Game On: Canberra’s homegrown creations
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Canberra might be better known for its galleries, politics, and nature trails, but behind the scenes, locals are cooking up some seriously fun games.
From small-scale card decks to globally recognised board game brands, these creations show how much innovation can come out of Canberra. Whether you’re a collector, a card game enthusiast, or someone who wants to support a local business, these titles prove our city has plenty to offer.
Capybara vs Pelicans
The Capybara may be one of the internet’s favourite chill animals, but in this Canberra-made card game, it’s facing off against one of Lake Burley Griffin’s longest residents, the pelican.
Capybara vs Pelicans is a light-hearted card game where players must attempt to guide the capybaras safely to a hot spring while avoiding pesky pelicans. It’s a game that combines Canberra’s lakeside culture with a global obsession, ideal for game nights where laughter is guaranteed.
Currently seeking Kickstarter backers, why not be one of its early adopters!?
Samitomato
Created by Canberra illustrator Samantha Simpson-Morgan, Samitomato is a drawing game that is bound to spark laughter and creativity.
With colour-coded decks and dice, players must piece together prompts that result in silly challenges, like sketching “a polka dotted giraffe tap dancing” or “a grumpy mouse on roller skates”.
Find it at Pop Canberra or while browsing the Old Bus Depot Markets – either way, expect plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.
Panda Party
Who doesn’t love pandas? Panda Party is a Canberra-designed game built around teamwork, fun, and a healthy amount of competitiveness.
It may be easy to pick up, but it is certainly tricky to master. Perfect for a family game night and a good laugh with friends, Panda Party has become a fan favourite with its light-hearted style and accessible rules.
In exciting news, Panda Party has been selected for PAX Aus Indie Showcase, a juried spotlight for standout Australian-made games being held in Melbourne in October – it’s Australia’s biggest gaming convention, attracting 80k players, press, and industry figures.
Go Bum & Go Bum Animals Edition
These family-created games are homegrown classics with a cheeky twist.
Built on speed, memory, and laughs, Go Bum delivers fast-paced gameplay, with the Animals Edition adding an extra layer of kid-friendly, animal-inspired charm. The fact there are two versions says it all – these cheeky little card packs were too fun to stop at one.
Whether you’re playing them with the kids, friends or competitive family members, they’ll almost certainly end with laughter (and maybe a little bit of harmless bickering).
Canberra Monopoly
Canberra finally got its own spin on Monopoly, and although the board wasn’t designed by a local studio, it was built with Canberra residents in mind. Canberrans happily rose to the challenge of deciding which local icons made the cut, from landmarks, infamous streets and attractions.
So, roll the dice and take a tour through the nation’s capital. From Parliament House to hidden suburban gems, this Monopoly edition feels undeniably local – though it still has a touch of corporate gloss.
Want to get your hands on one for yourself? You can find it at Big W, JB-Hifi, QBD, Toyworld Canberra, EB Games, Dymocks, and selected independent retailers.
