what is good about canberra?

[sharleen]

Just wondering, if anyone here lives in Canberra, could you perhaps tell me what is good there? day-to-day stuff like cinemas, venues, cafes, markets, shops etc?

Looks like I might be moving there next year for a job.

[awaywithfairies]

I don't live in Canberra but am a relatively regular visitor to see friends (every couple of months or so).

A big Dendy cinema complex opened in the Canberra Centre at the beginning of the year. I think it's the biggest Dendy in the country. Arty-type films plus a few mainstream movies (Harry Potter et al).

As for venues, I've seen shows at Tilley's Devine Cafe in Lyneham, the ANU Bar, Canberra Uni and the Canberra Theatre. I'm sure there's others around, too.

And, of course, there's the National Gallery, the National Museum, the National Library and all the other 'National' stuff Canberra has...

People tend to run Canberra down. Sure, there's possibly not as much happening as in Melbourne or Sydney but I actually think it's not too bad for a city of it's size.

[unfrufru]

porn, pot and legal fireworks.

what more do u need

[sharleen]

Originally Posted by unfrufru

porn, pot and legal fireworks.

what more do u need

in that case, I expect you will be visiting me? hehe

[louie]

pot is no longer legal in canberra. year or so they stoped it. people still think it is tho.

[Playm8]

I'm not so sure fireworks are either...
It is, however, legal to make porn. Go that.
Looks like the list is getting shorter, hey.
Well I would agree with Awaywithfairies, and recommend Dendy Cinemas, http://www.dendy.com.au/locations_canberra.asp Gorman House Markets, the best pubs are the Wig and Pen and The Phoenix (which I don't think has a website, but it's in the city and is really good), I'm told the op-shops in Queanbeyan are worth checking out (shrug), and the National Film and Sound Archive - actually, all the cultural institutions here are good. A little list to get you started. Of course, I'd still recommend not moving here!

[sharleen]

I wouldn't freely choose to live in Canberra - but when its between having a great job or having no job, I'll surrender.

Seems like I'm not short of film stuff there. I've heard the ANU film group is pretty awesome too and its open to everyone.

Any good indie clubs?
And more importantly, places to get good coffee?

[nick smith]

Also, there's a small stand-up scene just getting started here with a bunch of local comedians (including me). 4 different gigs a month at:

• the Front Cafe and Gallery in Lyneham (just down from old coffee shop favourite Tilleys) (every second wednesday, next is the 12th of Sept);
• the University of Canberra Greenroom (next one 5 September)
• the Soul Bar in Woden (this coming wednesday); and
• the Venue in Erindale (way down south, later in September)...

As somebody else said, Canberra does pretty well for a city of just 300k...

(this is my first post, apologies for making it so self-interested but wanted to advertise....)

cheers

Nick

[sharleen]

sounds good Nick, I'll make sure to check some rooms out when I move in Feb.
I was only talking to my flatmates about possible venues in Canberra the other night (both of them are comedians), so they might come up and check them out too.

[Playm8]

Originally Posted by nick smith

Also, there's a small stand-up scene just getting started here with a bunch of local comedians (including me). 4 different gigs a month at:

• the Front Cafe and Gallery in Lyneham (just down from old coffee shop favourite Tilleys) (every second wednesday, next is the 12th of Sept);
• the University of Canberra Greenroom (next one 5 September)
• the Soul Bar in Woden (this coming wednesday); and
• the Venue in Erindale (way down south, later in September)...

As somebody else said, Canberra does pretty well for a city of just 300k...

(this is my first post, apologies for making it so self-interested but wanted to advertise....)

cheers

Nick

Thanks for that, Nick, I didn't know about those. Have you put them on the Mosh calendar?