Thinking about moving to Canberra? Our people share what they love

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to live and work in Canberra, you’re not alone. Many of the people in our Deloitte Canberra team started their journey somewhere else -  Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne and beyond. And almost all of them say the same thing once they settle in: Canberra isn’t the “quiet government town” people imagine.

It’s vibrant. It’s welcoming. And it makes life feel a whole lot easier.

Hear from three of our team members - Ruby, Bridget and Michael who share their own experiences in making the move - the moments that surprised them, the lifestyle perks they didn’t expect, and why Canberra genuinely feels like home.

Short commutes & easy living

If you’re coming from Sydney or Melbourne, the difference hits you immediately. People describe life in Canberra as “life on easy mode”. No crawling through traffic. No long, draining commutes. No spending your weekends recovering from a week of being stuck in transit.

Living in Canberra, you find that everything is close. Ten minutes to the office or your client. Ten minutes to the shops. Ten minutes to meet friends for dinner.

For many people who move here, that simplicity becomes one of the biggest perks – creating more space, a greater sense of balance, and energy for the rest of your life.

Nature on your doorstep

It doesn’t take long to understand why Canberra is known as the “bush capital.”

From lakeside walks and mountain trails to bike paths, sunrise hikes, and weekend wineries, getting outdoors is a natural part of life here. You don’t have to plan it. It’s just… there.

Ruby loves how easily nature fits into her week, sharing that “one of my favourite things about Canberra is the access to nature… there’s a strong culture of outdoor activities like hiking, trail running, and climbing, which I’ve found very fun to get into.”

Whether you’re an early-morning walker, a weekend hiker or someone who just needs green space to reset, Canberra makes connecting with nature a breeze.

A city built for families and connection

Something that many of our team members in Canberra share is that it’s a city that is especially family-friendly with a strong community vibe. Canberra is a place where schools, playgrounds and community spaces are well designed and easy to access, without many of the roadblocks families in larger cities experience. There’s also a warm, welcoming feel as it’s a city where many professionals and families relocate and start afresh, so it doesn’t take long to make new connections and settle in.

Bridget felt this almost immediately after relocating from Adelaide. She shared: “you’re constantly meeting like-minded people who have often made a similar move, creating great connections.”

When life feels more supported, everything else gets easier - work, relationships, family, and friendships.

A young, vibrant culture

Canberra has changed a lot over the past decade. Yes, government work is part of the city’s identity - but it’s far from the whole story. The lifestyle in Canberra punches above its weight, with a thriving food scene, and new bars and cafes that pop up all the time meaning there’s no shortage of place to experience as you catch-up with friends. 

There are also festivals, galleries, weekend markets, live music, and a growing arts community. It’s the kind of place where you can have a relaxed lifestyle without giving up culture or fun.

The city feels young, energised, and increasingly diverse which makes for an enriched life outside of the office.

Thinking about a move?

Explore and learn more about our Canberra Opportunities here. (LINK TO CANBERRA PAGE)