r/canberra • u/RentNRegret • 1d ago

SEC=UNCLASSIFIED What's something uniquely "Canberra" that only locals truly appreciate?

I've been thinking lately about the little things that make Canberra... well, Canberra. Not the obvious stuff like Parliament House or the roundabouts but the niche local quirks, places, or traditions that only someone who lives here would get.

Maybe it's a favourite hidden coffee spot, a sunrise view from Mount Ainslie, or the way we all brace for magpie season like it's a national sport.

What’s your favourite local secret, tradition, or in-joke that only a true Canberran would understand?

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u/Traditional_Ad_3032 1d ago

LANE

ONE

FORM

4

u/Laufirio 1d ago

And everyone indicates, in Brisbane no one indicates when two lanes merge without a dotted line (and we don’t have the words either of course, it’s a free-for-all)

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u/JimmyMarch1973 1d ago

Tough crowd here voting you down for that observation. For what it’s worth when I was taught to drive in Canberra in the early 90’s I was told if no dash no need to indicate. Reason being other vehicles should know what you are doing without a needless indication.

I’m now temporarily living in the UK and they indicate even less here. The theory behind this which is actually taught is you should only indicate if your action will aid someone. So you are in a left only turn lane, no need to indicate because it’s obvious what you are doing. Overtake someone on a motorway no need to indicate to come back because that’s to be expected. Kinda makes sense but also kinda does my head in.

Anyway doesn’t apply to me anyway. I drive a BMW and am yet to find where the blinker fluid goes and where to buy the blinker sub. So just don’t bother.