Beyond Q is an extraordinary second-hand book shop, cafe, and live music venue hidden in the Curtin Shops, Woden, Canberra.

It's inconspicously located downstairs from the central square, and has a vast collection of constantly changing books, antiques, ephemera, and old typewriters. The cafe and service is very friendly and the books are well-priced. They regularly feature exceptional items, making them well worth repeat visits!

Beyond Q (formerly Lawton's Antiquarian) is hidden downstairs from the public square in the Curtin Shops. Follow the sign outside the stairs. Open every day from 8am to 6pm, and sometimes even later.

www.beyondq.com.au/
44 Curtin Place, ACT 2605

Google map: tinyurl.com/yd9njrm

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Four-day musical and cultural extravaganza held at Easter each year, on the outskirts of Canberra. If you love Womad, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival or anything similar, you'll love the atmosphere at 'the National'; by the end of the weekend you won't want to go home. Except to sleep. And think about coming back again next year. Not only is it a multicoloured musical and dance fest (and inspired craft fair) the whole site becomes a large village for interstate festival goers to live in for the weekend (drive-up b.y.o. accommodation on site). Motels are close by for those who love their creature comforts, and shops if you need milk for your 'billy tea'. If you need some time out from festivalling, a walk round the nearby leafy inner suburbs on a sunny autumn afternoon is peaceful and provides stunning views of lovingly kept neighborhood gardens. Oh yes, as with any music festival, if you are staying on site - don't forget to take good ear plugs with you! The music keeps going as long as people are awake enough to play it ...

www.folkfestival.asn.au/

Google map: tinyurl.com/lb4b26

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On the slopes of Black Mountain are the Australian National Botanic gardens. They are home to a variety of Australian habitats from temperate rainforest to desert plants. Admission is free (although there is a charge for parking). There are great views across the city.

There are also free guided walks twice a day.

Clunies Ross Street, ACTON
www.anbg.gov.au/anbg/

Google map: tinyurl.com/nee5p6

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A great cafe with about 30 different types of coffee, numerous teas, amazing cakes and good food - especially the breakfasts (available all day).

6 Garema Pl
Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
+61 2 6248 9300

Google map: tinyurl.com/koqol4

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Often overlooked by travellers, Canberra is well worth a stop, especially if you are travelling from Sydney to Melbourne. Easy to get around, with a wealth of attractions (Parliament House, Old Parliament House, National Gallery, the Australian War Memorial just for starters) Canberra is an excellent location for travellers looking for an insight into the nation. Especially good for families.

Google map: tinyurl.com/kwswu9

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An often more interesting alternative to the big institutional galleries of Canberra, representing local contemporary artists across 4 locations.

"CCAS is one of a national network of contemporary arts organisations (CAOs) dedicated to the generation, presentation and promotion of innovative contemporary visual arts practice in Australia. Its program of exhibitions, performances, artists’ talks and publications aims provide opportunities for artists in the ACT to exhibit their work within a context of current national and international practice."

www.ccas.com.au

CCAS Gorman House & Cube2
Gorman House Arts Centre,
Ainslie Ave, Braddon A.C.T, Australia
1am to 5pm, Tuesday to Friday
10am to 4pm Saturday
Ph: +612 6247 0188

Google map: tinyurl.com/mq9dd4

CCAS Manuka
19 Furneaux St,
Forrest, A.C.T Australia
Gallery Hours: 11am to 5pm,
Wednesday to Sunday during advertised
exhibition dates.
Ph: +612 6295 3112

Google map: tinyurl.com/l4usco

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An institutional chinese restaurant belonging to the Chan family of 'Rumble in the Bronx' fame.

18 Woolley Street
Canberra, ACT 2602 Australia
+61 2 6249 8849

Google map: tinyurl.com/l3p3zh

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This is a goodie...
A great short drive north of Canberra (20+ mins), down a small road and along another lies this gem. Poachers packs a culinary punch, local wines, cheese, smoked meats and an amazing cafe set in the stunning rural setting of limestone plains and sheep paddocks complete with hens and horses. A total package, book a table, sink a bottle over any one of the platters on offer with a good mate.

www.poacherspantry.com.au
02 6230 248
Nanima road, off the Barton Highway, towards Yass.

Google map: tinyurl.com/mqzwba

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Knightsbridge is a small bar tucked away in the suburb of Braddon. It pulls a diverse crowd and is part of a selection of bars in Canberra taking drinking venues to a new boutique level. Previously a bar themed around a morgue, Knightbridge is inviting, intimate and friendly along with having a very decent drinks list.

1/34 Mort Street Braddon, short walk from the city centre.

Google map: tinyurl.com/mhxg6q

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Mt Stromlo, reveals numerous trails and technical challenges for those passionate about mountain biking. Positioned so close to the city centre it's an asset no other Australian city can boast, with a passionate community behind it, Mt Stromlo is back after the firestorm, and is packing loads of new challenges, trails and adventures.

www.corc.asn.au
www.netspeed.com.au/cr/bicycle/links.htm

Google map: tinyurl.com/m9crc5

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Live music - usually Thursdays + Fridays. DJs, electronica and local indie musicans in a relaxed and unpretentious location. Slightly hard to find but this doesn't mean it's exclusive by any means.

219 London Cct Civic
6230 0003

Google map: tinyurl.com/nakzsk

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A small and intimate cocktail bar overlooking Garema Place in the City.

A good selection of drinks, music, people and kitsch decor! Jazz on Wednesday nights.

Upstairs, Garema Place, Civic
www.hippobar.com.au

Google map: tinyurl.com/mpxx7y

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Electric Shadows, a small 2 screen cinema, one blue, one red. It was the home of art house cinema and a lifeline for anything 'Hollywouldn't'.

Recently merged with the Dendy group, the two create a much larger and modern cinema in the refurbished Canberra Centre- the old venue will be missed as was the centre cinema (now a nightclub).

It's a natural progression and a positive one at the very least.

148 Bunda St
Canberra City
02 6221 8900

Google map: tinyurl.com/lu8hsf
www.dendy.com.au/

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Trinity is a small hidden bar found in the back streets of Canberra's China town, in the suburb of Dickson. Most Travellers would never find it as they never stay long enough to truely discover the city.

Trinity serves a seasonal cocktail list, excellent local wines and a selction of local and international beers, the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, DJs play most nights, no cover, and is great on chilly nights when it's a full house. Perfect place to have an injection of city life (without the wank) after a day in the wilderness.

28 Challis St, Dickson
www.canberrabars.com.au

Google map: tinyurl.com/lvo6u7

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