When to Visit - Arts and Events

Canberra is a great exponent of the Australians' love of sport. From here you can even ski during winter on the highest peaks. Lake Burley-Griffin provides facilities for almost all the water sports that you could ever need, and the city hosts many football, cricket and rugby matches. However, Canberra is not just about outdoor pursuits; there are a number of top-quality theatres, museums, galleries and concert halls in the Australian capital that play host to local performers and touring shows.

Canberra Dining

An enormous choice of international cuisine is available in most major cities in Australia and Canberra is no exception. From Lebanese to Japanese, Mexican to Indian, all tastes are catered for. The restaurants are mostly chic and modern with artistic leanings, many doubling as small galleries. Log fires in the winter and sun terraces in the summer overlooking pretty gardens provide the perfect ambience for enjoyable a meal. However, this cosmopolitan dining still has room for local specialities. It is always worth sampling the home-grown dishes of any nation. Here in Australia's capital, menus include the exciting alternatives of alligator, emu and kangaroo. If this seems a little too adventurous, the fresh fish, particularly tuna, is tremendous.

Canberra Tipping Advice

In general it is not customary to tip in Australia, although this is now changing and 10% will sometimes be added to hotel bills. In some of the more exclusive restaurants it is usual to tip up to 10%, but on the whole gratuities are at your own discretion.