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It’s time to get it for the ‘gram.
If you’re looking to spice up your social media presence, there are plenty of places in Canberra to snap some stunning shots—if you know where to look.
Here are 10 must-know spots around town to visit when your usual mirror selfie just isn’t doing it for you.
Strike a pose on the Nishi Grand Stair
While the whole of Ovolo Nishi in NewActon is ‘grammable, the Grand Stair in the foyer will have you stopping to grab a snap. Created from over 2000 pieces of reclaimed timber from a dismantled house, a demolished basketball court, and the Nishi building site itself, no two fragments are the same, making it a unique and stunning spot.
Located right near Canberra’s CBD, there’s a wide variety of restaurants and cafes right on its doorstep, but a meal at Nishi’s Monster Kitchen and Bar also wouldn’t look out of place on the grid.
NewActon Precinct, 25 Edinburgh Avenue
Get snappy amongst the Street Art in Braddon
Take a stroll down Lonsdale Street to find any number of walls adorned with street art, perfect for posing in front of. Canberra’s city is a bit of an urban art gallery (one that tells the stories of Canberra’s local communities), so simply grab a coffee from one of the many cafés that line the streets and go exploring before choosing a location that matches your aesthetic!
Snap a selfie in Rainforest Gully
Retreat to the lush and shady Rainforest Gully at the Australian National Botanic Gardens to take your selfie game to the next level and create a lush green frame that screams ‘tropics’.
With upper and lower boardwalks to explore and daily misting to enhance the ambiance, there are plenty of opportunities for a moody shot. Located just next to Pollen Café, treat yourself to some superior comfort food once you’ve finished exploring.
Clunies Ross Street, Acton.
Play with light at Within Without
From the artist that supposedly inspired Drake’s iconic Hotline Bling video, the permanent Skyspace installation Within Without at the National Gallery of Australia will be adored by light lovers. Tucked under a picturesque grassy knoll outside the gallery’s front entrance, the walk-in chamber features blush-pink walls, turquoise water, and dramatic lighting that changes with the day.
Parkes Place East, Parkes.
Frame the stunning landscape with Wide Brown Land
At 35 metres long and three metres high, this sculptural form’s site will surely blow up your Instagram feed. The phrase—taken from Dorothea Mackellar’s famous poem, My Country—stretches above the National Arboretum’s Himalayan cedar forest and is inspired by the cursive style of Mackellar’s own handwriting. Framing great views of the landscape at the National Arboretum, a visit to the artwork offers the opportunity to grab some really cool snaps.
Forest Drive, Molonglo Valley.
Capture the landmarks (and leaves) at Lake Burley Griffin
Any local knows that Lake Burley Griffin is the place to go for a walk and talk with friends—but how about using a stroll around the basin to get some shots for the ‘gram? You can capture many of Canberra’s landmarks from the shore and in autumn it’s particularly beautiful as the leaves change from green to beautiful reds, stunning purples, and eye-catching yellows.
Of course, if you want to take it to the next level, you can always hire a GoBoat for a lazy picnic and to grab some on-the-lake snaps of the landmarks (and yourself).
Grab some picture-perfect views at Mount Ainslie
With panoramic views of the city, Mount Ainslie is particularly lovely for nature and architecture lovers looking for some new inspiration. Capture a new side of Parliament House, ANZAC Parade, and the lake or use the stunning walk for some shots of native bushland—or yourself working up a sweat as you walk to the summit. Our pick for a time to go? Sunset or sunrise will give you the perfect golden hour light.
Create a rustic vibe at Mount Stromlo Observatory
Have more of a rough or rustic aesthetic? The Mount Stromlo Observatory is part of the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the Australian National University (ANU) and is perfect for those looking to grab a whimsical rustic shot. Burnt out during the Canberra Firestorm of 2003, it offers a beautiful mix of washed-out whites, which looks stunning against the rusted brown of the old telescope gears.
Cotter Road, Weston Creek.
Overlook the mountains (and vines) at Brindabella Hills
While it’s technically outside Canberra, with a mountain backdrop and stunning views of vines, Brindabella Hills Winery has some stunning locations for an Instagram shot. A world away from city life, on one side you’re overlooking the Murrumbidgee River and Brindabella Mountain Ranges, and on the other are never-ending mountains. Other highlights include misty rolling hills, wisteria in the warmer months, and picture-perfect food from the restaurant on site. Oh, and the wine of course.
156 Woodgrove Close, Wallaroo.
Play day and night at Kingston Foreshore
The Kingston Foreshore provides a myriad of different locations to shoot—no matter what you love. From food offerings (hello Morks, Molto, and Brodburger) that will make you the envy of food bloggers to the gardens located near Walt and Burley as well as the Brickworks and Canberra Glassworks. Day or night you’re sure to snap something that makes you smile.
Feature image: Snaps by Sal.