The lovely Nikki

Our My Canberra series is about seeing our city with new fresh eyes.  We have sought out well known Canberrans, authors, HerCanberra readers and bloggers to share their favourite parts of Canberra. It has so much to offer, but sometimes it’s hard to find those fantastic places without knowing someone to recommend them.

A UC communications graduate, Nikki works in fundraising at ANU after several stints in the federal and local public services. Nikki’s home life consists of looking after a beaded dragon, three turtles and a very spoilt, very handsome cat.

In her spare time, she is an obsessed op-shopper, avid decorator and foodie, regular jogger with the best running group – Team Bliss Running Allstars, and auntie to two gorgeous nieces. She’s currently learning much about beer as her partner has become quite the home brewer.

This is Nikki’s Canberra…

Best thing about being a Canberran

The lifestyle. There is an easiness about Canberra. Having lived overseas you don’t really appreciate it till you’re home. What do I love about living here? We are spoilt for choice – food, shopping, entertainment and leisure. And I loved the recent New York Times article about our little home town.

On my morning run – which today started at Telopea Park then bridge to bridge round the lake through Bowen Park – the bright pink blossoms made an early appearance against a cloudy winter’s morning sky and I got the distinct impression Canberra felt confident, like it is growing up. May have just been the endorphins, but am very proud it is the city of my birth and the nation’s capital.

Northside or Southside?

Southside. I’m an eternal south-sider (except for a brief spell in Lyneham) and was born in the old Canberra hospital, where the National Museum now sits. Practically third generation Canberran (my grandmother was born in Queanbeyan and went to school opposite St Benedicts), I’ve lived in Canberra for most of my life – pre and post the mandatory sabbatical to the UK.

Favourite Cheap Eats

Does my partner’s home cooking count?! Fellows Café at University House does good lunches, including a roast for $10 (sml plate) at ANU.

My go to salad is the Niçoise at Bookplate at the National Library. Consistently excellent for years.

Our go to takeaway is Thai Amarin at Erindale.

Favourite Mid-range Restaurant

Our first visit to eightysix recently was great, and Olive at Mawson is good and family friendly.

Favourite Fine Dining

The Artisan in Narrabundah and Sage at Gorman House.

Best Coffee

Hmmm..this is a tough one. A toss up between Gods Café (the little one) at Hedley Bull at ANU, 38 Espresso at Kingston Foreshore and Two Hands in Fyshwick.

Best Breakfast

A Bite to Eat, Chifley Shops.

Favourite Book Store

Oh – there are so many! My new favourite is the Beyond Q Bookstore at Curtin Shops.

Best Shopping Spot

Basically any second hand shop – usually Vinnies Tuggeranong followed closely by The Green Shed at the tip on Mugga Way. And Material Pleasures in Fyshwick.

For fresh produce, I love Fyshwick Markets and for gifts, can’t go past the National Museum and National Gallery shops, and Myer.

Best walk

Mt Taylor – Kambah side.

“Must Do” Canberra experience

Walk around Lake Burley Griffin, visit to one of the national institutions, drive up  Mt Ainslie, fish & chips on the grass at the Yacht Club, followed by cake and coffee at Flute. Then dinner at OnRed overlooking the lake and city lights.

How I get away from it all

Visiting the Reading Rooms, an exhibition and a coffee at the National Library or camping (Namagdi National park is next on the list).

Great kid friendly activities

Picnic at Tidbinbilla.

Want to share YOUR Canberra? Drop us a line at hello@hercanberra.com.au