It’s time to stop buying into the tired stereotype that “Canberra is boring.” We’ve lived here, worked here and experienced everything this city offers; and it’s clear that there’s so much more than cold air, roundabouts and quiet streets.
Yes, our beloved city made an (unwanted) appearance on a 2023 list of the World’s Most Boring Cities, but here’s what really matters: Canberra has just been crowned the #1 city on Earth for quality of life.
This isn’t just a feel-good ranking; it’s backed by the 2025 Global Cities Index by Oxford Economics, which assessed 1,000 of the world’s largest cities across five categories: quality of life, economics, human capital, environment and governance. While Melbourne and Sydney secured spots in the top ten, Canberra took the top spot in quality of life.
Perception Shapes Identity. And Experience Reinforces It.
These accolades are a win for the city, but let’s be clear; perceptions are a tricky thing. While we won’t change everyone’s opinion overnight, that’s perfectly okay. As a city and as a brand, we know who we are. And once people experience Canberra whether they’re visiting, working, living or studying here, their perception will shift. The real power lies in how cities are shaped by the people who live and experience them.
People Make the Brand.
Brand perception doesn’t just come from the outside looking in; it’s shaped by the people within it. Brands attract certain people, and the same goes for destinations. Canberra’s brand is rooted in its value proposition, and right now, that’s quality of life. This is more than just a ranking; it’s what matters to people today, particularly as we face so much uncertainty in the world. With clean air, short commutes and a sense of balance, Canberra offers something many are yearning for.
A City That Knows Who It Is
Canberra’s persistence in shaping its identity and owning who we are, has become a major draw. This isn’t a city trying to be something it’s not. It’s a place that has embraced its values, and if anything, this accolade just reinforces that Canberra is an aspirational destination.
When people arrive here, they don’t just visit, they experience what it means to live in a place that prioritises well-being, balance and community. This makes us more than just a government town; it makes us a place where people want to be, whether they’re here for work or leisure.
From Perception to Experience: Let’s Own It.
Now, let’s make sure we don’t let this moment pass quietly. This is our time to own it. Whether you’re a startup founder, a festival organiser, a policymaker, or a café owner, this is a collective achievement. This is a chance to integrate Canberra’s quality of life into everything we do. When we collectively own the story, we shift the narrative from “cold and quiet” to “bold and brilliant.”
The data backs it. Now, let’s make sure the culture reflects it.
We’ve got the recognition. Now, let’s make sure the world sees what we already know.
