Do I need a visa to visit Australia?

Most foreign travellers need a visa or eVisitor (for EU, UK, etc.) before arrival.

What is the currency?

Australian Dollar (AUD). Cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for small shops.

The suburb is small and walkable, but for Canberra attractions you'll need a car or bus.

Are there grocery stores?

Yes, a small IGA in Hackett Shopping Village, plus larger supermarkets in nearby Dickson (5 mins drive).

Can I use my mobile phone?

Yes, networks are excellent. Buy a local SIM from Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone at the airport.

Is tap water safe to drink?

Yes, Canberra’s tap water is very safe and tastes good.

What wildlife might I see?

Kangaroos, possums, cockatoos, and kookaburras are common in the area.

Are there public toilets?

Limited; the shopping village has one public toilet. Otherwise use cafés or park facilities.

Can I hike Mount Ainslie from Hackett?

Yes, the trailhead is at the end of Hackett Circuit—about 2.5 km one way, great views.

Is Hackett close to Canberra’s attractions?

Very close—10 mins drive to Parliament House, 12 mins to Lake Burley Griffin, 15 mins to the War Memorial.

What is the time zone?

Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST, UTC+10) with daylight saving (AEDT, UTC+11) from Oct to April.

Are there accommodation options in Hackett?

Few; most visitors stay in nearby suburbs or central Canberra. Check Airbnb for local rooms.

Hackett

SuburbCanberra, Australian Capital Territory

Hackett is a SUB AREA in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory.

Nestled in the leafy northern suburbs of Canberra, Hackett is a tranquil residential enclave that offers visitors a genuine slice of Australian suburban life. With a population just shy of 3,000, this small neighbourhood is bordered by the serene Mount Ainslie and the lush bushland of the Canberra Nature Park. While Hackett itself has no major tourist attractions, its charm lies in peaceful streets, local parks, and a strong sense of community. The nearby Mount Ainslie Lookout rewards hikers with panoramic views of Lake Burley Griffin and the iconic Parliament House. Hackett is an ideal base for travellers seeking quiet accommodation with easy access to central Canberra—just a 10-minute drive to the city centre. The area boasts a small shopping village with a café, bakery, and a popular IGA supermarket. For nature lovers, the adjoining Mount Majura Vineyard offers wine tastings amidst rolling hills. Hackett’s slow pace, combined with the cultural and political drawcards of Canberra, makes it perfect for families, remote workers, or anyone wanting to escape the tourist crowds while still exploring Australia’s capital. Embrace the local vibe by walking the nature trails or enjoying a picnic at Hackett’s community oval.

Best time to visit Hackett

Spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) are ideal for Hackett: mild temperatures (15–25°C), blooming gardens, and lower accommodation prices. Summer (December–February) can be hot (30–38°C) with potential bushfires; winter (June–August) is cold (0–12°C) with frosty mornings. Autumn offers stunning foliage in nearby parks, while spring brings Floriade (Canberra’s flower festival). Avoid extreme heat or cold if you plan hikes.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Pleasant 12–22°C, variable winds

Travel notes

Crowds: Moderate
Prices: Mid

Best for outdoor activities; school holidays

Know before you go

Getting there

CBR

Canberra Airport

International & Domestic

15 km away

SYD

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport

International

280 km away

MEL

Melbourne Airport

International

650 km away

Getting around

"Hackett lacks a train station but is served by ACTION buses (routes 30, 31, 32) connecting to Civic (Canberra city centre) every 15–30 minutes on weekdays, less frequent weekends. A single bus fare is around $3.50 AUD (MyWay card required). Driving is easiest: car rental from Canberra Airport. Cycling is pleasant via dedicated paths to Mount Ainslie and downtown. Rideshares (Uber) cost ~$15–25 to central Canberra. Taxis are available but scarce."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

40 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Good in cafes and accommodation; limited free public wi-fi

Local SIM

Available at Canberra Airport from $10 (Telstra/OPTUS)

Stay safe

Overall

9/10

Petty crime is low but possible; overall a very safe suburb.

Night safety

8/10

Petty crime is low but possible; overall a very safe suburb.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

7/10

"Hackett is an extremely safe suburb with low crime. Violent crime is rare; petty theft (like car break-ins) can occur—lock vehicles and avoid leaving valuables visible. Bushfire risk exists in summer; have an emergency plan and monitor local alerts. Street lighting is good in residential areas. Wildlife (kangaroos, possums) are common at dawn/dusk; drive cautiously. Scams targeting tourists are uncommon, but be vigilant with online bookings. Overall, walking alone after dark is safe, but stick to well-lit streets."

Police

000

Ambulance

000

Fire

000

Entry and health

Health information

"Australia has excellent healthcare. Visitors from countries with reciprocal health agreements (e.g., UK, New Zealand) can access Medicare for necessary treatment. All travellers should have comprehensive travel insurance. Canberra Hospital (Garran) is the major public hospital, ~10 mins by car. For minor issues, the Hackett Medical Centre is nearby. Pharmacies are open standard hours; Calwell Pharmacy (in adjacent suburb) is 24-hour. Ambulance services are reliable but costly without insurance. Tap water is safe to drink. No specific vaccinations required, but ensure routine shots (MMR, flu)."

Culture

Local customs

"Australians are informal and friendly. A simple 'hello' or 'g'day' is standard. Tipping is not expected, but appreciated for excellent service (10% in upscale restaurants). Dress is casual; for nature walks, wear sturdy shoes. Sun protection is essential: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses. Queuing is respected—always wait your turn. Punctuality is valued for tours or appointments. Public drinking in parks is generally prohibited. Barbecue culture is strong; outdoor electric BBQs in parks are free to use."

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