UX Australia 2009

About Canberra

Lake Burley Griffin and the Carillion

Canberra is Australia’s capital city, although it is by far not the largest – with a population of 340,000, Canberra is actually quite small. And as the capital city, Canberra’s primary ‘industry’ is Government, businesses servicing Government (and businesses serving businesses serving Government – you get the idea).

Although it is a national pastime to rubbish Canberra, it really is a lovely city. It is clean, with lots of wide open spaces, parks and bushland. It is scenic and beautiful right through the year.

Canberra in winter

Yes, Canberra is cold in winter. At the time of the conference at the end of August, the top daytime temperature will be somewhere around 13C and overnight could be just below zero. But winter in Canberra is not cloudy, wet or dreary – it is usually bright, sunshiny and crisp. Overnight cold and frosts burn off quickly, usually to clear blue skies.

Canberra buildings, including the conference venue, are all heated. During the day, you won’t even know it is cold outside. Though, if you are going out at night, or touristing on the weekend, you’ll need warm clothes – at the very least a good coat and a couple of layers.

Canberra for eating & drinking

Looking across Canberra

Apparently, Canberra has more restaurants per head of population than any other Australian city. And on the whole they are very good. Dickson has by far the best Asian restaurants, Manuka and Kingston (both within walking distance of the conference venue) have a lot of restaurants and cafes with a great mix of cuisines.

Canberra doesn’t have ‘pubs’ in the same way other Australian cities do – there are a few, but definitely not like Sydney, Melbourne or most country towns. Instead, there are clubs (many sports or ethnic clubs) and bars. Trendy cocktail bars are popping up here and there and usually have a decent cocktail list, wine by the glass and a good range of local and imported beers.

Closer to the time of the conference, we’ll tell you about the best places to eat and drink.

Canberra for touristing

So many people pop in and out of Canberra for business, and never get to see more than taxis, hotels and office buildings.

Anzac Parade and Parliament House

If you are visiting for the conference, consider coming early or staying for the weekend. Canberra has fantastic galleries, historic buildings, gardens and markets, including: