Canberra bursts with leafy boulevards, manicured gardens and a surprising wild side – it’s Australia's inland capital, yet it feels like a hybrid of well-planned city and rugged bush. Yes, Canberra is one of Australia’s most liveable cities – packed with culture, community and calm.
Purpose-built beauty: Conceived by Walter Burley Griffin in 1913, its geometric layout, tree-lined avenues and Lake Burley Griffin give the city a garden-like feel.
National cultural precinct: Home to Parliament House, National Gallery, War Memorial, and major events like Floriade, Enlighten and the National Multicultural Festival.
Outdoor lifestyle: Surrounded by parks and trails in Black Mountain, Mount Ainslie and Namadgi National Park.
Education & innovation: Boasting top-tier Australian National University and University of Canberra, with thriving research and tech sectors.
Cycling & commute culture: Canberra has one of the best cycling networks in Australia, with short commutes and walkable inner suburbs.
Absolutely – here’s the lowdown from a local perspective.
Housing: Canberra's housing market can be pricey, with median house prices around $650k. Inner suburbs like Braddon and Kingston offer modern apartments, while Tuggeranong and Belconnen provide more affordable family options.
Walkability & transport: Canberra is compact, easy to get around, and served by reliable bus services (ACTION) and a growing light rail system.
Vibe & safety: Known for being clean, safe, and relaxed. Crime rates are low and community spirit is strong.
Services & amenities: Canberra offers top healthcare, education, childcare and retail facilities. It's also well-equipped with sports centres, libraries, and arts venues.
Diversity & culture: With nearly 30% of its population born overseas, Canberra is one of Australia's most multicultural cities.
Canberra delivers modern infrastructure that rivals any major city:
Electricity & water: High-quality and reliable utilities managed by ACTEWAGL and Icon Water, ensuring consistent service across all suburbs.
Internet & mobile: Canberra boasts excellent broadband coverage, including NBN and 5G access across most areas.
Waste & recycling: Weekly garbage collection and a strong focus on green waste and recycling services.
Public safety: Well-equipped emergency services including ACT Policing, SES and multiple fire stations.
Public spaces: Maintained parks, public toilets, sports ovals, and free BBQ spots in most suburbs.
Cleaning services: Both council and private services keep public areas and residential streets clean.
Loop Lake Burley Griffin by foot, bike or paddle.
Climb Mount Ainslie for the best sunset view over Parliament.
Visit Namadgi National Park for hiking, camping, and stargazing.
Eat and shop in Braddon, Kingston and the Fyshwick Markets.
Explore cultural icons like the National Gallery and War Memorial.
Join seasonal festivals: Floriade in spring, Enlighten in autumn.
Check out the National Arboretum and spot rare tree species.
Enjoy local food at award-winning restaurants and cafes.
I’m Zoe, and I run a little espresso bar on Lonsdale Street. Sundays are my favourite – balloons dot the sky, joggers loop the lake, and locals drop in for their double-shot flat whites. Even MPs on bikes swing by before work. There’s a rhythm here that’s part city, part nature retreat. You can kayak at lunch, catch a gallery opening at five, and still be home by six. Canberra just works.
Curious to see it for yourself? Canberra’s understated charm grows on you – a place where the bush meets bureaucracy, and the lifestyle feels balanced. From the first coffee to the last light over Black Mountain, there’s always something to discover. And now you know why is Canberra not on the coast.
Why is Canberra not on the coast?
Canberra was created as a compromise between rivals Sydney and Melbourne. To be neutral, it was placed inland, about halfway between both cities. The Australian Capital Territory was carved from New South Wales specifically for this purpose.
Does Canberra have good utilities and services?
Yes. Canberra offers reliable electricity, clean water, NBN broadband, and top-tier waste collection and cleaning services across its suburbs.
Is Canberra walkable?
Very. The city centre and many inner suburbs are flat and walkable, with dedicated bike paths and short commute times.
National Capital Authority – Government body managing planning and development of Canberra.
ABC News article on Canberra's urban sustainability and environmental planning.
ACT Government Environment – policies on climate, energy, and water.
Independent infrastructure advisory for cities including Canberra.
CSIRO in Canberra – sustainability, innovation, and energy-efficiency R&D.
Official Canberra heritage and planning history site.
Historical-political explanation of Canberra’s inland location.
Article about low-carbon initiatives and energy use in Canberra.
Transport Canberra – urban mobility, efficiency, and sustainability plans.
Architecture Australia article on Canberra’s urban design and planning legacy.
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Whether you are managing a laundromat or running a hospitality business, taking steps to improve efficiency can significantly reduce laundry electricity and gas costs in Canberra, helping both your bottom line and the environment.