Canberra’s former industrial hub has been transformed into an epic family-friendly playground by forward-thinking entrepreneurs and a feast of new delights.

Fishwyck. It’s an odd name for this tiny suburb, south of Canberra’s CBD and just metres from Canberra Airport. Yet it feels strangely appropriate. Named after Tasmanian politician Sir Philip Fysh, it’s one of the most eclectic areas of Canberra.

The area’s reputation for adult entertainment venues is a thing of the past with a brighter, more family-friendly vibe fueled by artisanal bakeries, op-shop emporiums, breweries and markets.

In its early days, Fyshwick was considered a light industrial area with a few warehouses here and there. Not much happened here and hardly anyone wanted to make the trek outside of Canberra City. Fast forward to today and Fyshwick is one of the coolest suburbs in Canberra, on par with lifestyle meccas like Braddon and Manuka with plenty of fun things to do. Here are the best of them.

1. Grab a paddle at Capital Brewing Co.

The award-winning Capital Brewing Co. is one of the driving forces behind Fyshwick’s artisanal boom. The progressive craft beer label is best represented in the hub’s lively taproom where tasting paddles showcase the team’s penchant for experimental and sustainable brewing.

A dozen taps are regularly switched out for Capital’s beers, which have picked up plenty of accolades for the label’s sustainability ethos. This is consistently named one of Australia’s best breweries for good reason.

Address: Building 3/1 Dairy Rd, Fyshwick

2. Grab a flaky croissant at Wildflower

Wildflower is an artisan bakery and cafe standing tall at the forefront of Fyshwick’s progressive food scene. The croissants are generally the most popular thing here, coupled with some of Canberra’s finest coffee, best enjoyed in the leafy outdoor area.

You’ll spot Wildflower’s sourdough and various pastries at other cafes across Canberra, but nothing beats getting everything fresh from the source in a simple, family-friendly setting within spitting distance of Canberra Airport.

Address: 8 Townsville St, Fyshwick

3. Find some treasure at Designer Op Shop Emporium

Just over a dozen of Canberra’s finest makers, artisans and craftspeople have come together under one roof, building Designer Op Shop Emporium into something special for Canberra shoppers.

Helmed by mother and daughter duo Sharyn and Taylor Pitsilos, DOS Emporium is a veritable oasis of vintage chic fashion, design, homewares, luxury toiletries, fresh flowers and other highly individualised items packed with personality.

Much like POP Canberra in Braddon, the Emporium is an essential part of the city’s identity and locals are fiercely proud of it. You’ll be too after you find your next treasured item.

Address: Corner Of Barrier Street And, 1 Lyell St, Fyshwick

4. Scale a wall at BlocHaus

BlocHaus is Canberra’s original bouldering gym and a big reason why locals regularly fly through Fyshwick. The range of unique climbing walls caters to both beginners and hobbyists, with enough space so you won’t be stuck waiting for your turn for too long.

There’s also a separate section, FamilyHaus, designed for anyone over the age of 5 so younger climbers can build up their skill set. Consider this one of the best kid-friendly things to do in Canberra.

Address: 2, 2/1 Dairy Rd, Fyshwick

5. Sort through the piles at Canty’s Bookshop

Dating back to 1922, the family-owned Canty’s Bookshop dusts off the charm of yesteryear and acts as a time capsule for Canberra. You’ll find 1.2 kilometres of bookshelves and piles upon stacks of both old and new books at generous prices.

Owner Luke Canty is a well of knowledge so think of him as a kind of book sommelier, keen to match your inclinations with the right page-turner so you’ve got a new favourite to spend time with.

Address: Fyshwick Plaza; 59-61 Wollongong St, Fyshwick

6. Bring some binoculars to Jerrabomberra Wetlands

Canberra’s manageable size is typically what makes the city such a unique and incredible part of Australia. There are very few places where bountiful wetlands sit so close to the CBD, and yet Fyshwick is the home to one of the city’s favourite natural habitats: Jerrabomberra Wetlands.

It only takes around 40 minutes to walk the entire loop of the 174-hectare protected area, which sits on the Molonglo River floodplain and is most popular amongst enthusiastic birdwatchers and nature lovers.

Scan your surroundings carefully and you may even spy some trenches used for training during the war days by Duntroon Royal Military College.

Address: Dairy Rd, Fyshwick

7. Pack a picnic basket at Urban Providore

Although Sydney and Melbourne’s top-heavy dining scenes are in constant lock-step, Canberra is far from an insecure middle child. Having the best of both Victoria’s and New South Wales’ produce at your doorstep will do that to you.

It’s no secret that Canberra is a foodie’s paradise so make sure to pop by Urban Providore, a food hall that celebrates local and specialises in gourmet artisanal products.

Spend some time browsing through shelves of chocolate delights and local wines, or get the owners to whip you up a gourmet picnic hamper before you head to any of the best picnic spots in Canberra.

Address: 80 Kembla St, Fyshwick

8. Take a trip to Paris at The Flute Bakery

Authenticity isn’t important just to lock in precise flavours and ensure consistency, it also plays a part in ambience. Step inside the unapologetically French Flute Bakery and it’s like you’ve just zipped straight to Paris, with beautiful pastries made to exacting standards.

Mousse cakes, tarts and multi-coloured macarons line the display cabinet at this homely patisserie, which in true Parisian style is only open on weekdays. Those sweet and savoury pies are some of the best in Canberra as well, so make sure you bring your appetite with you.

Address: 8 Barrier St, Fyshwick

9. Get inspired at the Niche Markets

The heart of this tiny suburb is Fyshwick Markets with rows of stallholders touting fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood. But look closer and you’ll find the separate Niche Markets: an extension dedicated to local craftspeople with a great range of goods from flowers and jewellery to homewares and hand-crafted gifts.

Niche Markets is open from Thursday to Sunday only, and there’s live music on weekends. It’s a great place to bring the whole family together and spend some time picking apart Canberra’s irrepressible sense of creativity.

Address: 36 Mildura St, Fyshwick

10. Bite into a Brodburger

Not one for beer? In case you need a different reason to hit up the team at Capital Brewing Co., you can go just to find Canberra’s favourite burger truck, Brodburger, parked up with its locally famous red van.

Brodburger has been slinging the best burgers in Canberra for years. With Capital as their new forever home, it’s easy to chow down on one of their pitch-perfect burgers or hot dogs before heading on out to explore Fyshwick’s unique charms.

 Address: Building 3/1 Dairy Rd, Fyshwick

11. Sharpen your mind at Revelation Puzzle Rooms

Work around the clock to find a cure to a mysterious illness, solve a murder or uncover a drug stash at Revelation Puzzle Rooms. Real-life role-playing has never been more popular now that Escape Rooms (or Puzzle Rooms) are getting more sophisticated and creative.

There are four different themed puzzle rooms at this Fyshwick favourite, where two to eight players work together to decipher riddles and thread information together before it is too late.

Address: 155 Gladstone St, Fyshwick

12. Accio some wizarding merch at Quizzic Alley

Harry Potter fans are usually shocked to hear that Canberra hosts the biggest collection of Wizarding World merchandise in the entire country. You’ll find it all at Quizzic Alley, an old-school magic shop that doesn’t mess around when it comes to fun visuals and interesting finds.

Even if you aren’t walking away with a new broomstick, snap some selfies in Weasley’s flying Ford Anglia and chug a QBrew (a stand-in for butterbeer).

Address: 5 Pirie St, Fyshwick

13. Build up some (friendly) rage at Breakr

Did you know that Canberra has its very own smash room? It’s a space where you, dressed in protective wear, have a time limit to break, smash, wreck and shatter various common items as a stand-in for whatever frustrations you’re holding onto.

Teacups, old printers, glassware – nothing stands a chance once you step inside one of Breakr’s smash rooms and safely dial in some controlled cathartic chaos.

Address: 4/1 Lyell Street, Fyshwick

14. Practice your aim at Axxe

Darts are a thing of the past. We want big, sharp axes and we want them now. Given Fyshwick is now a hotbed of recreation centres and modern group activities, Axxe feels inevitable.

Slink into a checked flannelette, channel your inner lumberjack, take a deep breath, and let that axe fly like the wind as it chops into that big bullseye. Note that this experience is only for those over 18 and you must be wearing covered shoes.

Address: 4/1 Lyell St, Fyshwick

15. Go op shopping at Material Pleasures

You may not be in Brunswick, but who needs Melbourne’s gritty hipster tastes when you’ve got Fyshwick? Material Pleasures is every bit as vibrant and diverse as anything you’ll find on Sydney Road, featuring a dynamic collection of recycled contemporary designer clothing and accessories.

Material Pleasures is one of the best fashion stores in Canberra so next time you need a new outfit – or a flannelette shirt to wear to Axxe – pop by this store, with very approachable prices and a clear love of designer classics.

Address: 3 Barrier St, Fyshwick

Discover the best things to do in Canberra.