QLD to ACT

thatsnotme said :

When it comes to Canberra, it can be difficult to get an unbiased opinion. At least if you have some idea of how this place fits together, you may be able to seperate the good from the bad opinions you’ll almost certainly get.

what, thatsnotme?? an unbiased opinion on the riotact?? where?

Canberra is a wonderful place to live and particularly to bring up kids. Everywhere you drive is a picture postcard view. There are stacks of things to do every weekend if you have kids, and plenty if you don’t – particularly if you enjoy ‘brain food’ – free lectures at ANU by world leaders in various fields are frequent.

But be prepared for the reality that anything that involves exchange of money means you as a high paid public servant (which appears to be the assumption of every business and government agency here)can afford to pay far higher prices than anyway else in this country.

Construction will start soon on some quite nice (from the plans) apartments on Flemington Road in Harrison. Although I wouldn’t want one of the ones facing west and overlooking what will be a very busy transport corridor. See the DA on actpla.act.gov.au. (The one that expired last week not the crap one that expires today.)

As for cold, as a Queenslander myself who ran away from the growing claustrophobia of the Sunshine Coast, I have found no problem adapting, and seem to feel the cold far less than locals. Outdoors, the cold is simply a state of clothing, and that said, I’ve never even felt the need to wear thermals in Canberra. Indoors, my hypothesis is that most of the people who complain about cold live in crappy old homes with energy efficiency ratings of near zero, and they are lucky to survive to ANZAC Day without cranking up the central heating. We are in a 6+ star home and it is ANZAC Day + 15 and still not even looked like needing heating. Anyway – it means the snow is nice and close.

Thatsnotme’s advice is good.

Honestly, if you’re seriously considering upping and moving to a city you’re never been to, why don’t you take a week off – a long weekend if that’s all you can afford – and actually visit for a bit? Get a bit of an idea of how the city is laid out, where stuff is, what there is to do, etc etc?

When it comes to Canberra, it can be difficult to get an unbiased opinion. At least if you have some idea of how this place fits together, you may be able to seperate the good from the bad opinions you’ll almost certainly get.

What is there to do? The same stuff as in any other place. Hang out with friends, go to restaurants, movies, shopping, have a picnic, see a band, ride your bike, walk the dog, fly a kite. In addition we have free national attractions(museum, war memorial), bush nearby, beach, snow and Sydney within 3 hours.

If you’re working in the Parliamentary Triangle and you’re young and single, you’d probably prefer living in Kingston or elsewhere in the inner south. Start looking here.

What do all the other 20 somethings do? Well, going by the coverage in the Canberra Times and elsewhere, get drunk and then violent. I’m kidding, this happens to some degree, but I am mainly being facetious (it’s an RA tradition ;))

There are a number of nightclubs/pubs around in Civic, Kingston and (maybe) elsewhere. Canberra’s restaurants are generally of a good standard, and some are excellent. We have a lot of markets around on weekends, and there are various festivals on across the year. And much to many people’s surprise, Canberra is also fairly multicultural.

Having said that, this city is not that big, so it won’t feel like Sydney or Melbourne despite being the capital. Much of what happens is low-key, and you’ll enjoy Canberra better if you join in with things going on – i.e in clubs and/or volunteering at stuff that takes your fancy.

Housing – start looking now, it’s very overvalued for both buying and rentals. Starting off in a share house may be a good idea until you know your way around.

Weather – it does get cold, but even in winter much of the time, it is clear and sunny….which allows people to get out cycling, walking etc. It also helps us to develop a strong appreciation for spring!

Hope you get the job, and good luck. We’ll be happy to tease you again next time you visit the website 😛

We have less Queenslanders here, so you’ll find it’s actually a pretty nice place to live.

Thanks for all of your comments. Much appreciated. In a answer to a few questions: I do intend to drive – not catch the bus. The position would be in parliamentary triangle. I am actually living on the Sunshine Coast at the moment, not Brisbane. There is nothing to do on the SC, so am not too concerned about a lack of the same in Canberra. Is there really that little to do though?! What do all the other 20 somethings do?! As for seafood… I don’t eat it so not too bummed about that 🙂 I am concerned about being freezing all the time but on the upside, means I get to wear awesome jackets, boots etc which I can’t do here 🙂

Thanks again for all of your comments! Please keep them coming!

Bring your warm clothing. It gets cold. Canberra is a lovely place as long as you don’t live on the other side of the lake. Yarralumla is where you want to be.

Don’t get to worried about the budget. They are always gutting the Public Service in Canberra. More work for the private sector.

I’d also second the suggestions for inner north (for apartments, particularly City, Turner & Braddon) and inner south (particularly Kingston, Manuka, Barton) – depending on which is closer to your job. Ideally you want to be able to walk to work.