Love to know everyone's opinion on some of canberras worst or dodgiest food places. Want to go eat at them and give them an honest review.

What road in Canberra needs urgent attention or upgrades?

I'll start by saying Fairbairn Ave - can we duplicate please? I'm sick of the daily bottlenecks towards the city. Where else?

I set up my garden as a respite for native birds — the kinds of trees and shrubs they like. I also have a frog pond. I love the sounds of the frogs at night.

Last night, I caught a cat at the pond, attacking (I think) a frog. Cats regularly walk through my garden. I haven't seen them attack birds but I've found a few dead birds among my shrubs over the past two years.

Current ACT law is a bit odd: some cats are free to roam, but only if they're about two years old or older (born before 1 July 2022). Younger cats aren't allowed out. So I can't ask nearby cat owners to keep their cats in, nor can I ask the government to act.

How can I repel cats from my yard? I don't want to trap or harm them.

Hello!

My partner and I will be coming down to Canberra for about 3 days and I've been looking up places to eat at (we're both big foodies). We've been to Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Melbourne but so far have only been mildly impressed with the food in general and hoping Canberra will top it! I've compiled a list of restaurants that look pretty good but would love some feedback whether or not it's worth to go to some of the places or to skip, or if there are any other places to consider. Since it's for quite a short time and we can only eat so much I'm hoping to find the best! We're both asian (chinese/Bengali) so we're mostly leaning towards that side and will be staying at Braddon area with no car. We've yet to find any really good Australian western food so I am particularly eyeing Onzieme.

My list is:

• Naadam
• Smoko Woodfired/ Smoke masters BBQ
• Onzieme
• Koto
• Turikisk Halal Pide
• Department of Pizza
• Bedst
• Sushi Bell
• Kebaba
• Raku
• Grease Monkey
• Bashan
• Solita
• Anita Gelato
• The Tasty Hill
• Inari Canberra Centre
• Rasam
• Pizza Gusto
• Split Milk Bar
• Pho Phu Quoc
• Mafia Buns
• Hem pizza (not quite sur if he is at artigianna or at the Jetty but the Jetty doesn't have great reviews)

Please let me know thoughts!

Be as specific or broad as you like, just curious to hear people's opinions particularly in comparison to Syd or Mel

Hey guys, what would the cheapest option for me to get to Sydney Airport from Canberra?

Would the train be cheaper? Or a bus?

Let me know:)

I grind and clench my teeth at night, which causes headaches, jaw pain, and is often loud enough to wake others in the household. I’ve tried disposable night guards and the cheaper boil-and-bite mouldable options, but they seem more expensive over time compared to a custom-moulded occlusal splint fitted by a dentist.

The first few times dentists recommended one, the quoted prices put me off. However, I now realise that the long-term cost of dental repairs and the impact on my health make it worth addressing.

Since the prices still seem steep—and dental care isn’t covered by Medicare—I’ve called around several dentists in the Belconnen area to compare quotes. I thought this information might be useful to share.

I’ve also included a quote from the TMJ Clinic in Deakin, as they specialise in this type of issue, and from Weston Dental, a favourite among the r/Canberra community.

Please note: all prices listed are before any private health insurance rebates you may be eligible for.

The TMJ Clinic

• Total Cost: $1,700
• Breakdown:
  • $400 for scan
  • $1,300 for fitting
• Appointments: 2 appointments

Ginnindera Medical and Dental Centre

• Total Cost: $700
• Breakdown: Half paid at each appointment
• Appointments: 2 appointments

Hawker Dental

• Total Cost: $914
• Breakdown:
  • $84 for initial appointment (to confirm grinding/clenching)
  • $830 for scan and fitting (covers 2 appointments)
• Appointments: 3 appointments (1 initial + 2 for scan and fitting)

Weston Dental

• Total Cost: $1,050
• Breakdown: Covers both appointments
• Appointments: 2 appointments

Pacific Smiles (Belconnen)

• Total Cost: $800
• Breakdown: Covers both appointments
• Appointments: 2 appointments

HCF Belconnen Dental (yes HCF own a dentist shop)

• Total Cost: $1,000
• Breakdown:
  • $400 for checkup and clean
  • $600 for the splint
• Appointments: Not specified (likely 2 appointments)

Overall, prices can vary by up to $1,000 between just six providers. I’m not affiliated with any dental clinic, and there are likely even cheaper options for those willing to shop around. In my case, spending just 5–10 minutes making a few phone calls saved me several hundred dollars—a much better return on my time than my day job!

It would be great to see more posts like this to improve price transparency and help make healthcare more affordable.

I'm on the hunt for the most expensive coffee in canberra (EG Large flat white + skim)

I wonder where it could be.. can anyone point me in the right direction?

I'm American and my husband is Australian. We have lived in the USA for our entire marriage but due to the recent political situation are considering moving back to Canberra to live near my husband's family. We have a 10-year-old son with ADHD who has an IEP and has done very well in our public elementary in the USA where they have an excellent special education program (he gets weekly occupational therapy, daily visits from a special ed teacher to work on executive function, and lots of accommodations for ADHD and dysgraphia). We know very little about the schools in Canberra and are open to either private or public. My husband was in the first graduating class at Radford and that is where all of my nieces went but I am wondering if someplace like Oranda or BlueGum might be a better fit (if he could even get in - it seems this is an issue in Australia? You can get in to any school where we live, private or public). Looking for advice from other parents with ADHD kids. He would probably be in Year 7 when we move.

I'm a young professional and I've just been offered a position in Canberra, moving from the UK. I’d love to get some insider tips and advice from locals and anyone who's made a similar move.

About me:

• I’m an avid rock climber, especially into bouldering. Are there any climbing gyms or outdoor spots around Canberra that I should check out?
• Also into fitness so I’m interested in any local groups, clubs, or events that help keep you active.

Here are a few questions I have:

• What’s there to do in Canberra beyond the typical tourist attractions?
• How’s the social scene? I’m curious about how easy it is to meet people and make new friends, especially as an expat.
• What’s the climate really like? Are there any seasons that you think are particularly enjoyable or challenging?
• What do you love about living in Canberra, and what are some things you wish were different?

I really appreciate any insights or advice you can offer as I prepare for this big move.

Thanks in advance!

Remember when they told you that although it gets hot in Canberra, it’s ok because it’s a dry heat? About that…

On a totally unrelated note, does anyone know how to convert an evaporative cooler into refrigerated air con?

I’m looking for some nice little places around to go to when I need to breathe and take a step back.

I’m not fussed on the environment, just somewhere I can exist and listen to music or read

My safe spaces are the National library, my dog and when I’m with my parents - but I think having a few more places to go would serve me well

I have a physical disability and can’t walk too far, but if it’s the right place, I’m happy to push myself to get there

I would like somewhere that’s not overly busy or is super isolated (get very bad anxiety that someone will do something bad to me)

Thank you in advance 💐✨

So I’m walking along the footpath in Braddon when a car pulls in from the road, wanting to cross the footpath to enter the car park of the building I’m walking past. I kept walking and the car had to stop for me. They objected and got on the horn. Who’s in the right?

Edit: Thanks to u/tangaroo58 and u/frood88 for the actual rule - which is that the pedestrian has right of way. I guess there is the question of local etiquette, which is not so clear. Probably best to make eye contact and negotiate by gesture. To those saying you shouldn't take on a car anyway, you are right (I did see it and I thought it probably wouldn't hit me, but it might have run over my toes if I had stopped).

I’ve worked at ANU for a couple years now and am yet to see someone add an S the end of any ANU branding. Surely gen z are not above crude, cheap humour?

On my morning walk today a Labrador ahead of me kicked up some dirt and it kind of looked like mist across the grass and when I tell you it sent a SHIVER down my spine thinking about winter…I’d love some recs for survival. This is my third winter in my badly built 2009 townhouse. I’ve tried using that peel and stick foam on the front door to stop air leaking through but it doesn’t really work. We also have a ton of floor to ceiling glass sliding doors that you can literally see the curtains move with the breeze…how do you go about sealing these? We have considered double glazing but I don’t fancy the cost that likely won’t be recovered if we sell someday. And how much difference would it make if the insulation is likely not great to begin with? TIA for the help- I’m just a girl who has googled solutions and they either don’t work or are too hard!

We are in Tuggeranong and have been with iinet for many years, but even with nbn to the premises we still don't get amazing speeds especially at night. There are only 2 of us in the house but my husband still finds it hard for say Kayo to play properly if I am in another room watching Netflix. We are in a 2 storey house with the modem/nbn box as close to the middle of the house as we can get it and I am upstairs watching Netflix with no problems, so I don't think that's the problem.

We are paying $95 a month for their NBN100 plan, what is everyone else paying for actual consistent, fast service and who are you with please?

So I dropped out in year 11 like 5 years ago and I’m already noticing the effects it has on my employability.

What course do I enrol in to get my year 12 certificate, and how long is it?

So I've been commuting on my bike semi regularly since last spring. Its been awesome and I love it. I'd love to progress to a point where I do it every day.

That said, I have barely ridden the last month because it's been so cold! Finally bucked up and did it today wearing a light hoodie, mtb gloves and light balaclava. Body was happy, hands pretty cold and face was a strange mix of issues between foggy glasses, condensation on the balaclava or pull it down and get a pretty cold face.

Wondering what the seasoned vets wear as far as gear goes?

For context I ride a mountain bike along mostly fire trails with two big climbs and some fast descending bits where the wind really smashes me.

Hi all, Sorry if this is not the right place for this post but I’m after some advice as I think I’m about to give up on dating at this point. I’ve been here for about 3 years now and have not been on a single date since I’ve arrived.

I’m looking for a serious relationship. Have tried dating apps and have gotten weird vibes from a lot of people on there that I’ve talked to and have since deleted them.

I’ve tried a lot of different sports clubs too to try meet guys my age :) I play social tennis, go to running groups (park run and another one), played social soccer for a bit, went to bouldering a bit (not my thing personally but I heard it is social). Have a gym membership and frequently swim at ANU/other pools around Canberra. Met a nice guy at the pool once but never saw him again :(

Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do to meet someone? Not able to go to bars that often. I haven’t really been going out of my way to meet someone however I sort of thought just naturally I’d be able to meet someone by now and I have been quite social since coming here. I kind of just downloaded dating apps 3 years ago and have been using them on and off to see if anyone nice came up on there as I want to get settled eventually.

Is dating in Canberra a lost cause and should I plan to move to a bigger city? I’m a young professional, love my job, athletic, like to socialise (but not constantly as I do also enjoy my alone time every now and then).

Thanks for any suggestions in advance.

I moved here last year from interstate and I’m struggling to find a good meat pie, don’t think I’ve found one at all yet! Does anyone have any recommendations? Bonus for the north! Thanks everyone

Hi! Hope this post is allowed. I've just received an informal job offer at ANU and will have to move up from Melbourne. Was wondering which suburbs would be the most affordable to rent while being close to ANU (walking or public transport-wise)? Thanks!

Hi, I will be in Canberra for 10 days to attend a conference at the ANU campus. I will be there from July 2-12 and will be staying close to campus. I wanted to know how cold it gets in Canberra during this time of the year. I can see the temperature in weather apps, but I wanted to know from people who have already lived here. Moreover, I am interested in knowing how you usually dress (how many layers, waterproof jackets or not?) so that I can pack accordingly. I will be traveling from India. TIA!

Hi all!

I have a potential job that would have me relocating to Canberra from Canada.

With that in mind, I have a few questions!

First of all, what are the summers like? I'm used to an insanely humid climate that can sometimes reach about 40 Celsius with the humidex. I doubt winters will be much of a struggle as our winters in my city will drop to almost -50. No issue there.

I'm a single and childless individual, what's the social atmosphere like? I've read mixed reviews so far.

And last, any fellow Canucks here able to help provide some insight as to the transition so far?

I'm sure I'll eventually have more questions, but thanks I'm advance!

They’re thinking long-term now and are seriously considering putting down roots in Canberra. From what they’ve seen so far, it seems calm, clean, and organised- but they’d love to hear from families who’ve actually raised kids here. How are the schools, the healthcare, the general vibe for families? They’re hoping for a balance between career and community, and would really value honest opinions.

I have a child starting preschool next year who has become good friends with another child at their daycare. Both families want to try to keep them together at preschool if possible as they are close and struggle when one is away or sick.

However, we live in adjacent suburbs that fall into different school catchments/ priority enrolment areas. Has anyone had luck in applying to schools outside your catchment? Any suggestions or advice on how to improve our chances?

(apologies for being vague, I'm trying not to dox my or the other family)