1. An interesting name

Affectionately known as the bush capital, the origin of Canberra’s name actually has far more significance. It is derived from the language of the Ngunnawal people, the original custodians of the land who called it home for more than 21,000 years, and is thought to mean “meeting place”. Given that our city brings people together from far and wide and is home to the national parliament, we most certainly agree that it is.

2. Lots of cool (free) things to do

Some things in Canberra are iconic, others less well-known, but all of them are cool, mainly because they are of national importance and don’t ask for coin. So, if you’re on a budget, check out the Australian War Memorial, the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex, the National Gallery of Australia, the National Portrait Gallery, Parliament House, the National Museum and the Royal Australian Mint. All are free to visit!

Trivia titbit: The Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex has an antenna that is the only one on the planet that can send commands to Voyager 2, a space probe launched by NASA in 1977 that’s still out there!

3. Haunted

The National Film and Sound Archive is said to be one of the most haunted sites in Australia. Originally the Institute of Anatomy, the basement was once a morgue (yep, that explains it). Former Prime Minister Ben Chifley is also said to haunt the Kurrajong Hotel, where he lived until he died in 1951. Some swear they’ve seen him loitering at his bedroom window to ponder views of Old Parliament House, where he held office from 1945 to 1949.

Trivia titbit: Courageous enough to capture a ghost photo? Book a National Film and Sound Archive tour with Tim the Yowie Man. If he’s seen a Yowie, we think he’s probably qualified to conjure up a spirit.

4. Full of hot air

And we’re not referring to politicians. Canberra is renowned as Australia’s hot air ballooning capital and one of only a handful of places in the world where balloons can fly over the national parliament. These serene spectacles take to the skies at dawn most mornings, drifting over the slumbering city. It’s a fantastic way to get a birds-eye view of the ordered layout of Walter Burley Griffin's original city plan.

Trivia titbit: Every March, the Canberra Balloon Spectacular launches 50 glorious floating creations as part of its birthday celebrations.

5. Within reach of just about anywhere

The city is surrounded by many places with many things to do and see. Love sun, sand and surf? Head to Bateman’s Bay or Jervis Bay. Enjoy a powder fix? Take a road trip to Thredbo or Perisher in the Snowy Mountains. Keen on exploring the bush? Soak up the serenity of Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve or the Southern Highlands. A bit of history? Head to historic Collector, Braidwood or Gundaroo.

Trivia titbit: Canberra boasts an array of exceptional wineries, all within a short drive (under an hour) from the CBD. Put your responsible, big-person pants on and travel there by bus

6. A designed city

In 1912, the Australian Government hosted a competition to design the nation’s capital. They received over 137 entries from 15 countries, including Mexico, Sweden, South Africa, Paraguay, France and India. The award ultimately went to American architect Walter Burley Griffin (hence the name of our famous lake). For the best views of the lake and city as they are today, climb Mt Ainslie.

Trivia titbit: Walter’s wife Marion Mahoney Griffin was also responsible for the design: she did the drawings her husband entered in the competition. But despite their win, subsequent Australian governments didn’t adopt all of the design (sad face).

7. Three sister cities

Sister-city relationships bolster education and community and encourage trade and tourism between nations. Nara in Japan became Canberra’s first sister city in 1993. The second was China’s Beijing in 2000, followed by New Zealand’s Wellington in 2016. Some cultural bonuses come with these relationships too. One of them was Beijing’s gift to Canberra of the traditional Chinese Garden on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin in 2014

Trivia titbit: To celebrate friendship and goodwill, Canberra hosts the Nara Candle Festival in October every year, where Japanese food, lantern-making and martial arts demonstrations abound.

8. Secret underground tunnels

We love a bit of intrigue and this is a ripper. Beneath Canberra’s streets are secret passageways, some of which are still considered urban myths. Shhh! But that said, historians are totally fine about acknowledging some of them. Yay! One tunnel is beneath the Australian Defence Force’s Russell precinct. These days it’s an easy way for staff to move underground between buildings.

Trivia titbit: Guess what? ANU has its very own hidden tunnel. Historians say it is located beneath University House and was built to withstand a nuclear attack. Awesome!