I'd rather play golf!

As has been said already, Canberra has its pros and cons.

I agree that Canberrans aren't very outgoing and it's hard to socialise. You have to make a real effort and, from what I can tell, a lot of people don't make much effort. It's an incredibly comfortable place in many ways. Easy commutes, clean, green, wealthy, good climate. It seems to have so much going for it, yet I find it does lack "soul". On the one hand you feel privileged living here, but on the other you feel like you're missing out.

I travel extensively for work and also pleasure, so I don't feel trapped and do appreciate the many benefits of living in one of the world's most affluent places when I come back from one of my trips. Yet, like many, I don't necessarily see myself living here indefinitely.

Hi
So why are canberrans like this then ? is it maybe because they have lived there all their life and dont need any more friends or do they not take kindly to us expats moving there.

They couldnt give a toss about expats. Because it is one of those places where people come and go with work, there isnt that cohesive community feel about it as there arent that many multigenerational families - I suspect the same is going to be true in most cities that are essentially suburbia. If you want community then you have to go out in the boondocks - the smaller towns - and the catch 22 there is that the employment opportunities arent as great and the entertainment/leisure opportunities arent really sophisticated as in the big cities and you run the risk of being tagged as a blow in.

I seriously doubt that Canberra is much different from any other big city really, they are friendly enough but you havent been through the significant developmental stages with them and so they will probably end up being more acquaintance (usually work or interest related) than died in the wool bosom buddies.

Essentially you have to be self sufficient and independent here.