Situated in Canberra’s Central Business District, the iconic Canberra Centre has been an unmissable part of Australia’s capital since 1963. Spread over three floors, Canberra Centre was previously the largest shopping centre in Australia, although it has since been superseded by a number of developments. Visitors on foot can access the shops from Bunda Street or City Walk, while there is parking available via Petrie and Cooyong streets.
The Canberra Centre’s 300-plus shops include many of Australia’s biggest high-street names, as well as major international retailers such as Apple. Large supermarkets are found on the lower floors while more boutique shops can be visited on the third floor, including the fashion stores of the Upper Floor atrium. Over the years there have been multiple expansions, creating indoor access from Canberra Centre to the City Market area. There are now two food courts plus a cinema.
This modern shopping centre now fills three large blocks in the centre of Canberra. Canberra Centre City bus stop provides immediate access for those using public transport. Visitors staying in central Canberra will be able to walk to Canberra Centre through the Central Business District.
When the Canberra Centre was originally opened, it went under the guise of the Monaro Mall. The new name came when the centre was overhauled and fully refurbished in 1989. It’s now a heritage site for a very unusual reason in that it was the first car park in Australia to install ticket machines.