10 reasons Canberra absolutely doesn’t suck
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I know, we’ve heard all the jokes: “Canberra’s just roundabouts and politicians,” “nothing ever happens there”. But guess what, our so-called “boring” capital just got voted the best city in the world for quality of life. Yep, that’s right, number one!
So, in case you need more proof that Canberra does not, in fact, suck, here are 10 very good reasons to love it.
We’re officially world-class
The Oxford Economics Global Cities Index crowned Canberra the best city on earth for quality of life. Why? Because we’ve nailed things like income equality, housing expenditure, life expectancy, and income per person. So basically, we’re living in the global VIP lounge minus the overpriced cocktails. For those who already get the pleasure to call Canberra home, this global recognition confirms what we’ve been saying for years – we’ve been living in one of the best-kept secrets in the world!
Nature’s your backyard
Canberra isn’t just near bushland, it’s in it. Surrounded by mountains, reserves, lakes, and walking trails, the city feels like it was built to exist with nature rather than bulldoze it. Kangaroos hopping through your local oval? Typical. A sunrise hike up Mount Ainslie? Ten minutes from the city. An impromptu picnic at the Arboretum with breath taking views? Easy. You don’t need to plan a weekend away to escape the hustle and bustle, just step outside.
A 15 minute city (literally)
Work, home, brunch spots, lake walks – nothing’s really more than 15 to25 minutes away. Sure, we have a reputation for roundabouts, but the truth is, we don’t waste hours waiting in traffic. Less time stuck in a car means more time for exploring. Whether it’s making it to your kid’s soccer game, squeezing in a lake walk on your lunch break, or saying yes to a last-minute dinner invite across town, you can make it work.
Cafés worth bragging about
Canberra’s café scene is strong. Imagine artisan roasters, menus that turn brunch into a delicacy, and sourdough baked in-house. Down Lonsdale Street, you will find baristas who treat your coffee like a science experiment. Cross the bridge and you will stumble into suburban gems that have locals swearing their croissants rival Paris. Coffee culture here in Canberra is fierce and we don’t muck around. And honestly? If you haven’t had a lazy Saturday morning wandering from one café to the next, you haven’t truly experienced Canberra.
Arts, culture and galleries
Yes, Parliament House is here, but Canberra is sooo much more than politics. From the National Gallery’s masterpieces (hello, Monet and Jackson Pollock) to the National Museum’s interactive history lessons and Questacon’s playful science chaos, our cultural capital status is serious business. The best part? So much of it is free. Add in the thriving grassroots scene – think Belco Arts, Smith’s Alternative, and street murals spread all over the city – and suddenly Canberra looks a lot less boring and a lot more like the artsy kid who’s been gatekeeping their talent.
Clean air, clear skies, calmer vibes
Our nightlife may not compare to Chapel Street in Melbourne (and that’s okay!), but what Canberra does offer is peace of mind. Ranked among the cleanest-air cities in the world, you can breathe easy here (literally). Winter mornings where you can see your breath, sunsets where the Brindabellas radiate pink, and nights where the stars actually show up. It’s slow-paced, calm, and quite – but in a world of chaos, it’s exactly what you need.
Winters that actually work
Yep, it’s cold. And yes, you will need to invest in a puffer jacket. But unlike cities where winter feels like a punishment, Canberra makes it part of the fun. Think: truffle season, food festivals, steaming bowls of ramen, and pubs with fireplaces that practically beg you to settle in with a glass of red. Winter in Canberra is wholesome and honestly? There is something exciting about frost glittering on Lake Burley Griffin during a morning walk.
Affordable-ish, stable, and surprisingly liveable
In today’s housing market, it seems a bit silly to say it’s “affordable”, but compared to Sydney’s eye-watering rent prices and Melbourne’s sprawl, Canberra sits in a sweet spot. Thanks to reliable government and research jobs, and the joy of smaller commutes with plenty of space, life here feels calmer and more balanced.
We’re not boring, we’re evolving
The days are long gone since Canberra’s nightlife meant one nightclub and a kebab on the way home. These days, the city is bursting with rooftop bars, wine bars, and foodie establishments that rival any capital. There are gorgeous wineries just 20 minutes away, a constant lineup of beer festivals, and an array of events (from Floriade to Enlighten) that prove Canberra is not a city to be slept on.
The people (and the quirks)
Lake walks, roundabouts, cockatoos as alarm clocks; Canberra’s got it all, but the people really make the city shine. There’s a sense of community here – café owners know your order, neighbours stop for a chat, and strangers become friends at the markets. It’s a city small enough to feel connected but big enough to constantly surprise you.
Call it boring all you like, but Canberra’s making its mark on the global lists, living its best life in the bush, and graciously sipping a flat white while the world catches on. Canberra – the pot twist you didn’t see coming.
Feature image: Rob Mulally for VisitCanberra.
