Hippo Co

Among the many establishments that Canberra is rich in, the Hippo Co bar holds a special place in the hearts of locals and sophisticated travelers. It is not just a nightclub in the usual sense, but an atmospheric whisky bar and jazz lounge located on the second floor in the lively Garema Place district. The interior, designed in the style of a hunting lodge with an abundance of wood and cozy lighting, instantly transports guests from the bustle of the modern city into a space of retro aesthetics.

Hippo Co's main pride is one of the most impressive whisky collections in the country. Hundreds of varieties from around the world are gathered here: from classic Scottish single malts to rare Japanese and Australian specimens.

Beyond drinks, the venue is famous for its musical program. This is a key spot on the map for jazz lovers visiting a country like Australia. Regular live performances by the best local and visiting musicians create a unique vibe here that is hard to find anywhere else in the capital. Hippo Co is perfect for both a romantic date and a quiet evening with friends.

To help plan your visit, we have gathered the venue's contact information. Since this is a popular spot, especially on evenings with live music, it is useful to know the exact address in advance.

The main reason people come to Hippo Co is for whisky tasting. You can order a tasting set to try different varieties and compare their flavor profiles. The staff will happily tell you the history of each bottle, turning a simple drink order into an educational experience. If whisky isn't your passion, pay attention to the signature cocktail menu, prepared here with special skill using fresh ingredients and premium alcohol.

It is definitely worth visiting the venue on a live music night. Jazz evenings are usually held on Wednesdays, gathering genre connoisseurs from all over the city. The sounds of saxophone and double bass combined with dim lighting create a magical atmosphere. This is the perfect time to relax in a soft armchair and forget about daily worries.

We also recommend stepping out onto the balcony, which offers a view of Garema Place. It is a great spot to watch city life from above while enjoying the cool evening air. The balcony adds airiness to the space and serves as a great alternative to the cozy but more intimate main hall.

Getting to Hippo Co is quite simple, as the bar is located in the very heart of the city, in the Garema Place area. This is a pedestrian zone, so you will have to leave your car at one of the nearby parking lots, for example, at the Canberra Centre mall or open parking lots around the central Civic district.

If you prefer public transport, this is perhaps the most convenient option. The nearest light rail station is Alinga Street, located just a few minutes' walk away. The main bus terminal, City Interchange, is also located nearby, where most city routes arrive.

For those arriving by taxi or using ridesharing services, it is best to set Bunda Street or East Row as the drop-off point. From there, you just need to take a short walk through the lively Garema Place to see the venue's sign.

Hippo Co is rightfully considered a veteran of the capital's bar scene. Having opened more than two decades ago, it has survived many trends and changes in the city's nightlife while preserving its unique identity and loyal audience. For a long time, the bar was known simply as "The Hippo," and this name became synonymous with quality jazz and good drinks.

The bar's interior is inspired by the aesthetics of classic American lodges and hunting cabins, creating a sense of comfort and some isolation from the outside world. Notably, despite the name, there are no kitschy images of hippos at every turn; instead, the design focuses on wood, dim light, and vintage details, creating a speakeasy atmosphere.

The venue takes special pride in its whisky collection, which has been built up over years. Hippo Co has repeatedly received awards as the best whisky bar, confirming the owners' serious approach to the culture of consuming this beverage. This place has become a sort of school of taste for many locals, where they first got acquainted with rare varieties of scotch and bourbon.

The time you spend at this establishment largely depends on the purpose of your visit. If you just stopped by for a cocktail before dinner or after a walk around the city, then one hour will be quite enough to appreciate the interior and the quality of the drinks.

However, if you plan to attend a whisky tasting or catch a live jazz evening, you should count on 2–3 hours. The atmosphere of the place encourages leisurely relaxation, and many guests prefer to stay here longer, enjoying the music and conversation.

Unfortunately, exact opening hours are not listed at the moment. The schedule of bars and nightclubs may change depending on the season, day of the week, or private events.

We strongly recommend checking the current schedule on the venue's official website or their social media pages before visiting to ensure you get in and don't spoil your evening.

Its location in the city center makes a visit to the bar an excellent end to a busy day. The surroundings are full of interesting places worth visiting before heading off to enjoy cocktails and music. Exploring the Civic district and its vicinity will allow you to better understand the rhythm of life in the Australian capital.