as well, so make sure you bring your appetite with you.

Address: 8 Barrier St, Fyshwick

10. Get inspired at the Niche Markets

The heart of this tiny suburb is Fyshwick Markets with rows of stallholders touting fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood. Look closer and you’ll find the separate Niche Markets , an extension dedicated to local craftspeople with a great range of goods from flowers and jewellery to homewares and hand-crafted gifts.

Niche Markets is open from Thursday to Sunday only. My favourite part? The live music on weekends, when the atmosphere thickens, and everyone celebrates the end of the week. It’s a great place to bring the whole family together and spend some time picking apart Canberra’s irrepressible sense of creativity.

Address: 36 Mildura St, Fyshwick

11. Bite into a Brodburger

Brodburger, Fyshwick — The famous red van slings hearty burgers. (Credit: VisitCanberra)

Not one for beer? In case you need a different reason to hit up the team at Capital Brewing Co., you can go just to find Canberra’s favourite burger truck, Brodburger , parked up with its locally famous red van.

Brodburger has been slinging the best burgers in Canberra for years. With Capital as their new forever home, it’s easy to chow down on one of their pitch-perfect burgers or hot dogs before heading on out to explore Fyshwick’s unique charms.

 Address: Building 3/1 Dairy Rd, Fyshwick

12. Sharpen your mind at Missing Klues

Work around the clock to find a cure to a mysterious illness, solve a murder or uncover a drug stash at Missing Klues . Real-life role-playing has never been more popular now that Escape Rooms (or Puzzle Rooms) are getting more sophisticated and creative.

There are six different themed puzzle rooms at this Fyshwick favourite, where two to eight players work together to decipher riddles and thread information together before it is too late. Themes include Toxic, Doomsday, Cold Case, Overdose, and the Jungle Room, all propped up by different immersive puzzles.

Address: 155 Gladstone St, Fyshwick

13. Accio some wizarding merch at Quizzic Alley

Quizzic Alley, Fyshwick — Step into the Wizarding World. (Credit: VisitCanberra)

Harry Potter fans are usually shocked to hear that Canberra hosts the biggest collection of Wizarding World merchandise in the entire country. You’ll find it all at Quizzic Alley , an old-school magic shop that doesn’t mess around when it comes to fun visuals and interesting finds.

Even if you aren’t walking away with a new broomstick, snap some selfies in Weasley’s flying Ford Anglia and chug a QBrew (a stand-in for butterbeer).

Address: 5 Pirie St, Fyshwick

14. Build up some (friendly) rage at Breakr

Did you know that Canberra has its very own smash room? It’s a space where you, dressed in protective wear, have a time limit to break, smash, wreck and shatter various common items as a stand-in for whatever frustrations you’re holding onto.

Teacups, old printers, glassware – nothing stands a chance once you step inside one of Breakr’s smash rooms and safely dial in some controlled cathartic chaos.

Address: 4/1 Lyell Street, Fyshwick

15. Practice your aim at Axxe

Axxe, Fyshwick — Channel your inner lumberjack. (Credit: VisitCanberra)

Darts are a thing of the past. We want big, sharp axes, and we want them now. Given Fyshwick is now a hotbed of recreation centres and modern group activities, Axxe feels inevitable.

Slink into a checked flannelette, channel your inner lumberjack, take a deep breath, and let that axe fly like the wind as it chops into that big bullseye. Note that this experience is only for those over 18, and you must be wearing covered shoes.

Address: 4/1 Lyell St, Fyshwick

16. Go op shopping at Material Pleasures

You may not be in Brunswick, but who needs Melbourne’s gritty hipster tastes when you’ve got Fyshwick? Material Pleasures is every bit as vibrant and diverse as anything you’ll find on Sydney Road, featuring a dynamic collection of recycled contemporary designer clothing and accessories.

Material Pleasures is one of the best fashion stores in Canberra,so next time you need a new outfit – or a flannelette shirt to wear to Axxe – pop by this store, with very approachable prices and a clear love of designer classics.

Address: 3 Barrier St, Fyshwick

17. Grab an award-winning brew at ONA Coffee House

a cup of latte at ONA Coffee House — Start your day right with a barista-made coffee. (Credit: VisitCanberra)

You’ll find Ona’s single-origin coffee at many places throughout Canberra, but it all comes from here. With an adjoining roastery, so beans are maximised on-site, Ona Coffee House serves up a great dose of consistency for coffee purists.

Inside, you’ll spy a mantelpiece lined with awards from the World Barista Championships, reflecting the type of premium quality you can expect when you rock up to this quaint coffee shop with your favourite order.

If you’ve got the time, Ona also hosts coffee workshops, should you want to learn more about the multifaceted art of brewing.

Address: 68 Wollongong St, Fyshwick

18. Fix yourself a plate at Smoke Master BBQ

There aren’t many spots around Canberra where you can fix up a tray of authentic, low-and-slow American BBQ, so make the most of your time at Smoke Master . This Fyshwick staple is relentless when it comes to big, saucy flavours and variety.

There is plenty to choose from at this fully licensed venue, which is open from Wednesday to Saturday and is a family-run operation headed by the owner, and former Canberra radio personality, Scotty Masters. Cold beers and smoked brisket are generally the best way to go, but if you’re feeling extra indulgent, I recommend the pork shoulder.

If you want something different from your usual cafe order in the morning, Smoke Master also does up a great pulled pork breakfast wrap between 8am and 10am. Or you can start your day with a brisket pie.

Address: 7a/19-25 Kembla St, Fyshwick

19. See the latest at Canberra Art Gallery

One of Canberra’s newest art galleries, simply named Canberra Art Gallery , opened at 100 Barrier Street in mid-2025. Owner and prominent art collector Keith Murphy, of Murphy Art, uses several upstairs spaces to showcase several hundred works stretched across both established and emerging local and international artists.

Murphy clearly wants to make this the ultimate art gallery in Canberra, and he’s succeeded so far, presenting a very diverse range for sale. Pop by and see if you can track down the next centrepiece of your home, or just open yourself up to an incredible amount of art that unlocks creative corners from all over the world.

Address: 100 Barrier St, Fyshwick

Victoria’s ‘mussel capital’ is the source of exceptional shellfish used by top chefs far and wide. Step aboard a beautifully refurbished trawler to see how these plump and juicy bivalves are sustainably cultivated.

A curtain is slowly winched from the placid, teal waters just off Portarlington , like a floating garland beside our boat. The ropes heave with blue mussels, the star attraction of our tour. But as we reach to pluck our own, it’s quickly clear they’re not alone; a mass of weird and wonderful creatures has colonised the ropes, turning them into a living tapestry. ‘Fairy’ oysters, jelly-like sea squirts, and tiny, wriggling skeleton shrimp all inhabit this underwater ecosystem.

We prize our bivalve bounty from the ropes, and minutes later the mussels arrive split on a platter. The plump orange morsels are served raw, ready to be spritzed with wedges of lemon and a lick of chilli as we gaze out over the bay. They’re briny, tender and faintly sweet. “This wasn’t originally part of the tour,” explains Connie Trathen, who doubles as the boat’s cook, deckhand and guide. “But a chef [who came onboard] wanted to taste the mussels raw first, and it’s now become one of the key features.”

A humble trawler turned Hamptons-style dreamboat

inspecting bivalve bounty from the ropes — Inspecting the bounty. (Image: Visit Victoria/Hannyn Shiggins)

It’s a crisp, calm winter’s day, and the sun is pouring down upon Valerie, a restored Huon pine workhorse that was first launched in January 1980. In a previous life she trawled the turbulent Bass Strait. These days she takes jaunts into Port Phillip Bay under the helm of Lance Wiffen, a fourth-generation Bellarine farmer, and the owner of Portarlington Mussel Tours . While Lance has been involved in the fishing industry for 30-plus years, the company’s tour boat only debuted in 2023.

holding Portarlington mussels — See how these plump and juicy bivalves are sustainably cultivated.

It took more than three years to transform the former shark trawler into a dreamy, Hamptons-esque vessel, with little expense spared. Think muted green suede banquettes, white-washed walls, Breton-striped bench cushions, hardwood tables, bouquets of homegrown dahlias, and woollen blankets sourced from Waverley Mills, Australia’s oldest working textile mill. It’s intimate, too, welcoming 12 guests at most. And yet there’s nothing pretentious about the experience – just warm, down-to-earth Aussie hospitality.

As we cruise out, we crack open a bottle of local bubbles and nibble on the most beautifully curated cheese platter, adorned with seashells and grey saltbush picked from the water’s edge that very morning. Australasian gannets soar overhead, and I’m told it’s not uncommon for guests to spot the odd seal, pod of dolphins, or even the occasional little penguin.

The sustainable secret behind Victoria’s best mussels

blue mussels off Portarlington — Blue mussels sourced just off Portarlington.

Connie and Lance both extol the virtues of mussels. They’re delicious. A lean source of protein and packed with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, iron, selenium, and zinc. They’re cooked in a flash (Connie steams our fresh harvest with cider and onion jam). And they’re also widely regarded as one of the most sustainable foods in the world.

Portarlington mussels with lemon and chilli — Mussels served with lemon and chilli.

“Aquaculture is [often] seen as destructive, so a lot of our guests are really surprised about how environmentally friendly and sustainable our industry is,” Lance says. “[Our mussels] would filter 1.4 billion litres of water a day,” he adds, explaining how mussels remove excess nitrogen and phosphorus from the water. “And through biomineralisation, we lock carbon into mussel shells.”

a hand holding a Portarlington mussel — Mussels are a sustainable food.

Despite their glowing list of accolades, these molluscs have long been seen as the oysters’ poorer cousins. “It was a really slow start,” explains Lance, who says that in the early days of his career, “you could not sell mussels in Victoria”.

But word has slowly caught on. Chefs as globally acclaimed as Attica’s Ben Shewry and even René Redzepi of Noma, Denmark, have travelled to these very waters just to try the shellfish at the source, sharing only the highest praise, and using Lance’s mussels in their restaurants.

guests sampling Portarlington mussels onboard — Sampling the goods onboard. (Image: Visit Victoria/Hannyn Shiggins)

According to Lance there’s one obvious reason why the cool depths of Portarlington outshine other locations for mussel farming. “The water quality is second to none,” he says, noting how other regions are frequently rocked by harvest closures due to poor water quality. “We grow, without a doubt, some of the best shellfish in the world.” And with Lance’s bold claims backed up by some of the industry’s greatest names, perhaps it won’t be much longer until more Aussies uncover the appeal of Portarlington’s mussels.

19 fun things to do in Fyshwick, Canberra