Fun and Unusual Things to do in Canberra

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[{"address":"Torrens St after Girrahween St","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.1665744193406742,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-35.270217263443314,"longitude":149.13484777312655},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Who Created This Tour?"},{"type":"text","content":"Before you get started you might want to know a bit about the person behind this tour.\nMy name is Helen and I'm a travel journalist and blogger living in Sydney. I run a blog called Differentville which aims to find the small, quirky things to do in a destination - I refer to it at Atlas Obscura with more cake!\nAs such, my tours cover little odd shops and sights that you might not find on your own.\nI hope you have fun with them."},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F7Rt63UBOYeuVYNI56ZmD%2Fabadoned%20art%20building%20taichung.JPG?alt=media&token=07bfd237-e232-4bd9-b099-d82e13d430ab"}]},{"address":"Torrens St after Henty St","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-35.26987922198115,"longitude":149.1347372238635},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"Find the Iconic Bus Stop\n\nI know... not something you were expecting to do, but this is no ordinary bus stop.\n\nIt was designed by architect Clem Cummings in the 1970s and it's now one of the iconic symbols of the city.\n\nThere used to be over 400 of the bus stops but now there are only a handful left - and this is one of the few close to the city centre.\n\nMany of the others have been moved to other spots in the ACT as bus routes disappear, so, if you like architecture this could be one of your last chances to see one in use as an actual bus stop.\n\n"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F7Rt63UBOYeuVYNI56ZmD%2Fcanberra%20bus%20stop.jpg?alt=media&token=7575b2c9-c625-4aa8-9bd0-f4112ca56daa"},{"type":"link","title":"","content":"https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7086712/deserted-canberra-bus-shelters-rehomed-across-the-act/"}]},{"address":"Enigma Fine Chocolates","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.10218818160659443,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-35.27177881123213,"longitude":149.1331767},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Eat a Chocolate Art Work\nEnigma Chocolates in Braddon make handmade chocolates in-store and are most famous for their bar based on the Jackson Pollock painting Blue Poles, that's found in the National Art Gallery of Canberra (more on that in a minute).\n\nTheir less arty bars are also amazing. I definitely recommend the Dark Chocolate Cherry one."},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F7Rt63UBOYeuVYNI56ZmD%2F9.jpg?alt=media&token=fb5792a3-069c-403d-8ceb-8830f47b4625"},{"type":"link","title":"","content":"https://enigmafinechocolates.com.au/"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F7Rt63UBOYeuVYNI56ZmD%2F6.webp?alt=media&token=0966811d-e8f0-4a50-919a-474bd6f42f10"}]},{"address":"Eighty/Twenty Food Braddon","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-35.27329299073768,"longitude":149.13276308071883},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Rainbow Roundabout\n\nIf you get to this point, you'll spot why you're here - the instagram-famous Rainbow Roundabout in the middle of the road.\n\nOriginally painted to celebrate the vote on marriage equality, it was voted International Roundabout of the Year in 2020 - yes, that's a thing. "},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F7Rt63UBOYeuVYNI56ZmD%2Fcanberra%20roundabout.jpg?alt=media&token=6c1c0b9c-9d20-4ecf-a62b-bd0c5a4e9a88"},{"type":"link","title":"","content":"https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6869884/braddons-rainbow-junction-named-international-roundabout-of-the-year/"}]},{"address":"BentSpoke Brewing Co.","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.10218818160659443,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-35.273150811232696,"longitude":149.1319315},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Take a Brewery Tour\nCanberra has a few local beers so while you here you should definitely try brews from Bentspoke, Capital and Zierholz.\n\nYou'll find these in many bars, but if you also want to get up close and personal with the brewing process head to the Bentspoke Brew Pub to down a tasting paddle on home turf.\n\nIf it's a bit early for you to indulge right now, don't worry, the pub is open seven days a week from 11am\n\nEven if you don't really like beer, try the Gosen - it's fruit flavoured and very yummy.\n\nYou can also book tours of the breweries where you’ll learn all about the brewing process – and sample a few of the results.\n"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F7Rt63UBOYeuVYNI56ZmD%2F11.jpg?alt=media&token=80a39781-c85f-4400-aa11-7147c8e40813"},{"type":"link","title":"","content":"https://www.bentspokebrewing.com.au/"}]},{"address":"Tocumwal Lane","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.10218818160659443,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-35.27862031123498,"longitude":149.1326203},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Visit Superhero Square\nThere’s a few street art squares in Canberra, but possibly the most fun is the one is the square at the end of Tocumwal Lane which is full of superhero-themed art.\n\nAlso wander down to the end of Riverside Lane for some cool animal-themed murals.\n\nThere are 30 legal graffiti sites in Canberra and street artists are encouraged to keep their paints to these areas so keep your eyes peeled"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F7Rt63UBOYeuVYNI56ZmD%2F12.jpg?alt=media&token=fd6273f0-47d5-4ba5-89a9-1b401c94e4f4"},{"type":"link","title":"","content":"https://www.australia.com/en/things-to-do/arts-and-culture/australias-best-street-art.html"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F7Rt63UBOYeuVYNI56ZmD%2F9.webp?alt=media&token=0cdc4bfa-19e0-40d7-9039-85d9e3b4cbd0"}]},{"address":"1 Garema Pl","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-35.278594425535445,"longitude":149.1316601902853},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# The Big Cushion\n\nAustralia is known for its Big Things and there are a couple in, and around Canberra. \n\nYou'll visit two on this tour - starting with The Big Cushion.\n\nThis is actually an art work by artist Matthew Harding. \n\nIf you're hungry around now, I can also recommend the Dosa restaurant nearby. "},{"type":"link","title":"","content":"https://www.arts.act.gov.au/public-art/cushion"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F7Rt63UBOYeuVYNI56ZmD%2Fcanberra%20cushio.JPEG?alt=media&token=08830935-e802-493f-9be9-b76423e990f8"}]},{"address":"The Green Shed Shop","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-35.27913509661344,"longitude":149.13166873944076},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Find the Lego People\n\nThe Green Shed Shop, and it's sister store Green Shed Underground are huge examples of what's known in Australia as an 'op shop' - or, a second hand shop to those from elsewhere.\n\nBut you're not here to forage for bargains. Instead, check the walls of the shop carefully - you'll see a tiny display of Lego people in place of a couple of the bricks.\n\nDon't ask me why. But how cute is that?"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F7Rt63UBOYeuVYNI56ZmD%2Fcanberra%20tiny%20detail.jpg?alt=media&token=9801ffb5-a080-472e-95b0-0b42cc692ebb"}]},{"address":"Canberra Museum & Gallery","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.10218818160659443,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-35.280527061235766,"longitude":149.13101344999998},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# See the Destroyed Dishwasher\n\nThe Canberra Museum and Gallery is a fascinating place to stop to get a feel for some of the small, quirky elements of the city - including this amazing dishwasher.\n\nIt's basically what remains of a dishwasher after a firestorm ripped through a home in the Canberra suburb of Duffy during bushfire season in 2003.\n\nThe china dinner service inside is still totally intact, even though the house itself was completely destroyed.\n\nWhile the big national museums in Canberra might get all the attention, this hidden gem shouldn't be missed.\n"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F7Rt63UBOYeuVYNI56ZmD%2Fcanberra%20museum.jpg?alt=media&token=f0b1bd27-185d-4a24-9b1f-5ca9007cc007"},{"type":"link","title":"","content":"https://www.cmag.com.au/"}]},{"address":"National Gallery of Australia","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.10218818160659443,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-35.300803011244206,"longitude":149.13588400000003},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Marvel at Skyspace, The Pumpkin Room and More\nIf you like pop art or modern art, you’ll be blown away by the National Gallery of Australia.\n\nI had two things I really wanted to see there – Skyspace by James Turrell and the Yayoi Kusama pumpkin room. And Skyspace is just stunning.\n\nCalling it a sculpture seems strange as it’s more like a mini building, but it’s very beautiful – and virtually impossible to capture in a photograph.\n\nThe day I went a guy was practising the flute inside the milddle of the buildlng which made it even more magical\n\nSkyspace is just one of the incredible sculptures located outside the gallery.\n\nOn the other side of the building, you’ll find the sculpture garden which contains work by artists including Anthony Gormley.\n\nTry and time your visit while the fog that makes the piece by Fujiko Nakaya particularly special is switched on. It’s normally between 12.30 and 2.00 but double-check before you visit if you want to see it.\n\n"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F7Rt63UBOYeuVYNI56ZmD%2F5.jpg?alt=media&token=cbe5c864-4ef1-46be-a3dc-66ae9803b2c7"},{"type":"link","title":"","content":"https://nga.gov.au/"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F7Rt63UBOYeuVYNI56ZmD%2F18.webp?alt=media&token=f46c090a-ddfd-4f0a-baf6-f47c1c58181e"}]},{"address":"Parliament House","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-35.30688883800967,"longitude":149.12498088597192},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Find the Lego Parliament\n\nNo, I don't know what it is about Canberra and Lego, but, if the Parliament House Tour is on your Canberra itinerary, don't miss the Lego model of Parliament inside the building.\n\nYou do have to book the tours in advance, but they are free and there are plenty a day so you can time you're arrival to fit with the rest of this tour. "},{"type":"link","title":"","content":"https://www.aph.gov.au/visit_parliament/tours"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F7Rt63UBOYeuVYNI56ZmD%2Fcanberra%20parliament.jpg?alt=media&token=626aefb7-91d0-4a49-8763-9c5106d13061"}]},{"address":"McCoy Circuit","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.10218818160659443,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-35.28309361123684,"longitude":149.12231099999997},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Watch Out For a Ghost\nThe National Film and Sound Archive is best known for collecting and restoring recordings of Australian history, but the museum is also located on the site of the old Australian Institute of Anatomy and some spooky things have gone on within its walls including small giggling children appearing from grates in the floor and old men appearing by walls (walls that hold their ashes!).\n\nIf you prefer your ghosts of a better class, the book into Hotel Kurrajong. It’s rumoured to be haunted by the ghost of ex-Australian Prime Minister Ben Chifley."},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F7Rt63UBOYeuVYNI56ZmD%2Fxxx.jpg?alt=media&token=24477e8f-e4d0-4d1e-ac74-3b76ce23c5b2"},{"type":"link","title":"","content":"https://www.nfsa.gov.au/"}]},{"address":"Smith's Alternative","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-35.27851091654069,"longitude":149.1287106086223},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Check Out This Cool Cafe/Bar\n\nDepending what time of day you arrive at Smith's Alternative you might order a coffee, you might order a wine or a Canberra beer - but whichever, you'll be charmed by this unique unassuming space.\n\nThey also host all manner of events from poetry readings to song writer nights. \n\n"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F7Rt63UBOYeuVYNI56ZmD%2Fcanberra%20smiths.JPEG?alt=media&token=9f92889f-027f-42ef-8138-f1c09cf5034d"},{"type":"link","title":"","content":"https://www.smithsalternative.com/"}]},{"address":"West Row & Alinga Street","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.10218818160659443,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-35.27823991123481,"longitude":149.12785359999998},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Find The Big Parcel\nWhy would you not love the fact that there’s a giant grey parcel just stuck on the corner of the street in the middle of Canberra?\n\nIt’s officially named Sculpture No23 (The Parcel) on the ACTarts page and it’s by artist Alex Seton and is actually made of jade green Australian Marble.\n\nApparently, it’s a carved illusion turning an everyday object into a piece of art.\nFind the parcel on the corner of West Row and Alinga Street.\n\nCanberra is also home to the Big Mushroom, The Big Owl and The Big Acorns, but you need a car to reach those.\n"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F7Rt63UBOYeuVYNI56ZmD%2F7.jpg?alt=media&token=5a6b51f6-94fd-47a8-a6e5-0f908465d130"},{"type":"link","title":"","content":"https://www.arts.act.gov.au/public-art/sculpture-no-23-the-parcel"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F7Rt63UBOYeuVYNI56ZmD%2F11.webp?alt=media&token=1ebb344e-badf-40b7-9eb6-1fdc12cb9550"}]},{"address":"88mph","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.10218818160659443,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-35.279065661235165,"longitude":149.12648394999997},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Go Back to the 80s\n88mph Bar is home to 80s music, wall displays made from videotapes, cocktails and also has 80s themed karaoke rooms (which is basically my idea of the perfect night out).\n\nIf you know why its called 88mph it’s also going to be your idea of a fun night out in Canberra too.\n\nIt opens Wednesday to Saturday - from 6pm most nights, but 4pm on Saturday so, depending what time you take the tour, you might need to head back there a bit later.\n\nIf the 88mph thing is baffling you, it’s the speed the DeLorean in Back to the Future had to reach to travel through time.."},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F7Rt63UBOYeuVYNI56ZmD%2F18.jpg?alt=media&token=4d75ddd2-2e64-40d2-b6e5-17750fbc3607"},{"type":"link","title":"","content":"https://88mph.bar/"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F7Rt63UBOYeuVYNI56ZmD%2F12.webp?alt=media&token=1c3fe937-2f7b-45d8-9fd7-bbf200441a71"}]},{"address":"100 Black Mountain Dr","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":-35.2750267375603,"longitude":149.0978703277471},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Post a Letter in Canberra's Highest Postbox\n\nThis last stop is a bit outside of central Canberra so you might want to do it on another day of your trip - but it's just one of the other fun things you can do in Canberra if you have a car, or are happy to use other transport like bus to Uber to get around the city.\n\nWe're talking about the Canberra Telstra Tower, one of the main tourist sights in Canberra. It's a pretty cool spot with some great views, but the fun thing about it is the working post box right on the top. So, if you need to send a postcard from Canberra, bring it with you. \n\nIf you do have a car, you'll also want to look at our full blog post on some of the other fun and unusual things to do outside the centre of Canberra.\n\nWe'll show you where to see a huge number of kangaroos, show you where you can cuddle a wombat or find the Canberra Futuro House, and reveal Canberra's most amazing cake shop. You'll find the link below. "},{"type":"link","title":"","content":"https://differentville.com/unusual-fun-things-to-do-in-canberra/"},{"type":"img","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F7Rt63UBOYeuVYNI56ZmD%2Fcanberra%20postbox.jpg?alt=media&token=6edb96db-55aa-45eb-b5d3-9767af75201d"}]}]