The beautiful Canberra, Australia.
This decision has been a slow burn and quite frankly, it is such a relief to have the official plans for life after Korea. Having never stepped foot onto most of the countries (continents) we have ended up calling home, this will be no exception. I am excited to have our next adventure be all things Oceania. Canberra was recently voted World’s Best City for Quality of Life in 2025 and I can’t wait to experience it first hand. Here is a little bit about our future destination.
Canberra, Australia’s capital city, often surprises visitors with its unique blend of natural beauty, modern design, and community spirit. Nestled between Sydney and Melbourne in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Canberra is home to around 450,000 people, making it one of the country’s smaller major cities, but one with a big personality.
Location and Layout
Purpose-built in 1913 to serve as the nation’s political heart, Canberra was designed by American architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin. Its layout is a combination of geometric precision and integration with nature, featuring wide boulevards, man-made Lake Burley Griffin, and plenty of parklands. The city’s compact size makes it easy to navigate, and its location in the ACT places it just a few hours’ drive from both the coast and the Snowy Mountains.
Weather and Climate
Canberra experiences all four seasons distinctly. Summers are warm to hot, with average highs around 27°C (81°F). Autumn brings crisp air and beautiful foliage, especially in suburbs like Yarralumla and Barton. Winters can be chilly, with frosty mornings and average highs near 11°C (52°F), and occasional snow in surrounding hills. Spring is mild and full of blossoming flowers, celebrated by the famous Floriade Festival.
Culture and Community
Despite being a political hub, Canberra has a vibrant cultural scene. The city is home to national institutions such as the National Gallery of Australia, the Australian War Memorial, and the National Museum of Australia. There’s also a growing local arts and music community, weekly markets, and a strong café culture. Canberra is known for its festivals—like Enlighten, which transforms the city into a nighttime light show.
Major Attractions
- Parliament House – Iconic and open for tours.
- Lake Burley Griffin – Perfect for cycling, rowing, and lakeside picnics.
- Australian National Botanic Gardens – A celebration of native flora.
- Mount Ainslie Lookout – Stunning panoramic views of the city.
- Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve – Wildlife spotting for kangaroos, koalas, and emus.
Canberra might not have the buzz of the larger cities, but its charm lies in its thoughtful design, community spirit, and easy access to both cultural treasures and natural beauty. Doesn’t that sound nice? I’m not sure if I will be able to give up 24/7 access to all the big city perks of Seoul, but I’m excited to shift gears for this next chapter. For sure, you can catch me trying to spot kangaroo’s but until then, I am going to soak up every minute I have left in Korea and Asia.
When the next destination becomes clear, the countdown starts ticking for the one you are in. The transition is full of all the bittersweet feelings of excitement for what is ahead and wrapping up life with the wonderful community you have established. I will never get over how to it feels to find yourself home in a foreign country and how deeply you connect with so many different places around the world. For now, it’s living this last year in Asia to its fullest.
exploring:
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