14 Reasons Why Canberra Is Way Cooler Than You Think

Canberra might be famed for its roundabouts, porn and fireworks... but lately, our capital city has emerged as a hipster haven, renewable energy powerhouse and foodie's delight!

1. FreakShakes

Patissez / Via instagram.com

Canberra's Patissez Cafe is home to the original FreakShake: an epic dessert milkshake incorporating pretzels, brownies, marshmallows, nutella and more. The insta-famous shakes are now expanding globally!

2. 100% Renewable Energy Target

Climate Council / Via Facebook: climatecouncil

The ACT is the only Australian state or territory going for 100% renewables! Next in line are SA and QLD, both going for 50% renewables (in other words – the ACT is killing it on clean energy).

3. You can have a SLEEPOVER at the ZOO

Jamala Wildlife Lodge / Via jamalawildlifelodge.com.au

Lions and tigers and bears – right next to your bed! The National Zoo & Aquarium offers "the ultimate overnight safari" for thrill-seeking holiday makers. WILD.

4. 'The Code' is set here

ABC / Via iview.abc.net.au

'The Code' is basically Australia's version of 'House of Cards' – a gritty political thriller featuring hackers, political conspiracies and subterfuge set in and around your nation's capital. Canberra has never looked edgier.

5. Australia's first solar suburb

Climate Council / Via Facebook

Denman Prospect will be Australia’s first suburb to require solar panels on EVERY. SINGLE. HOME. Amazing!

6. Sky high festivals

Two For Joy Cafe / Via instagram.com

Canberra's Balloon Spectacular festival sets off from the lawns of Parliament House every March, filling the sky with all kinds of weird and wonderful airborne creations (shout-out to the infamous Skywhale from 2013!)

7. Questacon

@sammibeee / Via instagram.com

The National Science and Technology Centre is a playground for people of all ages. You can free-fall down a six metre slide, freeze your own shadow, experience an earthquake or challenge a robot to a game of air hockey. Science has never been so cool!

8. Dancing law enforcement

ACT Policing / Via Facebook: video.php

The local Canberra police force responded to NZ Police's "Running Man" challenge with these sweet sweet moves, busted out on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.

9. It's the Bush Capital

@sweetconcrete / Via instagram.com

Bushwalking is just how you get around town! And if there's anywhere that you could actually live the 'Strayan stereotype and ride a kangaroo to work – it's probably Canberra.

10. Grape stomping & solar charging

Graham Tidy / Via theage.com.au

Canberra's cool-climate wine region is home to more than 33 wineries, and will soon host the largest community-owned solar farm in Australia! Taking root amongst the vine leaves at Mount Majura Vineyard, the solar farm will power 250 Canberra homes.

11. Coffee snobs rejoice

http://@ona.specialtycoffee / Via instagram.com

Move over Melbourne – there's a new kid on the coffee block! Home to the 2015 World Barista Champion Sasa Sestic, and with local roasters and hipster cafes popping up all over town – you can be sure to get yourself a quality brew in the capital.

12. Errybody loves solar

Rohan Thomson / Via canberratimes.com.au

As of June 2016, there were over 17,000 small-scale solar installations in the ACT – that's around one solar installation for every 20 people!

13. Fresh music scene

The Music / Via themusic.com.au

Canberra's burgeoning music scene has fostered a new wave of musicians, making it big both here and overseas. From Hottest 100 runners-up Peking Duk to SAFIA, Canberra's homegrown beats are booming globally.

14. Clean power pocket rocket

The Climate Council / Via climatecouncil.org.au

At just a little over 2,300 square kilometres, the ACT might be one of Australia’s smallest states and territories... but it punches well above its weight when it comes to renewable energy! Find out more on the Climate Council's website.