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It’s more than politicians and puffer jackets.
Canberra has inexplicably earned a reputation as a drab and dreary place to visit and live in. This is partially thanks to the ‘Canberra Slander’ that has become far too frequent for a city that has been named the best place to live in the country for the seventh year in a row!
Whether you have just moved to Canberra and looking at how the make the most of the city, (or you have lived here your whole life and need that Canberra spirit reignited), here are the top reasons why Canberra is far more exciting than it’s ever given credit for.
It’s a city with a strong culture
Canberra’s diverse, multicultural, and artistically inclined population has led to the city being known for its eccentric entertainment and art.
The annual Multicultural Festival is just one of the many opportunities for people to come and experience the talent and diversity that thrives in the Canberra community. You will be captivated by a variety of cultural street food, and performances to experience and enjoy from a wide array of cultures that live in and amongst the Canberra community.
Every Sunday, at the Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston, and the Haig Park Markets in Braddon, local Canberran vendors show off their creativity for everyone to enjoy with handmade artwork, jewellery, clothing, and various types of freshly made food, Canberra’s creative spirit is on display for everyone to enjoy.
For music lovers, Canberra’s live music scene is still very much alive and thriving. Unique musicians and acts perform all around the city, from the UC Refectory and ANU’s Llewellyn Hall to outside Fyshwick’s Capital Brewing Co, Canberra’s music, performance, and artistic culture are everywhere you look.
The famous Capital Brewing Co. puts Canberra’s brewing culture on the map! With well-renowned beer and cider brewed on sight to enjoy at Fyshwick’s Dairy Road,the site is also home to many unique hospitality and retail businesses. With a local gin distillery Big River Distillery, and Canberra’s own Broad Burger, it promises a fantastic day, or afternoon, out immersing yourself in Canberra’s creative spirit awaits.
National Australian… everything.
Nyunmiti Burton in the APY Studio Adelaide © APY Art Centre Collective.
Being the nation’s capital means more than just being home to Parliament House… and Old Parliament House. Basically as Australia’s capital, Canberra is home to just about everything “Australian National”. The National Portrait and Art Gallery, as well as the National Museum, which always has new, exciting, and immersive exhibitions on display, put Canberra’s creative culture on blast.
Additionally, the Museum of Australian Democracy (Old Parliament House), the National Film and Sound Archive, and the Australian War Memorial offer an immersive historical experience, providing something for everyone at these attractions. With most of these attractions being free entry*, or a small donation, you don’t need to be a history or art buff to have an enjoyable experience.
The National Zoo and Aquarium is a famous attraction for all to enjoy, from young kids to seniors, the National Zoo and Aquarium promises a fun day out for all to experience and enjoy. And the experience doesn’t stop when the sun goes down, because you can also stay the night at the National Zoo and Aquarium at the Jamala Wildlife Lodge. Jamala offers guests the option to enjoy an immersive dinner with lions, wake up with a tiger right outside their bedroom, and enjoy enclosure encounters with an array of the Zoo’s animals.
*General admission prices for these attractions considered. Refer to the attraction’s respective website for all admission information.
The “Bush Capital”
Love to immerse yourself in nature? Canberra’s got you covered! With roughly 70 per cent of the territory dedicated to national park—and Canberra literally being built around its natural environment—there are countless hiking and bike trails, with spectacular views and scenery to complete**. From the steep Square Rock trail at Namadgi National Park, offering breathtaking views of one of Canberra’s National Parks, and Mt. Taylor in Canberra’s South offering 360-degree views of the Tuggeranong and Woden Valley, to a brisk walk around Lake Burley Griffin in the Canberra City, and the ability to hike, or drive, up Mt. Ainslie for fantastic views of Canberra’s Inner-North, there is a trial for all hiking abilities and fitness levels.
If you’re not keen on a hike or ride, Canberra offers an abundance of pristine picnic locations for a relaxed afternoon lunch or hang-out. Fantastic picnic locations include Tuggeranong’s Pine Island, equipped with communal BBQs and summertime swimming in the lake, The Molonglo Nature Reserve, which offers fantastic recreational areas, and even the Arboretum and Lake Burley Griffin offering pristine locations for a relaxing picnic with friends and family with a view.
**For your safety, listen to local authorities about the conditions and advice of trails and water holes. Visit parks.act.gov.au for more information.
Uniquely Canberran eateries and cafés
If you’re a coffee lover, Canberra’s abundance of independently owned and franchised unique cafes and eateries will for sure keep you busy trying all the new and exciting establishments scattered throughout the city, sure to appease any palate.
From Fricken Fried Chicken, and Sweet Bones Vegan Café & Bakery in Braddon, to Rama’s Fijian Indian Cuisine in Pearce, and Two Before Ten in Greenway, Canberra’s multi-cultural and diverse culture spans all areas of the city, allowing it to be appreciated through its abundance of unique cafes and restaurants.
Growing vibrant nightlife
Credit: Pew Pew Studio.
Aside from the famous Mooseheads and Fiction clubs in the Canberra centre, bars and restaurants in Canberra’s Inner North and Woden, with plans for new Tuggeranong establishments coming soon (watch this space), Canberra’s nightlife has grown to be busy and bustling every weekend, with renewed social opportunities for almost every age.
From Braddon’s Hopscotch Bar and Grill and Reload Bar in Canberra’s Sydney Building – which is having an exciting restoration of its own – to The Alby, and Fenway Public House in Woden, Canberra’s revamped bar and restaurants scene has aided in reigniting its nightlife, and we’re excited for where it’s headed in the years to come.
Feature image via North/South Print Shop.