Historically known for being a bit dull and quiet, Canberra has not exactly been a hot locum destination…until now! Things are changing – not only are there some fun, tasty and interesting things to do…there are also some great workplaces needing cover throughout the year.
Ok, give me the Canberra stats!
Well, let’s start with the basics…it’s Australia’s capital city (der!), aka the ‘Bush Capital’ and is chockablock full of capital-y things like Parliament House the High Court, pollies, A LOT of govie workers, National everythings (museums/galleries/unis etc) and mysterious crew like spies, diplomats and defence forces. Only about half a million of them (but that’s probably enough, yeah?). Even though it’s the capital, it’s actually the 8th largest city in Australia.
What about the outdoors run down
Well, there are several hills in the immediate vicinity that you can plod up for a good view (driving is also an option!) such as Mount Ainsley and Black Mountain. Lake Burley Griffin is situated smack bang in the middle of the city and has lots of lovely waterfront paths to follow as well as a myriad of watersport options: sailing, rowing, windsurfing, kayaking, dragon boating, stand up paddling. etc etc. There are also 3 swimming beaches that are open October – April.
Otherwise, Canberra is SUPER close to some great outdoor options – it’s the only mainland city in Australia where snow capped peaks can be seen in winter. Hiking and mountain biking in the surrounding national parks is very popular with locals. Head to Namadgi National Park to walk trails on the northern edge of the Australian Alps, navigate the 145kms of trails on the Canberra Centenary Trail loops around the city or cycle/ride a horse/bus through the National Arboretum. It’s also a great place to splash out on some hot air ballooning!
Let’s space out the exertion with some culture
Good idea. Don’t want to get too sunburnt! Luckily there are a TONNE of awesome museums and galleries to check out that are all worth a visit (we vetted them ourselves). Some of them are free or just time-ticketed (but still free). Our top picks are:
National Museum of Australia – SO.MUCH.TO.SEE. Highly recommend a guided tour as they explain the architecture of the building and how everything is linked. They have feature exhibitions that change regularly.
National Portrait Gallery – great for just an hour or two of culture. Lots of famous and influential people feature as well as a big range of arty styles.
National Gallery of Australia – coming here makes you want to be an artist! Heaps of variety and it all links into Australian history in one way or another. Also recommend a (free) guided tour here!
Australian Parliament House – spot a pollie! And just get your head around government shenanigans.
Australian War Memorial – best for the defence buffs.
National Library of Australia – these guys have an epic gift shop!
The foodie/wine scene?
It’s BLOOMING. A lot of our recommendations are based around Bradden, but there are heaps of little pockets of foodie gold PLUS lots of cute little wineries out in the nearby countryside. Roadtrip! Great restos include Lazy Su, Rizla, Monster Kitchen and Corella Bar. Tasty coffee and brekky/snacks at Rye, Gather, Barrio Collective and Lonsdale Street Roasters.
FUN general facts…
In Canberra, you don’t buy the land when you buy a house, you ‘lease’ it (generally under a crown lease for 99 years). Also, Canberra council discourages fences at the front of a property. This comes from the original planning idea that Canberra would be a community that was open and sharing, not locked away from each other. Low hedges are the go!
Festivals worth timing a trip for:
Truffle festival – YUM!
Floriade – Australia’s biggest celebration of spring!
Canberra Balloon Spectacular – Fun in the air or on the ground!
Canberra Art Biennial – Art…in the landscape! FUN!
What sonos prior have to say
Canberra is a fantastic place for a locum. So much to see, great walks, galleries, cafes & restaurants. Definitely will come back if given the chance. LS locum sono – 2023
It has been a wonderful experience working in Canberra, very lovely company and team, I enjoyed every single day. EF locum sono – 2024
