20 Reasons Canberra is Way Cooler than You Think
1. FREE STUFF!
Sure, sure. Technically you pay for it in taxes, but Canberra has so many museums, galleries and experiences - all for free! That's one of the huge benefits of being dumped on a previously barren sheep field - a lot of money has been pumped into making Canberra liveable, and worthy of its capital status. But whatever the reason there's always a great free exhibit to check out.
2. AUSTRALIAN PARLIAMENT HOUSE
Woohoo. Democracy! Seriously though, Parliament House is a pretty special building full of rich symbology and meaning. Did you know walking from the front of Parliament house to the back is like a journey through time? And that the green of the House of Representatives was painstakingly chosen to represent the eucalyptus of the Australian bush, while the pinks and reds of Senate represent the red earth of Australia's outback? There's a lot to love about parliament house once you look past the show-pony politicians.
3. AXES!
If you love a good axis, you're sure to love Canberra. (And who doesn't love axes?!) Walter and Marion designed Canberra around three main axes, all leading to the main attraction, Parliament House. The central axis connects Parliament House with the war memorial and the peak of Mt Ainsley beyond, civic Axis links Canberra's commercial hub, while defence axis connects Parliament with the defence headquarters.
4. AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL
One of the most contemplative spaces in Australia, the Australian war Memorial commemorates all the people who fought for the Australia we know and love today. The names of those who lost their lives are inscribed on the walls, where you can leave a red poppy to commemorate a loved one. The main temple at the rear of the Australian war memorial is clad in stunning mosaic, while a free, world-class museum details our war history.
5. BEAUTIFUL, CRISP, SUNNY WINTER DAYS
The benefit of building a city in a sub-alpine zone is in winter even the moisture in the air decides it's too freaking cold to be outside. Leaving Canberrans with beautiful clear winter days. None of this eternal drizzle Melbourne is subjected to.
6. AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
One of the best Universities in Australia, you guys*. What it lacks in Sandstone grandeur the older Universities enjoy, it makes up for with top notch education. Brains over beauty, if you will.
* http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/480968/20130620/education-top-universities-university-melbourne-australia-new.htm#.VLhPtYqUdMo
7. BEAUTIFUL COLOURS OF AUTUMN
Another benefit of seasons is the stunning red, purple and orange deciduous trees treat us to in Canberra. Autumn is one of the best times to be in Canberra the weather is mild(er) and the scenery is unquestionably stunning.
8. BE HOME FROM WORK IN 10 MINUTES
Some say Canberra was supposed to be more popular than it is. Well unpopularity means plenty of space on the roads and an easy, traffic-jam-free 10 minute commute. Who cares about unpopularity when life is that damn convenient?
9. SKYWHALE
As controversial as it is a feat of hot air balloon engineering, the Skywhale took to the skies to celebrate Canberra's 100 year anniversary.
10. COOL COFFEE SHOPS SHOP
Yes, Lonsdale Street roasters is the renowned coffee shop in town. And when it first opened every Canberran turned and stared - awed that their quaint little city was finally cool. Coffee tourism to Melbourne has since seen a downturn as Canberra's caffeine addicts are quite content where they are.
11. BRODBURGER
Because: Brodburger.
12. CLOSENESS TO SYDNEY
The harbour city is nice for a visit. Canberra keeps Sydney far enough away to stay out of our business but close enough for a day trip.
13. DRIVING BACK INTO CANBERRA & SEEING BLACK MOUNTAIN TOWER POP UP OVER THE HORIZON
Cool moutain with a cool tower. There's no place like home.
14. EARLY MORNING FOG ON THE LAKE
Brrrr... but beautiful, right?
15. FLORIADE / NIGHTFEST
Floriade is Australia’s biggest celebration of spring. This iconic Canberra event, which is now in its 27th year, runs for 30 days over the months of September and October.
16. FOUNTAIN AT LAKE BURLEY GRIFFIN (CAPTAIN COOK MEMORIAL JET)
Simple but effective. Just the way I like my memorial jets.
17. IT’S A PLANNED CITY
Isn't it nice to know you're wanted and not the result of an unfortunate accident? Well, Canberra can rest easy knowing that it is a planned city. Canberra has a sense of order and purpose that Sydney's nightmarish maze of streets lacks. Take a glance down parliament axis and you get the point of all this planning.
18. NATIONAL THINGS
Above: National Bonsai Collection. Of all things...
National Arboretum, National Archives Of Australia, National Carillon, National Film & Sound Archive, National Gallery Of Australia, National Museum Of Australia, National Portrait Gallery, National Zoo & Aquarium. You get the point. Lots of National things. They're all awesome. And they're (mostly) free!
19. PROXIMITY TO THE COAST
Yep, this beautiful coastline (Merimbula) is also kind close by. Canberra, you gotz ev'rythang.
20. SUMMERNATS
For your yearly dose of bogan and the fumes of burning rubber.
FINALLY. THIS.
What isn't to love about Canberra?
