Author: Visit Canberra
While you’re in town for the Canberra Times Marathon Festival, make the most of your time with plenty of ways to explore the city and get race ready. From discovering national treasures to immersing in nature and views, find a unique way to warm up, fuel up and cool down either side of your race. This itinerary for a long weekend full of culture, cuisine and the outdoors gives runners, friends and family the best of what Canberra has on offer.
Canberra. There’s more than they’re telling us.
Friday afternoon
Head to the National Museum of Australia to get some warmup steps in and explore Hallyu! The Korean Wave. From BTS to aespa, Squid Game to Parasite, the exhibition features 250 objects from the V&A Museum in London and explores the powerhouse behind Korea’s dramatic cultural transformation and the vibrant world of K-culture as it continues to sweep across the globe.
Be inspired for the weekend at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and see Sportex, one of Australia’s leading interactive sports exhibits, set amongst a first-class collection of sporting memorabilia. Try wheelchair basketball, virtual downhill skiing, rock climbing, football penalty shootouts and more. Great fun for all ages and athletic abilities.
Check in to the marathon’s official accommodation partner Crowne Plaza located in the heart of the city, offering spacious, comfortable rooms ideal for pre-race preparation and post-race recovery.
Alternatively, Canberra Rex Hotel proudly supports the marathon festival and offers special rates. The hotel provides easy access into the city via the light rail on its doorstep. Relax in bespoke rooms, the indoor heated pool, a rooftop bar with views, and a fully equipped gym.
Friday night
For those running on Saturday get race-ready and fuel up at Brodburger. Whether you’re a traditionalist who loves a classic beef burger, or you’re into chicken, vegetarian or seafood, Brodburger has the perfect burger for you.
Head into the city and enjoy Bar Rochford, hidden upstairs in the Melbourne Building. Enjoy fine food, exciting wine producers and good jams. Or visit Verity Lane Market for a vibrant, welcoming space where one destination offers infinite possibilities from around the world. Each vendor at Verity Lane is proudly locally owned and offerings include Italian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean and dessert treats.
Just a few minutes’ walk from the city centre is Braddon, Canberra’s ever-evolving shopping and foodie precinct where you’ll find a mingled assortment of restaurants and culinary delights, boutiques, cafes, bakeries, and bars.
Saturday morning
This is where your race weekend begins. Whether you’re lining up for the 10K or 5K today, or heading to the expo to collect your bib ahead of tomorrow’s race – and take the time to explore the exhibitors while you’re there. Either way, you’re part of the energy as the city comes alive around you. From the start line buzz to the excitement of race preparation, you’ll feel it all.
After your race, celebrate and refuel with coffee at Local Press Cafe on the Kingston foreshore, waving hello to the iconic Lake Burley Griffin as the day gets underway.
Or enjoy breakfast in a cosy environment at Mocan & Green Grout, an ethical and eco-friendly cafe housed in the cultural and creative New Acton precinct. There you’ll enjoy fair trade coffee, produce from local farmers, and herbs on top of your poached eggs that were grown right outside the front door.
Check out Capital Food Market for some of the region’s finest fresh food providers and casual dining experiences, from specialty European delicacies, fresh cheeses and meats, health food store options and market produce, to Korean barbecue and a bookshop that includes toys and puzzles.
Saturday afternoon
Grab a captain’s hat and move from land to water by steering your eco-friendly GoBoat or Love Boat around the lake until you find the perfect spot for a floating picnic. With plenty of vistas to choose from, you simply can’t go wrong.
For an excellent caffeine hit, enjoy a visit to Highroad, who focus on specialty coffee, locally sourced ingredients and innovative menu items. Highroad is an inclusive venue designed for everyone – whether you’re looking for a pit stop and a bite to eat, or a memorable dining experience (open until 9.30pm Saturdays).
See amazing architecture from around the world in Yarralumla, home to many embassies and high commissions. Take a self-guided driving tour of the precinct to see designs by everywhere from Samoa to Finland.
Saturday night
Unwind after your 10K or 5K with a casual dinner at The Dock on Kingston Foreshore, where you can enjoy a picturesque lakeside sunset while gazing over Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra’s iconic centrepiece.
Or try Canberra’s hatted restaurant RAKU which combines the precision and artfulness of Japanese culinary history, with the vibrant energy of modern Australian dining.
Creative Agency: Inklab
If it’s time to properly sit back and relax, enjoy dinner and the atmosphere at Monster Kitchen and Bar nestled beautifully within the beating heart of the Ovolo Nishi before wrapping up the evening by taking in a movie at the Palace Electric Cinema.
For those running tomorrow, explore the official Pasta Party locations to carb-load.
Sunday morning
It’s the main event! Marathon and half marathoners you take centre stage today, alongside thousands of runners as the city rallies behind you for an unforgettable race day. From the first wave to the finish line, you’re part of something special – a shared sense of achievement and community.
Post-race, refuel and celebrate with a hearty breakfast on-site at Cafe Stepping Stone, which is a social enterprise cafe with two locations that employs and trains migrant and refugee women from diverse backgrounds through a vegetarian kitchen.
Or visit a Canberra staple, Three Mills, which has earned cult status for its exceptional artisan breads and pastries. Featuring signature long fermentation sourdough, hand rolled pastries, gooey cookies, flaky danishes, and impeccable sausage rolls, it’s a bakery that locals swear by. With multiple locations across Canberra, your next Three Mills fix is always within reach.
Sunday afternoon
Recover at Floating Sauna on the picturesque foreshore of Lake Ginninderra. The infrared sauna and flotation studio offer a premium range of therapeutic experiences designed to rejuvenate both body and mind. Enjoy a 45-minute infrared sauna session to deeply detoxify, support muscle recovery, and boost your metabolism.
Recharge with coffee and food at Local Press Cafe on the Kingston foreshore, waving hello to the iconic Lake Burley Griffin as the afternoon unfolds (open until 4pm).
If you’re still buzzing and keen to experience more adrenalin, visit Treetops Adventure in Majura Pines, where you can challenge yourself with high-ropes courses, zip lines, and other exciting obstacles amidst towering pines.
For a final scenic viewpoint, head to Red Hill Lookout where you’ll spot many of our national icons and enjoy sweeping views of the city. Right next to the lookout you’ll find refined dining at Lunetta.
Planning your next visit to Canberra? Head to visitcanberra.com.au for itineraries, guides and inspiration for your next trip.
