Six thoughts every Canberran has when autumn hits.
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There’s a very specific moment when autumn arrives in Canberra.
One morning, you step outside and think, Oh, that’s nice and crisp.
By lunchtime, you’re sweating in a jumper. By 6 pm, you’re wondering if it’s socially acceptable to turn the heater on yet.
Yep. Autumn has hit Canberra.
Here are six thoughts every Canberran has when the seasons start doing their daily identity crisis. But we wouldn’t have it any other way…
“This is perfect weather.”
For about 45 minutes.
Canberra autumn delivers the dream: cool mornings, warm sunshine, clear skies. You feel productive. Outdoorsy. Emotionally stable. Then the temperature swings 12 degrees before lunch, and you’re no longer sure what season – or life stage – you’re in.
“What am I supposed to wear?”
Ah. The eternal question. But locals know that autumn in Canberra isn’t a season. It’s a layering strategy.
Jacket. Remove jacket. Carry jacket. Put jacket back on. Repeat daily. By mid-April, every chair, car and office desk in the city has a “just in case” coat permanently draped over it.
The perfect answer to the question of what to wear? We still don’t know.
“This is the best time of year.”
And honestly? It is.
The sky is impossibly blue. The air is clear. The light is golden. Every tree is showing off like it’s auditioning for a tourism campaign.
You will say, “This is why I love Canberra,” at least once a day.
You will forget you said this in July.
“I should go for a walk around the lake.”
The weather is perfect. The vibes are immaculate. The idea of becoming a “morning walk person” and walking around the lake before work feels like something you could realistically do.
You may go once. You will definitely talk about going multiple times.
“I need a photo of these leaves.”
Not because you need it. Just because autumn in Canberra feels legally required to document.
Your camera roll now contains:
- Leaves on the ground
- Leaves on trees
- Leaves in the sun
- Leaves you nearly stepped on.
Your camera roll will now contain approximately 47 variations of the same autumn shot. You will have no regrets.
“I refuse to turn the heater on yet.”
It’s a matter of principle.
Yes, your house feels like a fridge. Yes, you can see your breath in the hallway. Yes, you’re wearing socks, trackies and a hoodie while holding a cup of tea for warmth rather than enjoyment.
But it is not winter.
You will hold out for as long as possible. This is your personal Everest.
You will give in on ANZAC Day. After all, that’s when it’s basically winter in Canberra.
