The Captain Cook water jet against autumn-orange treelines, the white limestone of the National Library and High Court along the lake, Parliament's flagpole on the hill behind. Canberra wears its civic furniture casually. Single past 50 here means living through reshuffles, transfers, election cycles. Members are senior public servants, retired diplomats, academics, defence: people whose presence in the city isn't determined by the next ministerial appointment.
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Canberra has distinct precincts and locals who pick sides of the lake. The National Gallery sculpture garden or the High Court forecourt for a cultural opener. Lake Burley Griffin's bridge-to-bridge loop for a longer walk. Mount Ainslie at sunset for the city view. Kingston Foreshore for Saturday morning markets and a flat white, or Manuka if a quieter coffee suits the mood better.