Canberra swaps for your Euro summer fix
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Is it just us, or does it feel like literally everyone is in Europe at the moment?
Pre-COVID, every June it was like clockwork—our Insta feeds would overflow with enough Euro summer content to last us…until the next June. And as travel returns to ‘normal’ (whatever that is), it looks like the long-held tradition of jumping on a plane the moment the weather turns is back with a vengeance. Cue an overwhelming feeling of ESIFFOMO (a Euro summer Instagram-fuelled fear of missing out).
But what if with steep increases in rent, mortgage repayments, and cost of living (as well as actually having enough leave from work) you can’t make it overseas for a well-deserved holiday?
Never fear—you can still have spritzes in the sunshine! After all, Canberra has an abundance of international food vendors, plenty of bars, a lake, and more than a dozen culturally significant institutions that are worth a visit. It’s basically the same thing.
The pros of Canberra swaps for your Euro summer fix?
- You’ll save a loooot of money on airfares.
- You won’t lose your luggage (because you won’t need any).
- A dollar actually buys you a dollar’s worth of something—as opposed to half of something (the pound) or 2/3 of something (the Euro).
- You’re doing your part for the environment (because flying overseas releases something like 5 tonnes of carbon per person).
- It won’t be stinking hot (in fact, it’ll be the opposite).
- Whatever you decide to do, it won’t be too overcrowded.
- You can drink some of the best coffee and water in the world.
- You’re supporting local businesses.
- And finally…Your friends won’t block you on Insta.
And the cons? Well, you won’t actually be in Europe (although Australia does compete in Eurovision so it’s close enough, right?), and you might not be able to feel your fingers at any given moment.
Anyway, here’s your itinerary!
Euro experience: Spritzes on the Amalfi Coast.
CBR Swap: Prosecco on the Kingston Foreshore.
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Who needs to sip cocktails overlooking the stunning Tyrrhenian Sea in Italy when you can head to Molto on the Kingston Foreshore for water views and a glass of something cold? You might not be able to explore picturesque coastal towns, spend a day on the Marina Grande Beach or book a boat tour to Capri but you can have a sunset Aperol Spritz with polenta chips. You can even sit outside (if you dare) to enjoy a breeze off the water. It’s almost like you’re in Italy.
Euro experience: Private boat tour of Lake Como.
CBR Swap: a day spent on a Go Boat Luxe.
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It’s one of the most romantic sceneries in the world—but as hordes of tourists flock to Lake Como to enjoy lush gardens, lakeshore restaurants, and private boat tours offering breathtaking views (experienced with a glass of Prosecco in hand), why not explore Lake Burley Griffin for a day instead?
Go Boat Luxe offers a totally new view of Canberra while you and seven of your friends can cruise around with a bottle of sparkling and a delicious picnic as you discover amazing sights—think Central Basin and Springbank Island. And to really follow in the footsteps of literally all our friends at Lake Como, if it’s not on the Insta grid it didn’t happen. Honestly, who needs a VIP experience on one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy? Not us!
Euro experience: Lunch in an Italian vineyard.
CBR Swap: Sipping wine at Agostini’s at Lark Hill.
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A plate of fresh pasta and a glass of wine makes everything better and the menu at Agostini’s at Lark Hill is delizioso. With stunning views across the Bungendore Valley, if you close your eyes as you take a bite of a prosciutto e rucola pizza you can almost imagine that you’re in a winery in Verona, Florence, or Palermo. Almost.
Euro experience: Visiting Stonehenge in Wiltshire.
CBR Swap: Visiting the Henge in Sutton.
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Is a visit to the prehistoric monument on Salisbury Plain on your Euro bucket list? Say hello to The Henge—a popular tourist attraction built over 10 years ago on a Sutton farm.
While it might be slightly smaller than the real deal, you can even stay in a two-bedroom cabin just metres away from the formation! Can you do that in Europe? (Don’t answer that).
Euro experience: Seeing the Roman Baths in Bath.
CBR Swap: Actually swimming in the Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool.
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It’s one of the finest historic sites in Northern Europe but you can’t actually bathe in the Roman Baths, so what’s the point? However, you can swim in the Yarrangobilly Caves Thermal Pool. And with the temperature sitting at a lovely 27 degrees all year round, immersing yourself in this natural thermal pool will make you forget all about your ESIFFOMO.
Euro experience: Catching the Eurostar from London to Paris.
CBR Swap: Taking the train to Bungers.
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Yeah, yeah, it’s not quite the Eurostar but it does take you from one cool location to ANOTHER cool location—and unlike the modern bullet train, it’s a slower meander through the rural countryside. You can also get drinks and snacks while watching the Australian countryside roll past in under an hour (making it a shorter trip as well). We promise that it’s a cute experience everyone should do at least once.
Euro experience: Croissants at Les Deux Magots
CBR Swap: Coffee and pastries from Margot Espresso Vin and Fromage.
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It might not be the famous café and restaurant that Surrealist artists, writers, and intellectuals frequented in Paris but its name does pay tribute to it, and a croissant from Margot Espresso Vin and Fromage is sure to satisfy any French pastry-inspired cravings. Besides, we all know Australia has the best coffee, so in this case who’s actually having a better time?
Euro experience: Climbing the stairs of the Eiffel Tower
CBR Swap: Climbing the track to the top of Mount Ainslie.
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Great views of an amazing city? Check. A killer cardio workout? Check. Plenty of people taking selfies/Instagram stories/bragging about the fact they (eventually) made it to the top? Check. It’s basically like you’ve climbed the stairs of the Eiffel Tower—just with magpies and bushland instead of a champagne bar at the end.
Euro experience: Gyros on Corfu.
CBR Swap: DIY picnic at Aspen Island.
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Known for its Old Town and beautiful landscapes, having gyros while on one of Corfu’s spectacular sandy beaches might sound like heaven—but might we entice you with a DIY picnic at Aspen Island? You can pack your own supplies to build your own gyros or pick up some takeaway from Zeus Street Greek in the city for a more authentic Greek experience. It ticks the boxes of something yummy to eat and a lovely landscape to admire while you munch away.
Euro experience: Admire the Parthenon.
CBR Swap: Sightsee Parliament House.
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The Parthenon is a must-do when in Greece. Standing proud atop the sacred rock of Acropolis, high above the modern city, it’s a striking reminder of the glory of Ancient Greece—much like the striking figure Parliament House cuts across the skyline of Canberra. We might not have ruins of ancient temples, but Parliament House is a lovely reminder of another major legacy left by the Greeks: democracy.
Now excuse us as we start looking at 2024 flights…
Feature image: Adam McGrath.
