A Guide to Manuka’s Best Attractions That’ll Show You the Exciting History of Canberra
One of my friends is a self-proclaimed foodie and she always recommends going to Manuka. She says the place is overflowing with so much flavor and is really worth traveling to.
If I’m being completely honest, I’ve been there a couple of times but I haven’t really seen most of the area. So, I decided to follow my friend’s advice and take a couple of days to really explore everything the place has to offer.
And boy, was I pleasantly surprised. It’s not just the food, Manuka’s also full of significant landmarks and stunning architecture.
I was so impressed that I decided to write it all down for the world to know. This guide is your key to discovering Manuka’s best features and offerings.
Where is Manuka?
Manuka can be found in Canberra’s Inner South district. The area itself isn’t an official suburb. Instead, it spans several parts of the suburbs of Griffith and Forrest.
How to Get to Manuka
Via Bus: There are only a couple of bus stops in Manuka. Riding bus routes 6, 56, and 59 can get you there.
Via Taxi or Ride-Sharing Service: Get a taxi or find one using your favorite ride-sharing app (like Uber, for example). Tell your driver where you specifically want to go to in Manuka and they can take you there.
Via Private Car: Use your GPS and pick a location within Manuka. It should give you the best directions going there.
When you arrive, you can find parking at Manuka Terrace or Griffith Oval.
What to Do in Manuka
Catch a game at Manuka Oval
– Media credit: manuka.oval
Address: Manuka Circle, Griffith ACT 2603
Phone: +61 2 6228 0304
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – Closed
The Manuka Oval is a picturesque and historic stadium that’s been a gem in Canberra since the 1920s. Until today, people still go here regularly to watch their favorite teams play live.
Over the years, it’s hosted numerous matches, including major international competitions such as several World Cups. Its most frequent use though is for cricket and Australian football games.
Despite its age, its facilities, such as the bathrooms, have been well-maintained and updated. Upgrades such as clear loudspeakers and bright lights for night games have also been added.
Its size is also a big plus for fans. Since the stadium is on the smaller end, games tend to be more intimate, with fans feeling like they’re part of the action. Parking is a bit tricky though, so it’s best to take public transport to go there.
Cool off at Manuka Pool
– Media credit: manukapool
Address: New South Wales Crescent, Griffith ACT 2603
Phone: +61 2 6295 1910
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Public Holidays – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
What better way to spend a hot day than to visit Manuka Pool? This is one of the best pools in Canberra and it’s obvious why when you get there.
Firstly, it’s a feast for the eyes. The pool has been around since the 1930s and it still has the original Art Deco style design made by its principal architect E.H. Henderson up until now.
It also has plenty of facilities for the entire family. There’s an open space with shaded trees where you can relax, a kid’s pool, and play equipment for the young ones to have fun.
They also have a kiosk where you can get a range of drinks and snacks, such as chips and ice creams. So whether it’s through treats or a dip in the pool, a visit here is the perfect way to be refreshed during sunny days.
Support the local arts scene at Manuka Arts Centre
– Media credit: heidishouse
Address: 30 Manuka Circle, Griffith ACT 2603
Phone: +61 2 6295 7810
Hours:
- Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Sunday – Monday – Closed
Even though Manuka is quite small, it still has a thriving art community. In fact, you can experience it firsthand and even be part of it at Manuka Arts Centre.
The center is dedicated to a range of art practices, including music. Originally, the place was just meant to be a Jazz campus but later on, it was extended to support a radio broadcasting station as well.
However, its most popular offering is PhotoAccess, a photography hub with its own building. This organization is also the only one in the ACT that provides darkroom facilities that are open to the public.
You can drop by and check out the exhibits they have on display. These works come from an array of local and international artists, from beginners to the more established ones.
If you want to be further involved, you can also join their photography classes and workshops. Some of these only take a day while others may take weeks, depending on what you want to learn.
Treat yourself to some shopping at Manuka Shopping Centre
– Media credit: deptpftheexterior_manuka
Address: Franklin Street, Griffith ACT 2603
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
If you’ve ever heard the term ‘shop til you drop’, there’s no other place where it’s more applicable than in Manuka. This shopping precinct has every luxury you could ever want.
They’ve got boutiques of every kind here where you can pamper yourself. You can browse through rows and floors of specialty shops, designer items, gourmet foods, and more.
Even though it’s kind of high-end, the place still has a vibrant and friendly feeling because of its community. So whether it’s for some retail therapy or you just want to chill at a cafe, there’s no doubt that you’ll want to keep coming back.
Telopea Park
– Media credit: canberrastreetscolour
Address: Barton ACT 2600
Hours: Open 24 hours
Although Telopea Park isn’t actually within Manuka, it’s just right across the Manuka Oval and Pool. Many locals hang out here to wind down or to wait for a match to start.
It’s really a lovely space to relax in, with its abundance of greenery. Plant lovers will recognize that the park has a healthy mix of both native and exotic trees that provide shade for visitors.
People of all ages also come here for some exercise. Plenty of kids run around the play spaces, teenagers can often be seen skateboarding around, and grown-ups tend to be cycling or running.
Dogs are also welcome as long as you keep them on a leash.
Where to Eat in Manuka
Belluci’s Manuka
– Media credit: bellucismanuka
Address: Franklin St & Furneaux St, Griffith ACT 2603
Phone: +61 2 6239 7424
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday, Sunday – 12:00 to 2:00 PM, 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday – 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM
After 20 years of serving the area, Belluci’s Manuka has become a staple and an institution. People from all over the country go to Canberra just to taste the traditional Italian food served here.
You’d even find the restaurant booked and busy on a Monday night so best to reserve in advance. But despite the crowd, the staff is always attentive and prompt with orders.
When deciding what to eat, you can never go wrong with the classics: their pizza and pasta. But we also highly recommend their seafood options, especially their Calamari Fritti and Gamberi All’aglio, which will teleport your tastebuds straight to Napoli.
They also have an extensive wine selection which pairs well with their mains. For connoisseurs, you’d be happy to know that they offer half-bottle servings and by the glass.
Jewel of India
– Media credit: jewelofindiamanuka
Address: Manuka Court, Unit 16, 1st Floor/11 Bougainville St, Griffith ACT 2603
Phone: +61 2 6295 6277
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 5:00 to 10:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Jewel of India is Canberra’s top gateway to authentic Indian cuisine. It’s hard to find flavors as good as this outside of Asia, so it’s a miracle to have this right here in Manuka.
Each meal is mouth-watering and prepared with the freshest ingredients. They’re also always served with a smile, reflecting the warmth and hospitality of the culture.
Every person that dines here seems to have their own favorite dish, with some saying the Kadhai Paneer, the Chicken Tikka Masala, the Peshwari Naan, or something else.
Our best suggestion would be to ask a waiter for their recommendation and they’ll gladly help. Their servers are some of the friendliest in Canberra and they can easily determine what would be the best fit for you based on what you’re craving that day.
Where to Stay in Manuka
East Hotel
– Media credit: easthotel
Address: 69 Canberra Avenue, Kingston ACT 2604
Phone: +61 2 6295 6925
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
From the moment you step in, East Hotel is immediately a feast for the eyes. This boutique, design hotel prides itself in its moody decor and warm atmosphere.
Each room is impeccably styled with lots of space. We’d even recommend getting a balcony, which will give you stellar views of Kingston and Manuka.
When you go inside, your room comes with an excellent modern bathroom and a complete kitchenette. You can choose to prepare your own meals or sample some of the hotel’s amazing restaurants.
The food they serve at their own dining establishments is immaculate. You can enjoy some exquisitely made gnocchis at Agostino’s, or you can opt for some fine wine at Joe’s Bar, located right in the lobby.
Little National Hotel
– Media credit: littlenationalhotel
Address: 21 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600
Phone: +61 2 6185 1988
Pricing: $
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Little National Hotel gives a taste of luxury at a very affordable price. You’ll feel well taken care of because of how premium their services and amenities are.
Starting with their packages, you can personalize your stay according to your needs. For example, their Date Night Package includes a nice meal for two, while their Linger Longer packages can help you save for longer stays.
The latter is perfect because you might never want to leave your room, especially with its comfortable super-king-sized beds. You’ll also be greeted every morning by the scenic views of the mountains outside your room’s wall-to-wall windows.
Lastly, you can take advantage of their state-of-the-art wellness facilities, such as their Hale Gym. Here, you can take classes for yoga and pilates.
Treat yourself by dropping by the Hale Spa, which is fully equipped with a sauna and relaxing treatment rooms.