The Secrets to Having a Good Shopping in Day in Canberra Centre
As convenient as online shopping is, there’s just something special about going to the mall. Maybe it’s because I spent a lot of my childhood weekends there, but a mall trip still feels exciting for me.
One of my favorites to this day is the Canberra Centre. As one of the biggest malls in the city (not to mention, oldest too), there’s just so much you can do during a trip here.
So whatever it is you’re looking for, this mall has your back. In this handy guide, we’ve outlined a bunch of shopping, dining, and entertainment options to choose from at Canberra Centre.
Where is Canberra Centre?
Canberra Centre is located at 148 Bunda Street, ACT 2601. It stretches the length of six city blocks and can be found towards the northern end of Canberra City Centre.
How to Get to Canberra Centre
Via Tram: Ride the light rail up until the interchange at the intersection of Northbourne Avenue and Alinga Street. This tram stop is less than a ten-minute walk away from Canberra Centre.
Via Bus: There are a couple of bus stops close to Canberra Centre. You can take transport routes 4, 7, 10, 31, and 50 to get there.
Via Taxi or Ride-Sharing Service: Call a taxi or connect with one using a ride-sharing app (ex. Uber). Tell the driver that you’re headed to Canberra Centre and they’ll take you there.
Via Private Car: Set your car’s GPS to ‘Canberra Centre’ to get directions on how to go there. The mall has parking for visitors.
What to Do in Canberra Centre
Shop all the international and local brands
– Media credit: canberracentre
With how big this mall is, you’d definitely have no problem finding an entire closet’s worth of clothes, products, and accessories here. Whatever style you’re going for, you can easily find the apparel you need inside.
Of course, Canberra Centre has all the international brands that people flock to: Nike, Apple, Zara, Muji, H&M, and more. But they also have Australian Choice, which is where you can find locally made products that are great as souvenirs.
If that’s still not enough, they’ve got three department stores you can browse in: Myer, Big W, and David Jones. They even have two supermarkets if you need to do some grocery shopping as well. The options here are endless.
See a movie at Dendy Cinemas
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Movies are one of the best ways to bond as a family, so why not do it somewhere great? It doesn’t get any better in Canberra than at Dendy Cinemas.
This is where Canberra’s International Film Festival happens every year, so you know that it’s approved by certified movie lovers. With over 1700 seats and 17 auditoriums, it’s the biggest cinema in the capital so you’re always guaranteed a ticket.
Whether it’s a mainstream movie or something more arthouse, you can enjoy it in style. Their premium lounge offers in-cinema dining, a seasonal gourmet bar menu, and plush electric reclining seats for a movie-watching experience like no other.
Aim for a strike at Kingpin
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Kingpin is a kid’s dream world come to life, except there’s something here for all ages. This place is essentially Canberra Centre’s entertainment hub.
It’s got fantastic lanes for bowling where you can have friendly competition among your mates. There’s a great snacks and drinks bar nearby where you can energize and start preparing for a strike.
If you still haven’t had your fill of fun after bowling, there are ping pong, pool tables, and over 100 arcade games to choose from. You can even test your wits at one of their escape rooms.
So whether you’re looking for something to do on a birthday or just a way to pass the time, Kingpin is the place to go.
Celebrate the season
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Throughout the year, Canberra Centre goes all out for major events and holidays. Valentine’s, Halloween, Christmas — name it and they’re sure to celebrate it.
During any of these festivities, they usually decorate the mall and have attractive offers such as exclusive discounts. They may even have exciting games and activities that the whole family can join.
One of the more exciting things they do is hosting live performances from world-class acts. From renowned singers to professional dancers in costume, you’d get to witness jaw-dropping performances for free!
Where to Eat in Canberra Centre
Brooklyn Donuts
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Address: Shop EGK22/148 Bunda Street, ACT 2601
Phone: +61 2 5117 4168
Pricing: $
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Friday – 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday – 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday – 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
It’s impossible not to go in once you see the decor of Brooklyn donuts. Their vibrant interiors perfectly match the upbeat and enthusiastic service that you’ll get from their staff.
The hardest choice you’ll have to make here is deciding which donut to go with. With over 30 options, you could get one for each day of the month.
You definitely have to try their most popular flavors: the Tim Tam Slammer, Lemon Meringue, and Boston Cream. Although, you’d be lucky if you managed to snag one of these since they always sell out fast.
But even if you go with another flavor, it’d be just as amazing when paired with one of their coffees.
Sushi Sushi
– Media credit: sushisushiaus
Address: Shop EG09-10/148, Bunda Street, ACT 2601
Phone: +61 2 9139 9580
Pricing: $
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Australia’s no. 1 solution to their sushi cravings is right here in Canberra Centre. For over 25 years, Sushi Sushi has been a great source of Japanese flavors.
Here, you can get as much quality sushi as your heart desires. They offer it by the roll, by the bento pack, or even by the platter, so you can have a variety of different rolls.
They also offer unique Japanese-style sliders, if you feel like eating something hot.
Even though they have such reasonable prices, everything they make is skillfully prepared with the freshest ingredients. With this in mind, there’s no wonder why they’ve got 170 stores all over the country.
Where to Stay near Canberra Centre
Avenue Hotel Canberra
– Media credit: avenuehotelcbr
Address: 80 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon ACT 2602
Phone: +61 1800 828 000
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Avenue Hotel is perfectly located for those who want to experience the best of Canberra. It’s within walking distance from a lot of famous attractions including the National Botanic Gardens and the Australian War Memorial.
After a long day of exploring, you’ll get to come back to a well-appointed room that has all the things to ensure that you have a comfortable stay. Apart from a plush bed, you’ll get a minibar, dishwasher, washing machine, and streaming services.
And just in case you could think of something else to elevate your stay, the attentive staff is there to help out with any requests. Here at Avenue Hotel, you’ll be pampered and taken care of at a reasonable price.
Hyatt Hotel Canberra
– Media credit: hyattcanberra
Address: 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla ACT 2600
Phone: +61 2 6270 1234
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
The Hyatt Hotel Canberra is a 5-star accommodation that’s bringing the 1920s back in full swing. With its art deco style and historic charm, you’ll never want to leave.
Don’t let the decor fool you though, they have all the best modern amenities available today. You can choose to pamper yourself between their soothing sauna, heated indoor pool, or impressive gymnasium.
They also offer a unique High Tea experience at their elegant atrium that you shouldn’t miss. Be serenaded by a live musician as you enjoy their delectable scones with cream and jam.