First time Australia: Discovering Canberra

Honestly, besides knowing that it is the capital of Australia as a geeky Geography kid, i knew nothing about Canberra until last month, when i was invited to visit Canberra onboard Singapore Airlines’ new Capital Express route that connects Singapore with Canberra and Wellington, New Zealand… and i’m already a fan of the neglected ‘bush capital’ of Kangaroo land! Allow me to tell you why 🙂

Update! Floriade 2018 is coming back soon (Sep. 15 – Oct. 14, 2018)
Don’t miss this annual tulip extravaganza, an amazing and legit reason to visit Canberra this season.

Mumbai 🛫 Canberra onboard Singapore Airlines Business Class

This was my first Business Class travel experience, so although i may sound biased and possibly over impressed – believe me when i say that the wonderful folks at SG spoiled me silly with massive seats that unfold to become comfy full beds, an entertainment system that’s guaranteed to never let you feel bored, impeccable and earnest service and a dining experience that’s nothing less than gourmet fine dining.

With an unmatched selection of wines, cheese, coffees and teas and food that you’d imagine is ‘made in heaven’, SG made the flying experience as memorable as the destination for me. In particular, don’t say no to their champagne, teas and cheese – so, so good!

Movies i managed to catch onboard: Trip To Italy, Back To Burgundy (Ce Qui Nous Lie), Lucy

My First Impression of Canberra

Canberra came across as a thoughtfully designed, well spread out city in the midst of lush vegetation (bush), with perfect weather (about 20° c), little to no ‘traffic’ and an overall laid back vibe. The short drive from the airport to the hotel was enough to convince me that this would be a city i’d love to be seeing more of.

I spent 5 days in Canberra, and i was hosted for 4 of these days by Visit Canberra at the prestigious Hotel Realm.

Almost everything i did revolved around adventures in and around the city.

Starting with a day trek to Pigeon House Mountain which was exhilarating and relaxing at the same time,
i was amazed at how much of rich natural beauty lies untouched and undiscovered around Canberra!

A post shared by Exotic Gringo (Kaushal) (@exoticgringo) on Oct 10, 2017 at 5:34am PDT

One of my dearest and longest held dreams also came true on this journey – a hot air balloon ride!! This was a BIG thing for me, and i enjoyed every bit of it, especially because Canberra offers some pristine views with spread out landscapes and water bodies as the perfect backdrop. The cherry on top was spotting a pack of kangaroos hopping about near the Arboretum, where we descended 🙂

A post shared by Exotic Gringo (Kaushal) (@exoticgringo) on Oct 10, 2017 at 4:09pm PDT

A post shared by Exotic Gringo (Kaushal) (@exoticgringo) on Oct 12, 2017 at 3:07am PDT

happiness is when your dearest, longest held dream comes true… loved the hot air balloon ride over the beautiful city of #Canberra #Australia #hotairballoon #VisitCanberra #flySQ #LoveCBR #OutInCanberra #CanberraLocals #weareCBR #thisCanberranLife #igersCanberra #igersAustralia 🐨🌷🐨🌷🐨🌷🐨🌷🐨🌷🐨🌷 i’m in Australia this week, to @VisitCanberra with @singaporeair 🐨🌷🐨🌷🐨🌷🐨🌷🐨🌷🐨🌷

A post shared by Exotic Gringo (Kaushal) (@exoticgringo) on Oct 13, 2017 at 5:49pm PDT

the Burley Griffin Lake is at the very heart of #Canberra, and i had a supremely fun time exploring its periphery on a #Segway tour this fine afternoon! #travel #Australia #VisitCanberra 🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷 i’m in Australia this week, to @VisitCanberra with @singaporeair 🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷 #flySQ #SingaporeAirlines #CanberraAirport #igersCanberra #igersAustralia #LoveCBR #OutInCanberra #CanberraLocals #weareCBR #thisCanberranLife

A post shared by Exotic Gringo (Kaushal) (@exoticgringo) on Oct 11, 2017 at 2:22am PDT

#Canberra is fast climbing, zipping and kayaking its way up my favorite cities list 🙂 this is how last evening was spent! #kayaking #kayak #sports #adventuretourism #watersports #travel #VisitCanberra #flySQ #SingaporeAirlines #gopro #GoProIndia #adventure #holiday #vacation

A post shared by Exotic Gringo (Kaushal) (@exoticgringo) on Oct 11, 2017 at 10:24am PDT

just a koala being a koala 😁 #Canberra #VisitCanberra #Australia #flySQ #koala #wildlife #animal 🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷 i’m in Australia this week, to @VisitCanberra with @singaporeair 🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷 #flySQ #SingaporeAirlines #igersCanberra #igersAustralia #LoveCBR #OutInCanberra #CanberraLocals #weareCBR #thisCanberranLife

A post shared by Exotic Gringo (Kaushal) (@exoticgringo) on Oct 10, 2017 at 10:46pm PDT

3 hours of adrenalin filled adventures were the highlights of a day well spent in #Canberra yesterday, with @CanberraUrbanAdventures! thanks for an amazing time and for shooting this awesome memory, Graham! 😎👍 #travel #VisitCanberra #flySQ #Australia #SingaporeAirlines #igersCanberra #igersAustralia #LoveCBR #OutInCanberra #CanberraLocals #weareCBR #thisCanberranLife #adventure #biking #ebike #pedalpower #cycling #letsbeoutdoorsy

A post shared by Exotic Gringo (Kaushal) (@exoticgringo) on Oct 12, 2017 at 11:26pm PDT

Want to know more about what i did on my trip?

I’ve put together my top tips / things to do in Canberra here: 7 Epic Ways to Discover Canberra (published on Femina India).

While i’m still putting together my vlogs from the journey, do check out this short 1 minute video of all the fun i had in Canberra.

Canberra in 48 Hours

If you’re really short on time and don’t have more than 2 days to explore Canberra, here are some fab ideas to make the most of your trip.

‘One Good Thing After Another’

True to its tagline, exploring Canberra literally feels like discovering ‘One Good Thing After Another’ – primarily because almost everything in the city is so accessible. No two attractions are more than 5 kms. apart, hence the premise!

Isn’t that an awesome thing for travelers? 🙂

Where To Eat & Drink: Local Recommendations

Canberra is fast climbing the charts of the epicurean capitals of the world, and that’s evident in the array of fantastic options in the city for everything from snack bars and cafes to fine dining experiences. Here are some of my top picks…

• Akiba – Excellent pan Asian cuisine and a very hip bar
• Elk & Pea – Great burgers and fresh juices and community space
• Chairman & Yip – Avant garde Asian fusion with well paired wine suggestions
• Pollen Cafe – Al fresco cafe serving delectable all day breakfast fare with prompt service
• Pialligo Estate Farmhouse Restaurant – luxurious al fresco / indoor dining in an exquisite farmhouse
• Transit Bar – Lively bar next to the YHA hostel, popular with locals and tourists alike
• BentSpoke Brewing Company – Craft beer made in Canberra! My favorite was their ‘Crankshaft’ IPA.

A post shared by Exotic Gringo (Kaushal) (@exoticgringo) on Oct 17, 2017 at 7:08am PDT

Where To Stay in Canberra

• 5-Star: Hotel Realm is an excellent choice as a business hotel and family holidays alike.
• Mid-Range: Forrest Hotel / Greenleigh Motel / AirBNB
• Budget / Hostels: Check out Cannerra City YHA / Dickson Central
  – Great hostels for students, backpackers, solo travellers and groups with a budget under $50.
  Both hostels also have private room options.

Tip: Canberra is a very easily navigable city, for pedestrians, public transport users, bikers or taxi passengers.
So don’t worry too much about staying ‘too far from the action’ – you’re never too far from amazing things to do in Canberra.

Make It Happen: Trip Planning Resources

• Book Flights – Singapore Airlines / Kayak / SkyScanner
• Visa Info & Application – VFS India
• Travel Insurance – TATA AIG (what i use) / Others
• Travel Card / Forex – ICICI Bank (what i use) / BookMyForex
• Trip Planning
  • Visit Canberra – official tourism website
  • Wikitravel – crowdsourced wiki with every little detail to help you plan your trip
• Other Indian Blogs about Canberra:
  • Travel With Lakshmi – Canberra in 72 Hours / Top Things To Do
  • The Tiny Taster – Canberra for foodies and wine lovers
  • A Soul Window – Top 10 Reasons to visit Canberra, Capital of Australia
  • eNidhi – solo in Canberra & locker / bag storage info for travelers

Win a trip worth 5.5 Lakhs to Canberra!

T̶o̶o̶ ̶m̶u̶c̶h̶ ̶w̶a̶n̶d̶e̶r̶l̶u̶s̶t̶ ̶a̶l̶r̶e̶a̶d̶y̶?̶ ̶J̶u̶s̶t̶ ̶p̶i̶c̶k̶ ̶u̶p̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶l̶a̶t̶e̶s̶t̶ ̶i̶s̶s̶u̶e̶ ̶o̶f̶ ̶L̶o̶n̶e̶l̶y̶ ̶P̶l̶a̶n̶e̶t̶ ̶M̶a̶g̶a̶z̶i̶n̶e̶ ̶I̶n̶d̶i̶a̶ ̶(̶N̶o̶v̶e̶m̶b̶e̶r̶ ̶2̶0̶1̶7̶)̶ ̶f̶o̶r̶ ̶a̶ ̶c̶h̶a̶n̶c̶e̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶w̶i̶n̶ ̶a̶ ̶l̶u̶x̶u̶r̶y̶ ̶t̶r̶i̶p̶ ̶w̶o̶r̶t̶h̶ ̶R̶s̶.̶5̶.̶5̶ ̶L̶a̶k̶h̶s̶!̶ ̶(̶L̶u̶c̶k̶y̶ ̶d̶r̶a̶w̶ ̶c̶o̶u̶p̶o̶n̶ ̶o̶n̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶s̶e̶c̶o̶n̶d̶ ̶l̶a̶s̶t̶ ̶p̶a̶g̶e̶)̶.̶
[Retired]

Got any specific questions or need any help with making your Australia / Canberra trip happen?

Feel free to ask me in the comments below!