This is a look, a part of Australia we don't see. The wide streets, the architecture, the embassies, the space. It's really beautiful and there's a feel to Canberra that is different to any other city.

Ashley Zukerman’s quote — “This is a look, a part of Australia we don't see. The wide streets, the architecture, the embassies, the space. It’s really beautiful and there’s a feel to Canberra that is different to any other city.” — reflects a moment of admiration for the distinctive character of Canberra, Australia’s capital. Zukerman draws attention to the often-overlooked aspects of the city, emphasizing its urban design, geopolitical importance, and aesthetic quality. For many, Canberra may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of iconic Australian cities, but Zukerman’s words highlight its unique atmosphere.

The mention of wide streets, embassies, and space points to Canberra’s planned layout, conceived by American architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin in the early 20th century. Unlike the dense and chaotic growth of many major cities, Canberra was designed with order, openness, and functionality in mind. Zukerman’s appreciation for this design reflects how architecture and planning can shape a city's emotional and visual identity, offering a more calm, elegant, and even diplomatic setting.

By stating “a part of Australia we don’t see,” Zukerman suggests that Canberra’s subtle beauty and institutional gravitas are often overshadowed by more touristic or flashy cities like Sydney or Melbourne. His words invite a reconsideration of the capital as a space that reflects Australia’s national identity, through its architecture, its symbolic embassies, and the feeling of openness that defines its geography.

Ultimately, the quote highlights the power of place and design in shaping perception. Zukerman sees in Canberra a uniqueness that defies expectations — a quiet elegance grounded in its built environment and spaciousness. His reflection encourages a deeper appreciation for cities that may not dazzle at first glance, but leave a lasting impression through their design, mood, and sense of space.