Captivating CANBERRA

Canberra is young, becoming the capital of Australia in 1908 as a compromise between the nation's two largest cities, Sydney and Melbourne. With a median age of just 34, Canberrans are young, highly mobile and well educated. And even though the urban area is a respectable 814 sq km, its major places-to-see fall within a 10-minute drive, making it doable even on a short visit.

But there's every reason to linger in this attractive city with its laidback vibe and strong sense of history, art and culture. Not least of which is its coffee culture which is shaking up the international scene. Canberran Sasa Sestic holds the World Barista Championship, and many homegrown baristas are bringing home international trophies. It's a craze fuelled by post-war immigration from Turkey, Greece and particularly Italy - the early coffee shops stuck close to the habits and tastes of their owners' homelands, but over the years a unique Australian style took over and won over the world.

The Cupping Room is one of three cafes run by Mr Sestic in the city, easily spotted by its queue. A choice of gourmet beans from more than 10 countries pulls the aficionado, as well as cafe food almost as famous as the coffee. If for nothing else, drop by for the buzz.