ONE DAY IN CANBERRA: HIKING, HISTORY & COFFEE

I like to kick-start my day by taking my extremely energetic dog Zoya for an early morning hike up one of Canberra's suburban mountains. Whether it's Mt. Painter, Mt. Majura, or Mt. Ainslie, the stunning views and crisp morning air always puts me in a good mood.

When I have a full day to myself and have organised in advance for someone to watch Zoya, I like to head out to Namadgi National Park. One of my favourite hikes is the hike up Mt. Gingera. No matter the season, whether it's snowing or summer, this hike always takes my breath away. The wildlife is so diverse, and the views are incredible.

After a morning in the bush, I always look forward to a coffee at one of the city's many fabulous cafes. Living on the northside, I have a few go-to favourites – Little Oink in Cook, Two Before Ten in Aranda, Sweet Bones in Scullin, and Cafe Mame in Melba. Nothing makes me happier than sitting in a cafe, drinking a coffee, snacking on a pastry and reading a good book.

On most weekends, I usually end up running at least one tour. Whether it's our Badass Women of Canberra tour, our Spies in the Capital: Women in Espionage tour, or a private tour, these tours are often the highlight of my week! As a massive extrovert and history nerd, running these tours is an absolute joy. I get to meet new folks and share some amazing stories of Australian women that many haven't heard.

By lunchtime, I'm usually starving, so I head to the foreshore for a mouthwatering burger at Brodburger. Their burgers are absolutely amazing, and I have yet to get sick of them.

With a full stomach, I continue my Canberra adventure by exploring the city's iconic cultural institutions. Some of my favourite places to visit include the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, the National Archives of Australia, and the Canberra Museum and Gallery.

As the day comes to a close, I often find myself craving a delicious meal and a refreshing drink to unwind. As a history nerd, I usually gravitate towards pubs with character, and two of my go-to favourites are the Old Canberra Inn in Lyneham and the Kingston Hotel in Kingston. With their warm and inviting atmosphere, fascinating history, mouth-watering dishes and selection of local beers and wines, I couldn't think of a better way to end a busy day.