Canberra's Walls Tell Stories: The Capital's Growing Street Art Scene

Canberra's streets are becoming a canvas. The ACT Government's commissioned street art and graffiti mural program continues to expand, with the latest additions in July 2025 bringing endangered species and Indigenous symbols to local shops in Tuggeranong, Macquarie, Evatt, and Narrabundah. The murals feature motifs like the Golden Sun Moth and Ngunnawal imagery, part of a broader effort to brighten public spaces, reduce vandalism, and foster community pride.

A festival that changed the city

The momentum behind Canberra's street art scene gained significant traction with the inaugural Surface street art festival in March 2022. The event created over 30 new murals across the city centre, transforming areas like Braddon, Civic and the National Triangle. Those works remain a defining feature of the city's visual landscape, and the festival helped establish Canberra as a destination for mural art. The ACT Government continues to commission authorised works, maintaining dozens of designated free spaces for graffiti and street art across the capital.

Tocumwal Lane: Canberra's street art free zone

For those wanting to see street art in action, Tocumwal Lane in the CBD is the place to go. Recognised as Canberra's most well-known 'Street Art Free Zone,' the laneway features ever-changing murals, including a superhero-themed project that started in 2015. Unlike many commissioned works, Tocumwal Lane is a space where artists can paint freely, making it a living gallery that evolves with each new artist. It is a short walk from Civic's main dining and shopping precincts, making it an easy addition to a city-centre stroll.

Cost and commissioning

Mural artists in Canberra charge between $50 and $300 AUD per square metre, depending on the complexity and scale of the work. The ACT Government's program covers the cost of commissioning artists, providing a pathway for both established and emerging talent to contribute to the city's public art. For property owners or businesses interested in commissioning their own mural, the government's website lists approved artists and guidelines.

Canberra's street art is not just decoration; it is a reflection of the city's creative identity. From the endangered species in Tuggeranong to the Ngunnawal motifs in Narrabundah, each mural tells a story. Whether you are a local looking for a new walk or a visitor wanting to see the city's creative side, the walls of Canberra are worth exploring, and they are only getting more colourful.