The very best 12 nightlife spots in Canberra, Australia

Calling all party animals and nocturnal creatures! Get ready for a wild ride through the city that knows how to boogie—Canberra! In this eye-opening article, brace yourselves as we unveil the best 12 nightlife spots that will make your head spin faster than a kangaroo on a dancefloor. From swanky cocktail bars to pulsating clubs, you'll be grooving till the sunrise—just don't be surprised if you end up with an infamous Canberra shuffle by the end of the night!

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1. Ginger's at The Basement

4 (1301)

2/5-21 Genge St, Canberra ACT 2600, Australia

Welcome to Ginger's at The Basement in Canberra, where fiery flavors dance on your taste buds! This quirky and vibrant eatery may not have a red carpet entrance, but its mouthwatering dishes are fit for foodie royalty. From zesty ginger-infused cocktails to plates bursting with aromatic spices, this hidden gem will spice up your night and make your taste buds tango.

www.bluginger.com.au

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2. Bar Rochford

4.6 (452)

1st/65 London Cct, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

Welcome to Bar Rochford, the epitome of all things sipping and snacking in the heart of Canberra—a place where flavor and sophistication merge, attracting both cocktail aficionados and aspiring sommeliers alike. The bar's ambiance radiates a unique blend of trendy hipster and classy retro, like a burst of polka dots gracefully swirling with vintage swirls. With an impressive menu that would make even a seasoned food critic salivate, this is the spot to indulge in delectable bites that'll amplify your tastebuds to a level of pure euphoria. Cheers to Bar Rochford—where drinking becomes an art form, and where, should you ever experience a pseudo-heightened sense of swagger, don't worry, it's just the liquid confidence talking.

www.barrochford.com

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3. Highball Express

4.3 (454)

77 London Cct, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

Tucked away in the bustling heart of Canberra, lies the quirky and spirited Highball Express - an urban oasis for thirsty wanderers seeking both strong libations and a jolly good time. This delightfully eccentric watering hole boasts an infectious ambience that transports guests to a bygone era of retro charm, where salt-of-the-earth bartenders shake up tantalizing concoctions with fervor and flamboyance. Prepare to be swept away on a mischievous journey through their extensive menu of refreshing highballs, each one crafted with such precision and flair that even Bond himself would be left stirred, if not utterly puzzled.

www.highballexpress.com.au

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4. Rye

4.2 (710)

9 Lonsdale St, Braddon ACT 2612, Australia

Welcome to Rye, Canberra's quirky little neighborhood that showcases the perfect fusion of charm and eccentricity! With its vibrant streets lined with an irresistible mishmash of quirky cafes, vintage boutiques, and hipster hangouts, Rye attracts an eclectic crowd of arty souls and aspiring avocado-toast connoisseurs. As you wander its picturesque lanes, be prepared for surprise encounters with local street performers who might just convince you to dance the Macarena or recite Shakespeare in exchange for loose change.

www.ryecafe.com.au

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5. The Durranbah Room

4.2 (965)

Hotel, 8 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600, Australia

Welcome to The Durranbah Room in Canberra, where elegance and quirkiness give each other a warm bear hug! This quirky little spot is reminiscent of a bygone era, where you can find mismatched furniture living together in perfect harmony - think a chair with a sassy leopard print cushion and a table with legs that resemble swirly spaghetti. The room offers a delightful mishmash of vintage trinkets and knick-knacks that will keep you endlessly entertained while wondering how a rubber duck ended up next to a boomerang.

www.hotelkurrajong.com.au

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6. The Phoenix

4.3 (238)

27 E Row, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

Nestled amidst the vibrant streets of Canberra, The Phoenix stands tall like a beacon for wandering souls in need of liquid nourishment with a side of mirth. This pub-cum-urban oasis tempts visitors with its extensive selection of frothy brews, promising to turn even the most ardent beer skeptics into hop enthusiasts. With its delightfully quirky decor, including walls adorned with eclectic trinkets and a ceiling that seems to embrace artistic disorder, The Phoenix guarantees an unforgettable night of jovial conversations and laugh-inducing moments.

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7. Akiba

4.5 (2724)

40 Bunda St, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

Tucked away in the heart of Canberra, Akiba is a haven for those with a hankering for Asian cuisine and an insatiable desire to mix and match flavors like a mad scientist. As you enter this culinary sanctuary, prepare to be greeted by vibrant graffiti-style murals that make you feel like you've stepped into a comic book explosion. Once settled in, brace yourself for an assault on your taste buds with their wild fusion of Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian dishes that will have you saying, "Holy wagyu!"

www.akiba.com.au

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8. Honkytonks

3.8 (338)

17 Garema Pl, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

Welcome to Honkytonks, Canberra's unexpected delight for those seeking a wild night out. Step into a world where disco balls illuminate patrons enthusiastically attempting their best John Travolta dance moves, while questionable fashion choices from decades past abound. Prepare yourself to be transported back to a time where mullets were fashionable and "boogie fever" was the cure for all your worries. Embrace the quirky charm of Honkytonks, where the only thing cooler than the retro decor is the earnestness with which locals display their signature awkward dance moves.

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9. Molly

4.6 (811)

Wooden Door, Odgers Ln, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

Welcome to Canberra, where you might just spot Molly, the quirky local who is practically a town landmark. Known for her colorful outfits and eccentric personality, Molly can often be found strolling through the city streets, bringing a dose of amusement to any passerby. With her contagious laughter and penchant for spontaneous dance breaks, encountering Molly is like stumbling upon a delightful dose of sunshine in this vibrant capital city. So, keep your eyes peeled for this iconic character while exploring Canberra’s bustling streets – you never know when you might get a dose of her infectious charm!

molly.bar

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10. Black Market

4.2 (922)

45/38 Mort St, Braddon ACT 2612, Australia

Welcome to Canberra, where even the Black Market has a certain charm - but not the kind you're thinking! This unconventional hotspot is better known as a lively underground market, buzzing with unique and hard-to-find treasures. From vintage vinyl records to quirky handmade crafts, you'll stumble upon a delightful mishmash of goods while rubbing shoulders with the city's hippest locals. Just make sure to leave your six-foot-tall inflatable pineapple back at the hotel - that's a black market of a different kind!

www.blackfirecanberra.com.au

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11. Bentspoke Brewing Co.

4.6 (946)

48/38 Mort St, Braddon ACT 2612, Australia

Welcome to Bentspoke Brewing Co., where enchanting beers flow like rivers through the charming city of Canberra. Nestled in the heart of this capital gem, Bentspoke is a temple of liquid delight, popular among both beer enthusiasts and beerologists desperately seeking a prompt cure for their overly serious demeanors. With its quirky-meets-refined atmosphere, this fine establishment seamlessly blends innovation, craftmanship, and a dash of "beer magic" to create an experience that will leave you hoppy-dazed and craving for more.

www.bentspokebrewing.com.au

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12. Hippo Co.

4.6 (510)

Unit 1/17 Garema Pl, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

Nestled in the heart of Canberra, Hippo Co. is a rockin' joint that can kickstart your taste buds like no other. This groovy watering hole boasts an impressive selection of boozy concoctions that will make you want to dance a little jig right there at the bar. With dim lighting, plush seating, and a soundtrack that oozes cool, Hippo Co. promises an unforgettable night out for both locals and adventurous souls visiting the capital.

www.hippoco.com.au

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Canberra, Australia by plane is to fly into Canberra Airport which has regular flights from major Australian cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide.

Car

Driving is a great way to explore Australia's scenic countryside while traveling to Canberra. The major highway, Hume Highway, connects Sydney and Canberra, while the Princes Highway links Canberra to Melbourne. There are also several car rental services available at the Sydney and Canberra airports.

Train

While there is no direct train service to Canberra, you can take a train to the nearby city of Queanbeyan and then catch a local bus to Canberra. However, flying into Canberra Airport is a much more convenient option.

Boat

As Canberra is located inland, there are no direct boat options available. However, you can take a cruise along the nearby Murray River, which is around a 3-4 hour drive from Canberra.

Bus

Taking a Greyhound or a Murrays bus is a good option to reach Canberra. Both services offer regular trips from Sydney and Melbourne to Canberra.

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