Boredom Capital of the Country! Yeah Right!

Mysteryman said :

dkNigs said :

I don’t think there’s nothing to do in Canberra, there’s just nothing to do in Canberra except drink, eat, exercise and look at museums/galleries.

There’s a lot of nice restaurants, cafe’s, bars and pubs, and we have a beautiful city for spending time outdoors, but besides eat, drink, exercise and the old museum/gallery, what is there to do?

Ok, now I want you to explain how that’s different from every other city. List for me, the things that you can do in other cities that you can’t do here, that don’t fall into those categories.

Sarcasm never does really work on the internet.

dkNigs said :

I don’t think there’s nothing to do in Canberra, there’s just nothing to do in Canberra except drink, eat, exercise and look at museums/galleries.

There’s a lot of nice restaurants, cafe’s, bars and pubs, and we have a beautiful city for spending time outdoors, but besides eat, drink, exercise and the old museum/gallery, what is there to do?

Besides eat, drink, exercise and the old museum/gallery, what have the Romans ever done for us?

dkNigs said :

I don’t think there’s nothing to do in Canberra, there’s just nothing to do in Canberra except drink, eat, exercise and look at museums/galleries.

There’s a lot of nice restaurants, cafe’s, bars and pubs, and we have a beautiful city for spending time outdoors, but besides eat, drink, exercise and the old museum/gallery, what is there to do?

Ok, now I want you to explain how that’s different from every other city. List for me, the things that you can do in other cities that you can’t do here, that don’t fall into those categories.

I don’t think there’s nothing to do in Canberra, there’s just nothing to do in Canberra except drink, eat, exercise and look at museums/galleries.

There’s a lot of nice restaurants, cafe’s, bars and pubs, and we have a beautiful city for spending time outdoors, but besides eat, drink, exercise and the old museum/gallery, what is there to do?

Canberra IS boring. For evidence I submit this – we won a free attraction pass in a popular food restaurant competition currently underway. It has a lot of listings for great places such as Melbourne and Sydney aquariums and zoos, wax museum and interesting things. What do Canberra winners get? A trip to Sydney or Melbourne for these things or a choice from one of many paintball games, trampoline world and badminton. Not even our own local zoo is included. If badminton or paintball is the best we have to offer as an “attraction pass”, it doesn’t exactly say a lot about this place.

I enjoy visiting Floriade and don’t find it at all boring. The flowers are great to see. One of favourite things there are the shops. Much more fun than visiting the mall, and more likely to get money out of me too than the bland mall. (I use ‘the mall’ for all malls, as they are blandly similar.)

Ben_Dover said :

Hey gang, the most exciting annual event in our “not boring” city’s calander is on. That flower show thing!

And yet you’re still here. Why?

Hey gang, the most exciting annual event in our “not boring” city’s calander is on. That flower show thing!

chewy14 said :

Trust the pom to be a whinger.

Just giving a sense of perspective. trust an Aussie to attack the person not the post.

chewy14 said :

For a small city of 350k we bat well above our weight when it comes to entertainment. I think a large part of that has to do with the diversity of people, our higher education levels and clearly the higher levels of income allowing businesses to succeed.

Big deal. As a “capital” city we are W-a-a-a-A-A-A-Y–Y-Y behind.

This is Canberra’s problem. If we could only man up and admit we’re not a “capital” but an administrative centre, and that Sydney is the real capital, then all these negative views on Canberra would lose their power.

Canberra is a very nice small city, with a population which does not lend itself to being exciting or vibrant. (How many accountants and middle managers more per head of population here than any comparable city?)

Canberra is a lovely warm welcoming city, with places of interest, and is near to some very attractive places, (the snow, sea, and Sydders.) It has a small city vibe, a small city nightlife and a small city ambiance. There’s nothing wrong with that.

But it’s boring.

To put it in perspective, if it hadn’t have been for the stupid Titty-Carp farrago, would the centenary of the capital of Australia have been mentioned outside of Aus? I think not.

John Hargreaves Ex MLA said :

dungfungus said :

watto23 said :

I think a lot of criticism comes from people who’ve never been here and equate that too have fun you need a beach and hot weather. I have stated to many that living in Sydneys west or in parts of Melbourne the convenience of a local beach is no more convenient than a trip down to the Bay for a Canberran.

I recently went and watched 3 sessions of the short + sweet short play festival at the theatre. I remember going to see Empire last year in the Spiegeltent, which was a great nights entertainment. We have plenty of cinemas, I’ve ice skated in Garema place for many years, plenty of walking and cycling options. Most Canberrans would have a nature reserve within 5 minutes of where they live.

I go kayaking on the lake, without fear of being hit by a motorised boat. We get a reasonable amount of sporting events here as well. I’ve got tickets for Afghanistan vs Bangladesh cricket game for a whole $20 each! I’d rather go see that for the culutral experience in the crowd than watch a bunch of drunk bogans at an Australian game (which I might go to also!).

Finally as a avid traveller I’m always telling people to visit here because its unique. I’ve yet to find another city that is like Canberra anywhere in the world. The people I meet who’ve visited here all rattle off tales of the things they did here and many ask why do Australians hate Canberra so much, because they couldn’t understand it. If Canberra was in Europe people would love to visit it.

What are you going to do when climate change melts the ice in Garema Place?

Water Ski

NCA won’t allow that.

John Hargreaves Ex MLA said :

dungfungus said :

I am in total agreement with John.
One problem with Canberra is that there are too many things to do, kind of like too many shops and not enough shoppers.
While I am tempted to say a lot of people are afraid to leave their homes in case climate change arrives suddenly and the sky falls in, those same people will not leave their homes to seek entertainment because of the flat screen in the corner of the living room.
It would appear that Hollywood and FoxTel are turning us into cultural zombies.
It is sad to attend under-patronised world class live music performances knowing the artist will probably never do a gig in Canberra again.
Most young people would prefer to walk around with wires implanted in their ears it seems.
I attended some excellent movies at the Israel Film Festival and the most in the audience at any time were 10 people. It is not much different when other film festivals are here (unless they are free and refreshments supplied).
I don’t think I would be able to walk with you for one block John – we would have a punch up for sure.

Normie Rowe sang “It Ain’t Necessarily So…”

The magistrate accepted his plea apparently.
http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1300&dat=19660216&id=Q4tVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=mpYDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4900,2541462

dungfungus said :

watto23 said :

I think a lot of criticism comes from people who’ve never been here and equate that too have fun you need a beach and hot weather. I have stated to many that living in Sydneys west or in parts of Melbourne the convenience of a local beach is no more convenient than a trip down to the Bay for a Canberran.

I recently went and watched 3 sessions of the short + sweet short play festival at the theatre. I remember going to see Empire last year in the Spiegeltent, which was a great nights entertainment. We have plenty of cinemas, I’ve ice skated in Garema place for many years, plenty of walking and cycling options. Most Canberrans would have a nature reserve within 5 minutes of where they live.

I go kayaking on the lake, without fear of being hit by a motorised boat. We get a reasonable amount of sporting events here as well. I’ve got tickets for Afghanistan vs Bangladesh cricket game for a whole $20 each! I’d rather go see that for the culutral experience in the crowd than watch a bunch of drunk bogans at an Australian game (which I might go to also!).

Finally as a avid traveller I’m always telling people to visit here because its unique. I’ve yet to find another city that is like Canberra anywhere in the world. The people I meet who’ve visited here all rattle off tales of the things they did here and many ask why do Australians hate Canberra so much, because they couldn’t understand it. If Canberra was in Europe people would love to visit it.

What are you going to do when climate change melts the ice in Garema Place?

Water Ski

dungfungus said :

I am in total agreement with John.
One problem with Canberra is that there are too many things to do, kind of like too many shops and not enough shoppers.
While I am tempted to say a lot of people are afraid to leave their homes in case climate change arrives suddenly and the sky falls in, those same people will not leave their homes to seek entertainment because of the flat screen in the corner of the living room.
It would appear that Hollywood and FoxTel are turning us into cultural zombies.
It is sad to attend under-patronised world class live music performances knowing the artist will probably never do a gig in Canberra again.
Most young people would prefer to walk around with wires implanted in their ears it seems.
I attended some excellent movies at the Israel Film Festival and the most in the audience at any time were 10 people. It is not much different when other film festivals are here (unless they are free and refreshments supplied).
I don’t think I would be able to walk with you for one block John – we would have a punch up for sure.

Normie Rowe sang “It Ain’t Necessarily So…”

chewy14 said :

For a small city of 350k we bat well above our weight when it comes to entertainment. I think a large part of that has to do with the diversity of people, our higher education levels and clearly the higher levels of income allowing businesses to succeed.

And the most music practitioners per capita in the world …

Ben_Dover said :

Beam me up Scotty, dear god!

In answer to the accusation that “Canberra is boring,” our riposte is; “Well we have some good local bands, restaurants in Manuka (how many “hatted ones there again?) an Israeli film festival, King-o-frigging-Malley’s, (one of the worse excuses for a “pub” in Australia,) kayaking on the lake, the Bangladeshi cricket team coming, (“will they win the world cup this year” he wondered,) and many, many more fourth rate events.

Unbelievable.

I’m surprised no one has mention that Nirvana played here, and so did Iron Maiden. Once. In the dark ages.

If people needed an example of why Canberra is seen as boring, the responses above highlight it perfectly.

I bet this post doesn’t get past the mods.

Trust the pom to be a whinger.

For a small city of 350k we bat well above our weight when it comes to entertainment. I think a large part of that has to do with the diversity of people, our higher education levels and clearly the higher levels of income allowing businesses to succeed.

farnarkler said :

watto23 there is a Canberra in Europe. It’s called Geneva and is about the same as here. The problem Canberra has as the capital city is it’s not a major city. Most countries capital cities are the biggest and when a country has a smaller capital ie the US, Brazil, Switzerland, Canada, etc the capital usually gets left out. It really would’ve been better for this city if Sydney or Melbourne had been made capital.

California has Sacramento. Same vibe.

watto23 there is a Canberra in Europe. It’s called Geneva and is about the same as here. The problem Canberra has as the capital city is it’s not a major city. Most countries capital cities are the biggest and when a country has a smaller capital ie the US, Brazil, Switzerland, Canada, etc the capital usually gets left out. It really would’ve been better for this city if Sydney or Melbourne had been made capital.

Beam me up Scotty, dear god!

In answer to the accusation that “Canberra is boring,” our riposte is; “Well we have some good local bands, restaurants in Manuka (how many “hatted ones there again?) an Israeli film festival, King-o-frigging-Malley’s, (one of the worse excuses for a “pub” in Australia,) kayaking on the lake, the Bangladeshi cricket team coming, (“will they win the world cup this year” he wondered,) and many, many more fourth rate events.

Unbelievable.

I’m surprised no one has mention that Nirvana played here, and so did Iron Maiden. Once. In the dark ages.

If people needed an example of why Canberra is seen as boring, the responses above highlight it perfectly.

I bet this post doesn’t get past the mods.

watto23 said :

I think a lot of criticism comes from people who’ve never been here and equate that too have fun you need a beach and hot weather. I have stated to many that living in Sydneys west or in parts of Melbourne the convenience of a local beach is no more convenient than a trip down to the Bay for a Canberran.

I recently went and watched 3 sessions of the short + sweet short play festival at the theatre. I remember going to see Empire last year in the Spiegeltent, which was a great nights entertainment. We have plenty of cinemas, I’ve ice skated in Garema place for many years, plenty of walking and cycling options. Most Canberrans would have a nature reserve within 5 minutes of where they live.

I go kayaking on the lake, without fear of being hit by a motorised boat. We get a reasonable amount of sporting events here as well. I’ve got tickets for Afghanistan vs Bangladesh cricket game for a whole $20 each! I’d rather go see that for the culutral experience in the crowd than watch a bunch of drunk bogans at an Australian game (which I might go to also!).

Finally as a avid traveller I’m always telling people to visit here because its unique. I’ve yet to find another city that is like Canberra anywhere in the world. The people I meet who’ve visited here all rattle off tales of the things they did here and many ask why do Australians hate Canberra so much, because they couldn’t understand it. If Canberra was in Europe people would love to visit it.

What are you going to do when climate change melts the ice in Garema Place?

I think a lot of criticism comes from people who’ve never been here and equate that too have fun you need a beach and hot weather. I have stated to many that living in Sydneys west or in parts of Melbourne the convenience of a local beach is no more convenient than a trip down to the Bay for a Canberran.

I recently went and watched 3 sessions of the short + sweet short play festival at the theatre. I remember going to see Empire last year in the Spiegeltent, which was a great nights entertainment. We have plenty of cinemas, I’ve ice skated in Garema place for many years, plenty of walking and cycling options. Most Canberrans would have a nature reserve within 5 minutes of where they live.

I go kayaking on the lake, without fear of being hit by a motorised boat. We get a reasonable amount of sporting events here as well. I’ve got tickets for Afghanistan vs Bangladesh cricket game for a whole $20 each! I’d rather go see that for the culutral experience in the crowd than watch a bunch of drunk bogans at an Australian game (which I might go to also!).

Finally as a avid traveller I’m always telling people to visit here because its unique. I’ve yet to find another city that is like Canberra anywhere in the world. The people I meet who’ve visited here all rattle off tales of the things they did here and many ask why do Australians hate Canberra so much, because they couldn’t understand it. If Canberra was in Europe people would love to visit it.

I don’t think anyone has said Canberra is boring for quite a long time. And they’re free to say so – doesn’t worry actual any Canberrans, never has. John, are you from Canberra?

You’re not wrong there. It’s pretty common to hear that we’re a boring place to be, but we know it’s BS.

I’ve moved in with my partner here last year after living in the always-happening Newtown, and of course had hesitations, and friends questioning me as to why I would do something so absurd! All because Canberra was a “boring” place!!!

It’s what you make of it really. You just have to get out be adventurous and explore the place. Culture, entertainment, nightlife, it’s all there. You just need to know how to find it. From dining out in Manuka, wandering the old bus depot markets, riding the numerous bike paths around the place, urban exploration (thanks to an awesome client who took some photos of his urbex), clubbing at Chrome, right down to enjoying a pint by the fire at King O’Malleys after work, to name a few things. Haters are going to hate, and if it keeps them out of Canberra I’m quite ok with that, their loss.

So whilst we’re not as hip and happening like inner-west Sydney, me and my partner do manage to avoid this so-called boredom that outsiders warn of. We bring our own piece of Newtown to the place.

I am in total agreement with John.
One problem with Canberra is that there are too many things to do, kind of like too many shops and not enough shoppers.
While I am tempted to say a lot of people are afraid to leave their homes in case climate change arrives suddenly and the sky falls in, those same people will not leave their homes to seek entertainment because of the flat screen in the corner of the living room.
It would appear that Hollywood and FoxTel are turning us into cultural zombies.
It is sad to attend under-patronised world class live music performances knowing the artist will probably never do a gig in Canberra again.
Most young people would prefer to walk around with wires implanted in their ears it seems.
I attended some excellent movies at the Israel Film Festival and the most in the audience at any time were 10 people. It is not much different when other film festivals are here (unless they are free and refreshments supplied).
I don’t think I would be able to walk with you for one block John – we would have a punch up for sure.