Are you watching the ABC’s new comedy series, Austin?

Set in Canberra and London, Austin shines a light on Canberra’s major national institutions, iconic concrete bus stops and local suburban gems.

Produced by the award-winning team at Northern Pictures – in partnership with the ABC, Screen Australia, ITV Studios, and Screen Canberra – Austin is the acting debut for Love on the Spectrum fan-favourite, Michael Theo. Theo stars in the series alongside renowned UK actors, Ben Miller and Sally Phillips, and beloved Australian icons Gia Carides and Roy Billing.

Whether you’re an excited Canberran or simply curious about where the show was filmed, the Our CBR team has rounded up all the Canberra locations used on the set of Austin.

Concrete Bus Shelter

Nestled into our suburbs, you only have to step out and take a short walk before you come across one of Canberra’s iconic concrete bus shelters. Designed in 1974 by Canberra architect Clem Cummings, there are over 450 of these bus shelters throughout the city.

The bus shelter seen on Austin can be found on King George Terrace in Parkes.

Book Lore

Austin’s alternative bookstore ‘The True Reader’ is actually Book Lore at the Lyneham shops!

Book Lore has been selling quality second-hand books at Lyneham for over 40 years. They don’t cater to the “specific” audience referenced in Austin, but they do have a  diverse collection of literature, non-fiction, and children’s books on offer.

Book Lore
94 Wattle Street, Lyneham, ACT 2602

The Front

Locals from the Inner North would recognise the set of the Magpie Café anywhere. It’s The Front at Lyneham shops.

The Front
1 Wattle Pl, Lyneham ACT 2602

ANCA Gallery in Dickson

Disguised as a boutique gallery in outer-London, you might recognise the Australian National Capital Artists Inc. (ANCA) gallery located in Dickson. It is featured throughout episode 8.

Australian National Capital Artists (ANCA)
1 Rosevear Place, Dickson, Australian Capital Territory, Australia 2602

Thor’s Hammer

Observant viewers may have noticed the ‘Thor’s Hammer’ logo on Austin’s work uniform. Located in Griffith, Thor’s Hammer is a local timber recycling and design workshop – they also have a showroom and gallery.

Thor’s Hammer
10 Mildura Street, Griffith, ACT 2603

The Hyatt Hotel Canberra

The manicured gardens and stunning 1920’s architecture of the heritage-listed Hyatt Hotel (or the ‘Canberra Hotel’ in Austin) is a prominent backdrop throughout the show.

Hyatt Hotel Canberra
120 Commonwealth Avenue, Canberra, ACT 2600

The Marion

Iconic Canberra venue the Marion was used as the set for the hotel restaurant at ‘Canberra Hotel’.  You won’t find the handsome barman Luke, but you can grab a delicious flat white and enjoy the stunning views of Lake Burley Griffin.  

The Marion
Barrine Drive, Regatta Point, Commonwealth Park, Parkes ACT 2600

The National Library of Australia

Looking for the radiant bookshop with stained-glass windows from episode one? Look no further than the National Library Bookshop! You will not find copies of Big Bear in stock, but they have a fantastic range of Australian authors and award-winning titles.

And this is not the only NLA cameo in the show – the London-based office spaces in the show were also shot at the National Library.

The National Library of Australia
Parkes Place West, Canberra, ACT 2600

Museum of Australian Democracy

Featuring heritage spaces restored to their original condition and contemporary exhibitions about individuals and events of Australian democracy, you can’t miss MoAD’s cameo in episode two!

The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House
18 King George Terrace, Parkes, ACT

Rebel Rebel

Eagle-eyed viewers may have noticed familiar wooden beams in a nameless but effortlessly cool ‘London’ restaurant. That is because the location was actually Rebel Rebel, dressed as London but filmed right here in Canberra!

Rebel Rebel
21-23 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra, ACT

Australian Parliament House

The pinnacle of Canberra’s cultural institutions, you cannot visit the stationary office, but you can take a guided tour, visit the café, and see an impressive collection of Australian art.

Australian Parliament House
Parliament Drive, Canberra

Austin premiered on Sunday 9 June at 8pm on ABC TV, and all eight episodes are available to stream on ABC iView.

Austin was supported by the ACT Government and Screen Canberra through the CBR Screen Attraction Fund and CBR Screen Investment Fund.