Canberra

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Shopping Centres

Large shopping malls with diverse retail outlets, dining options, and entertainment facilities.

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Comprehensive Guide to Shopping and Entertainment in Canberra, Australia

Canberra, the capital city of Australia, offers a diverse and vibrant shopping and entertainment scene. From large shopping centres with international brands to boutique stores and local markets, the city caters to a wide range of tastes and budgets. Below is a detailed guide to help visitors and new residents navigate the shopping and entertainment options in Canberra.

1. Major Shopping Centres in Canberra

a. Canberra Centre

  • Location: City Centre (Civic), Garema Place, Canberra City
  • Overview: The Canberra Centre is the largest and most popular shopping destination in the city. It is a modern, multi-level shopping mall offering a mix of high-end, mid-range, and budget-friendly stores.
  • Types of Shops:
    • Fashion: Zara, H&M, David Jones, Myer, Country Road, and more.
    • Electronics: Apple Store, JB Hi-Fi.
    • Beauty: Sephora, Mecca, Lush.
    • Homeware: Bed Bath Nโ€™ Table, Adairs.
    • Groceries: Coles, Aldi, and specialty food stores.
  • Entertainment Facilities:
    • Dendy Cinemas: A premium cinema experience with a mix of mainstream and independent films.
    • Arcade and VR Experiences: Some pop-up entertainment options are available seasonally.
    • Dining: A wide range of cafes, restaurants, and food courts offering cuisines from around the world.
  • Costs: Prices vary depending on the store, but the centre caters to all budgets, from luxury to affordable.
  • Shopping Procedures:
    • Most stores accept credit/debit cards, including contactless payments.
    • Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the centre.
    • Parking: Paid parking is available, with the first 2 hours free on weekdays and free parking on weekends.
  • Local Considerations:
    • The Canberra Centre is busiest on weekends, so plan your visit during weekdays for a quieter experience.
    • Seasonal sales (e.g., Boxing Day, mid-year sales) offer significant discounts.

b. Westfield Woden

  • Location: Woden Town Centre, Phillip
  • Overview: A family-friendly shopping centre with a mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options.
  • Types of Shops:
    • Fashion: Target, Big W, Cotton On, and specialty boutiques.
    • Electronics: JB Hi-Fi, Telstra, Optus.
    • Beauty: Priceline Pharmacy, beauty salons.
    • Groceries: Woolworths, Coles.
  • Entertainment Facilities:
    • Hoyts Cinema: Features recliner seating and the latest movies.
    • Play Areas: Indoor play zones for children.
    • Dining: Casual dining options, including Grillโ€™d, Guzman y Gomez, and Asian eateries.
  • Costs: Mid-range pricing, with budget-friendly options available.
  • Shopping Procedures:
    • Ample parking is available, with the first 2 hours free.
    • Public transport access is convenient, with a bus interchange nearby.
  • Local Considerations:
    • Woden is a hub for families, so expect a lively atmosphere, especially during school holidays.

c. Westfield Belconnen

  • Location: Belconnen Town Centre, Benjamin Way, Belconnen
  • Overview: A large shopping centre catering to the northern suburbs of Canberra, offering a mix of retail, dining, and entertainment.
  • Types of Shops:
    • Fashion: Kmart, Target, H&M, and specialty stores.
    • Electronics: JB Hi-Fi, The Good Guys.
    • Beauty: Hair salons, Priceline Pharmacy.
    • Groceries: Woolworths, Aldi.
  • Entertainment Facilities:
    • Hoyts Cinema: Features recliner seating and a variety of films.
    • Zone Bowling: A bowling alley with arcade games.
    • Dining: A food court with diverse options, including sushi, burgers, and Indian cuisine.
  • Costs: Affordable to mid-range pricing.
  • Shopping Procedures:
    • Free parking for the first 2 hours.
    • Public transport options include buses from the Belconnen interchange.
  • Local Considerations:
    • Belconnen is a popular area for students and young professionals, so the centre has a vibrant, youthful vibe.

d. Majura Park Shopping Centre

  • Location: Near Canberra Airport
  • Overview: A convenient shopping destination for those near the airport or in the eastern suburbs, with a focus on large-format retail stores.
  • Types of Shops:
    • Fashion: Cotton On, Rivers, and other casual wear stores.
    • Electronics: JB Hi-Fi.
    • Homeware: IKEA, Costco.
    • Groceries: Costco, Woolworths.
  • Entertainment Facilities:
    • Limited entertainment options, but IKEA and Costco are attractions in themselves for many shoppers.
    • Dining: Cafes and fast-food outlets like McDonaldโ€™s and Subway.
  • Costs: Generally affordable, with bulk-buying options at Costco.
  • Shopping Procedures:
    • Free parking is available.
    • Costco requires a membership for shopping (AUD $60 annually).
  • Local Considerations:
    • Ideal for bulk shopping or furnishing a new home.
    • Close to Canberra Airport, making it a convenient stop for travellers.

e. Manuka and Kingston Shopping Precincts

  • Location: Inner South Canberra
  • Overview: These are boutique shopping and dining areas with a more relaxed, village-like atmosphere.
  • Types of Shops:
    • Fashion: High-end boutiques and local designer stores.
    • Homeware: Specialty stores with unique, artisan products.
    • Groceries: Supabarn (Manuka), specialty delis, and organic food stores.
  • Entertainment Facilities:
    • Manuka Oval: Hosts cricket and AFL matches.
    • Dining: Upscale cafes, wine bars, and fine dining restaurants.
  • Costs: Higher-end pricing, reflecting the premium nature of the area.
  • Shopping Procedures:
    • Street parking is available but can be limited during peak times.
    • Public transport options are limited, so driving or walking is recommended.
  • Local Considerations:
    • These precincts are ideal for those seeking a more sophisticated shopping and dining experience.

2. Local Markets for Unique Shopping Experiences

Canberra is also known for its vibrant markets, which are perfect for finding unique, locally made products.

a. Old Bus Depot Markets

  • Location: Kingston Foreshore
  • Overview: A weekly Sunday market featuring handmade crafts, art, and gourmet food.
  • Costs: Mid-range, with some premium artisan products.
  • Local Considerations: Arrive early for the best selection.

b. Capital Region Farmers Market

  • Location: Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC)
  • Overview: A Saturday morning market offering fresh produce, baked goods, and local delicacies.
  • Costs: Affordable to mid-range.
  • Local Considerations: Bring cash, as not all vendors accept cards.

3. Tips for Shopping in Canberra

  • Payment Methods: Most stores accept credit/debit cards, and contactless payments are widely used. Some markets may require cash.
  • Tax-Free Shopping: Australia does not have a tax-free shopping scheme for tourists, but you can claim a GST refund on purchases over AUD $300 under the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) at the airport.
  • Seasonal Sales: Look out for major sales during Boxing Day (26 December), mid-year (June/July), and Black Friday (November).
  • Opening Hours: Most shopping centres are open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM on weekdays, with extended hours on Thursdays and Fridays. Weekend hours are typically shorter.

4. Entertainment Beyond Shopping

Canberraโ€™s shopping centres often double as entertainment hubs, but the city also offers other attractions:

  • Cultural Venues: National Gallery of Australia, Australian War Memorial.
  • Outdoor Activities: Lake Burley Griffin, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.
  • Nightlife: Bars and clubs in Civic and Braddon.

Canberraโ€™s shopping and entertainment options cater to a wide range of preferences, making it easy for visitors and new residents to find what they need while enjoying the cityโ€™s relaxed and friendly atmosphere.