When you want to go for a late-night drive in Canberra or desperately need a coffee on a public holiday when everything else is closed, there is one place I always go without hesitation. It is Farrer Cafe & Takeaway.
Reliable Canberra Cafe Open Every Day (Check the Opening Hours!)
Coffee served with a free cookie. Note the dog water bowls in the background—good to know if you’re bringing a dog.
This place is such a lifesaver because it is always open, even late at night or on public holidays.
Staff Tip: According to the staff, they are open every single day until midnight.
⚠️ Take Note: However, Google says they close at 9:30 pm. If you are planning to visit after 9:30 pm, it might be a good idea to give them a call first or double-check so you don’t waste a trip.
✅ 2026 May Update:
After publishing this post, I revisited in early May and spoke with the staff about their operating hours. They mentioned that their closing time changed about a month ago. Unfortunately, we can no longer expect those midnight coffee runs here, as their new official closing time is 9:30 PM. Please keep this in mind when planning your visit!
Plenty of parking right in front of the cafe with the IGA conveniently located next door.
The massive menu on the door makes it so easy to browse before you even step inside.
Easy Parking at Farrer Shops: Perfect for New Drivers
There is a big car park for Farrer Shops right in front of the cafe. I have visited many times and never had an issue finding a spot. It is very stress-free, so it is a great place to stop by even if you are not a confident driver.
Farrer Cafe Coffee Size Guide: Is the Big Size Worth It?
My Recommendation: If you just want a normal coffee, the Regular size is just right.
Big Size Review: The cup is massive and holds a lot of coffee. My husband tried the big size once because he was curious, but in the end, he said, “Regular is definitely better,” and never ordered it again. Unless you really need a huge amount of caffeine, I suggest sticking with the regular!
It’s absolutely massive—stick to Regular unless you’re really thirsty!
Dog Friendly Cafe and Great for Kids Outdoor Activities 🐶
The space inside and outside is used very well, making it a perfect spot for families and dog owners.
Pet-Friendly Experience
Pet-Friendly: There are about four outdoor tables under a roof (undercover), so it is great to sit with your dog regardless of the weather. They even have water bowls for dogs. (Sometimes when the restaurant next door is closed, people sit at those outdoor tables too, so there is actually quite a lot of outdoor seating.)
Exploring Farrer Path Walking Track
Farrer Path Walking Track: Take your coffee to go and walk along the Farrer Path right in front of the cafe for about 10 minutes. You will find a big football field and a playground for kids. It is the best spot for kids to ride bikes and dogs to go for a walk.
Just across the road, the Farrer sign marks the beginning of a beautiful walking track.
Turn left at the start and walk for 10 minutes to find this great little playground on your right.
Just a few more minutes past the playground, and you’ll find this massive field for dogs and kids to run free.
If you visit during autumn, you can enjoy these stunning red and orange leaves along the track.
Honest Review of Coffee and Food at Farrer Cafe
- Coffee Taste: Since we always order the same thing, we noticed the taste is a bit inconsistent sometimes. It might not be the most amazing “hidden gem” coffee shop, but the coffee is better than average and always easy to access.
- Bonus: Sometimes you get a free cookie with your coffee, but it is random, so it feels like a nice little surprise when you get one.
- Food Menu: The menu has a lot of options and the ratings look quite good. I haven’t tried the food yet, but I want to try their brunch or dessert with my coffee next time.
- Surroundings: The IGA right next door is also open on public holidays, so it is very convenient to do some grocery shopping, grab a coffee, and go for a walk all at once.
Looking at my past payments, there seems to be no extra surcharge on weekdays or weekends, but there is a 10% surcharge on public holidays, so please keep that in mind when paying!
*This review is based on my personal experience, and results may vary for others. Please take it as a friendly reference.
Leave a Reply