5 Reasons Kings Fans Should Make Canberra a Mid-Week Getaway

The Sydney Kings travel to Canberra for the first time this season, ready to face NZ Breakers in an Ignite Cup showdown on Wednesday night, October 14. If you haven't already, get your tickets now!

A Sydney Kings away game is more than just basketball.

Sure, you're making the trip to cheer on the Kings, but Canberra has a habit of surprising its visitors. One minute you're watching the game, the next you're discovering world-class dining, national cultural attractions, hidden bars and experiences you simply won't find anywhere else in Aus.

Whether you're travelling with mates or bringing the whole family, here are five reasons to extend your stay beyond tip-off.

1. Canberra Is Just Easy

Not every away game requires flights, airport transfers and complicated planning.

Just three hours from Sydney, Canberra is one of the easiest road trips in Australian sport. You can leave after breaky and be checking into your accommodation before lunch.

Once you're in Canberra, getting around is refreshingly simple too. Restaurants, attractions and AIS Arena are all within easy reach, meaning less time commuting and more time enjoying your mid-week break.

2. The Pre-Game Atmosphere Starts Long Before Tip-Off

Known for its thriving food scene, Canberra is home to an impressive collection of cafés, breweries, restaurants and local retailers, all within easy reach of one another.

Start your day in Braddon with brunch at B-Side, then wander down Lonsdale Street where independent boutiques, homewares stores and creative spaces showcase some of the region's most exciting makers and designers.

Round out the afternoon with a tasting paddle at BentSpoke Brewing Co., one of Canberra's most popular local institutions, before making your way to the game.

It's the perfect way to experience the energy, creativity and local character that makes Braddon one of Canberra's most-loved neighbourhoods.

3. Lake Burley Griffin Is Canberra's MVP

At the heart of the city, Lake Burley Griffin offers countless ways to explore, unwind and see Canberra from a different perspective.

Take a leisurely stroll along the lake, cycle the picturesque foreshore paths, or settle in with a picnic beside the water. For something a little different, step aboard a GoBoat or Love Boat and captain your own electric boat across the lake's calm waters.

With striking views, iconic landmarks and plenty of space to slow down and soak it all in, Lake Burley Griffin is one of Canberra's most loved attractions, and the perfect way to make the most of your time in the capital.

4. Canberra Has Serious Family-Friendly Credentials

For many Kings fans, game day is a family affair, and Canberra makes travelling with kids remarkably easy.

Start your day at Questacon, the national science and technology centre, where hands-on exhibits, interactive galleries and larger-than-life experiences spark curiosity in visitors of all ages. With more than 200 exhibits across eight galleries, it's easy to spend hours exploring, experimenting and discovering together.

Then step into the imaginative world of RELICS: A New World Rises, an immersive exhibition where ancient worlds and future stories are brought to life through LEGO® creations. Designed by LEGO® Masters winners Jackson Harvey and Alex Towler, the exhibition blends creativity, storytelling and intricate design into a fascinating experience that's full of surprises.

The closer you look, the more you'll uncover, making it just as engaging for grown-ups as it is for kids.

5. The Post-Game Recovery Is Elite

After the excitement of game day, take some time to discover Canberra at a slower pace. Known for its unique blend of culture, nature and wellbeing experiences, Canberra offers plenty of ways to relax and recharge after the final whistle.

Unwind with a session in the lakeside Floating Sauna, where gentle heat and calming views acrossLake Burley Griffin create the perfect setting to switch off and take in thescenery.

For a more mindful experience, settle into a traditional tearitual at Ujin Matcha House, where every cup is prepared with care and ceremony, inviting you to slow down and savour the moment.

Or spend a few hours wandering through the spectacular National Arboretum Canberra. Home to one of the world's largest living collections of rare, endangered and culturally significant trees, it's a place of wide-open spaces, sweeping views and quiet moments of discovery.

Because in Canberra, some of the most memorable moments happen well beyond the game.

For more inspiration on what to see and do during your stay, visit visitcanberra.com.au.