Social activities in Canberra that you don’t need a car for
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Looking for car-free alternatives to save money at the petrol bowser? Here are some ways to socialise in Canberra – no car required.
If a fair chunk of your pay packet is going towards filling up your car, you’re not alone – and as the global oil crisis continues to drive up fuel demand and prices domestically, many people are looking at ways to minimise their day-to-day use.
But as more people work from home during the week and stay home on the weekend, there’s another crisis once again looming on the horizon: the loneliness epidemic.
A widespread public health crisis that was intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, for many people, the ‘new normal’ of pricier fuel and less car use is bringing back those feelings of disconnection and isolation that marked the lockdowns.
But while staying home more might feel very 2020/21, that doesn’t mean you need to lock yourself away. Here are some social things you can do around Canberra – no car required.
But first, the benefits of car-free socialising
Along with the bonus of saving money on petrol and parking, there are many benefits for choosing alternative modes of transportation.
Ride-sharing with friends and colleagues will give you extra time to chat about the last Netflix show you’re binging or dissect your favourite podcast, while using public transport (like buses and the tram) offers some unique social opportunities. You never know who you’ll meet while en route.
Walking or cycling is great for your physical health, and hiring an e-bike or e-scooter is just fun! For example, did you know that you can hire electric bikes for free from The Link Building in Ginninderry? Find out more here.
Who says you need a car to have a social life?
Catch a bus to your local library or a national institution
Local libraries are something of an untapped gem when it comes to socialising. A great space to meet with people and hunker down to study, do some life admin or smash out some work, many are located near major town centres, making them easily accessible via public transport. Make sure to break up your day by grabbing a coffee and romanticise the ride home by diving into a book you borrowed while there.
Visiting one of the many national institutions in Canberra is also a great way to get some social connection. Whether you’re meeting a friend or just want to spend a few hours around people, Transport Canberra buses provide access to many of the major national institutions – including the National Library, Questacon, Old Parliament House, National Museum of Australia and the National Film and Sound Archive.
Use the Transport Canberra journey planner to find the most direct route and to see when buses run.
Connect with your neighbours
There’s nothing like a neighbourhood event, so why not host one? Street parties, BBQs or an evening walking group provide opportunities for spontaneous conversations, fun connections and even the chance to meet someone new. From setting up a street library to starting a neighbourhood book club to hosting a game of cricket, the options are endless.
But if that all sounds a little overwhelming, simply inviting your neighbour over for a coffee is always a nice way to make a connection and have a chat.
Do a light rail pub crawl
You read that right. Now, to be clear, we’re not telling you to board the Light Rail drunk and disorderly – this is just a reminder that the Light Rail provides a great designated driver for your evening out.
That’s right, just because you’re not using your car doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an evening out. Here’s our guide to a #LitRail pub crawl – simply grab your friends, tap on and let the Light Rail whisk you away.
Join a club
Joining a local walking or running club is a great way to socialise – the exercise is just a bonus. All you need to do is jump onto Google to see what groups are currently active in Canberra and when they’re next meeting up. And if your local area doesn’t have one, why not start one?
Book clubs are also a fun way to meet people and to create a connection, both in person and via social media. Here’s our guide to book clubs in Canberra.
Become an urban explorer
Exploring your local area can uncover some hidden gems, so consider this your sign to get out and about. From walking to your local shops for a coffee to finally checking out that restaurant you’ve been meaning to cross off your list, walk, bike or utilise public transport to see a different side to your suburb.
