Enjoy the lifestyle you’ve been waiting for

Canberra is one of Australia’s best-kept secrets. Much more than just Australia’s capital, we’re welcoming to students, businesses, professionals and families. A progressive, vibrant and beautiful place to live.

We’re a city that’s taken our place on the world stage. Canberra was ranked:

• 3rd best city to visit in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2018
• the OECD World’s most liveable city in 2014

It’s Canberra’s contrasts that make it such a great place to call home. While we are known as the seat of government, we are far from a formal city. We have an easy lifestyle and strong community vibe. And it’s a beautiful place to explore.

Not only are we Australia’s most physically active population, we’re also right up there on other measures of wellbeing. Canberra has the:

• highest average income
• highest level of education
• strongest jobs growth
• lowest unemployment

This is one of the safest cities in the world, with very low crime rates.

Welcoming and multicultural

We welcome people from across Australia and all around the world. More than 26% of Canberrans are from overseas. One in four speaks a language other than English.

This is a city where everyone belongs and can participate. More than 90% agree it’s good for society to have different cultures. We’re the only Australian state or territory to be a refugee welcome zone. We’re part of the Welcoming Cities Network.

But we don’t just welcome people from other cultures — we celebrate with them. Canberrans enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of our multicultural city. The National Multicultural Festival is an annual highlight. And our beautiful embassies and high commissions are part of what makes this such an interesting place to live.

Australia’s leading destination for culture and ideas

Canberra brims with culture and art. We host some of the country’s top cultural attractions. This includes Australia’s National Gallery and National Museum, and many more. The local art scene is full and rich too. It’s bustling with artists, actors, musicians and writers. They work beside our thought leaders, academics and creatives.

A new generation of Canberrans drives new precincts across the city. NewActon‘s award-winning modern buildings sit beside heritage-listed splendour. There’s a wildlife lodge at the National Zoo and Aquarium. You can stay overnight with the animals right outside your room.

Restaurants, cafes, bars, wineries and breweries serve produce from Canberra and the region. Our food and wine industries compete with the best in the world.

Canberra’s Design Festival celebrates the fact that design, creativity and originality are at our city’s core. That’s evident from our very beginnings. This is a designed and hand-picked capital city.

Great community feel

Canberra is a great place to raise a family. Our city offers accessible outdoor and natural spaces, a safe environment and an outstanding education system. Canberra gives you back time to do the things you choose. Because you don’t spend hours in traffic, you gain time to be with those you love most. Work life balance is the real deal here.

We’re the most physically active community in Australia. Sport and recreational activities are a highly prized part of our lifestyle. Our extensive network of cycleways and footpaths make getting outdoors enjoyable and safe. We’re keen supporters of our elite sporting teams too. The Canberra Raiders, Brumbies, UC Capitals and others enjoy loyal and enthusiastic Canberra supporters.

We also know the value of giving. We have the highest rate of volunteering in the country. Many of us willingly offer our time and skills to benefit others. We volunteer with sporting clubs, at community events, in schools and for charities. We understand that it takes many to build and maintain healthy and resilient individuals, communities and natural environments.

Progressive and diverse

We’re proudly progressive. Canberra was the:

• first jurisdiction in Australia to legislate marriage equality
• first jurisdiction in Australia to celebrate our First Nations culture and community with a Reconciliation Day public holiday
• first mainland state or territory to achieve 100% renewable energy

This city embraces innovation. Some of the most future-thinking companies in the world, from Google to Seeing Machines, choose Canberra as a test bed for new technology.

The Canberra Innovation Network nurtures our entrepreneurial and business-minded community. It helps launch clever and creative businesses that build on Canberra’s excellence in research and innovation.

Close to everything

Everyday living is easy. All you need for a comfortable life is within easy reach. You’re only ever 30 minutes’ drive from the city and each of the suburban town centres is bustling with cafes, shops and services.

We’re lucky to be just a short drive from stunning coastlines, world-class ski-fields and big-city bustle when an escape is needed. Living in Canberra gives you easy access to:

• The picturesque Brindabella mountains to our west.
• Sydney, an easy three-hour drive to our north.
• World-class ski-fields to our south.
• Stunning coastline two hours east.

See yourself in Canberra

We are a young city with big plans. We’re progressive, prosperous and deeply interested in the world around us. But accessible enough for you to find a place here.

Imagine yourself in a city where things are just easier. Where there’s always plenty to do, and the time to enjoy it. And now the word about Canberra is out, this is the best time to make it your home.