Let charming Canberra surprise you!!
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“Why would you want to go to Canberra?” Insert extremely confused facial expressions.
Don’t be fooled by the common misconception that is Canberra. Most commonly known to the rest of Australia as the home of the “boring” Year 6 school excursion (apart from everyone’s joyous memory of the famous Free Fall slide at Questacon). You could be pleasantly surprised by our iconic nation’s capital.
Canberra touches the senses and offers the ultimate experience for everyone. Its beautiful climate allows for season round outdoor activities. Cross to the up-and-coming food andwine scene where you will find several gorgeous bars and restaurants, not to mention the bustling nightlife. Combine these with its significant art, culture and history which you’ll find in the national attractions, museums and galleries. For those looking for new discoveries, embark yourself on the landmarks and stunning natural surrounds.
TOUCH – The Seasons
Canberra is famous for its glorious four-season climate, with year-round golden sunshine. Here is what you should know about the different seasons:
Summer:
Canberra is splendid and warm in summer with temperatures averaging in the high 20’s across the three months. To embrace the summer climate, take part in an outdoor water activity, with multiple lakes across Canberra you may find yourself paddle boating, rowing, stand-up paddle boarding, sailing or fishing. For those who prefer a more stable ground, these lakes are the perfect place for cycling or walking as well as offering beautifully shaded playgrounds and open spaces ideal for friendly outdoor gatherings. For those looking to cool down, you’ll find several outdoor pools and with a short drive out of town, you’ll find the lovely Cotter Recreation Area . The perfect spot for swimming, bush walks, picnics and overall summer relaxation. For a coastal escape, Canberra is a short 2-hour drive to the South Coast of NSW, where you can find a number of uniquely stunning beach towns.
Autumn:
As the temperature begins to drop and the leaves begin to fall, Canberra is transformed into extraordinary shades of red, gold and crimson. Enjoy lakeside pop up wine bars, accompanied with live music or check out some of Canberra’s famers market for some local seasonal produce.
Winter:
Colder than you’d believe but surprisingly blue skies and sunshine. Canberra is close to the snowy mountains which means it has a fresh, crisp and cold air throughout the winter. During winter you’ll experience thick frosts and the occasional snow fall giving you the opportunity to rug up in those winter woolies, beanies are a must. The Cities outdoor skating ring is one of the highlights on the winter calendar. If you’re in Canberra for long enough, a trip to the snow should not be missed. With the spectacular alpine scenery and mountains perfect for skiing and snowboarding, across Thredbo and Perisher.
Spring:
It wouldn’t be Spring in Canberra without the renowned Floriade. Canberra’s very own flower exhibition known as a celebration of spring. Located in Commonwealth Park, Floriade offers over one million blooms alongside food and wine, music, entertained, art and cultural. This flower festival has something for everyone throughout the day and into the night.
TASTE & SMELL – Food, Wine & the bustling Night Life
Canberra has something for everyone when it comes to the ‘wining and dining’ experience. Whether you’re looking for fine dining, cozy and casual, exceptional coffee and bakeries, cute wine bars, scenic wineries, classy breweries, classic pubs, pumping bars and bustling nightclubs – Canberra’s got you covered!
Some of these beauties include but are not limited to:
Fine Dining/Restaurants:
Raku, Pilot, REBEL REBEL, EightySix, Tipsy Bull, Monster, The Italian Place, Akiba, Lazy Su, Italian & Sons
Cozy & Casual:
Verity Lane Market, Brodburger
Exceptional Coffee & Bakeries:
Kyo, Two Before Ten, Sonoma, Highroad, Maple & Clove, The Cupping Room, Urban Pantry
Cute Wine Bars:
Rizla, Bar Rochford, Parlour, Molly, The Highball Express
Scenic Wineries:
Brindabella Hills, Four Winds Vineyard, Clonakilla, Mount Majura Vineyard
Classy Breweries:
Capital Brewing, BentSpoke
Classic Pubs:
Old Canberra Inn, Edgars, The George Hartcourt, The Duxton, The Pedlar, The Durham, The Dock, The Ruc, Public
Pumping Bars & Bustling nightclubs:
Assembly, Hopscotch, Knightsbridge, Moose heads, sideway, Friction
SIGHT & SOUND:
For those looking to dip into a cultural, historical or artistic awakening, Canberra has a number of exceptional museums and galleries for you to indulge in. These museums and galleries are home to many local, national and international collections. For those wanting to explore the landmarks we recommend climbing (or driving) up Mount Ainslie, which offers spectacular views of Canberra – you’ll be sure to find your next adventure from up here. If we’ve tickled your fancy with mountain climbing or a love for stunning views, has Canberra got a surprise for you… you’ve got Mount Majura, Red Hill Lookout, Mount Taylor, Mount Pleasant, Black Mountain Lookout, One Tree Hill Lookout and many more. Canberra is known as the ‘Bush Capital’ and it does not disappoint in this aspect. You’ve got the surrounding mountain rangers to admire and inside the Territory you’ve got The Arboretum, The Botanical Gardens, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and Corin Forest.
If music is what you’re after, Canberra has a number of live music venues including Stage 88, UC Refectory, Smith’s Alternative and multiple bars and pubs regularly hosting musicians and DJ events. For music festivals, Canberra is famous for its Spilt Milk, Groovin the Moo or The Canberra Country Blues & Roots Festival.
To top the senses off Canberra uses 100% renewable energy and has a ban on single-use plastics, which makes it a sustainable and green city!
So, buckle up as you take on the roundabouts of Canberra – it will definitely deliver more than you came for!
If you are interested in making the move to Canberra, we can help you find work opportunities in the education sector. For more information contact ciara.t@anzuk.education
