The 7 best tattoo shops in Canberra for incredible ink you’ll love
There’s something powerful about tattoos — they tell stories, capture memories, and turn skin into art. When I began researching Canberra’s tattoo scene, I was amazed by the creativity, skill, and personality behind every studio.
I wanted to find places that clients trusted not just for talent, but also for hygiene, inclusivity, and comfort. After reading through reviews, scrolling through social media portfolios, and comparing artist styles, I found those that truly stand out.
Whether you’re planning your first tattoo or adding to your collection, these Canberra studios promise a safe, artistic, and professional experience from start to finish.
How much does a tattoo cost in Canberra?
Tattoo prices in Canberra usually range between $150 and $250 per hour, depending on the artist’s experience and the tattoo’s size and detail. Smaller pieces often start at around $100, while large or custom sessions can reach $1,000 or more.
1. Celebrity Ink Belconnen
Address: Shop 309, Westfield Belconnen, Benjamin Way, Belconnen ACT 2617
Phone:
- 02 6228 1948 / [email protected]
- Book via Instagram or Facebook
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Thurs – 9am to 5:30pm
- Friday – 9am to 9pm
- Sat – Sun – 9am – 5pm
Celebrity Ink Belconnen is the Canberra arm of a globally recognised tattoo brand known for its professional standards and high-level artistry. The studio’s team, composed of experienced artists within Celebrity Ink’s Elite network, is equipped to handle a wide range of tattoo styles, from detailed realism to intricate fine-line designs.
What really stands out is the time they invest in understanding each client’s story and translating it into artwork that feels personal and meaningful. Their structured consultation process helps ensure the final design reflects the client’s vision while maintaining strong artistic quality.
Another defining feature of the studio is its local ownership. The business is run by husband-and-wife team Lisa and Fred, who both grew up in Canberra and are now raising their two children in the community, reinforcing their strong connection to the area. Their commitment to community involvement is evident in their ongoing efforts to support and sponsor local organisations.
The studio’s location inside Westfield Belconnen makes it highly accessible, offering convenient parking and nearby amenities that simplify the appointment experience. However, as with many shopping centre locations, some clients may find it slightly less private compared to smaller standalone studios.
Pricing can be on the higher end relative to smaller or independent tattoo shops, reflecting the brand’s emphasis on quality, consistency, and professional standards. For clients seeking reliable craftsmanship and a polished, premium experience, this positioning can represent good value.
Since taking over the studio in July 2025, the owners have also introduced a more flexible and customer-friendly deposit policy. Instead of losing the deposit entirely for late changes, clients who provide less than 24 hours’ notice now have their deposit converted into a gift card, offering greater fairness and convenience.
Extremely happy with the end result
“Janelle is an absolute master of her craft together with fantastic design and people skills to put a nervous old bloke like myself at total ease with my first tattoo in over 20 years, I am extremely happy with the end result. Thank you Janelle and Celebrity Ink.”
– Phil Baker, Google Review
Highly recommend
“Was very nervous about getting a tattoo but from the minute I walked in I was made to feel very comfortable. My artist Sun was amazing and made me feel very comfortable the whole time. Highly recommend.”
– Kathryn Nagle, Google Review
2. Micro Pigmentation Aesthetics Studio
Address: 8 Arunta St, Narrabundah ACT 2604, Australia
Phone: +61 407 489 994
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Micro Pigmentation Aesthetics Studio reveals a highly specialized tattoo studio that focuses on paramedical and cosmetic tattooing rather than traditional body art. The studio operates as a private, boutique, appointment-only space, which creates a more personalized and controlled client experience.
One of the defining aspects of the studio is its expertise in tattoo services that go beyond aesthetics and into restorative work. Their tattoo offerings include scalp micropigmentation, scar camouflage, and 3D areola tattooing, all designed to restore confidence and improve appearance after medical or physical changes.
The team behind the studio is a husband-and-wife duo with over 20 years of experience in micropigmentation and tattooing. This level of experience is reflected in their approach, which emphasizes not only technical skill but also emotional sensitivity when working with clients dealing with scars or trauma.
When focusing specifically on tattoo shop services, the studio distinguishes itself by blending artistic tattoo techniques with medical-grade applications. For example, they adapt tattoo styles such as dotwork and textured designs to suit scar tissue, ensuring both visual appeal and practical effectiveness.
Another notable strength is their commitment to individualized tattoo design and consultation. Clients are encouraged to collaborate on designs, especially for scar-covering tattoos, resulting in customized outcomes that align with personal stories and goals.
However, the studio is not a conventional tattoo shop, which may limit its appeal to those seeking traditional tattoo styles. Its strong focus on paramedical and cosmetic tattooing means that clients looking for purely decorative or large-scale body art may find fewer options.
Overall, Micro Pigmentation Aesthetics Studio stands out as a niche tattoo provider that prioritizes restorative and confidence-building services. Its combination of technical precision, experience, and empathetic approach makes it particularly suitable for clients seeking meaningful, transformative tattoo work rather than standard designs.
Very knowledgeable and professional
“Jan and George at Micropigmentation Aesthetics Studio provide an outstanding service. Both are very knowledgeable and professional and use their knowledge acquired over many years experience in this industry to provide sound advice and a natural looking result. The process was painless and I saw instant results transforming my hairline even after the first visit. I have attached before and after photo to demonstrate the amazing results. Thanks J + G I feel fabulous!”
– Helen Bellato, Google Review
3. Freestyle Tattoo Studio
Address: The Sydney Building, 32 Northbourne Ave, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Phone: +61 411 133 803
Operating Hours:
- Monday: 12:00 NN – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Freestyle Tattoo Studio is a well‑established tattoo and piercing studio known for its diverse team of artists and broad range of tattoo styles. Their Instagram and Facebook highlight walk‑in availability, appointment flexibility, and regular promotions or guest artist events, showing a busy and engaged shop presence.
From social posts, the studio appears to emphasize creative expression and quality work, often showcasing finished pieces and healed tattoos on social feeds. The presence of multiple artists and guest spots suggests they can accommodate various tastes, from traditional and American styles to finer detailed and bespoke designs.
Their social media also highlights tattooing and piercing services, seasonal flash days, and digital gift vouchers — indicating they support both experienced collectors and first‑timers looking for smaller pieces or special events.
Engagement with clients on posts and reviews shared publicly shows a positive rapport with customers, which typically reflects well on in‑shop communication and after‑care support. The studio’s audience interaction and highlighted reviews suggest many clients come away satisfied with their experience.
However, being a social‑media‑driven presentation, there’s limited public pricing and service detail directly visible — meaning prospective clients may need to reach out via DM, email, or phone for detailed quotes or consultations.
Always accommodating and friendly.
“Absolutely love this place!
Big thank you to the ladies at the front desk, I’ve always felt welcome and safe here. Every tattoo has been a smooth process and everyone is so nice.
I’ve had 3 tattoos done by Mano and he is the absolute best. Always accommodating and friendly. He has a real talent for bringing ideas to life and has such good attention to detail. Never had a boring session with him, and I always get compliments on his pieces 😁
Thanks Mano!!”
– Amira Gunn, Google Review
The staff are very attentive and kind
“Freestyle is the most inviting and fun studio I’ve been to in my years of being tattooed. The staff are very attentive and kind, walking into the studio feels like visiting family at home. Freestyle is one of those spots that has left it’s mark on Canberra for the better and I’ll always support them”
– Callum Ward, Googe Review
4. Sisters Inked
Address: 37 Northbourne Ave, Canberra City, ACT
Phone: +61 408 975 777
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sisters Inked is known as one of Canberra’s most inclusive tattoo spaces. This ethical, all-female-owned studio uses vegan inks and prides itself on creating a safe and creative environment for everyone.
Whether you’re after small, delicate designs or large custom sleeves, their artists are praised for their care and precision. The studio’s bright, modern interiors help clients feel comfortable, and there’s even a private room for those who prefer extra privacy.
Many clients praise how the artists listen carefully and make them feel completely at ease. The downside is that appointments can book up fast due to high demand, and they mostly focus on smaller, finer-line pieces rather than large-scale work.
Still, their friendly, empowering energy and commitment to cruelty-free practices make Sister Inked a standout in the city’s tattoo scene.
The most wonderful experience!
“Came in for a fineline tattoo with Portia (@skinartbyportia) and had the most wonderful experience!! She made me feel very comfortable, safe, and eased my nerves (as it was my first time). She articulated what I wanted and worked with me to make sure I loved the design and placement. Highly recommend checking out the studio and checking out Portia’s work! I will be back:)”
– Georgia Terlich, Google Review
Will be back for more
“My whole experience was exceptional. Nila took the time to understand my needs and did an incredible cover up that I couldn’t be happier with. Great conversation, music and vibe. Everyone I’ve dealt with at Sisters Inked have been great. I will be back for more soon!”
– Joe Pelle, Google Review
5. Two 9 Tattoo
Address: 427/1 Anthony Rolfe Gungahlin ACT 2912
Phone: +61 421 973 019
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Two 9 Tattoo is a creative powerhouse tucked away in Gungahlin. Known for its award-winning artistry, this private studio is home to tattooists who blend technical precision with artistic vision.
They specialise in realism, geometric, and traditional pieces, turning clients’ ideas into one-of-a-kind designs. I like how collaborative the consultations are — clients often mention how the artists really take time to perfect every detail.
The vibe is inclusive and easygoing, while the studio itself is spotless and modern. The downside? It’s appointment-only, and senior artists tend to charge slightly higher rates.
But for professional, gallery-worthy tattoos in a comfortable setting, Two 9 Tattoo hits the mark every time.
Amazing!
“Kaitlyn was amazing!! She made sure I was comfortable the whole time, she made me reference photo come to life! All the staff there have amazing personalities and talent, highly recommend Kaitlyn or any of the team to anyone.”
– Ashleigh Bradley, Google Review
Fantastic service and job
“Awesome team there we flew down from QLD with a booking. Caitlin was fantastic to deal. She was super fast and has great line work. Ash did a spontaneous small one as well. Only for us to try our luck and get another 3 bookings the following day with Caitlin, Jake and Lucas. Fantastic service and jobs from all the team. Thanks also to Jess who helped out with all the bookings. Thanks again guys.”
– Kayla Walker, Google Review
6. Tattoo Power
Address: Mitchell Retail Centre, Shop 6 / 35 Brookes Street, Mitchell ACT 2911
Phone: 0478 790 141
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tattoo Power proudly holds the title of Canberra’s longest-running tattoo studio, bringing decades of experience and a deep respect for the craft.
Located in Mitchell, the studio covers everything from traditional Japanese art to black-and-grey realism, all under strict ACT Health approval.
The artists are approachable and professional, making clients — especially newcomers — feel completely at ease. I appreciate how convenient it is that they’re open seven days a week and also offer piercing services.
The only downsides are longer wait times during weekends and the occasional crowd. Still, for experience, reliability, and expert craftsmanship, Tattoo Power remains a trusted name in Canberra’s tattoo community.
1000000% will be coming back
“Cannot recommend Chris Cashmore enough! He did my first tattoo and made the experience so enjoyable. I was so at ease considering I’m not a fan of needles, he did a fantastic job and I can’t thank him enough. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming and 1000000% will be coming back for another one.”
– Tea-ann Hogden, Google Review
Can’t wait for the next one
“Great atmosphere, super helpful friendly staff. Louie Tattooie guest artist is amazing, well worth the 3 hour drive up from the coast to see him. Listens and delivers exactly what was I wanted. Can’t wait for the next one.”
– Lisa Warlow, Google Review
7. Canberra Ink
Address: 2/68 Emu Bank, Belconnen 2617
Phone: 0455 899 766
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
With over 50 years of combined experience, Canberra Ink is a standout local studio that balances professionalism with a relaxed, lake-view setting. Located in Belconnen, it’s home to 11 talented artists, each specialising in distinct tattoo styles.
Their diversity means you can walk in with any concept — from minimalist fine lines to detailed realism — and know you’ll find the right fit. Clients consistently praise their friendly communication and the studio’s welcoming vibe.
Canberra Ink also recently won Outstanding Specialised Business at the 2023 Canberra Local Business Awards, cementing its stellar reputation. That means that most of their popular artists require advance booking.
Top quality, service, and atmosphere
“I’ve had multiple tattoos done by a few different artists and they are all incredibly talented. Reception staff are always super friendly and helpful and make the stressful process of setting up a tattoo as quick and easy as possible. Can’t recommend any other tattoo place in Canberra because they can’t top the quality, service and atmosphere of Canberra Ink.”
– Jake Miegielsen, Google Review
11/10!
“Only ever really had one tat in mind originally, ended up getting it done in 2 parts with Kelsey (line-work then colour) and my god I have absolutely NO regrets, in fact I’m already planning my 3rd and 4th. The talent coming out of there from everyone is crazy and you’d be pressed to find a better environment to get inked. Amazing space, great energy, all the artists were so friendly, and I BARELY had to wait for my booking!! Promise this is the best joint in Canberra to get your ink on, whether it’s ya 1st or 61st tattoo. 11/10!! Seriously not a place to miss.”
– Hugo Irving-Hyman, Google Review