Whether it was sunrise or sunset, VisitCanberra’s most liked Instagram photos in 2023 highlighted the ACT’s natural beauty, Chief Minister Andrew Barr said.

Since 2020, the array of outdoor and nature-based activities in Canberra has been the most liked posts on VisitCanberra’s social media channels. The official tourism accounts for Canberra spread the word growing its following by more than 17,000 people in 2023.

The most popular photo of 2023 was a carousel of autumn images, whether snapped over the National Arboretum Canberra or in one of Canberra’s many deciduous lined streets – the stunning colours of Canberra’s autumn landscapes garnered almost 3,500 likes. The post was seen over 45,000 times, received 296 shares and more than 100 saves. The group of images included great shots by @snapsbysal, @grant_oloughlan, @aris_pixel, @travel_ling, and @melroselanephotography.

Numbers two and three on the list won’t surprise any Canberran: a spectacular sunset and a moody sunrise. With 2,352 likes, local photographer @wanderlust73 captured a stunning sunset over Lake Burley Griffin. While @bentellier  woke early to photograph Canberra’s most iconic view, looking down across the National Triangle from Mt. Ainslie.

As one of the few capital cities in Australia to have four distinct seasons, Canberra definitely puts on a show as the colours change throughout the year. When the frost arrived this year, @laurenlsutton was out at Namadgi National Park to capture a winter wonderland. The post was seen more than 32,500 times, received 2,257 likes, and more than 1,030 saves. This post also announced the reopening of the Orroral Valley, which had been closed since the 2019/2020 bushfires.

Every day, visitors and locals share hundreds of images of the nation’s capital using #VisitCanberra, resulting in over 634,000 posts to date.

Follow VisitCanberra at instagram.com/visitcanberra for inspiration and use #VisitCanberra on your posts for a chance to be featured.

@VisitCanberra’s 10 most liked Instagram posts for 2023

1. Autumn carousel – 3,491 likes – @jujubdendey, @snapsbysal, @hugo.the.vizsla.boss, @melroselanephotography, @grant_oloughlan, @aris_pixel, @travel_ling,  @walter_the_groodle, @stoplumpymas and @welch.jpg
2. Lake Burley Griffin sunset – 2,352 likes – @wanderlust73
3. Mt. Ainslie sunrise – 2,323 – @bentellier_
4. Namadgi National Park winter wonderland – 2,257 – @laurenlsutton
5. Canberra Balloon Spectacular carousel – 2,195 – @zipping12, @tamvis11, @jefordmillare and @worotan
6. Winter morning fog across Mt. Majura – 2,164 – @wanderlust73
7. Canberra’s best lavender haze carousel – 1,819 – @ashfromthestars_, @surattana.ss,
   @snapsbysal and @vanessasmyth_photography
8. Sunflower maze at Majura Valley Farm Gate – 1,782 – @tim.j.richardson
9. World Photography Day carousel – 1,781 – @snapsbysal, @timbean_photography, @aris_pixel,
   @wanderlust73, @grant_oloughlan, @taylahcunninghamphotography, @antonkollo and @kirralee.e
10. Views from Mt. Ainslie at sunset – 1,517 – @cissaking