How to solve Canberra bad driving behaviours.

By a local who’s seen some things… and have been shared numerous amounts of complaints.   

The Morning Commute Nightmare

Picture this – you live on the south side and have the fortune of having a job somewhere in the vicinity of "Civic" or "Canberra City."

Your job starts at 9am, and you have the dreaded task of needing to drive on the parkway. You're normally an early morning person and love getting coffee prior to starting work.

But that cold has settled in overnight, the frost is on your car, and you decided to sleep in for 10 minutes. Because of that slight luxury and inconvenience, you have now been selected to join the Tuggeranong Parkway Speedway – where the race is to see who can get into the city the fastest with no care for lines or merge signs, let alone personal space.

As you get closer and closer to your destination, you can't help but feel like you're being followed as you see a glimpse of high beams riding up your backside (even though you're in the left lane and going the speed limit).

The aim is to win the race to get a parking spot, but if you're late and lose, don't worry, because you get to do it all over again in the afternoon heading home.

This is a typical scenario of the average drive in Canberra.

I asked the question "What is an annoyance in Canberra that only a Canberran would understand?" and the overwhelming majority of responses were car-related.

So how do we solve these problems?

I'm not an expert, but I'm going to share some observations that perhaps we can examine as a collective community – and maybe we can reward some good behaviors too.

1) The Art of the Canberra Merge

How do you know it's going to be a rough drive to work? If there's a merge lane anywhere between your home and destination.

Canberrans somehow have collectively defined merging lanes as:

1. Spot a merge lane ending 300 metres ahead

2. Immediately panic as though the road behind is turning into lava

3. Disregard everyone around you

4. Swerve violently or extremely slowly into the continuing lane, preferably without checking mirrors

5. Create a traffic jam that extends back to the previous suburb

Heaven forbid we use the entire merging lane that was built specifically for merging at its end point.

"But what would I do with all that extra road?" asks the average Canberra driver, while simultaneously complaining on Facebook's Canberra Notice Board about the traffic congestion.

How do we solve this? Perhaps with a bit of patience and a collective understanding of how zippers and long lanes work. We often see those signs with smiley faces on the LED display when you're going the speed limit – perhaps we can place these at merge lanes and give a thumbs up to people who merge correctly and thumbs down to those who don't?

2) Tailgating: So Close I Can Smell You

Now, this is an ongoing argument about slow drivers in the right "fast" lane, but I'm talking just in general on this one.

The logic seems to be: "If I drive six centimeters from this person's bumper, surely they will recognize my superior importance and my need to be in front."

Reality check – sorry, you're not superior, and it's not just you on the road. With that attitude, you'll more than likely end up being mentioned on ABC radio at 6:50am or 4:45pm when they're indicating that there's been "A crash on XYZ road."

For this issue, I think we need again to exercise a bit of patience and kindness, as well as learning to stick to your lane (slow, go in the left; fast, go in the right). What's the rush anyway? It's not like we're too far from anywhere in Canberra.

3) Roundabout Roulette

I'm going to be open and honest here and say I don't want to talk about this one too much because if there's any city that should have experience with roundabouts, it should be us.

Please keep your eyes open, but also – how scary is the roundabout on Anzac Parade? I think we all can say that we've been caught out on that one a couple of times. No? Maybe it's just me.

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A Modest Proposal

Since our city planners insist on building roads (or the lack thereof) that bring out our inner Mad Max, I have proposed a few solutions:

1 Replace all merging signs with: "USE THE ENTIRE LANE, KAREN. THE WHOLE THING."

2 Install eject-o-seato-cuz seats which are activated by tailgating. Too close for too long? WHOOSH – Up you go with the hot air balloons.

3 Install special sensors that detect when a driver fails to indicate at a roundabout and automatically play "Cotton Eye Joe" at maximum volume through their car speakers for the next 24 hours. (That suggestion came from my AI assistant – I legitimately laughed.)

4 A formal letter of embarrassment should be sent to you if your car is posted on Aus Dash Cams – The letter gives you a direct link to the video and advises you that in 10 days it will be shared to the Canberra Notice Board.

5 Bring back car rego stickers – only the colors represent your driving habits. Green – good as gold; yellow – you tailgate every so often; red – you probably own a Hilux and need to aim to do better.

In Conclusion

In all seriousness – Canberra is a wonderful city to drive around in – wide roads, stunning scenery, and though traffic does get bad sometimes, it's nothing in comparison to other major cities in Australia.

We could all benefit from having a bit more patience and empathy on the roads. (Who knows what someone has had to endure in the morning or at work?) Let's be the good example and do what's right, and not post on social media when you've experienced something wrong. (Unless you send it to AUS DASH CAMS, of course.)

I'd love to connect with you – follow me on Facebook, Instagram, or check out my website.

Authentically Canberran

It is without a doubt that more and more people are looking for authenticity. For those of us who grew up in the age of the internet and the birth of social media along with all the aesthetically pleasing filters to hide away the blemishes and imperfections, all of this became the norm. Somewhere along the way, I dare say just before pre-covid and was magnified by covid, is that people are looking for authenticity. Authentic friendships, authentic in the way they feel, authentic in the way they want to work, even businesses have noticed this and have begun to tone down the heavily produced content to something more relatable in the hopes that it will seem authentic. In Canberra, I think I do see this sentiment also playing out.

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For me personally, I've expressed through imagery and also poking fun at ourselves as people who live here simply because though they are funny, are often true. Yes, almost everyone is in, related to or has friends in the APS and that's just a fact. Yes, the majority of us love to admit that we're willing to sacrifice our subscriptions and cut back on spending in tough times except for our daily $9 flat white, because that's a necessity. Yes, I do worry if I get a major injury in my city that I'll be put on an extremely long waitlist.

Despite all these things, when I look at the overall, there's so much opportunity here. If you take a look at some of our local hospitality spots such as cafés and food pop-ups, you can see a shift in mindset and very much a connection to the community style. There's nothing better than to rock up to a café, where they know your name and order because you're a regular and they actually have a chat with you. It's kind of like the old days where you'd catch up on life events with your local barber/hairdresser and chat about how things are going and I think that's great. Post-covid – you can see that sort of community connection with the revival of local suburb stores and eatery spots (For example, one that was close to us was Scullin which is very much a hot spot for food and coffee.)

In Canberra, I think it's safe to say that authenticity and being genuine but also providing a good quality product does help. That goes for a lot of different things here. If I dare say, it's somewhat part of that "country town" cultural connection we still maintain especially when we're somewhat known for being called a city with the country town feel (for now). Small enough where you run into the same people you went to school with every now and then at the shops, but big enough that driving to Gungahlin feels like you're half way to Sydney.

I love that. And with the content I share, I hope to showcase my own authenticity with the 30+ years of experiencing living in this wonderful place. I wonder if you feel like being genuine and authentic is important to you? Have you felt that if someone is like this it's way easier to support them? Can you spot a fake versus the authentic?

To add to that, sometimes it takes courage and overcoming a certain fear to be genuinely you, because often we're pretending to be someone we're not. But today I want to encourage you to be you. Life's too short to live out someone else's life. Be quirky, be nerdy, be geeky, be funny, be kind, be YOU!

That's what I was told by some mentors in my life, and that's what's brought me here today to write a blog and share with some of you! Anyway, that's enough rambling. Hope you have a good day!

Summernats 2025: A Canberra Photographer's Perspective on Australia's Biggest Horsepower Festival

New Year in Canberra means fuel, smoke, mullets, and red hot cars… and maybe a few sour apples among the rowdy crowds. As someone who's experienced Summernats from multiple angles, it's fascinating to see how this event divides our city.

Summernats is arguably the best event we host nationally, though for some Canberrans, it's the worst thing this city hosts every year. Yet, you can't argue with its success

The event continues to sell out year after year at EPIC, drawing massive crowds from across Australia.

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The economic benefits are undeniable, especially for our local hospitality sector that fought through tough COVID times. But beyond the numbers, there's something special about seeing Canberra transform during these four days.

Having experienced Summernats both as a participant and attendee, my perspective might differ from the average Canberran. To me, it's a celebration where avid car lovers and enthusiasts come together, where mechanical and fabricational art forms spring to life through red hot engines and chrome so polished it almost blinds you in the summer sun.

It's more than just an event – it's a gathering place for people who understand the blood, sweat, money, and painfully high insurance fees that go into these machines.

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My family member Darren, proud owner of a gorgeous 1957 Chevy, puts it perfectly:

Summernats is the opportunity to participate in Australia's biggest horsepower party held for all types of enthusiasts, revheads young and old.

He continues.. “I like to enter to show off my car, cruise around, and check out other people's cars during the 4 days of different events held in and around EPIC. There's plenty of merchandise available and trade stalls for all the help you would ever need that's car related. I enjoy the City Cruise down Northbourne every year, giving the public the opportunity to see a classic car. For me, Summernats is a great time to be in the environment of other car lovers who have their cars on display and being able to talk about them, swapping stories and catching up with friends with similar interests.""

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We can't ignore that the event sometimes attracts antisocial behavior – mix young lads, drinking, 35-degree heat, and clashing egos, and you're bound to see some tension. But you could say that about most spectator sports. The new security measures should help keep the event safe and family-friendly, though personally, I think making it alcohol-free could help tone down some of the rowdier elements.

Looking forward, I'm excited to see these fantastic cars cruising down Northbourne Avenue and through Braddon. The big cruise especially offers a family-friendly way to appreciate these amazing fuel-guzzling machines. Though with Canberra's EV mandate approaching, who knows how much longer we'll see these wonderful machines on our streets? Maybe Summernats will need to start converting popular EVs into fuel guzzlers just for laughs.

Whether you're a lover or a hater of Summernats, you have to admit – there's something pretty cool about seeing cars that are way faster and worth way more than your average Toyota Yaris cruising through our city streets. Here's hoping everyone has a great and safe time at this year's event.

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Canberra: A City with a Country Heart

Canberra Community

“Canberra’s online community groups foster connection, generosity, and the unique ‘country town’ charm in a growing city."

Often described by locals as a unique blend of city convenience and country charm, Canberra holds a special place in the hearts of its residents. It’s a city that is growing rapidly in population and economy while still striving to maintain the close-knit community feel that defines it.

However, as Canberra continues to expand, there’s a concern that this “country town” vibe can sometimes fade. Yet, within this bustling growth lies a tool that helps preserve that community connection: small online community groups.

The Power of Local Online Communities

From suburb-specific groups and Buy Nothing communities to groups tailored for Canberra mums, these platforms have become modern hubs for connection. While large groups might occasionally host the quintessential "Aussie whinge" or spark debates, they also shine with incredible acts of kindness and camaraderie.

One standout example involves a local community rallying together to rescue a lost Cavoodle named Winx. The RiotACT covered the heartwarming tale, where online groups played a pivotal role in reuniting the dog with its owners. This story exemplifies the spirit of Canberra—neighbors looking out for one another and finding strength in togetherness.

My Own Slice of Community Connection

While my story may not involve a grand rescue, it underscores the everyday impact of these groups. When faced with a pest issue at home, I reached out to my local group for advice. The response was overwhelming. Not only was I directed to reliable small businesses, but I also received practical tips and immediate solutions from group members.

In another instance, I saw how these groups acted as a modern-day neighborhood watch. Residents shared photos and videos of suspicious activity, helping each other stay vigilant. Although this raises some ethical debates, the underlying sense of people watching out for their community is undeniable.

The Generosity of Buy Nothing Groups

If there’s one aspect of these online groups that truly encapsulates Canberra’s community spirit, it’s the generosity found in Buy Nothing groups. When my spouse and I discovered we were having twins, we knew we’d need double of everything—something we couldn’t afford on our own.

Through these groups, we connected with other parents who understood our situation. One family, who had also experienced the joys (and challenges) of twins, went above and beyond. Not only did they offer us two cots at a fantastic price, but they also threw in a pram and other essentials at no additional cost. This act of kindness saved us so much money and created a bond that extended beyond a simple transaction.

These experiences reminded me of the power of connection. Through shared generosity and understanding, our sense of belonging was renewed, and friendships were formed.

Finding Joy in Everyday Interactions

Post-COVID, the importance of community has only grown stronger. Whether it’s sharing updates about a lost pet, reporting suspicious activity, or simply joking about hearing loud burnouts at 2 a.m., these small interactions add richness to our lives.

Canberra may not face the same challenges as larger cities, and for that, we’re truly fortunate. Here, we don’t hear gunshots in the night, and while we may have our share of “sour apples,” they are far outweighed by the positive stories of connection and kindness.

Celebrating Canberra’s Unique Spirit

“Did anyone hear that big bang?”

Living in Canberra means embracing its quirks and appreciating its blend of city sophistication and country warmth. Whether through local groups, neighborhood watch initiatives, or Buy Nothing exchanges, the spirit of community is alive and well.

As a photographer and proud community member, I find inspiration in these everyday stories of generosity and unity. They remind us that no matter how much our city grows, we can preserve its heart—one small act of kindness at a time.

Get Involved in Your Canberra Community

If you’re looking to reconnect with Canberra’s country-town spirit, consider joining a local group, lending a hand, or even sharing a simple smile with a neighbor. After all, life’s quality improves when we’re connected to those around us.

And remember, whether you’re capturing life’s moments through a lens or simply living them, community makes every frame more meaningful. 😊

Share Your Stories!

Have a heartwarming Canberra story or a local tip? Share it in the comments below—I’d love to hear how this incredible city has made an impact on your life!

Supporting Local Talent

Looking for a Canberra photographer to capture your special moments? Let’s connect and bring your story to life.

This article has been crafted to provide an SEO-friendly summary of Canberra’s unique community spirit. Any images accompanying this content have been generated by AI and are not real photographs. They are intended for illustrative purposes only.

King Charles Visits Canberra – 4 Places I’d Take Him

1 – Gundaroo Drive / Barton Highway Roundabout

"God Save The King" – because that’s exactly what you’ll need when you take on the absolute thrill of the Gundaroo Drive and Barton Highway roundabout.

While Canberra may not be as vast as London, this intersection is sure to leave a lasting impression. King Charles might find our infrastructure developments quite a spectacle, showcasing how we manage traffic flow in our small yet evolving city. He’d get a firsthand experience of navigating Canberra’s take on modern roundabouts!

2 – Dickson Town Centre

For a bit of cultural immersion, a stroll through Dickson Town Centre could be just the ticket for King Charles. Known for its vibrant and sometimes chaotic energy, the area would give him a glimpse into the diverse community that thrives here.

Who knows, maybe he’ll encounter an event that harkens back to Australia’s convict history, when a loaf of bread could land you a one-way ticket Down Under. But don’t worry, we’ve upgraded – he’d also have the chance to sample some of the best local cuisine and coffee in the city. Whether it impresses or disappoints, it’ll be an experience he won’t forget!

3 – St Andrew’s Church

Next, I’d take the King to St Andrew’s Church, a familiar sight for someone accustomed to grandeur like Westminster Abbey, albeit on a much smaller scale. While it may not rival the historic cathedrals of England, it’s a place where I’d ask at each corner of the church “Is this where the secret passage is? Is this where the tunnel lay for the parliament house? or maybe this chair is a secret lever that goes down into a bunker? I don’t really know, but I’d love to entertain the thought.

4 – The Belconnen Owl

Ah, the Belconnen Owl – Canberra’s answer to modern art and urban mythology. To show King Charles our commitment to becoming Australia’s next art capital, we’d present him with this iconic sculpture. A true statement piece, it perfectly captures our city’s quirky charm and creative ambitions.

It might not be a royal portrait, but it’s certainly an image he’d remember!

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