From unlimited coffee, cosy atmospheres, free WiFi and delicious brain food to keep you focused, there are a lot of great study spots across Canberra.

Discover some of Canberra’s best cafés for studying – and a few caffeine-free spots too!

Six study spots with great coffee:

Tilley’s

Where: Lyneham

Nestled in the leafy streets of Lyneham, Tilley’s is an old-school rockabilly diner-style café, perfect for a long afternoon study session. Think large booths adorned in thick leather, soothing jazz echoing in the background and quality coffee served with a tie and smile. Need we say more?

The Knox in Watson

Where: Watson

For a welcoming atmosphere, delicious menu, and quality coffee, the Knox in Watson won’t disappoint. It’s a favourite among locals and a short 10-minute walk from ACU. Did someone say lunch study date? It’s a popular spot, though, so consider booking a table.

Muse

Where: Kingston

With book-lined walls, Muse is a self-proclaimed space for sparking ideas and conversations – this might be the change of scenery your essay needs. Their all-day menu is sophisticated, and the cafe’s space is contemporary and welcoming – because ideas and indulgence should never be mutually exclusive. Enjoy!

The Museum Café

Where: Acton

If you are looking for an all-day spot to throw yourself in to your studies, it doesn’t get much better than the Museum Café at The National Museum of Australia. With picturesque views over the lake, your eyes can get a much-needed escape from your computer screen. And if you need a spark of inspiration, the museum has plenty of free exhibitions to explore. It’s the kind of place where you can study unrushed – basking in good food, natural lighting and art along the way.

Ricardo’s Café

Where: Jamison

If you haven’t been to Ricardo’s, let us introduce you to your newest study obsession. Renowned for its speciality cakes and desserts, your midday sweet fix just got a delicious level up. Think mango cheesecake, bursting with sweet raspberry curd, pastel macarons and mini Malteser cakes. Studying or drooling? You decide.

Four places to study without a coffee crash:

For those who find cafés a touch too distracting and don’t require a coffee for inspiration, there are plenty of peaceful study spots at your fingertips. From sun-kissed open parks to your local library – that dreaded afternoon study session just got that little bit easier. Enjoy all that Canberra has to offer.

Your local public library

While studying at your local campus library is a great way to meet friends and avoid travel time, sometimes it’s nice to work incognito in quiet spots. For ACU university students, Dickson library is a short 20-minute walk away – with plenty of cafés close by if you do need a caffeinated pick me up. And for UC students, the charming Belconnen library is a scenic 24-minute walk from campus, taking you past the lovely Lake Ginninderra.

Lake Ginninderra

What more could you need to inspire your study than a beautiful stroll around the lake and a shady spot to sit and read? With its leafy oak trees, the distant echoes of birds and the occasional barbeque perfuming the air, the benefits of studying outside are endless. Not to mention lots of walking opportunities – good for your mind and body!

National Library of Australia

It’s one of Canberra’s most iconic buildings and the National Library of Australia makes for a memorable study spot. With breathtaking study break views over the glistening lake and fast WiFi, we won’t blame you if you don’t want to head back to campus.

The National Library is a great place for dedicated study time, and you’ll be able to draw from the huge number of books and resources available onsite. If you are craving a hot drink, slice of cake or lunch, the library’s café, Bookplate, is located on the ground floor.

Commonwealth Park

Imagine for a moment you are breathing in the fresh air, listening to the gentle rustle of trees and taking in the breathtaking views of Lake Burley Griffin. Well, at Commonwealth Park, your study dreams become a reality. A beautiful spot to get lost in nature – and your studies at some point, too. Some of our favourite study spots in the park are near Stage 88 or on the hillside on Regatta Point.