15 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.

Fishwyck. 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.

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

In its early days, Fyshwick was considered a light industrial area with a few warehouses here and there. 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. Here are the best of them.

1. Grab a paddle at Capital Brewing Co.

The award-winning Capital Brewing Co . is one of the driving forces behind Fyshwick’s artisanal boom. The progressive craft beer label is best represented in the hub’s lively taproom where tasting paddles showcase the team’s penchant for experimental and sustainable brewing.

friends raising their beer glasses at Capital Brewing Co., Fyshwick — Raise your beer glasses at Capital Brewing Co. (Image: VisitCanberra)

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.

pouring tap beer into a glass at Capital Brewing Co., Fyshwick — The progressive craft beer label serves up a delicious on-tap brew. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: Building 3/1 Dairy Rd, Fyshwick

2. Grab a flaky croissant at Wildflower

Wildflower is an artisan bakery and cafe standing tall at the forefront of Fyshwick’s progressive food scene. The croissants are generally the most popular thing here, coupled with some of Canberra’s finest coffee, best enjoyed in the leafy outdoor area.

You’ll spot Wildflower’s sourdough and various pastries at other cafes across Canberra, but 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

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.

the exterior of Designer Op Shop Emporium, Fyshwick — The Emporium is a shopping destination for pre-loved fashion. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Helmed 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. You’ll be too after you find your next treasured item.

a woman browsing through vintage items on display at Designer Op Shop Emporium, Fyshwick — Peruse vintage goods at Designer Op Shop Emporium. (Image: VisitCanberra)

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

4. Scale a wall at BlocHaus

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.

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

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.

a group of people exercising at BlocHaus, Fyshwick — BlocHaus caters to both beginners and hobbyists. (Image: Izzy Huang)

Address: 2, 2/1 Dairy Rd, Fyshwick

5. Sort through the piles 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 book sommelier, keen to match your inclinations with the right page-turner so you’ve got a new favourite to spend time with.

piles of books inside Canty’s Bookshop, Fyshwick — Score a good read at Canty’s Bookshop.

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

6. Bring some binoculars to Jerrabomberra Wetlands

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.

views across Jerrabomberra Wetlands from Grevillea Park — The Jerrabomberra Wetlands can be seen from Grevillea Park. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: Dairy Rd, Fyshwick

7. 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 make sure to pop by Urban Providore , a food hall that 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

8. Take a trip to Paris at The Flute Bakery

Authenticity isn’t important just to lock in precise flavours and ensure consistency, it also plays a part in ambience. Step inside the unapologetically French Flute Bakery and it’s like you’ve just zipped straight to Paris, with beautiful pastries made to exacting standards.

the exterior of Flute Bakery in Fyshwick — This homely patisserie has all the French treats you could hope for. (Image: VisitCanberra)

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.

French pastries on display at The Flute Bakery, Fyshwick — The Flute Bakery is one of the best purveyors of French pastries. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: 8 Barrier St, Fyshwick

9. 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. But 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, and there’s live music on weekends. 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

10. Bite into a Brodburger

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's Sascha Brodbeck and Joelle Bou-Jaoude — Meet the co-owners behind Brodburger’s success, Sascha Brodbeck and Joelle Bou-Jaoude. (Image: VisitCanberra)

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.

a close-up of burgers at Brodburger, Fyshwick — The famous red van slings hearty burgers. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: Building 3/1 Dairy Rd, Fyshwick

11. Sharpen your mind at Revelation Puzzle Rooms

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

There are four 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.

Address: 155 Gladstone St, Fyshwick

12. Accio some wizarding merch at Quizzic Alley

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.

the entrance at Quizzic Alley — Step into the Wizarding World. (Image: VisitCanberra)

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).

Harry Potter merchandise at Quizzic Alley, Fyshwick — Find all things magic at Quizzic Alley. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: 5 Pirie St, Fyshwick

13. 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.

two people wearing protective clothes at Breakr smash room, Fyshwick — Sign up for Canberra’s ultimate smash room experience at Breakr.

Address: 4/1 Lyell Street, Fyshwick

14. Practice your aim at Axxe

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

15. 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

Discover the best things to do in Canberra.

Spend a few days visiting the real-life Central Australian locations that inspired the new film everyone is talking about, and discover why Alice Springs is such an important part of Australian culture.

In the credits of the new Australian film Kangaroo , the first name under ‘cast’ should read ‘The Northern Territory ’. Not only is Alice Springs (and the surrounding landscape) integral to the movie itself, but the spiritual heart of Australia and its local Indigenous owners also inform the look and feel of every frame, explains Producer Trisha Morton-Thomas of Brindle Films, who also plays Charlie’s grandmother Gwennie.

“By setting Kangaroo in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), the film embraces how visible Aboriginal people are here, and the living Aboriginal culture that is woven through this community,” she explains.

still from kangarro film — See *Kangaroo*, then visit the real-life filming locations.

And while shooting in such a sacred part of the Northern Territory required extra planning, it was something the cast and crew were highly invested in.

“There are incredibly significant sacred sites and places of deep cultural stories in the area, that at times are very gender-specific, which we’ve kept out of the production,” she explains. “Even if overhead drone footage captures a sacred site that isn’t meant to be seen by other people outside of that clan, we’ve made sure to omit it from the film.”

If Kangaroo piqued your interest in a Central Australian holiday, we don’t blame you. Read on to discover eight places featured in the movie that you can visit in real life – and get planning. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat.

1. Alice Springs/ Mparntwe

artist at Many Hands Art Centre — Visit the galleries of Alice Springs, like Many Hands Art Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr/ Many Hands Art Centre)

The red and dusty streets of the film’s fictional town of Silvergum were filmed on the outskirts of Alice Springs. And, while the art gallery featured in the film is fictional, Alice Springs is a hub of creativity. See the work of local artists at the Araluen Art Centre , Yubu Napa Art Gallery , Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and the famous Tjanpi Desert Weavers .

2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary & Kangaroo Rescue Centre

The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs, the inspiration for the Kangaroo move — Visit the movie’s inspiration at Kangaroo Sanctuary. (Image: Tourism NT/ Kangaroo Sanctuary)

Kangaroo was inspired by the journey of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who founded the now world-renowned Kangaroo Sanctuary based in Alice Springs. For lead actor, Aussie Ryan Corr, the animals were central to the movie, alongside the landscapes.

“The animals in this story were a real calling point for me,” he explains. “What this story tries to tell us about the connection between humans and animals is beautiful.”

To gain a real insight into the fauna and flora of the Red Centre, you can visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary on a sunset tour, where you might even get the chance to hold a baby kangaroo.

3. Ormiston Gorge

woman walking along the edge of Ormiston Gorge near alice springs — Take a dip in Ormiston Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/ @domandjesso)

The film captures the raw beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges, known in the Arrernte language as Tjoritja. This national park is rich in Indigenous culture and stark geological wonders.

Only a 15-minute drive from Alice Springs, Tjoritja offers visitors the chance to camp, hike and swim among ancient landscapes (most attractions are less than a three-hour drive away).

Ormiston Gorge , a cooling oasis in among the red desert sands, is one of the most popular destinations, no doubt because of the permanent swimming hole and towering red cliffs. From here, visitors can also embark on the beautiful Ormiston Pound Walk and the shorter – more accessible – Ghost Gum Walk. Bring your bathers – it’s safe for swimming.

4. Standley Chasm

woman walking through Standley Chasm near alice springs — Wander through Standley Chasm. (Image: Tourism NT)

The 1.2-kilometre walk to nearby Standley Chasm will be a highlight for any visitor as the imposing 40 metre-high chasm walls project strength and ancient wisdom.

Visit at midday to experience the path illumined by the midday sun. Not only will you fill your camera roll with vibrant red images of the gorge and its intoxicating shadows, but you can also camp nearby in a powered or unpowered site so you can watch the brilliance of the desert stars fill the night sky after dusk.

5. Simpsons Gap

three people walking on path through simpsons gap near alice springs — Walk the trails of Simpson’s Gap. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr)

Closer to Alice Springs, the photogenic Simpsons Gap is the perfect place to spot the endangered Black-footed Rock wallaby near the permanent watering hole. While swimming isn’t permitted, soaking up the sun and views certainly is.

Explore the area’s numerous walking trails, appreciate the soaring cliffs on either side of the ‘gap’ and pick out the shooting locations of Kangaroo in the area.

6. Ellery Creek Big Hole

aerial of Ellery Creek Big Hole near alice springs — Dive into Ellery Creek Big Hole. (Image: Tourism NT/ Tourism Australia)

When it comes to classic Northern Territory landscapes, you can’t go past Ellery Creek Big Hole/ Udepata : tall gum trees sidling up to a refreshing watering hole (fed by the West MacDonnell Ranges and surrounded by rugged red cliffs.

Swim in the cooling waters, hike the cliff tops, watch for birds and even stargaze as you camp here overnight. It’s locations like this that attracted the film’s director Kate Woods to the project.

“It humbles you to be in this environment: it’s so beautiful, so old and so vast,” she explains. “I was thrilled to get a chance to … shoot such a beautiful story in the incredible landscape of the Northern Territory.”

7. Larapinta Drive

aerial of Larapinta Drive into alice springs — Drive along Larapinta Drive. (Image: Tourism NT)

There is no better way to get a feel for how the characters arrived at the fictional Central Australian town of Silvergum than to travel along the iconic state road, Larapinta Drive.

Connecting Alice Springs to the mighty King’s Canyon in the west, via the historic community of Hermannsburg, this road takes in the West MacDonnell National Park, Alice Springs Desert Park and artist Albert Namatjira’s house, among other attractions. Take your time, bring a camera and prepare for numerous stops along the way.

8. Todd River

competitors in Henley on Todd Regatta, alice springs — Join in the fun of the quirky Henley on Todd Regatta. (Image: Tourism NT/ TImparja Creative)

Meandering through Alice Springs like a lazy Western Brown snake, the Todd River is a central part of Alice Springs culture. Known as an ‘intermittent river’, the Todd can go from a dry dusty riverbed to a flowing waterscape in less than 15 minutes after heavy rainfall.

When it’s dry, the famous Henley on Todd Regatta fills the sandy riverbed with handmade ‘boats’ carried by sailors. This is the world’s only dry river boating event, and it’s referenced in the ‘Silvergum Boat Race’ in the movie. Inspired by the real-life event, the characters built quirky “Flintstones-style boats” and competed in teams.

See Kangaroo in cinemas now, and start planning your NT getaway at northernterritory.com.

15 fun things to do in Fyshwick, Canberra