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Having lived in Canberra for four years, I take personal offence whenever anyone calls it "boring". Sure, our capital’s reputation as the land of politicians, bus stops and roundabouts isn’t entirely undeserved – but it’s good for so much more than a stopover between Sydney and Melbourne.
In 2023, Canberra copped a ‘notable mention’ in a global ranking of the Most Boring Cities in the World. It’s a shame that many Aussies seem to agree, tainted by that one year six excursion where they were bused from one political institution to the next.
I’ll admit, I had similar preconceptions about Canberra before relocating there for university in 2017. But my love for the city grew with each year I spent there – and I was genuinely sad to leave when I moved back to Sydney in 2020.
My absolute favourite thing about living in Canberra was being constantly surrounded by nature. More than 50 per cent of land here is protected nature reserves, meaning greenery and outdoor adventures are never far away. I had the beautiful Mount Ainslie right on my doorstep, never tired of the panoramic views from the summit of Black Mountain, and loved that a 20-minute drive could take me to my own private bush track that felt so far removed from the city.
I’m often asked how I spent my weekends in Canberra, and if I wasn’t out hiking, I was immersing myself in the city’s culture scene. Our capital is home to more world-class cultural institutions than anywhere else in Australia. Sure, you know Parliament House and the National Museum of Australia, but there are plenty of underrated gems to explore, like the National Gallery of Australia’s Sculpture Garden and Canberra Glassworks. The city also does markets exceptionally well – from the Old Bus Depot's handmade crafts and vintage clothing to the Capital Region Farmers Markets' fresh produce and the Haigh Park Village Market's wholesome community vibes.
Our capital also knows how to throw a festival, with Floriade leading the charge, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors with its colourful floral displays. Personally, I’d recommend visiting during Enlighten Festival – think Canberra’s summer version of Vivid, minus the cold or crowds – or the Canberra Balloon Spectacular, where 40-odd hot air balloons float across the sky at sunrise.
If you’re a foodie, you could easily design a trip around Canberra’s dining scene alone. It’s a big call, but I’d say the city’s finest restaurants and bars quietly rival those of Sydney and Melbourne. Wander down Lonsdale Street and you’ll be spoilt for choice with almost every cuisine, ranging from local favourites like Lazy Su and Pizza Gusto to award-winning gems like Raku, Bar Rochford, and Such and Such. Canberra’s café and coffee culture is just as strong, and I’d happily drive 3.5 hours from Sydney for a cardamom bun at my favourite bakery, Under, or a waterside wellness bowl from Local Press Café.
Life in Canberra really doesn’t suck – and there are plenty of stats to back me up. Our capital topped the Oxford Economics Global Cities Index 2025 for quality of life, beating 999 other cities on measures like life expectancy, income equality, housing affordability, and access to recreation and culture. Locals overwhelmingly agree too, with more than 90 per cent of residents considering their local area highly liveable.
If you still think Canberra is boring, I’d strongly urge you to give it another chance. I’m not saying you have to move there – the slower pace of life isn’t for everyone – but there’s plenty to keep you entertained in every season.