Five reasons why you should stay in Canberra this summer
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The moment the mercury hits above 25 degrees and Christmas carols start playing, it’s time for the annual Canberra–Coast migration to begin.
After all, nothing screams ‘summer’ like beach days frolicking in the waves, eating ice cream and enjoying the tranquility of the coastal lifestyle.
But for those not lucky enough to own a beach house (or be able to afford holiday rates), we have a suggestion: staying in Canberra can be one of the most enjoyable experiences of the summer.
Hear us out: not only is Canberra quieter because all the beachgoers have hit the road, but it’s the perfect opportunity to discover (or rediscover) the relaxed side of the city.
Here are our top reasons why you should stay in Canberra this summer.
The weather is (usually) picture-perfect
Averaging 27 degrees Celsius, the long, dry days in Canberra are ideal for some of the best summertime experiences: waterfront adventures, long walks, twilight picnics, alfresco drinks and soaking in the best of what the Bush Capital has to offer.
And with our clean, fresh air and stunning blue skies, why wouldn’t you want to get out and about to soak it all in?
You can still play in (and on) the water
It might not be salt water, but three lakes mean there are plenty of options to make a splash without leaving town. Kayaking and paddleboarding on Lake Burley Griffin are always a great way to spend a morning, while Love Boats and Go Boats offer a unique way to see some of Canberra’s iconic sites.
For those who want to swim but don’t want to visit one of our many pools, there are plenty of options to dip your toes – here are 10.
National institutions are on our doorstep – and they’re still open
The one curse of the coast is that in between all the swimming, eating, sleeping and just general relaxing, sometimes…it can feel a little boring. There. We said it. But the bonus of staying in Canberra is not only do you get the lazy days, but there’s also plenty to get out and explore.
And with many of our national institutions only closed on Christmas Day, you have no excuse to miss seeing some of the blockbuster exhibitions happening. From Hallyu! The Korean Wave at the National Museum of Australia to Super Kaylene Whiskey at the National Portrait Gallery, the best part is that you can enjoy them with fewer crowds.
You can eat your way around town
While Canberra might be sleepy during the summer, that doesn’t mean everything is shut for business. In fact, there are always plenty of places still open to grab a bite to eat or something cold to drink. Here are some places where you can get a coffee or a glass of wine with your friends this summer. Just make sure to double-check the holiday opening hours!
The quiet is so serene
Less frantic shopping centres. Quiet streets. There’s nothing like feeling you have Canberra all to yourself. And with kangaroos on our lawns each morning, peacocks roaming the suburbs as well as national parks, rock climbing, swimming holes, hikes, and mountain bike trails less than a 30-minute drive away, you’ll soon forget the normal hustle and bustle of city life.
