Autumn leaves crunch underfoot. A brisk breeze rolls off Lake Burley Griffin. There's something quietly magnetic about Canberra—the bush capital with wide skies, strong coffee, and secrets hidden in plain sight.
Yes, Canberra is one of Australia’s most fascinating capitals, balancing natural beauty with national institutions, local culture, and echoes of forgotten towns like Westlake.
Green planning meets history – With wide boulevards, leafy suburbs and national monuments, Canberra is both orderly and scenic. Native wildlife is never far away.
Cultural experiences – The city’s museums, galleries, and annual events like Floriade give it more soul than its political reputation suggests.
A thriving café scene – From Braddon’s hipster hubs to lakeside brunch in Kingston, food and coffee culture shine.
Nature on your doorstep – Black Mountain, Mount Ainslie, and Tidbinbilla are all within an hour’s drive.
A liveable pace – It’s easy to get around, the air is crisp, and locals enjoy the rhythm of four distinct seasons.
For many, Canberra is a well-kept secret—quiet but full of opportunity:
Housing – Detached homes dominate, with affordable options in Gungahlin and Tuggeranong and stylish townhouses near the city centre.
Transport & walkability – The light rail links Gungahlin to Civic, and buses serve most suburbs. Cycling paths are extensive and well-used.
Vibe & safety – Canberra feels calm and secure, with friendly locals and a growing sense of community in revitalised areas like Dickson and New Acton.
Schools & work – Government jobs are abundant, with great public and private schools and top-tier universities like ANU and UC.
Diversity & inclusion – The city’s population is increasingly multicultural, with vibrant cultural festivals and international cuisine.
Canberra is modern and well-equipped, offering infrastructure and services that rival any major city:
Electricity & utilities – Power and water are reliable across all districts. ACT Government is also promoting sustainable energy through solar incentives.
Technology & internet – High-speed NBN coverage is widespread, making remote work and smart home setups easy.
Public facilities – Community centres, libraries, and sports clubs are found in every district, with modern venues like the Stromlo Leisure Centre and Belconnen Arts Centre.
Health & safety – Several major hospitals, 24/7 chemists, and excellent emergency services serve the city.
Cleaning & maintenance – Weekly bin services, garden waste collection, and private cleaning services are readily available in all residential zones.
Visit iconic institutions – Parliament House, Questacon, the National Gallery, and the Australian War Memorial.
Cycle the lake – Ride around Lake Burley Griffin or hire a paddle boat for a relaxed afternoon.
Hike or picnic in the hills – Mount Ainslie, Tidbinbilla, and Namadgi offer stunning walks and wildlife.
Browse local markets – Try handmade gifts and gourmet food at the Old Bus Depot Markets in Kingston.
Catch a show or match – From the Canberra Theatre Centre to Raiders games at GIO Stadium, there’s always action.
Day trip to the deep past – Explore nearby Tharwa, Uriarra Crossing, or the eerie remains of Mount Stromlo’s observatory ruins.
“I run a local cleaning business in Tuggeranong,” says Maria, a long-time resident. “Our clients include young families, elderly couples, even diplomats. What I love is how you can finish work, grab dinner at a food truck near the lake, and still hear birdsong when you get home. It’s a small city with big perks. And yes, people here really care about keeping things tidy—inside and out.”
Tucked within Yarralumla’s Stirling Park lies the ghost of Westlake—once a bustling workers’ camp that helped build Canberra itself. Founded in the 1920s, Westlake housed around 700 people, mostly tradesmen and their families who came to construct the capital’s infrastructure.
At its peak, it had basic electricity, communal halls, gardens, and a tight-knit village feel. But by the 1960s, the cottages were sold, relocated, or demolished. Today, only foundation stones, faint paths, and interpretive signs hint at the lives once lived there.
You can still walk through this area—now reclaimed by native bush and silence. Westlake may be gone, but it’s not forgotten. It’s Canberra’s quiet reminder that even the most planned cities began with impermanent homes and real human effort.
Canberra might be young in comparison to Sydney or Melbourne, but its stories run deep—from political milestones to the forgotten workers’ town of Westlake. Whether you're here for the museums, the mountains, or the modern conveniences, this is a place where memory and progress live side by side.
For anyone wondering what is the abandoned town near Canberra—the answer is Westlake. Quiet, hidden, and surprisingly profound.
H3: What was Westlake near Canberra?
Westlake was a 1920s suburb for labourers building Canberra. It included homes, gardens, and halls, but was dismantled in the 1960s.
H3: Can you visit Westlake today?
Yes. Stirling Park in Yarralumla contains ruins and walking tracks with signs explaining the history of the area.
H3: Are there other abandoned spots near Canberra?
Yes—Mount Stromlo Observatory ruins, Kowen House, Uriarra Village, and Honeysuckle Creek tracking station are all remnants of the past.
NSW State Archives – Mining Towns History
Australian Mining History Association
Geoscience Australia – Mineral Resources
NSW Environment & Heritage – Captains Flat
ABC News – Captains Flat Environmental Legacy
Visit Queanbeyan–Palerang Region
National Library of Australia – Trove: Captains Flat
Australian Geographic – Ghost Towns of Australia
Canberra Region Joint Organisation (CRJO)
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