Canberra isn’t just Australia’s capital—it's a city carved into country, where lakes shimmer under clear skies and kangaroos graze near Parliament. Purpose-built yet full of soul, Canberra blends national pride with neighbourhood charm. Yes, Canberra is one of Australia’s most thoughtfully designed and livable cities.
Nature meets neighbourhood: With over 30% of the city protected as nature reserves, locals enjoy walking trails, native bushland, and sunrise hikes right from their suburb.
Civic culture at your fingertips: From the National Gallery to Questacon, world-class institutions are a stone’s throw from schools, parks, and playgrounds.
Laid-back lifestyle: The pace is calmer here. Whether it’s a morning bike ride around Lake Burley Griffin or a weekend brunch in Braddon, Canberra offers space to breathe.
Events and experiences: Celebrate at Floriade, watch hot-air balloons rise over the lake, or catch a show at Canberra Theatre Centre.
Clean, reliable facilities: Canberra benefits from modern infrastructure: excellent roads, consistent electricity, mains gas, town water, high-speed NBN internet, and council-managed waste and recycling.
Ask any local and you’ll hear: Canberra just works.
Housing: Options range from leafy family suburbs like Griffith and Curtin to trendy apartment precincts in Braddon or Woden. Newer developments are energy-efficient and often fitted with solar systems.
Walkability & connectivity: While it's a car-friendly city, key hubs like Civic, Belconnen, and the ANU precinct are walkable, bikeable, and well-served by buses and light rail (expanding south soon).
Facilities: Electricity and water supply are stable and affordable. ACT government utilities are climate-conscious, and many homes feature smart meters and solar panels.
Health & education: Access to bulk-billing GPs, large hospitals like Canberra Hospital, and leading schools like Radford College and Narrabundah College.
Diversity & inclusion: From embassy enclaves to student share-houses, the city is multicultural and inclusive, with many support services for new arrivals, LGBTIQA+ residents, and seniors.
Safety & cleanliness: Canberra ranks as one of Australia's safest cities, and its streets are clean thanks to efficient public services and community pride.
Outdoor adventures
Hike Mount Ainslie or Mount Taylor for sweeping city views.
Cycle the full Lake Burley Griffin circuit (25km with coffee stops!).
Spot platypus at Tidbinbilla or roam the National Arboretum.
Food & drink
Brunch at Highroad in Dickson or grab pho at Weston Asian Market.
Taste local brews at BentSpoke or Capital Brewing Co.
Stroll the Old Bus Depot Markets on Sundays.
Family-friendly fun
Questacon’s science fun for kids.
Indoor pools, splash parks, and libraries in most town centres.
Clean public toilets, change facilities, and accessible paths in parks.
Cultural & civic life
Watch Parliament in session at the modern Parliament House.
See a performance at Canberra Theatre or explore the Portrait Gallery.
Join free guided walks run by the National Capital Authority.
My name’s James, and I’m a dad of two who moved here from Sydney in 2015.
“We came for work, stayed for the weekends. Our street in Casey has a green belt out back, fast internet, and our bins get picked up like clockwork. The schools are great and I can get from my office to my son’s soccer game in 20 minutes. Canberra makes family life easy.”
You’ll hear stories like James’s all across the suburbs. Whether it’s the convenience of safe, walkable streets or the simplicity of having reliable utilities and smart city tech, people here genuinely feel looked after.
Before Canberra took over as the capital, Australia’s federal parliament sat in Melbourne. From 1901 to 1927, it operated out of the Provisional Parliament House on Spring Street. Canberra was chosen to resolve the Sydney–Melbourne rivalry and became the official capital when Parliament moved into its new home here in May 1927.
Modern, green, and community-minded, Canberra delivers on the promise of a capital city that’s not just for politics—but for people. With dependable electricity, clean water, efficient waste services and high-tech infrastructure, it’s easy to live well here. And now you know: where did parliament sit before Canberra was built? It was Melbourne, until this beautifully designed city claimed the role for good.
Q: How are the public utilities in Canberra?
A: Canberra offers stable electricity, gas, and town water services, along with advanced recycling and waste collection. Solar uptake is among the highest in the country.
Q: Is Canberra family-friendly?
A: Very. Clean public spaces, excellent schools, sports clubs, and healthcare make it ideal for raising kids.
Q: Can I still visit the old Parliament House in Melbourne?
A: Yes. The Spring Street building in Melbourne is a heritage site and now hosts exhibitions and tours reflecting Australia’s early federation years.
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