When the call went out for reporters to write an article about how to enjoy a weekend in their suburb, I quickly volunteered to write about my home suburb of Farrer.
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I was greeted with blank looks from my colleagues. "Where's Farrer?" they asked.
It's a fair comment - Farrer mightn't have the ritzy glamour of NewActon and Civic, nor the bustling social hubs of Belconnen and Tuggeranong. It doesn't even have a decent bar, like many inner north suburbs.
But if you want to take in some nature and see some fantastic views, Farrer is the place to be.
Surrounded on almost every side by the Australian bush, Farrer is on the eastern border of Woden, just before Mugga Lane and Tuggeranong.
There's one main shopping area in Farrer, with a few cafes and restaurants forced constantly to complete with the much larger Mawson centre just five minutes away.
The Ridge restaurant, named after the beautiful Farrer Ridge, is the crown jewel of the local shopping centre, serving a range of gourmet food in a small, intimate setting.
They're best known for their dessert, however, with the large coupe sundaes a particular favourite among diners.
A little further down is the Fat Burger Cafe, frequented by many a Farrer-resident early on Sunday, which caters to those looking for a simple cup of coffee on a cold or rainy morning.
But before you eat, or perhaps afterwards, why not take a walk up on Farrer Ridge itself and take in some of the natural beauty of Canberra?
Running for more than three kilometres around the outside of the suburb, the ridge has a wide range of flora and fauna to make any trip up there a delight.
Climb up the highest mountain and see spectacular views of Tuggeranong and Woden, with Namadgi National Park stretching off into the distance.
Or get up close and personal with a kangaroo, who inhabit the reserve in their dozens (note - please avoid getting actually up close and personal with a kangaroo. They are huge and terrifying.)
If you're a bit more adventurous you can jump on your bike while you're in Farrer and see how fast you can ride around the outside of the suburb.
My record was half an hour, with a couple of startled roos looking on.
Farrer is an emerald suburb, lurking on the outskirts of Woden - a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered. Why not wander down one afternoon?
