I use dto live in Canberra, and would suggest to book your accomodation now... the closest F1 motel will prob already be booked out for over the nats, but most of canberra is easy and quick to get around, so almost anywhere isn't too far from EPIC..... Things to do apart from cars? The Zoo and Aquarium is actually pretty good - you can organise to pat a cheetah if your keen. There's also the National museum, War memorial, National Gallery and Science and Technology Center to name a few..... Try posting in the ACT section, the guys in Canberra have regular cruises and meets, and are all a pretty friendly mob.