There is only one rule for driving in Canberra - and that is USE THE STREET SIGNS. Do not, in any circumstances try to drive in the direction that you want to go. Canberra is not on a grid system and has lots of circles, you could find yourself going round and round for hours if you don't use the street signs.

Well I thought I would give you people a little bit on an idea of where I live.

Canberra is often referred to as 'the bush capital'. Around 80% of the Canberra is National Park and recreational park land, with it's three lakes and open spaces it is a beautiful city with a country laid back feel to it.

Canberra is the Capital of Australia. It is a city made up, principally, of politicians and public servants. It is a planned city and is based around a man made lake, Lake Burley Griffin. Canberra is totally surrounded by mountains. It is the passage to the Snowy Mountains, Australia's principal ski resorts, and is 2 hours away from the beaches of the South Coast. It hosts 2 University's and is a fairly 'young' city

Canberra is not known for it's night life, nor anything really exciting, but it is actually a very beautiful city and there is plenty to do if you are willing to do a bit of hunting around or love the outdoors.

CANBERRA ATTRACTIONS

Canberra attractions include, Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, the National Gallery, the High Court of Australia, Telstra Tower, and the Carillon.

Canberra has three lakes, Lake Ginninderra in the north, Lake Burley Griffin in the center, and Lake Tuggeranong in the South.

FESTIVALS

In early January SummerNats is held. This is a muscle car festival and attracts car enthusiasts from all of the country and all over the world. Every thing and anything you ever wanted to know about cars can be found here. Burn-out competitions, Drags, car shows, stunts and lots and lots of shouting car enthusiasts. If you are a female and thinking about attending this festival, it is a lot of fun, but beware, the male vocabularly generally tends to drop to 4 words - 'show us your tits'. This phrase can be heard echoing through-out the exhibition centre for the whole week that the festivals runs. Visit the Official Summernats Homepage

Canberra also has the Canberra Festival, in March. It is a time to discover what Canberra has to offer and there is a lot of things to see and do during the festival, ranging from hot air balloon rides, Harley rides and Skyfire - an awesome free fireworks display held on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.

Canberra holds one if not the biggest Flower festivals in the world every September. Floriade, is held on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin and is the one of the biggest tourist attractions in Canberra. It really is a 'must see' if you are here. They have many events and other things on during the spring festival. It is a great time of year.

In October there is Oktober Fest, the German festival. A great time to party it on down and drink, drink and drink. It runs for a week and is something that I would NEVER miss. A lot of fun, dancing, games and you can even learn a lot about Germany and the German traditions. An altogether fun festival.

CANBERRA NIGHT LIFE

Canberra's nightlife consists mainly of nightclubs. The city center, civic, has many nightclubs, the most popular being The Private Bin, Pandora's, Heaven, and Bobby McGee's. The city also has a few pubs, Mooseheads, the Sportsman's Bar and the Civic pub.

A fairly new addition to the Canberra Nite scene has been the Gypsy Bar. The Gypsy bar has filled the 'void' of good live music in the City Centre and boasts a great lineup from local to international acts. Want to know whats on at the Gypsy Bar? Click here

Manuka and Kingston, located in the inner south are well known for their cosmopolitan atmosphere. Here you can find many outdoor cafés, late night bakery's, nightclubs and a few pubs. It is a very popular area with 18 - 30 yr. olds.

But if you are really looking for a great atmosphere and a friendly chat, you should head to the local, small pubs and clubs. In Hall village (in the North) you will find the George Harcourt Inn, this is a small English pub, but has a great atmosphere and some really good live entertainment.

In the City you will find the Wig and Pen, this is a small microbrewery with English beer, great live entertainment, normally consisting of Irish music. A popular place on a Friday afternoon when everybody finishes work.

In the Weston Creek area there is a small pub called 'The Station'. This place has been known to be quite rough, but has a great open fire and generally very friendly locals. It is a nice place to stop on a cold winter's night. Just down the road you will find Irish Club, Friday night is the night for the young and the young at heart, with Karioke and lots of 18 -25 yr. old student's and friends drinking up a storm and signing there hearts out. A fantastic place to go to make you smile or if you are in a crazy mood and feel that you may like to have a go at singing in front of about 200 people in a very small and crowded room.

In Woden area there is the Contented Soul. A small pub, that if you weren't looking for it, you would walk straight past. It is located in the corner of an outdoor courtyard of the local shopping center and is just beautiful inside. A small place with great friendly staff and a fantastic atmosphere. A little bit further down the road (Southlands), you will find Spur's. This is Canberra's Country club. It is a lot of fun. A beautiful timber interior, pools tables and a great bar and dance floor. On the weekends they have live bands and DJ's. The full on country music is generally only played during the week, so on the weekends it is normally popular hits and great live music, with a few good country tunes thrown in on the way. It has a great relaxed atmosphere and is actually becoming a very popular place on Friday and Saturday nights.

In the Tuggeranong area there is Platform 3. A small pub. Great atmosphere and full of the local College students. Can be a bit rough, but lots of fun and great music.

The University's - Canberra is home to 2 Uni's. Canberra University , located on the Northside and The Australian National University in the City. The Uni's bring in some great bands and also dance parties. There is always something going on at atleast one of the Uni's. Great places to go, but normally crowded

MARKETS

Canberra also has some great alternative markets. The Bus Depot Markets and Green Street Market in Kingston, Gormon House Markets in Civic, the Hospital Markets in Woden and Hall Markets in the north. Here you can find everything from candles, plants and clothing, to homemade chocolates, cakes, artwork and gourmet coffees. Great atmosphere with live entertainment and lots of things to do and see. Markets are usually held every weekend.

Local News - The Canberra Times

Lost in Canberra? - Click here for Canberra maps

Something different - Why not skate around Canberra's beautiful Lake Burley Griffin, Rollerblading is a growing sport in Canberra, especially on the lakes forshore - Skate Canberra

Backpacking in Canberra? - Canberra is host to one of the best YHA Hostels in the Southern Hemisphere, Located close to the City and it's cheap rates and excellant facilities make it a must for anybody looking for cheap accomodation in Canberra - Click here for the YHA Homepage

Ok - so that is enough about my home town for now - I have probably bored you all silly now - but Canberra really is a great place, if you ever come here - I would love to show you around and try to make you love it just as much as me.

updated 23 Jan 1999.