Is Canberra Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Canberra is a capital city of Australia.

It has national monuments, museums, and galleries built around a large artificial lake.

The city has a lot of bushes which makes Canberra a great place to enjoy the outdoors, with excellent cycling, gardens, parks, and nature reserves.

Tourists come here to see the city’s capital attractions: parliament, the Australian War Memorial, Burley Griffin – an artificial lake in the city center, the National Gallery of Australia.

It will also be interesting for visitors to attend the annual flower festival, which is held in September and October.

Warnings & Dangers in Canberra

OVERALL RISK: LOW

In general, the city is very safe, the risk of robbery or scam is low. But anyway travelers should be informed about the situation in the city since there is a risk of theoretical attacks.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Buses, taxis, and car services are generally convenient and safe. Some taxi services have a cam recorder in a cab and can record passengers during the trip.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Pickpockets can disturb travelers, especially in tourist places and crowded buses. Beware of the tramps and young people on bus stops and watch your belongings.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

In Canberra, there are many risks of natural disasters. From forest fires and floods to torrential rains and droughts. Travelers need to learn in advance about the safety of the region before traveling.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

The risk of robbery on the street is not so high, but caution is advised. Do not leave valuables unattended; always close the car and bicycle and park it on guarded parking.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

There is a moderate risk of terrorism in Canberra. Travelers should be very cautioned and avoid demonstrations and protest actions.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Skimming of debit/credit cards does occur at points of sale and in taxis, though the rate of incidence is relatively low. Cover ATM keypads when entering your PIN.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women traveling alone will feel completely safe in the city. However, be careful when traveling around the city at night.

So... How Safe Is Canberra Really?

Canberra is a very safe city and it has one of the lowest crime rates in all of Australia.

However, be cautious, especially around bus stops, where some youths may tend to have fun as pickpockets.

Despite all the safety in the city, fraudsters or vagabonds can often disturb tourists in Canberra.

They are trying to lure money. Usually, if you give them strong refuse, they will lag behind you.

Property crime occurs from time to time and everyone has a responsibility to take steps to keep their property safe.

Always close your car and do not leave valuables inside when you leave.

Canberra is a safe place, but why leave the temptation for anybody.

Also, be sure to lock your bike if you use it here.

The theft of bicycles happens quite often.

There is a moderate risk of terrorism in Canberra.

There have been seven terrorist attacks and at least 15 disrupted plots in Australia since 2014.

Travelers should be very cautioned and avoid demonstrations and protest actions.

However, Australian police organizations are well-trained and professional.

Every tourist can feel free to ask for help if some crime happened to him.

How Does Canberra Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

Australia has maintained a universal visa regime, meaning that every non-citizen in Australia must have a visa. Australia does not issue visas on arrival. Most visas any traveler can get in an electronic way.

Currency

The Australian dollar is the currency of Australia. It is signed $ and code AUD. Almost always it abbreviated with the dollar sign ($), with A$ or AU$ sometimes used to distinguish it from other dollar-denominated currencies. It is subdivided into 100 cents.

Weather

The best times to visit Canberra are from November to April so there is summer here. At other times temperatures feel cold for about half of the year with a low chance of precipitation most of the year.

Airports

Canberra has an Airport serving Australia's capital city, as well as regional areas of the Australian Capital Territory and southeastern New South Wales. It located approximately 8 km from the city center. The airport serves direct flights to most Australian state capitals and has direct international links operate from Canberra to Singapore.

Travel Insurance

The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Canberra Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Australia - Safety by City