Not one of the best ikeas in the world, this Sydney branch is a bit out of the way, and even harder to navigate than most. Goods are not always restocked fast enough, so for us Canberrans drive 300kms just to look for a few specific items, this can be quite disappointing (and a lesson well-learnt, to check stocks online next time). They also do not deliver anywhere outside Sydney, another disappointment.

It's hard to rate a shopping centre as a whole, but this mall was a good find. We found what we needed for our home, had a quick, tasty bite at the food court upstairs, and were treated to a nice view of the skating rink over lunch! What more could you ask for from a shopping mall. The Thai One On stall has pretty authentic thai food.

Approximate cost: $11

Easily the best stall in the Canberra Centre food court. The wafting aromas of the curries are enough to make any passerby movie-goer drool. The take-away curry boxes are great value as they can easily feed two, and are bigger than the more expensive frozen ones you can find at most Canberra supermarkets.

Approximate cost: $10

The best supermarket in the Civic/Canberra Centre area, and a more upscale alternative to Woolies and Coles which are too far away. There are good deals to be found though, and it's nice that they open past 5.30pm though the rest of the mall is shut.

Excellent neighbourhood chemist and drugstore that opens late (till 11pm) every day of the year.

Great place to get the more exotic types of asian fruits. We managed to find two varieties of nangka (jackfruit) here, the yellows and the oranges, and were recommended the former by the helpful staff.

Nice well-lit shop in the heart of the shopping street, with plenty of fresh, dry and frozen asian products. I actually found 3 varieties of kaya (egg and coconut jam) here, as well as an excellent variety of taiwanese cookies and ice-cream sticks. the counter staff kept trying to recommend us special offers while we were checking out, which I found quite amusing.

Nice household items all around. We even got a computer table which was sturdier and cheaper than Ikea/Fantasticks. Trying to buy large items without a shopping cart can be tricky though

There are always good deals to be found at Harris Scarfe. Our happiest purchase were 2 huge comfy european (large square) pillows and soft cotton pillowcases all for under $30.

nice independent book store with a rustic feel. friendly to browsers, and they even have a large table at the back to read at leisure. we'll be back!