Amelia Bidgood

Local Press Cafe on the trendy Kingston Foreshore boasts an array of delicious and health conscious dishes. Image © Amelia Bidgood

5 of the Best Cafes in Canberra

Local Press Café | 9/81 Eastlake Parade, Kingston Foreshore, Canberra

Local Press Cafe is set in the trendy Kingston Foreshore and boasts an array of delicious and health conscious options. From the famous green pea pancake to their own cold-pressed juice, dairy-free smoothies and a range of healthy sweets, everything at this café is delicious. They also support some great causes to encourage sustainability. It’s one of my favourite cafes in Canberra and I usually take visitors here for breakfast, brunch or lunch. It does get really busy so try not to go at peak times to avoid the crowd. It’s also near Lake Burley Griffin so you can easily go for a walk or run before or after you eat.

Eighty/Twenty Food in Canberra serves up a menu of 80% healthy food and 20% ‘sometimes’ foods. Image © Eighty/Twenty Food

Eighty/Twenty Food | 1/18 Lonsdale St, Braddon

Situated on Canberra’s little strip of Melbourne, also known as Lonsdale street in Braddon is Eighty/Twenty. They’re opened for breakfast and lunch and promote the balance of eating 80% food that’s good for you and 20% decadent ‘sometimes’ foods. This busy café has lots of delicious options that you can choose to eat in or takeaway. On the menu you’ll find matcha lattes, golden lattes, Acai bowls, Japanese salad bowls, smoothies, organic tea, salmon dishes and more. Eighty/Twenty has you covered and has lots of options for you to choose from. You’ll also find lots of green food on the menu that with give you the energy you need to make the most of your time in Canberra.

Cocowhip has come to Canberra. Grab some at Sweet Bones Cafe. Image © Amelia Bidgood

Sweet Bones Café | Shop 8, 18 Lonsdale Street, Braddon, Canberra

Sweet bones is a funky little vegan, organic café and bakery located rights beside Eighty/Twenty in the suburb of Braddon. It’s a vegan’s definition of heaven! You’ll find amazing cakes, baked goods, burgers, drinks and lots of other yummy options for breakfast and lunch. I love Sweet Bones Café even more now that they’ve recently introduced Cocowhip to Canberrans. I had been waiting for this day for a long time.

Au Lac Royal Vegetarian Cuisine | 4/35-39 Woolley St, Dickson

This restaurant is located in Dickson, alongside lots of other Asian restaurants and it’s always full – you’ll know why after you visit. The legendary Au Lac is considered the ancestral kingdom of the Vietnamese people. So as the names suggests you’ll find a range of Vietnamese and other Asian options on the menu. It’s fresh, tasty and everything is vegetarian. You can get soy duck wraps, spring rolls, beef rendang, laksa, Vietnamese crepes and heaps more. The Vietnamese cannelloni is one of my favourite dishes.

Au Lac Royal serves up clean, fresh and delicious vegetarian Asian cuisine. Image © Au Lac Royal Vegetarian Cuisine

Kagawa Japanese Restaurant | 55 Woolley St, Dickson

If fresh sushi and some yummy cheap Japanese food is what you’re after then you need to check this place out. It’s also located in Dickson and it’s nothing fancy inside but it’s one of the more authentic Japanese restaurants in Canberra. After visiting Japan last year I find it so hard to find Japanese food that compares. Most places in Australia smother sushi in mayonnaise and sweet sauces but not Kagawa. You’ll find a great selection of Japanese cuisine on offer and dinner for two people will set you back about $AUD70. It can get busy so it’s best to book a table.

Stand up paddle boarding on one of Canberra’s waterways is a great way to explore the city. Image © Amelia Bidgood

5 of the Best Activities in Canberra 

SUP’ing Caveman | Molonglo Reach Park, Campbell

Get out on the water with The SUP’ing Caveman, Canberra’s original stand up paddle boarding company. The first time I tried SUP was on the Noosa River and although Lake Burley isn’t quite Noosa, being out on the water in Canberra is just as good. Matt from The SUP’ing Caveman teaches groups and individuals in Canberra and is a gun on the board. Book in for either a group booking or a private class with Matt. I’ve been told that going at sunset on a nice day in Canberra is a magnificent treat. You can also try Yoga SUP and if you visit Canberra at the right time of the year you might be lucky enough to watch the balloon festival from the lake.

Work up a sweat at cult functional fitness destination, F45 in Canberra. Image © Amelia Bidgood.

F45 Training | Multiple Locations

Take a class at F45. If you’re feeling a little sluggish and are looking for an intense workout then head to one of Canberra’s F45 studios. You’ll find them in the CBD, Braddon, Phillip, Belconnen and other locations around the nation’s capital. If you’re not familiar with F45 then you can choose from a range of 45-minute HIIT workouts. They’re intense but addictive. Some of the studios offer a 1-2 weeks free trial or you can pay about $28 per session. It’s basically a PT class in a group so be prepared to sweat and possibly be a little sore the next day. No pain, no gain.

The gorgeous, colourful mural at Power Yoga, Canberra. Image © Amelia Bidgood

Power Yoga | Multiple Locations

If you need to stretch it out then you can choose from a range of yoga studios offering different styles in Canberra. I’m a member of Power Yoga so it’s my pick and there’s a studio in Belconnen, Woden and Civic. The room is warmed to about 30 degrees and there’s a range of 60, 75 and 90-minute classes to choose from 7 days a week. They also offer Yin Yoga.

The stunning Booroomba Rocks in Namadgi National Park is well worth the 30-minute hike. Image © Amelia Bidgood

Namadgi National Park | Visitor’s Centre

Take a hike. Literally. Put on your boots, pack your water bottle, some healthy snacks and go hiking when you visit Canberra. There’s a reason it’s known as the bush capital. Canberra is surrounded by mountains and bushland, which means there are so many options for hiking. If you don’t want to venture far out of the city then climb Mt Ainslie where you’ll find a pretty amazing view of the well-planned and picturesque city of Canberra. You can also choose Black Mountain or Mt Painter. But, if you have a car and you want to explore then head to Booroomba Rocks in Namadgi National Park. It’s a 50-minute drive from Canberra City and a 30-minute hike to a stunning view.

Gibraltar Falls is just 45 minutes of downtown Canberra. Image © Amelia Bidgood

Go Chasing Waterfalls

If you have a car then head to Gibraltar Falls. It’s a short 45-minute drive from Canberra CBD and you can drive to the top and walk out to the lookout or walk about 1km each way from Woods Reserve. It’s one of the largest waterfalls in the ACT, descending a vertical distance of 50 metres. If you decide to go swimming there then make sure you swim in the safe spots. If you’re looking for other swimming spots then you could stop at Tharwa Sandwash on the way back to the city. It’s about 10 minute from Gibraltar Falls and there are 128 species of birds known to inhabit the two hectares that surround the area. Check out The Cotter, Casuarina Sands and Kambah Pool for other natural swimming spots.

Fresh, local produce from Southside Farmers Market, Canberra. Image © Amelia Bidgood

5 of the Best Things to do in Canberra

Explore Canberra’s Markets

If you’re looking to pick up some fresh produce, a quick lunch or breakfast, some unique handmade products or just have a browse then you need to head to one of Canberra’s many markets. Hopefully your trip will coincide with one or more of the following:

• Farmers and Foodie Markets | Old Bus Depot Building, 21 Wentworth Ave, Kingston |Friday 4-8pm
• Capital Region Farmers Market | Exhibition Park in Canberra, Flemington Road, Mitchell | Saturday 7:30-11:30am
• Canberra Southside Farmers Markets | Canberra College, Cnr Launceston St & Yamba Drive, Phillip | Sunday 8-11:30am
• Old Bus Depot Markets | Old Bus Depot Building, 21 Wentworth Ave, Kingston | Sunday 10am-4pm
• The Handmade Market | Held four times a year from 10am-4pm on Saturday and Sunday of the weekend they are held. They are definitely worth checking out. Tens of thousands of people travel from all over Australia to attend these markets each time they’re held.

Canberra is a cyclist’s dream with trails from the CBD to the bush. Image © Amelia Bidgood

Cycle Canberra | Cycling Maps

Canberra is full of bike paths and you can easily hire a bike and go riding around Canberra’s central Lake Burley Griffin. The National Gallery of Australia, National Library of Australia, War Memorial and lots of other tourist attraction are within riding distance from Lake Burley Griffin. Check out Lake Ginninderra to explore more of Canberra and if you want to venture south then you’ll find Lake Tuggeranong. All lakes feature sign posted cycle paths and offer picturesque routes perfect for a cycling tour by yourself or with family and friends. You can hire a bike from a range of businesses including Cycle Canberra who can also deliver the bike to your home, hotel or straight to the lake. 

Amelia from Eat Canberra offers foodie tours of the city using local knowledge to take you to the hottest spots. Image © Amelia Bidgood

Eat Canberra | Food Tours

You can do it in New York, Rio, Melbourne, Helsinki and Sydney and lots of other cities around the world. Now, you can join a walking food tour in Canberra. If you want to sample some of Canberra’s best eats while getting a little exercise then come on a food tour with Eat Canberra. We’ll show you some of our favourite places to eat in Canberra while we restaurant hop our way around, introducing you to some of Canberra’s chefs and restaurateurs. You’ll also get lots of advice and tips so you know exactly where to eat and what to do to make the most of your visit. We can also organise private tours and help you with any questions you have to make your visit the best it can possibly be. Walking food tours will launch in March 2017 and we also run foodie events so check in to see if we have anything scheduled during your visit.

Seg Glide Ride | West Kiosk, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes

Have you ever been on a Segway? Put it on your ‘to do’ list when you visit the nation’s capital. It’s a fun and unique way to see Canberra. You’ll get a good laugh and your balance will be tested.

See Canberra in a unique way, by segway with Seg Glide Ride. Image © Amelia Bidgood

Suke Suke Bar | White Rabbit Cocktail Room

There are so many bars to choose from in Canberra so it’s really hard to narrow it down to a few. One of my favourites is Suke Suke Bar, an underground Japanese style bar tucked away in the city. They have a range of Japanese eats and you’ll find a big range of whiskey, sake and fun cocktails on the menu like the Hello Kitty. White Rabbit Cocktail Room is another fun place to grab a drink and if you’re feeling naughty you can get one of their yummy desserts too. They have adopted a fun Alice and Wonderland theme and some of their cocktails and desserts are served in tea cups. It’s also close to Suke Suke Bar so you could stop in and have a drink at both.

Amelia Bidgood

Passionate about all things food, travel, and wellness Amelia is the Founder and Editor of Eat Canberra.

She’s also a trained journalist, communications professional, and freelance writer who enjoys eating her way around the world one bite at a time.

Amelia aims to inspire others to live a balanced, healthy life and to be the best version of themselves.

 

eatcanberra.com.au/

Amelia Bidgood

Amelia Bidgood glowing after hiking up the Machu Picchu peak, in Peru. Image © Amelia Bidgood

Climbing Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu, Peru stands out as one of the highlights of the trip.

It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and it’s a truly magical place. In the middle of the Andes, 2,430 metres above sea level, it’s definitely one for the bucket list.

Now, I’m going, to be honest, I didn’t do the four-day trek through the Andes to reach Machu Picchu.

Due to time restraints, I opted for the train and it was an incredible experience.

But to make up for that I hiked to the top of Machu Picchu mountain and it was one of the most amazing life experiences.

People I’ve spoken to who trekked for days didn’t end up doing the final climb so I’m glad that I did.

Spotting monkeys during the hike up Machu Picchu mountain. Image © Amelia Bidgood

 

The Machu Picchu mountain stone steps lead the way to the perfect panorama. Image © Amelia Bidgood

Machu Picchu mountain is 3,050 meters above sea level and takes about 1.5 hours to climb.

The height of the climb is about 650 metres over an estimated 1,900 steps that vary in height.

Only 400 people are allowed to climb it per day and you need to start the climb between 7 and 11 am.

There were times when I wanted to give up but I kept on going and I’m glad I did.

The views from the top are spectacular and I felt like I was on top of the world.

The altitude can really affect your breathing and you may experience other physical symptoms so make sure you give yourself a few days to acclimatise before you start the hike.

The iconic Machu Picchu mountain, Peru. A true hiking bucket list experience. Image © Amelia Bidgood

Lopes Mendes Beach, Ilha Grande, Brazil

Once you’ve spent 2 days in Rio de Janeiro (like you absolutely should), make your way to the stunning Lopes Mendes Beach.

Lopes Mendes beach is one of the best beaches in Brazil and some even consider it to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. I have to agree.

On the Island of Ilha Grande (meaning big island), three hours by bus from Rio De Janeiro lays a 3-kilometre stretch of paradise.

We stayed at the largest village on Ilha Grande, Vila do Abraão where there are no vehicles except for a few emergency ones.

So, if you want to go anywhere you have to go on foot or by boat.

It’s beautiful and relaxing but it’s where most people stay so it can be pretty busy and it’s no Lopes Mendes.

If you’re looking for the easy way to get there you can catch a taxi boat from Vila do Abraão to one of the beaches near Lopes Mendes. That’s the closest they will take you because Lopes Mendes is a surf beach with lots of waves.

But if you want to go on an adventure and you are up for the challenge, then put on your sneakers (or thongs – yes we hiked in thongs), pack some lunch (or take some money to buy a sandwich from the vendors on the beach), fill up the water bottle and begin the 3 to 4-hour hike to one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in the world.

One of the gorgeous beaches you’ll find on a hike to Lopes Mendes beach, Brazil. Image © Amelia Bidgood

The hike is around 6 kilometres long. Along the way we saw a snake slither past us and a few types of monkeys.

We also heard some pretty scary sounds but we think it might have been one of the locals trying to scare the tourists.

If it was they succeeded! Don’t be fooled by the first beach you cross, or the second. They are not, I repeat, they are NOT Lopes Mendes.

When you reach the first beach, keep walking until you almost reach the end and you will see some rocks on your right that you need to walk up. If you’re unsure then ask a local.

We stopped at a little restaurant at the first beach and treated ourselves to a cup of Acai, banana, granola and honey (we ate this every day on Ilha Grande) to give us a burst of energy. Another steep climb and one or two kilometres later you’ll reach a second beach.

There’s a sign pointing you towards Lopes Mendes that you won’t miss. As soon as your feet hit the soft, white sand you’ll know you’re only a few hundred metres away. And then a little slice of paradise will appear and you’ll arrive in beach heaven.

It was the perfect reward after a long hike in the heat. If you choose to hike back then make sure you allow enough time to get you back before the sunsets so you don’t get caught hiking in the dark.

We love the beach and spent almost the whole day there so we ended up taking the taxi boat back. The last boat leaves at about 5 pm so make sure you don’t miss it!

Amelia Bidgood on Lopes Mendes Beach, Ilha Grande, Brazil. Image © Amelia Bidgood

Trekking Through the Amazon Rainforest

We entered the Amazon rainforest from Manaus in Brazil and spent a night in a hut that we organised through Amazon Backpackers.

We fished for piranhas, watched the sunset and sunrise from a canoe, saw our guide catch caiman, spotted some sloths, ate coconut grubs and trekked through the Amazon jungle.

Along the trek we were shown medicinal plants, the Brazilian rosewood tree (used to create Chanel no.5), Acai trees and swung on jungle vines like Tarzan.

There are so many different parts of the Amazon that will give you different experiences so do your research and find out what you want to do and see.

My partner wanted to see tarantulas and I wanted to see pink dolphins but we didn’t allow ourselves enough time to trek to where the tarantulas were.

We were there in August and because of the water depth, the pink dolphins had migrated to another part of the Amazon. We did see grey dolphins and it was still a great experience!

Amelia Bidgood piranha fishing on the Amazon River. Image © Amelia Bidgood

The trek we did was only about 2 to 3 kilometres long, but it was sweltering hot and we were dripping with sweat the whole time.

We were advised to wear long sleeves and long pants because of the mosquitos, which didn’t help with the heat.

Make sure you take lots of water and choose a trek where you get to see the sights you want.

Stunning sunset over the Amazon River. Image © Amelia Bidgood

Amelia Bidgood

Passionate about all things food, travel, and wellness Amelia is the Founder and Editor of Eat Canberra.

She’s also a trained journalist, communications professional, and freelance writer who enjoys eating her way around the world one bite at a time.

Amelia aims to inspire others to live a balanced, healthy life and to be the best version of themselves.

 

eatcanberra.com.au/