Canberra's Quiet LUXURY

Discover how Australia's most understated city offers cultural indulgence, serene landscapes, and quiet moments of luxe calm with Ainee Nizami Ahmedi

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As someone who's visited Australia often, I'll admit it — my itinerary usually leans heavily on Sydney and Melbourne. They're easy to reach from Mumbai, offer all the vacation staples (beaches, brilliant restaurants, blue skies), and hold the title of Australia's most celebrated cities. But this time — thanks to an invitation from Visit Canberra — I added a new destination to the list. And honestly, it might just be my favourite yet.

Canberra, the country's capital, is a masterclass in balance. Just a one-hour flight or a three or seven-hour road trip from either Sydney or Melbourne, it delivers rich culture, immersive nature, and the kind of precision-planned architecture that feels both intentional and inspiring. From the top of Mount Ainslie, the city unfolds like a perfectly designed postcard — modern, lush, and quietly powerful.

We landed early via Sydney, and my first experience was a scenic, slow-glide across Lake Burley Griffin on the charmingly named Love Boat. These self-driven electric boats (easy enough for beginners) let you explore the calm waters at your own pace. I was lucky to be accompanied by the owner, who pointed out Canberra's greatest hits from the water — Parliament House, the chiming National Carillon, the National Museum of Australia, and my personal favourite, the Captain Cook Memorial Jet, shooting 482 feet into the air with theatrical flair.