Living in Australian Capital Territory
Canberra, Australia’s Capital City
A Great Place for a fresh start
Canberra offers a fresh start in more ways than one. Ours is a beautiful city of wide open spaces, fresh air, community living and a more relaxed way of life.
Yet you’ll still enjoy the best in cosmopolitan living. Canberra offers all the city services and lifestyle amenities of a world-class capital: an excellent transport network, great shopping, an exciting nightlife and a stylish café/restaurant culture.
Canberra is Australia’s capital, and Parliament House dominates the skyline. However, for most of us in Canberra ‘the house on the Hill’ is simply a backdrop for the city in which we live, work and play. Canberra is so much more than a city of politics – it has hundreds of wonderful restaurants and cafes, an action-packed, year-round program of community and sporting events and magnificent parklands and open spaces.
Better still, nothing in Canberra is very far away. Getting to work, school or the shops, and even taking the kids to sport, is a breeze on our great roads, free of tollways and tunnels.
Yet you’ll still enjoy the best in cosmopolitan living. Canberra offers all the city services and lifestyle amenities of a world-class capital: an excellent transport network, great shopping, an exciting nightlife and a stylish café/restaurant culture.
Canberra is Australia’s capital, and Parliament House dominates the skyline. However, for most of us in Canberra ‘the house on the Hill’ is simply a backdrop for the city in which we live, work and play. Canberra is so much more than a city of politics – it has hundreds of wonderful restaurants and cafes, an action-packed, year-round program of community and sporting events and magnificent parklands and open spaces.
Better still, nothing in Canberra is very far away. Getting to work, school or the shops, and even taking the kids to sport, is a breeze on our great roads, free of tollways and tunnels.
Thousands of jobs
Imagine living in a city where you can get to work – even during ‘rush hour’ – in an average of 20 minutes. A city with no toll roads, no pollution and no stressful traffic snarls. Where you spend less time in traffic and more time doing the things you love.
That’s what it’s like working in Canberra. And right now there are thousands of jobs available for suitably qualified workers. Employers across a wide range of industries – from construction to health care to IT – are looking to fill positions right now.
The city is at the centre of the dynamic capital region, and is home to a booming and increasingly diverse economy. There are more than 20,000 businesses in Canberra, from multinationals down to micro businesses.
Canberra’s unemployment rate is at a near-record low, at around 3.0%, and is always significantly below the national average. That means skilled and qualified workers are in demand, and there is no shortage of opportunities in the workplace. Workers in Canberra enjoy the highest average income in Australia, with an average full-time weekly income of around $1,300 per week – that’s about 20% higher than the Australian average.
That extra money in your pocket really comes in handy for all the great shopping, dining, wineries and entertainment facilities scattered throughout the nation’s capital.
After leaving work on a Friday afternoon, in just two hours Canberrans can be on the south coast of New South Wales or the Snowy Mountains’ ski resorts. No other Australian city can boast such a remarkable location, and that’s on top of the endless opportunities in the Australian Capital Territory itself.
That’s what it’s like working in Canberra. And right now there are thousands of jobs available for suitably qualified workers. Employers across a wide range of industries – from construction to health care to IT – are looking to fill positions right now.
The city is at the centre of the dynamic capital region, and is home to a booming and increasingly diverse economy. There are more than 20,000 businesses in Canberra, from multinationals down to micro businesses.
Canberra’s unemployment rate is at a near-record low, at around 3.0%, and is always significantly below the national average. That means skilled and qualified workers are in demand, and there is no shortage of opportunities in the workplace. Workers in Canberra enjoy the highest average income in Australia, with an average full-time weekly income of around $1,300 per week – that’s about 20% higher than the Australian average.
That extra money in your pocket really comes in handy for all the great shopping, dining, wineries and entertainment facilities scattered throughout the nation’s capital.
After leaving work on a Friday afternoon, in just two hours Canberrans can be on the south coast of New South Wales or the Snowy Mountains’ ski resorts. No other Australian city can boast such a remarkable location, and that’s on top of the endless opportunities in the Australian Capital Territory itself.
A lifestyle that suits you
You’ll love living in Canberra, and you can choose a lifestyle that suits you, from a cosmopolitan city apartment to a large home on a big block of land. And with an average commute time of 20 minutes, you’ll have the opportunity to spend more time there.
Canberra is planned around a series of town centres - Woden, Tuggeranong, Belconnen and Gungahlin. Each has its own group of satellite suburbs and comes complete with a major shopping centre, schools and community facilities. There are also smaller suburban shopping centres and local schools.
If the suburbs aren’t your style, how about a waterfront apartment at Kingston foreshore? Canberra’s café districts Kingston and Manuka, as well as the city itself, offer the best in cosmopolitan inner city apartment living. Or, if you’re looking for a few acres, you can have a country lifestyle within half an hour of the city in nearby rural villages – Stromlo, Uriarra, Murrumbateman and Bungendore.
Canberra is also very family-friendly. We have a clean and pollution-free urban environment, a low crime rate, Australia’s best roads and hundreds of kilometres of bike paths. As well as clean air, a safe environment and lots of wide open spaces, we have excellent health and children’s services.
Canberra is planned around a series of town centres - Woden, Tuggeranong, Belconnen and Gungahlin. Each has its own group of satellite suburbs and comes complete with a major shopping centre, schools and community facilities. There are also smaller suburban shopping centres and local schools.
If the suburbs aren’t your style, how about a waterfront apartment at Kingston foreshore? Canberra’s café districts Kingston and Manuka, as well as the city itself, offer the best in cosmopolitan inner city apartment living. Or, if you’re looking for a few acres, you can have a country lifestyle within half an hour of the city in nearby rural villages – Stromlo, Uriarra, Murrumbateman and Bungendore.
Canberra is also very family-friendly. We have a clean and pollution-free urban environment, a low crime rate, Australia’s best roads and hundreds of kilometres of bike paths. As well as clean air, a safe environment and lots of wide open spaces, we have excellent health and children’s services.
Live it up, or play it down
If outdoor pursuits are your thing, look no further than the picturesque bushland that surrounds the city. Mountain biking is huge here, with challenging rides available for the adventurous. Bushwalking, sailing on Lake Burley Griffin, or exploring the 374km of city bike paths might be more to your taste. The ski slopes are just two hours away and the beaches at the South Coast are less than a two-hour drive.
If you’re into sport, this is the place for you. As well as being home to many of Australia’s sporting heroes (and their training ground, the Australian Institute of Sport), Canberra fields top teams in rugby league and rugby union, basketball, netball and hockey. We also enjoy regular matches in Australian Football League, or ‘Aussie Rules’.
But it’s not just spectator sport. Canberrans have the highest participation rate in sports of any State or Territory. There are 10 golf courses and great facilities for other sports, from tennis to touch football, from cricket to croquet. And there are hundreds of junior sporting teams as well.
Canberra is a cultural treasure house. The National Gallery of Australia and other national monuments have ever-changing exhibitions and there is a thriving theatre and music scene. Not just the classics, either. As you’d expect in a city with the youngest population in Australia, top bands visit regularly.
If shopping is your thing, Canberra has its share of trendy boutiques, large department stores and everything in between. Shopping centres with department and specialty stores, fresh food markets and entertainment can be found in the town centres as well as in the city centre.
When it comes to wining and dining, Canberra can cater to every taste. There are nearly 50 regional wineries, plus award-winning restaurants, cafes, bars, clubs and pubs. No matter how you like to spend your leisure time, Canberra has plenty to offer.
If you’re into sport, this is the place for you. As well as being home to many of Australia’s sporting heroes (and their training ground, the Australian Institute of Sport), Canberra fields top teams in rugby league and rugby union, basketball, netball and hockey. We also enjoy regular matches in Australian Football League, or ‘Aussie Rules’.
But it’s not just spectator sport. Canberrans have the highest participation rate in sports of any State or Territory. There are 10 golf courses and great facilities for other sports, from tennis to touch football, from cricket to croquet. And there are hundreds of junior sporting teams as well.
Canberra is a cultural treasure house. The National Gallery of Australia and other national monuments have ever-changing exhibitions and there is a thriving theatre and music scene. Not just the classics, either. As you’d expect in a city with the youngest population in Australia, top bands visit regularly.
If shopping is your thing, Canberra has its share of trendy boutiques, large department stores and everything in between. Shopping centres with department and specialty stores, fresh food markets and entertainment can be found in the town centres as well as in the city centre.
When it comes to wining and dining, Canberra can cater to every taste. There are nearly 50 regional wineries, plus award-winning restaurants, cafes, bars, clubs and pubs. No matter how you like to spend your leisure time, Canberra has plenty to offer.
Australia’s best schools and universities
Canberra’s school system is recognised as the best in Australia. It has the highest retention rate of students completing secondary schooling, and the percentage of Canberra students gaining entrance to university is also the highest in Australia.
ACT Government schools and independent schools offer high quality learning in modern, well-equipped and supportive environments. Over the next three years, the ACT Government is investing a record $90 million for upgrading public schools in Canberra and spending another $20 million on providing schools with state of the art information technology.
Students enjoy a balanced education with opportunities for intellectual, sporting and cultural development. Schools also cater for the diverse needs of a multicultural student population, including intensive English language tuition. Canberra schools are designed to complement the surroundings and are located on extensive grounds, incorporating playing fields and recreational facilities.
Canberra is also home to many tertiary institutions, including the Australian National University and the University of Canberra. The ANU is consistently ranked as one of the best universities in the world and the University of Canberra ranks in the top ten among Australian universities for excellence in learning and teaching.
The Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) is the largest provider of vocational education and training in Canberra. CIT offers over 450 programs across five faculties. Qualifications range from certificate to degree level and provide a range of flexible learning options.
ACT Government schools and independent schools offer high quality learning in modern, well-equipped and supportive environments. Over the next three years, the ACT Government is investing a record $90 million for upgrading public schools in Canberra and spending another $20 million on providing schools with state of the art information technology.
Students enjoy a balanced education with opportunities for intellectual, sporting and cultural development. Schools also cater for the diverse needs of a multicultural student population, including intensive English language tuition. Canberra schools are designed to complement the surroundings and are located on extensive grounds, incorporating playing fields and recreational facilities.
Canberra is also home to many tertiary institutions, including the Australian National University and the University of Canberra. The ANU is consistently ranked as one of the best universities in the world and the University of Canberra ranks in the top ten among Australian universities for excellence in learning and teaching.
The Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) is the largest provider of vocational education and training in Canberra. CIT offers over 450 programs across five faculties. Qualifications range from certificate to degree level and provide a range of flexible learning options.
First-rate health system
Our city is well supplied with high quality health care facilities, including two large public hospitals, private hospitals and a wide range of community-based health services. ACT residents can also call HealthDirect 24 hours a day, seven days a week for health advice.
Canberra also provides a range of children’s services including family day care, occasional care, long day care, playschools, preschools and school-aged care.
Canberra also provides a range of children’s services including family day care, occasional care, long day care, playschools, preschools and school-aged care.
What’s on in Canberra
It’s now nearly 100 years since a little-known Chicago architect, Walter Burley Griffin, sat down to design what he hoped would one day become – ‘an ideal city.’ Canberra is now counting down to its centenary celebrations in 2013. That alone will be an unforgettable year with myriad special events and celebrations planned. But you don’t have to wait until 2013 to experience the ‘buzz’ of Canberra. Rev-heads, sports enthusiasts and flower lovers are all well catered for in Canberra, a city which seems to stage a major event every week throughout the year. The action starts with the midnight fireworks in the city centre on New Year’s Eve and never stops.
In January more than 100,000 car enthusiasts pour into the city for the annual Summernats Festival. The month ends with a big Australia Day festival, including the announcement of the Australian of the Year and a huge pop concert on the lawns of Parliament House. February is National Multicultural Festival month, a colourful and vibrant celebration of our wonderful mix of cultures.
In March, Canberra celebrates its birthday with a 10-day festival and car rally. And every year there’s a huge Canberra birthday event with food, wine and great entertainment in the park. The annual Skyfire event sees the night sky above Lake Burley Griffin lit up as one of the biggest choreographed fireworks shows in Australia attracts a crowd of 100,000-plus. Horse racing lovers are well catered for, with the Black Opal and Canberra Cup meetings the biggest drawcards.
Canberra really is at its spectacular best when the rich autumn colours explode in April. Autumn in Canberra sees the skies come to life with dozens of dancing hot air balloons and our best folk musicians on show at the National Folk Festival. And there’s no better place to spend Anzac Day than at the Australian War Memorial. From June through August the event action moves indoors for winter, with most of our magnificent national attractions staging special exhibitions. Entry to most of Canberra’s great national attractions is free. The National Science Festival shows the fun side of the world of science.
Canberra marks the arrival of spring with the annual Floriade in the lakeside Commonwealth Park. This month-long flower festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors from around Australia and the world, and the locals love it too. In summer there’s the Brindabella Cycling Classic, Christmas in the City, jet skiing and national sailing titles on the lake and a great program of free outdoor movies and musical entertainment in our gorgeous parks and the National Botanic Gardens.
In January more than 100,000 car enthusiasts pour into the city for the annual Summernats Festival. The month ends with a big Australia Day festival, including the announcement of the Australian of the Year and a huge pop concert on the lawns of Parliament House. February is National Multicultural Festival month, a colourful and vibrant celebration of our wonderful mix of cultures.
In March, Canberra celebrates its birthday with a 10-day festival and car rally. And every year there’s a huge Canberra birthday event with food, wine and great entertainment in the park. The annual Skyfire event sees the night sky above Lake Burley Griffin lit up as one of the biggest choreographed fireworks shows in Australia attracts a crowd of 100,000-plus. Horse racing lovers are well catered for, with the Black Opal and Canberra Cup meetings the biggest drawcards.
Canberra really is at its spectacular best when the rich autumn colours explode in April. Autumn in Canberra sees the skies come to life with dozens of dancing hot air balloons and our best folk musicians on show at the National Folk Festival. And there’s no better place to spend Anzac Day than at the Australian War Memorial. From June through August the event action moves indoors for winter, with most of our magnificent national attractions staging special exhibitions. Entry to most of Canberra’s great national attractions is free. The National Science Festival shows the fun side of the world of science.
Canberra marks the arrival of spring with the annual Floriade in the lakeside Commonwealth Park. This month-long flower festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors from around Australia and the world, and the locals love it too. In summer there’s the Brindabella Cycling Classic, Christmas in the City, jet skiing and national sailing titles on the lake and a great program of free outdoor movies and musical entertainment in our gorgeous parks and the National Botanic Gardens.
Location, location, location!
No other city in Australia can boast such a remarkable location. In just a couple of hours, Canberrans can be on the beautiful south coast beaches or Snowy Mountains ski resorts.
Although Australia is a big country, our population is mainly concentrated along the east coast of the continent. Canberra’s location puts it at the heart of the prosperous south-east. It’s close to major agricultural and commercial centres and strategically located between Australia’s two biggest cities – Sydney and Melbourne.
Canberra’s airport is located within ten minutes drive of the city. Regular direct flights are available to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide and there are daily connections to all other Australian capital cities. Regional flights are also available. There are also regular daily bus and train services between Canberra and Sydney with connections to other capital cities.
Although Australia is a big country, our population is mainly concentrated along the east coast of the continent. Canberra’s location puts it at the heart of the prosperous south-east. It’s close to major agricultural and commercial centres and strategically located between Australia’s two biggest cities – Sydney and Melbourne.
Canberra’s airport is located within ten minutes drive of the city. Regular direct flights are available to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide and there are daily connections to all other Australian capital cities. Regional flights are also available. There are also regular daily bus and train services between Canberra and Sydney with connections to other capital cities.
Help with Immigration
If you work in a skilled occupation or are interested in establishing a business or investing in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), we may be able to help you obtain the appropriate visas through our Skilled and Business Migration program. This program aims to add value to the ACT economy by increasing the number of skilled people who live here.
The ACT can sponsor your application for a temporary or permanent visa if you are prepared to make a commitment to living and working in Canberra and meet certain requirements. Sponsorships are assessed in conjunction with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship visa criteria. For more information about the Skilled and Business Migration Program, visit www.business.act.gov.au.
For more information on settlement, employment, housing and lifestyle visit
www.liveincanberra.com.au and www.business.act.gov.au or phone 13 22 81
Canberra fast facts (as at June 2008)
Population: 340,000
Median age: 34 years
Unemployment rate: 2.8% (4.2% nationally)
Average full time weekly income: $AUD 1,288
Average commute time to work: 20 minutes
The ACT can sponsor your application for a temporary or permanent visa if you are prepared to make a commitment to living and working in Canberra and meet certain requirements. Sponsorships are assessed in conjunction with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship visa criteria. For more information about the Skilled and Business Migration Program, visit www.business.act.gov.au.
For more information on settlement, employment, housing and lifestyle visit
www.liveincanberra.com.au and www.business.act.gov.au or phone 13 22 81
Canberra fast facts (as at June 2008)
Population: 340,000
Median age: 34 years
Unemployment rate: 2.8% (4.2% nationally)
Average full time weekly income: $AUD 1,288
Average commute time to work: 20 minutes