Canberra’s coolest suburb: The ultimate Braddon guide

With cosy coffeehouses, a sleek luxury hotel and lively farmers’ markets, Braddon is where it’s at right now.

When you think of our nation’s capital, your mind might wander to Parliament House, the National Gallery or the Australian War Memorial – school visit staples, if you will. However, Canberra also features a stream of burgeoning new hotspots that rival its big city sisters – especially the happening suburb of Braddon. Think Sydney’s Newtown mixed with Melbourne’s Fitzroy, with a healthy helping of Canberra’s unique charm.

A heady mix of award-winning restaurants, busy coffeehouses and avant-garde retail spaces, this former industrial suburb has been taken over by creatives. Gone are the rusty car dealerships and dusty factories of decades past. They’ve been replaced by boutique shops, busy bars and the irresistibly cool Midnight Hotel. The best way to explore the neighbourhood of Braddon is on foot, especially with a strong brew from Barrio Collective in hand. It’s one of the top coffee spots in Canberra and will have you coming back daily.

Barrio Collective in Braddon, Canberra — Barrio Collective is a top spot for good coffee in Canberra.

Where to stay in Braddon

1. Midnight Hotel

Designed by acclaimed architects Fender Katsalidis and offering luxury, art-led accommodation, Midnight Hotel features bespoke artwork, modern furnishings and locally sourced products (including brews from BentSpoke Brewing Co, more on them later). Dedicated to working with local artisans, producers and institutions, especially their cultural partner the National Portrait Gallery , the five-star hotel is elevating the suburb with its sharp design aesthetic.

Midnight Hotel lobby — Connect with the local surroundings at the chic Midnight Hotel. (Image: Ryan Linnegar)

2. The Kindred

If you’re looking for more of a home-away-from-home vibe, check into The Kindred . The cosy, two-bedroom apartment is one of the best Airbnbs you can book in Canberra, offering all the creature comforts and filled with locally made decor. Nestled in a garden-filled complex, its perfect for those who crave the quiet but want to stay close to the action.

The Kindred Airbnb in Braddon, Canberra — The Kindred is perfect for those seeking creature comforts.

Where to eat in Braddon

1. Haig Park Village Markets

Offering family-friendly activities and plenty of breakky, brunch and lunch options, the Haig Park Village Markets is a great way to start your day in Braddon. Held every Sunday from 8 am to 2 pm, the markets also boast an array of fresh local produce if you’d rather cook up a storm yourself.

Grab a hot pretzel or crepe, peruse the stalls and listen to live music while you contemplate what to grab for lunch.

Haig Park Village Markets in Canberra — Head down to the markets and grab a bite to eat. (Image: Haig Park Village Market/Martin Ollman)

2. Midnight Bar

On the ground floor of Midnight Hotel, you can steal away from the bustle outside at Midnight Bar . It’s the perfect spot for an evening tipple, with a curated menu offering delicious bar-style food.

Come for the flavoursome plates (think aged duck breast with cherry, red amaranth and amaro jus), stay for the innovative cocktails. Favourites include the Kwick Fix, which packs a punch with Bacardi white rum, Malibu, green apple liqueur, pineapple, kiwifruit and lime juice. Cheers to that!

Midnight Hotel Bar — Stop for a tipple at the sophisticated Midnight Bar.

3. Braddon Merchant

With a big focus on drinks and a wine list longer than most, it’s no surprise that this modern restaurant has won best wine list in ACT. Braddon Merchant is open for breakfast, when the room fills with soft morning light, lunch and dinner, when the wine list really shines.

Championing local produce, you’ll find the refreshingly simple menu features refined dishes such as king salmon ceviche with finger lime, watermelon radish and yuzu dressing – perfect on a summer night in Canberra. The popular venue, known as one of Canberra’s best restaurants, is also connected to the Midnight Hotel.

Food from Braddon Merchant in Canberra — Feast on fresh, local produce at Braddon Merchant. (Image: Iconic Hotels by Geocon)

4. Eightysix

The perfect place for dinner with friends, eightysix is always packed and filled with the sounds of hip-hop. The dynamic menu features locally sourced ingredients and a wine list that will surprise you. Book an early table (and don’t forget to try the famous banoffee pie), then hop between a few of the city’s best bars.

Food at Eightysix restaurant in Canberra — Eightysix is a popular eatery in Braddon. (Image: VisitCanberra)

5. BentSpoke Brewing Co.

With over a decade spent in the suburb, BentSpoke Brewing Co. is so entrenched in the area that they serve up a beer called the Braddon Bitter; it’s crisp, goes down well and leaves you wanting another. Spend a lazy afternoon trying some of the 26 varieties of beer and cider on tap before attacking the classic pub food on offer.

Bentspoke Brewing Co in Canberra — Take your pick from the 26 craft beers on tap. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Things to do in Braddon

1. Buzz about at Hive

Make sure you put aside some time to hit up Hive , a well-curated gift gallery filled with ethical and sustainable ceramics, jewellery, kitchenware, artwork and toys. With an emphasis on artisan-crafted products built to last, the owners encourage customers to think carefully about what they choose to take home.

Hive in Canberra, ACT — Stop in at Hive to peruse its ethical goods and gifts. (Image: VisitCanberra)

2. Pop into POP Canberra

Known as ‘one door to to 300 local makers, thousands of products and one big thriving community’, POP Canberra is a Braddon boutique worth checking out. Offering everything from savoury snacks and sweet treats to homeware, skincare and stationary, there’s something for everyone at POP.

POP shop in Canberra, ACT — There’s something for everyone at POP. (Image: VisitCanberra)

3. Buy a bottle from Blackhearts & Sparrows

Lucky for you, Melbourne-based speciality wine and beer store Blackhearts & Sparrows has an outpost in Braddon. Inside, the shelves are packed with an incredible range of craft beer, premium wines and non-alcoholic options. It’s the only location for the brand in Canberra, so be sure to stop by.

Blackheart & Sparrows in Braddon, Canberra — Oenophiles will adore Blackheart & Sparrows. (Image: VisitCanberra)

4. Explore Braddon’s street art

A great way to get the lay ofd the land is by hitting the streets – and the streets of Braddon are anything but boring. Walls and buildings throughout the neighbourhood have been thoughtfully decorated by eclectic street art by local artists, resembling the coolest outdoor art gallery you’ve ever seen. There’s even a digital map visitors can download to make sure nothing gets missed.

Braddon street art in Canberra, ACT — The streets of Braddon are adorned with colourful street art. (Image: Lightbulb for VisitCanberra)

From cycling and comedy to boating and begonia appreciation, there’s an event in regional Victoria that’s sure to have you circling dates on your calendar.

1. Festival of Sails

the Melbourne to Geelong passage race, Festival of Sails 2025 — The Melbourne to Geelong passage race will be held for its 183rd year. (Image: Salty Dingo)

When: 24–26 January
Where: Melbourne and Geelong

This five-day regatta of sailing and onshore entertainment at Geelong’s waterfront includes Australia’s oldest sporting event, the Melbourne to Geelong passage race which, in 2026, will be held for its 183rd year. But you don’t have to be a yachtie, sailor or boat-enthusiast to enjoy the nautical excitement; there’s also a three-day line-up of entertainment, food and live music, including the anchoring of tall ships – ever a firm family favourite.

2. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race

cyclists during the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race — Catch the best cyclists as they wind through Victoria’s coastal towns. (Image: Visit Victoria)

When: 31 January – 1 February
Where: The Bellarine Peninsula

Meandering (at pace) along the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast is this annual cycling event that welcomes everyone from families to serious athletes. Since its beginnings in 2015, the race has become a huge hit with spectators flocking along to cheer on Lycra-clad competitors. Starting and finishing in Geelong’s Velo Village, this is the hub of the non-race activity with food and drink, roaming performers, lawn games and face painting.

3. Riverboats Music Festival

the performers at Riverboats Music Festival, Murray River — The annual music festival is staged under majestic red gums by the Murray River.

When: 13–15 February
Where: Echuca–Moama

Get along to bop and sway under the canopy of red gums at this annual music festival . Hosted by the twin towns of Echuca–Moama, the stage is set for Murray River-adjacent revelling as historic paddlesteamers peacefully chug alongside the event. As well as music, there’s dancing, food trucks and plenty of atmosphere to absorb.

4. Neerim ArtsFest

the Neerim ArtsFest south sculptures — Admire stunning works at Neerim ArtsFest. (Image: Nicky Cawood)

When: 28 February – 15 March
Where: Gippsland

This biennial Gippsland festival celebrates sculptural artists with an esteemed award in two categories, large outdoor and small indoor. The public is invited to enjoy the works over the exhibition period as they’re placed throughout Neerim South and surrounding venues. For 2026, the theme ‘The Spirit Soars’ leads artists to create stunning pieces that explore the expression of freedom in a thrilling visual capacity.

5. ChillOut Festival

a street parade during the LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival — Think colourful street parades and burlesque performances.

When: 5–9 March
Where: Daylesford

Pride in the country has been cheered on every March in Daylesford since 1997 with the riotous annual LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival . This colourful regional spectacle is an inclusive celebration of diversity that plays out across a vibrant parade, burlesque performances, a bush dance and a carnival. Get bedazzled, find a wig and stick on the false eyelashes for this fun party.

6. Port Fairy Folk Festival

Missy Higgins at the Port Fairy Folk Festival — Celebrate folk music at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. (Image: Lucinda Goodwin)

When: 6–9 March
Where: Port Fairy

In 2026, this beloved festival will be one year shy of its 50th anniversary. From folk fans to festival-lovers, this long-running event brings plenty of good vibes to guarantee an incredible experience. While music is at the heart of the festival, there’s also a range of workshops, exhibitions and family entertainment across dance, film and folk art. For its 49th year, the line-up so far includes Blair Dunlop, Elephant Sessions, and the musical duo Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham.

7. The Ballarat Begonia Festival

a woman admiring flowers at The Ballarat Begonia Festival — Gasp at delicate blooms at The Ballarat Begonia Festival.

When: 7–9 March
Where: Ballarat

In bloom since 1953, this horticultural event places a collection of rare begonias at the centre of festivities, honouring the flower’s presence in Ballarat since the 1800s. During its history, the event has been visited by Queen Elizabeth II and, in 2015, it featured the launch of the largest outdoor Lego flower. Apart from a display of around 500 species of the flower of the moment, there’s also a begonia parade, entertainment, live music, food and presentations.

8. The Bendigo Easter Festival

Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance at The Bendigo Easter Festival — The majestic Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance is an annual tradition at The Bendigo Easter Festival.

When: 3–6 April
Where: Bendigo

Held in the city’s Rosalind Park, the annual Easter Festival has been a highlight of Bendigo’s calendar of events since 1871. A carnival of colourful activity, the festival welcomes everyone and rolls out the good times with everything from a Good Friday Easter egg hunt to live music and performances, a Rotary market and Gala Parade. Don’t miss the world’s longest imperial dragon rhythmically roaming the historic streets as part of the Easter Sunday festivities.

9. Grape Escape

a glass of wine at the Grampians Grape Escape — Enjoy a wine tasting experience. (Image: Anthony Evans Photography)

When: 1–3 May
Where: The Grampians

Backdropped by gorgeous Grampians/Gariwerd National Park, this much-loved bacchanalian-inspired festival of food, wine and music is a high-priority for gourmands. Held at Halls Gap Reserve, a Tasting Ticket includes a tumbler that unlocks free wine, beer and cider tastings and, if you are partaking, there’s a shuttle bus to get you back to your digs afterwards. Be sure to book your accommodation early for this one – its popularity is undisputed.

10. Comedy in the Vines

Comedy in the Vines at Cherryhill Orchards — Get the good times rolling at Cherryhill Orchards. (Image: Saige Prime)

When: 24–26 October
Where: Yarra Valley

The premise of Yarra Valley’s Comedy in the Vines , held at Cherryhill Orchards, is that wine and laughs pair well. Few arguments can be made, so get along this month (or next year), to have a giggle and a gamay. This year, taking the stage is the likes of Merrick Watts, Tommy Little, Ray O’Leary and Takashi Wakasugi. There are also masterclasses, a riesling and oyster shot bar, and plenty of food and music between gigs.

Your guide to Braddon: Canberra’s coolest suburb