Hugh Chevrant-Breton, the (former) manager of Singapore Airlines’ Canberra office shares the many gems of the Australian capital
EAT
Pizza lovers have to try the divine thin crusts at Italian and Sons in Braddon. If exquisite Chinese food is more up your alley, Chairman & Yip in Barton is a must-visit for the wok-tossed king prawns with mixed peppercorns, while Narrabundah’s XO does creative Asian fusion dishes. For the freshest pide (flatbread) in Canberra, head to Turkish Halal Pide House in Yarralumla – it’s great to grab and go.
EXPLORE
For a relaxing day out, I recommend the National Museum of Australia to learn about the country’s unique history through curated exhibitions. Other must-visit cultural institutions include the National Gallery of Australia, home to an amazing permanent collection of art by Indigenous artists, and the Australian War Memorial. You could also go for a walk through the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, where there are lots of wild native Australian animals.
SHOP
I love walking down Braddon’s Lonsdale Street. There you can find an interesting selection of shops selling unique and quirky items, such as Hive and Handsomepretty in the Ori Building – both selling eclectic home furnishings and much more – as well as café-bakery Sonoma and boutique brewers galore.
STAY
A pleasant walk from Parliament House is the Hyatt Hotel Canberra. The beautiful Art Deco-style building is a sight to behold, and you’ll be greeted with great service, a solid bar and delectable restaurants. For something more contemporary, there’s the luxury boutique East Hotel in Kingston. On the other hand, those who love cosy corners might enjoy the Little National Hotel. Everyone loves their library, and there’s even a lounge spread over two levels.
TIPS
The temperature can vary a lot through the seasons, but the sun shines often during summer and winter. Make sure you bring good walking gear for long strolls around the city. Uber and Ola are also widely available for those who want to get about by car.
Singapore Airlines flies to Canberra daily. To book a flight, visit singaporeair.com
Illustration by Freda Chin
SEE ALSO: The new Canberra drinking experience
This article was originally published in the January 2020 issue of SilverKris magazine
