A Guide to Deakin, Canberra’s Top Attractions and Underrated Spots That Most Tourists Don’t Even Know About (Their Loss!)
Tourists usually head to Capital Hill (capital hill) first when they visit Canberra. But from time to time, I get people asking for other things to do after they’ve done all the popular stuff.
This is when I get really excited because there are actually so many things to see just a little further away, especially in the suburbs. No one thinks that there would be a lot to do there but Deakin is proof that that’s wrong.
Deakin is full of significant landmarks, official establishments, and chic dining options. In fact, a lot of these places are actually must-visit destinations, whether you’re a tourist or a local.
So use this guide as your ticket to seeing some of the greatest attractions Deakin has to offer.
Where is Deakin?
Deakin is within Canberra’s Parliamentary Triangle, 2.5 kilometers southwest of Capital Hill. It’s bordered by the suburbs of Yarralumla, Curtin, and Hughes.
How to Get to Deakin
Via Bus: There are a good deal of bus stops all over Deakin. The following bus lines go there: 57, 58, 2011, 2016, 2020, 2025, 2029, 2030, 2031, 2032, and 2037.
Via Taxi or Ride-Sharing Service: Call a taxi or contact one using your choice of ride-sharing app (like Uber). Let your driver know where you specifically want to go in Deakin and they’ll be able to take you there.
Via Private Car: You can add the name of a location in Deakin into your GPS to determine the best way to go there. You’ll be able to find free parking on Denison Street and 33 Thesiger Court.
What to Do in Deakin
Find out how money is made at the Royal Australian Mint
– Media credit: royalaustmint
Website: https://www.ramint.gov.au/
Address: 62-114 Denison St, Deakin
Hours:
- Sunday 10 AM–4 PM
- Monday 8:30 AM–5 PM
- Tuesday 8:30 AM–5 PM
- Wednesday 8:30 AM–5 PM
- Thursday 8:30 AM–5 PM
- Friday 8:30 AM–5 PM
- Saturday 10 AM–4 PM
Phone: +61 2 6202 6999
The Royal Australian Mint is much more than just a place where Australian money gets made. It also has an entertaining museum full of activities for the entire family.
Here, you can see the process of how money is made up close. The museum has lots of interactive displays where you can even get the chance to mint your own coin.
They have free guided tours that’ll take you around their facilities. These tours are inclusive so they’re wheelchair-accessible. They also give braille guides for people who are visually impaired and provide gallery booklets for hearing-impaired visitors.
The Mint Shop is one of the most exciting parts of this attraction because this is where you’ll find their special limited edition collectibles. This includes their coin collaborations with the Olympics and the Bluey Dollarbucks from the famous Australian cartoon.
Spot some wildlife at Weston Park
– Media credit: carolelvin
Address: Weston Park Rd, Yarralumla
Hours:
- Sunday 7 AM–11 PM
- Monday 7 AM–11 PM
- Tuesday 7 AM–11 PM
- Wednesday 7 AM–11 PM
- Thursday 7 AM–11 PM
- Friday 7 AM–11 PM
- Saturday 7 AM–11 PM
Phone: +61 132281
Parks are a staple in most suburbs but Weston Park might just be the best in all of Canberra. It’s a large urban park with plenty of facilities that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age.
Kids are going to love riding the miniature train track and running around the adventure playground. There’s a nice range of equipment for them to play with, such as swings, musical instruments, and climbing nets.
Meanwhile, grown-ups can relax with the fantastic views of Lake Burley Griffin. You can also feel invigorated by participating in some running, cycling, or even fishing.
A highlight of this place is that it’s common to see kangaroos here, which could be very exciting for non-Australians. But since it’s not really recommended to approach them in the wild, the park has a petting zoo where you can get near friendlier animals.
Marvel at the international architecture of various diplomatic missions
– Media credit: bentsvsworld
Despite being mostly residential, Deakin is also home to a lot of embassies. Because of this, many tourists have embarked on an unofficial tour to see as many of these buildings as they could.
It’s not purely just for sightseeing though, it’s also very educational. The architecture of these embassies is mostly based on the traditional architecture of their countries.
For example, the Embassy of Italy has plenty of columns that are always present in traditional Italian Architecture. On the other hand, the Solomon Islands High Commission incorporates lots of wooden elements to emulate a village-like design.
It’s an entertaining way to see a part of different cultures without even having to leave the country. If you want to make it even more fun, try guessing the country of each building based on the exterior before checking out the signs in front.
Where to Eat in Deakin
EQ Bakehouse & Cafe
– Media credit: eqbakehouseandcafe
Address: 70 Kent Street, Deakin ACT 2600
Phone: +61 2 6161 1666
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 6:30 AM to 4:00 PM
- Saturday – 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Sunday – 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM
People often think that cafes are mostly just for quick bites, but EQ Bakehouse & Cafe shines the most with their full meals.
Whether it’s fish, lamb, or beef, the quality of cooking here is something you’d expect from a fine dining restaurant. It’s filling and just the right amount of savory that’ll get you to order one of their sweet treats afterward.
The atmosphere is nice and light as well. Their outside seating is great if you want to enjoy a lovely summer day with a pastry.
They’re pet-friendly, so expect to see some cute furry faces when you eat here.
Doubleshot Deakin
– Media credit: dsdoubleshotdeakin
Address: Shop/7 Hopetoun Circuit, Deakin ACT 2600
Phone: +61 2 6162 2027
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Doubleshot Deakin is the place to go if you need a delicious plate of breakfast to wake you up in the morning.
You’d never guess that this place is located in a quiet, residential area because of how packed it always is. Although you can almost always expect a wait, the friendly servers will do their best to seat you and your group as quickly as possible.
It’s an absolute must to get your caffeine fix here. And once you get that first sip of coffee, it’ll be clear why so many people flock to this establishment.
Where to Stay near Deakin
Abode Hotel Woden
– Media credit: abodehotels
Address: 10 Bowes Street, Phillip ACT 2606
Phone: +61 2 6108 4950
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Abode Hotel Woden is superb at putting the needs of its guests above everything else.
Starting with the rooms, these come with complete appliances. Apart from kitchenette facilities, you’ll get a washer and dryer so you don’t have to bring your whole closet with you when you travel.
And even though they’re only a short walk from some restaurants, they also have a well-stocked pantry near the reception. You can get snacks, frozen meals, toiletry essentials, and more here if you don’t feel like going out.
For those who are here for work, they have conference and meeting rooms that you can easily reserve. As you can tell based on this, the hotel is designed to anticipate and accommodate any possible requests from their cherished guests.
Forrest Hotel and Apartments
– Media credit: forresthotel
Address: 30 National Circuit, Forrest ACT 2603
Phone: +61 2 6203 4300
Pricing: $
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Guests never feel out of place here at Forrest Hotel and Apartments. Once you check in, they’ll warmly welcome you as part of their community.
They’re so friendly that they even have a scenic communal area ideal for relaxing weekend mornings. Here, you can stroll around the garden, play some tennis, or have a delicious barbecue picnic.
You can choose between their hotel rooms or serviced apartments, depending on how long you need to stay. Whichever it is, you won’t find another accommodation in Canberra that’s as lovely and as affordable as this one.