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Is Canberra actually boring?
Canberra has long been labelled as "boring"—a city of politicians, roundabouts, Questacon and not much else. But let’s be real: that’s just what people say when they’ve never actually spent time here.
So, let’s indulge the stereotype for a moment. If all of this is boring, then sure, we’ll play along.
Apparently, amazing food is boring now.
If this is the case, Canberra is beyond saving. You can grab a perfect coffee on just about every corner — and not the burnt, lukewarm kind. We’re talking silky flat whites and single-origin pour-overs.
Brunch is basically a sport here. Whether you’re into chilli scrambled eggs, vegan pancakes or just a good old hash brown stack, the local cafés have you covered. Some baristas even know your order before you speak — because yes, you’ve been there that often.
The restaurant scene? Quietly brilliant. From tiny hole-in-the-wall spots to chef’s-hatted destinations, Canberra’s dining game is pulling in praise from cities that usually think they’re too cool to notice. And if you're into food festivals, we’ve got an entire one dedicated to truffles. Actual truffles.
Eating well has never felt so uneventful.
The food scene in Canberra is way too good to be true, from fine dining to food trucks. Image credit: VisitCanberra
A wine region on your doorstep? Snooze.
Canberra’s wine region sits just 35 minutes from the city, and it’s a local flex we’re very comfortable with. You don’t need to plan a big trip or pack a bag — just jump in the car and suddenly you’re surrounded by boutique cellar doors, rolling vineyard views and tasting flights that can fill your entire weekend (and your camera roll).
The region might be small, but it seriously punches above its weight. Think cool-climate shiraz and crisp riesling that regularly win awards — the kind of wines that make even seasoned sommeliers raise an eyebrow.
But it’s not just about what’s in the glass. There’s something pretty special about chatting to the winemaker while their dog trots around your feet or sipping from a just-poured bottle while looking out over sunlit vines.
Add in long lunches, woodfired pizzas and the occasional jazz band on a Sunday… tragic.
Love wine and beautiful scenery? No worries, just take a short drive out of the city. Image credit: Tourism Australia
World-class art? We’re dozing off.
Canberra is home to one of the largest collections of Indigenous Australian art at the National Gallery of Australia — a collection that spans thousands of years of culture, storytelling and connection to Country. It also casually features works by global heavyweights like Jackson Pollock, Paul Gauguin and Albert Namatjira, so, you know, just the usual.
Right next door is the National Portrait Gallery, where you can spot everyone from historic icons to contemporary legends.
And if you’re into something a bit more lowkey, Canberra’s local gallery scene punches well above its weight — think Belconnen Arts Centre, Canberra Contemporary Art Space (CCAS) and ANCA, all regularly showcasing bold and thought-provoking work.
Even the street art here makes a statement. It’s almost like the city cares about culture. Yawn.
You could spend a whole day hopping between galleries in Canberra. Image credit: Visit Canberra
Sunrises so pretty it’s actually offensive.
Mount Ainslie in the morning is almost rude in its perfection. The trail’s not even that long, but the payoff? Absurd. You reach the top and suddenly the whole city is glowing, like someone turned up the saturation just for fun.
Then there’s Lake Burley Griffin, shrouded in mist as the sun breaks through — still, quiet and completely unfair.
The Arboretum? Turns gold at dawn like it’s starring in its own nature documentary. Honestly, who gave it permission.
Canberra’s sunrises are consistently unreal. No filters needed, just a warm jacket and the ability to set an alarm. You don’t even have to be a morning person, the city does all the heavy lifting.
But if an effortlessly beautiful cityscape is a crime, we plead guilty, Your Honour.
Sunrises are good for the soul. Image credit: Martin Ollman for Visit Canberra
Nothing happens at night. Unless you count the parties.
Despite popular belief, things actually happen here after dark. Canberra might not shout about its nightlife, but it absolutely shows up.
There are rooftop bars with city views, hidden speakeasies behind unmarked doors, live music venues tucked away in suburban pockets and food trucks that serve the best comfort food. It’s lowkey, but in the best way.
And for students? The social scene is alive and unreasonably energetic. From themed parties and pub trivia to open mic nights and spontaneous dance floors, there’s always something going on — even if you tell yourself you’re staying in. Let’s just say if you haven’t ended up at Mooseheads when you swore you were going home early… give it time. It’s basically a rite of passage.
When the sun sets in Canberra, the real fun begins. Image credit: VisitCanberra
Way too much nature, honestly
Canberra is a city, yes—but it’s also a national park in disguise. Post-lecture hikes, lakeside yoga, mountain bike trails, sunrise walks with views that feel fake… it’s all part of the daily routine.
Kangaroos literally hop through campus. You’re never more than a few minutes from a walking trail or a forest that looks like a computer desktop background. And yet, the reputation sticks.
Maybe people are just allergic to fresh air.
We may have more kangaroos than people here, and we’re not mad at it.
No traffic? No thanks.
No, we don’t miss spending hours in traffic. No, we don’t miss those weird smells of bin juice wafting through the streets. And no, we don’t miss crowds so dense you need an escape plan just to get through the city.
Canberra’s a city that runs on balance. You can study, socialise, hit the gym and still make it home in time for dinner. Commutes are short and car parks plentiful.
Plus, everything’s close enough to bike, bus or walk. And when you do need to get across the city, it’s usually a breezy 15 minutes. You’ll spend more time deciding what playlist to put on than you will getting there.
A bike will take you far in Canberra. We’re one of the most bike-friendly cities in Australia!
So, is Canberra actually boring?
If by boring you mean beautiful, liveable and weirdly underrated, then sure.
But spend more than a weekend here and you’ll see it for yourself: the city’s got charm, character and just enough of a vibe to keep things interesting.
Now that you’re well and truly bored, find out why Canberra is the ultimate town for uni students.
