Introduction
Trying to keep track of what’s on TV each night can feel overwhelming. With multiple channels, regional variations, and streaming options, it’s easy to miss a great show or accidentally record repeats. That’s where a reliable, local TV guide becomes your best friend—especially here in Canberra. In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to find, plan, and enjoy the best free-to-air shows in our capital, all without the fuss.
Why a Local Guide Matters
Canberra isn’t just another metro area—it has its own unique set of local news, regional variants of national shows, and occasionally shifted broadcast times. Add in daylight savings and occasional local events that pre-empt programming, and you have every reason to rely on a guide tailored to our region. It saves time and ensures you never miss the local bulletin—or that surprise live sports match.
What Channels Are on Free TV?
Here’s a quick list of Canberra’s main free-to-air channels:
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ABC Canberra: Broadcasting both national and nightly local news from our local ABC studio.
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SBS: Providing multicultural and international programming.
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Seven, Nine, and Ten: Major commercial networks offering news, drama, reality, and sport.
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WIN Canberra: Regional affiliate sharing much of their content.
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Sub-channels: ABC Me, 7mate, 10 Bold, SBS Viceland, and more.
Coverage varies between inner Canberra and outer suburbs, so having a guide that confirms broadcast availability is essential.
Best Free TV Guides for Canberra
There are several good options; here’s a no-nonsense overview:
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YourTV (by 9Entertainment)
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What it does: Shows full-day listings for all free-to-air channels in Canberra; also caters to pay-TV like Foxtel and Fetch.
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Why it works: Customize by service and channel, then view now/next shows or the entire week at a glance.
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How to use: No app—fully web-based. Set your TV preferences and filter your guide instantly.
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On TV Tonight
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What it does: Showcases both free-to-air and pay-TV schedules by channel or time.
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Why it works: Great layout, easy night-by-night browsing, simple “What’s on tonight” view.
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How to use: Save Canberra as your region and bookmark “Tonight” view.
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Freeview Australia
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What it does: Official platform for all free-to-air channels; includes live/recording guides and HbbTV features through FreeviewPlus.
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Why it works: Excellent if you own a Freeview-certified TV or set-top box, or use the Freeview app.
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How to use: On TV, hit the green button or browse via the Freeview iOS/Android app.
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OurGuide.com.au
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What it does: Simple region-based free-to-air guide, Canberra included.
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Why it works: Lightweight and good for quick check-ins.
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How to use: Choose Canberra and view current or future listings.
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Canberra Times TV Guide
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What it does: Local newspaper’s entertainment section hosts the region’s TV guide.
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Why it works: Local lens, often aligns listings with community events or important local coverage.
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How to use: Visit the entertainment section or search for the TV guide on the Canberra Times site.
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What’s Trending in Canberra Right Now?
While local preferences shift week to week, here’s a snapshot of what’s currently popular:
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MasterChef Australia – airs on Network Ten; heavily watched across homes.
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ABC News Canberra – local hour-long bulletin at 7 pm, ideal for staying informed.
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The Block – Seven Network’s renovation reality show draws regular local interest.
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Q+A – ABC’s live talk show with national and local issues; popular for Canberra’s civic-minded crowd.
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NBL Games / AFL Previews – weekend and nightly showcases of major sports.
These shows often rank high in free-to-air viewership, reflecting both national appeal and local relevance.
How to Use the Guide Like a Pro
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Bookmark and filter: On YourTV or On TV Tonight, set Canberra as your region—then save your favorite channels to filter your view.
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Set reminders: Apps like Freeview or 9Now enable reminders for upcoming programs—handy for live events or season finales.
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Plan ahead: Skim weekly listings twice a week to flag must-watch shows, recording opportunities, and family time slots.
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Be flexible: If a show’s timeslot changes for local events like ANZAC coverage or Parliament sessions, adjust your plan.
Missed the Show? Check the Catch-Up Apps
No drama if you miss it—you can still watch:
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ABC iView – full local and national programming library.
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SBS On Demand – documentaries, imported series.
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7plus, 9Now, 10 Play – network catch-up content and sports.
Pairing your live viewing with catch-up apps ensures no episode slip-through.
Why This Makes a Difference
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Local relevance: From weather bulletins to community news, your Canberra guide accounts for regional specifics.
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Saves time: A tailored guide cuts through clutter and keeps you focused on what matters.
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Better planning: Knowing when a family-friendly prime-time show airs helps coordinate everyone’s screens.
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Informs your choices: With drawing lists and catch-up links, you once again become the master of your TV domain.
DIY Guide Setup in 5 Minutes
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Open your preferred TV guide platform.
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Select your pay-TV service or choose “None” if you’re FTA-only.
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Tick ABC, Seven, Nine, Ten, SBS, WIN, and any sub-channels you like.
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For weekday plans, scroll ahead to mark shows you’ll record or watch.
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Use sweet shortcuts: bookmarking “Tonight” pages, creating prefs.
Final Thoughts
Stumbling into channel surfing can feel frustrating—and unnecessary—with so many good shows on across Canberra’s free-to-air networks. A focused, local-friendly TV guide isn’t just useful—it’s essential for making viewing calm, intentional, and enjoyable. Whether you choose YourTV for full customization, Freeview for recording ease, On TV Tonight for its layout, or a local flavour with Canberra Times, you’re setting yourself up for smarter streaming and less time lost.
