
Civic Square
Canberra's Civic Square: a vibrant hub for community events, cultural exploration, and diverse dining, nestled in the heart of the CBD.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Shops open late

Civic Square
Best Time
Shops open late

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Canberra's Civic Square: a vibrant hub for community events, cultural exploration, and diverse dining, nestled in the heart of the CBD.
"A pleasant place to unwind during weekends and a central meeting point for community events."

🚗 Smart Parking Hacks
Park outside the city center and cycle/scooter in to save on parking fees. :electric_plug:
📅 Check Event Schedules
Look out for festive celebrations and community gatherings for a vibrant experience. :calendar:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Community Gathering Hub
Civic Square
A central meeting point for community events, protests, and festive celebrations. Experience the heart of local gatherings.

Cultural Institutions
Adjacent to Civic Square
Home to museums, the arts theatre, and the ACT Legislative Assembly. Immerse yourself in culture and governance.

Diverse Dining Options
Surrounding Civic Square
Explore a variety of restaurants, from Asian to continental cuisine, offering a culinary journey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Civic Square Parking
Timing Your Visit for Events
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Civic - parking
🚗 Smart Parking Hacks
Park outside the city center and cycle/scooter in to save on parking fees.
:electric_plug:📅 Check Event Schedules
Look out for festive celebrations and community gatherings for a vibrant experience.
:calendar:All day parking in Civic - tips and advice
Civic parking?
🍽️ Explore Local Eateries
Discover a range of Asian and continental restaurants around the square.
:forkandknife:🚶♀️ Stroll and Unwind
Enjoy a pleasant atmosphere for relaxing during your weekend visits.
:walking:Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Smart Parking Hacks
Park outside the city center and cycle/scooter in to save on parking fees.
:electric_plug:📅 Check Event Schedules
Look out for festive celebrations and community gatherings for a vibrant experience.
:calendar:🍽️ Explore Local Eateries
Discover a range of Asian and continental restaurants around the square.
:forkandknife:🚶♀️ Stroll and Unwind
Enjoy a pleasant atmosphere for relaxing during your weekend visits.
:walking:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Civic Square is appreciated as a central meeting point for community events and a pleasant spot to unwind. Visitors enjoy the diverse dining options and the convenience of shops staying open late on Fridays. Some find the square a bit dated compared to other major city squares, but acknowledge its cultural proximity and ongoing renovations.
"This is where people meet nowadays to support Justice and human rights and reject the genocide and the Israeli crimes against humanity that have been going on for too long in Gaza."
Hassan El Zein
"Pleasant place to unwind during weekends.
Various restaurants from Asian to continental!
Shops are literally open to 9PM every Friday."
Poly Liong
"Feels a bit outdated, I think the city council here are slowly renovating the square, it’s got museums and arts theatre, plenty of space to hang out, it doesn’t feel quite like a city square centre compare to the cities of Adelaide, Brisbane etc…"
WB Adventures
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Civic Square is centrally located in Canberra's CBD. You can reach it by car, with parking available nearby, or by using the light rail and connecting bus services.
Yes, the light rail and various bus routes service the area around Civic Square, making it easily accessible via public transport.
Parking is available in nearby multi-story car parks, such as the Canberra Centre rooftop, but can be expensive. Consider alternative parking strategies to save money.
Absolutely! Many visitors opt to cycle or use scooters, parking their vehicles further out and enjoying the last leg of their journey on two wheels.
While specific accessibility details may vary, as a central public space, Civic Square is generally designed to be accessible. It's advisable to check with local authorities for detailed information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Civic Square is a public space and does not require tickets for entry. It's free to access and enjoy.
Civic Square is generally open 24/7 as it's an outdoor public area. However, surrounding businesses and attractions have their own operating hours.
There are no entry fees to access Civic Square itself. Any costs would be associated with parking or visiting specific attractions within or around the square.
For specific events held at Civic Square, booking details will vary depending on the organizer. Check local event listings or the Canberra Theatre Centre website for information.
Civic Square is a public space and generally safe, but as with any urban area, it's advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially late at night.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Civic Square is a hub for community gatherings, protests, and festive celebrations. It's also adjacent to cultural institutions like museums and theatres.
The square offers opportunities for photos, especially during events or with the backdrop of the ACT Legislative Assembly and Canberra Theatre.
The atmosphere can vary from a pleasant place to unwind on weekends to a vibrant hub during festive celebrations or a site for important community discussions.
While it's a public space, families might enjoy it more during specific events like Christmas celebrations. It's not a dedicated playground but offers space to walk around.
Civic Square is located near the Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG), and the ACT Legislative Assembly.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find a diverse range of dining options, from Asian to continental cuisine, in the restaurants surrounding Civic Square.
While Civic Square itself might not have dedicated cafes, numerous cafes and eateries are located within easy walking distance in the surrounding CBD area.
Yes, the CBD area offers a variety of dining establishments, including options that cater to different budgets. Exploring the side streets can reveal hidden gems.
Most restaurants in the CBD area operate typical lunch and dinner hours. Some shops and eateries stay open until 9 PM on Fridays.
The Canberra Centre, located nearby, features a large food court offering a wide selection of fast-food and casual dining options.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the architecture of the ACT Legislative Assembly, the Canberra Theatre, and the general ambiance of the square, especially during events.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can offer beautiful lighting. Evenings are also great, especially when the square is lit up for events.
Drone usage in urban areas like Civic Square is subject to strict regulations. Always check with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and local council bylaws before flying a drone.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is permitted. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is useful for capturing both wide shots of the square and details of the surrounding buildings. A wide-angle lens can be great for architectural shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For dining, the nearby Canberra Centre food court offers a variety of kid-friendly options, making it easy to find something to please picky eaters. Remember to check local event listings for family-oriented activities that might be happening in or around the square.
💰 Budget Travelers
Civic Square itself is a free public space, perfect for enjoying the atmosphere without spending money. For affordable eats, explore the diverse range of restaurants in the CBD, looking for lunch specials or casual eateries. The Canberra Centre food court also offers budget-friendly choices.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers
Spend your day exploring the adjacent Canberra Museum and Gallery, catching a show at the Canberra Theatre, or simply enjoying the urban ambiance. The variety of dining options ensures you can easily find a spot for lunch or dinner before heading home.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Civic Square's Role
While some visitors feel it's less grand than squares in larger Australian cities, its understated nature allows for a more intimate connection with the local community. The ongoing renovations suggest a commitment to enhancing its appeal and functionality, aiming to make it a more dynamic urban center.
For visitors, understanding Civic Square's multifaceted role—from a place of quiet reflection to a stage for public discourse—enhances the appreciation of its significance in Canberra's urban landscape.
Navigating Parking and Transportation
For those relying on public transport, the light rail system offers a convenient park-and-ride option. This allows commuters to drive to a station outside the city, park their car, and then take the light rail the rest of the way into the CBD, significantly reducing costs and traffic stress.
These tips highlight a community-driven approach to urban mobility, emphasizing smart planning and alternative transport methods to make visiting Civic Square more accessible and affordable.
Culinary Delights Around the Square
Beyond the sit-down restaurants, the nearby Canberra Centre provides a bustling food court, perfect for those seeking quick and varied meal options. This accessibility to different dining experiences makes Civic Square a convenient spot for lunch breaks or evening meals.
Whether you're looking for a fine dining experience or a casual bite, the eateries around Civic Square ensure that every palate is satisfied, adding another layer of appeal to this central Canberra location.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit