I’ve traded the coastline for a bit of inland exploration as I rolled into Canberra, Australia’s capital. It’s a city born out of a classic Aussie rivalry—back in 1908, it was chosen as the ultimate compromise between Sydney and Melbourne, who both wanted the title of capital for themselves.
Stepping into the city center, you immediately feel the “planned” nature of the place. It’s built on a grid of geometric motifs—circles, hexagons, and triangles—all perfectly aligned with the landscape. The whole city revolves around Lake Burley Griffin, a massive reservoir that acts as the city’s heart. I love how the “Garden City” philosophy was used here; even though it’s a capital, you’re never far from natural bushland and wide-open green spaces.
Interestingly, while a tram system was part of the original blueprints over a century ago, the light rail only actually launched in 2019! They are currently working on the second stage, but for now, the city still feels incredibly spacious.
I spent my morning at the National Museum of Australia. It’s a stunning building, and the best part? Admission is free! Afterward, I took a long stroll along the water and across the bridge toward Capital Hill. I passed by the Old Parliament House, which is worth a stop just for its gorgeous rose gardens—the scent was incredible.
One thing I quickly realized: Canberra is big, and the walking distances between these grand landmarks can be pretty epic. If you’re planning a visit, definitely look into the bike rentals at the visitor center. The city is crisscrossed with a fantastic network of cycle paths that make getting around much faster than on foot!
Next stop: Leaving the “Bush Capital” behind and heading for the big city lights of Sydney.
