NewActon Precinct - Image 1
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NewActon Precinct Canberra

4.4
·116 reviews·Canberra, Australia

A trendy arts precinct in Canberra, known for its striking public art, unique shops, and vibrant cafe and restaurant scene.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Vibrant atmosphere

CrowdMedium
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NewActon Precinct - Image 1

NewActon Precinct Canberra

Best Time

Weekends

Vibrant atmosphere

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A trendy arts precinct in Canberra, known for its striking public art, unique shops, and vibrant cafe and restaurant scene.

4.4
(116 reviews)

"Upscale, arts precinct with some arresting public art. Parking is terrible but very bike friendly."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚲 Bike-Friendly Access

Parking can be tough, but NewActon is very bike-friendly. Consider cycling to explore the area easily.

☕ Cafe Hopping

Discover great coffee and unique cafes. Many offer delicious treats and a perfect spot to relax.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Public Art Installations

Public Art Installations

Discover arresting and unique public artworks scattered throughout the precinct, perfect for photos.

The Curatoreum

The Curatoreum

NewActon Precinct

A must-visit shop for curious gifts and unique finds, adding to the precinct's artistic charm.

Lake Burley Griffin Access

Lake Burley Griffin Access

Easily cross the bridge from NewActon to enjoy the scenic beauty and recreational opportunities of the lake.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Vibe, Watch for Parking

NewActon is a trendy arts precinct with stunning public art and great cafes. Be prepared for potentially high prices and challenging parking, though it's very bike-friendly.

Art, Food, and Festivals

This vibrant area hosts annual events like the Art Not Apart Festival. Explore unique shops, enjoy diverse dining, and don't miss the chance to cross the bridge to the lake.

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
Vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
During Festivals
Why
Unique arts experiences
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Farewell lunch and play date with our fav Canberra whānau 💚
@katestobbs
4.4K likes • 40.9K views

🚲 Bike-Friendly Access

Parking can be tough, but NewActon is very bike-friendly. Consider cycling to explore the area easily. Reddit

☕ Cafe Hopping

Discover great coffee and unique cafes. Many offer delicious treats and a perfect spot to relax. Reddit

Please be nice to him 🥹 Canberra’s Newest Korean Cafe is here! @zerocomplex.cbr 📍 132/24 Lonsdale St, Braddon, Canberra ACT 2612 #Canberra #CanberraCafe #Korean
@zerocomplex.cbr
2.1K likes • 34.3K views
Here’s one of the coolest areas in Canberra, ACT you need to visit on your next trip! ✨ Welcome to the NewActon precinct @newacton know for its award winning design and some of the coolest bars and restaurants in the city. Be sure to visit: 🍸🌱 Monster restaurant and bar for a cocktail or plant based meal @monsterkitchenbar 🍷 Rebel Rebel for dinner (our personal favourite - and one of the highli...
littlesherpatravels
156 likes • 7K views

🖼️ Art Photography Spots

The precinct is filled with arresting public art, offering fantastic photo opportunities. Reddit

🛍️ Unique Shopping

Explore interesting little shops like The Curatoreum for curious gifts and souvenirs. Reddit

NOW SELLING | 1404/25 Edinburgh Ave Canberra City. It doesn’t get closer than this! Living in this iconic City precinct provides an unparalleled lifestyle fusing design, culture and cosmopolitan living nestled on the fringe of the City; and the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. 🏡 1,1,1 📲 Craig on 0408 118 519 📲 Tamara on 0432 363 215 #marqproperty #realestateagent #canberrarealestateagent #canb...
craigchapmanmarqproperty
14 likes • 15.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚲 Bike-Friendly Access

Parking can be tough, but NewActon is very bike-friendly. Consider cycling to explore the area easily. Reddit

☕ Cafe Hopping

Discover great coffee and unique cafes. Many offer delicious treats and a perfect spot to relax. Reddit

🖼️ Art Photography Spots

The precinct is filled with arresting public art, offering fantastic photo opportunities. Reddit

🛍️ Unique Shopping

Explore interesting little shops like The Curatoreum for curious gifts and souvenirs. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(116 reviews)

Reviews Summary

NewActon Precinct is lauded for its trendy, vibrant atmosphere, striking public art, and excellent cafes and restaurants. Visitors appreciate the unique shopping experiences and the easy access to Lake Burley Griffin. However, the high prices and notoriously difficult parking are recurring drawbacks.

"Very trendy and the surrounds are lovely. Great public artworks everywhere and cool little cafes and restaurants with great coffee. The cinema provides a more unique experience. The prices (and ridiculous parking fees) are reflective of the trendiness of it all."

Eilleen

"There are so many festivities you can enjoy. So much great food and the Art Not Apart Festival is held here annually and it is such a great arts show. You can take so many great photos and you can also cross the bridge to the lake! Very nice place."

Natsuko Yonezawa

"Great hotel with nice clean rooms. Only issue had was parking was hard to get. Staff were nice and treated me great. Would stay here again this is at the top of the accor chain as far as rooms go as I've stayed at them all."

Adam Hartup

What People Like

Trendy and vibrant atmosphere
Striking public art
Great cafes and restaurants

What People Dislike

Expensive prices
Difficult parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

NewActon Precinct is easily accessible by car, public transport, and is very bike-friendly. Parking can be challenging and expensive, so consider cycling or using ride-sharing services. Reddit

Yes, the precinct is designed for walking, with many attractions and eateries within easy reach of each other. It's a great area to explore on foot. Reddit

Absolutely! NewActon is very bike-friendly, with dedicated paths and ample space to explore on two wheels. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the NewActon Precinct itself is a public area and does not require tickets for entry. Individual venues like cinemas or restaurants will have their own admission policies. Reddit

The precinct is always accessible, but individual shops, cafes, restaurants, and the cinema will have their own operating hours. It's best to check specific venue times. Reddit

The public art installations throughout NewActon Precinct are free to view and enjoy as part of the precinct's public spaces. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

NewActon offers a vibrant mix of public art, unique shops, trendy cafes, and excellent restaurants. You can also enjoy the cinema and easily access Lake Burley Griffin. Reddit+1

NewActon is known for its great cafes serving excellent coffee. Exploring the precinct will reveal several highly-rated spots. Reddit

Yes, The Curatoreum is a standout shop offering a great selection of curious gifts and unique items. Reddit

Yes, NewActon features a cinema that provides a more unique viewing experience. Reddit

Absolutely! A bridge conveniently connects NewActon to the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, offering beautiful views and recreational opportunities. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

NewActon boasts a variety of restaurants and bars, offering diverse culinary experiences from casual to upscale. Reddit

Yes, NewActon has great bars, with Black Market being a recommended spot for a drink. Reddit

You'll find a range of dining options, from trendy cafes with great coffee to more established restaurants, catering to various tastes. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The precinct is renowned for its arresting public art installations, making them prime locations for photography. The architecture and proximity to the lake also offer scenic backdrops. Reddit

Yes, the combination of unique architecture, vibrant public art, and bustling cafes makes NewActon an excellent location for street photography. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

NewActon Precinct offers a visually engaging experience for families, particularly with its abundant public art. Kids can enjoy spotting the unique sculptures and installations as you explore. The proximity to Lake Burley Griffin via the bridge is also a great draw, offering space for children to run around and enjoy the outdoors. Reddit

While dining options are plentiful, consider cafes that offer more casual seating. The unique shops, like The Curatoreum, might also hold interesting discoveries for younger visitors. The precinct's walkability makes it manageable for families with strollers, though parking challenges should be factored into your travel plans. Reddit+1

💰 Budget Travelers

NewActon is an upscale precinct, so budget-conscious travelers might find some aspects pricier. However, you can enjoy the free public art and the scenic walk to Lake Burley Griffin without spending a dime. Reddit

Look for cafes offering good value coffee and pastries for a more affordable meal. While some restaurants and bars can be expensive, exploring for happy hour deals or more casual eateries can help manage costs. Prioritizing walking or cycling over driving can also save on parking fees. Reddit+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of NewActon

NewActon Precinct is celebrated as an upscale arts precinct with a strong emphasis on public art. Visitors consistently praise the arresting public art found throughout the area, making it a visually stimulating environment. These installations are not just decorative; they are integral to the precinct's identity and offer fantastic opportunities for photography. Reddit

Beyond the permanent installations, NewActon also hosts significant cultural events. The Art Not Apart Festival is an annual highlight, showcasing a diverse range of artistic talent and drawing crowds to the precinct. This commitment to the arts ensures that NewActon remains a dynamic and engaging destination for art lovers and casual visitors alike. Reddit

Navigating NewActon: Parking and Accessibility

While NewActon Precinct is a highly desirable and trendy area, visitors should be aware of its parking situation. Reviews frequently mention that parking is terrible and can be quite expensive, reflecting the precinct's upscale nature. This is a common point of feedback for those arriving by car. Reddit+1

However, the precinct is exceptionally bike-friendly. For those who prefer two wheels, NewActon offers a much more accessible and enjoyable experience. The area is also very walkable, with many attractions and eateries located within close proximity, making it easy to explore on foot once you've arrived. Reddit+1

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