It's time Australians stop 'Canberra bashing' and get to know their national capital, according to singer and director Robyn Archer.

Ms Archer, who is the creative director of Canberra's centenary celebrations in 2013, said that the language around Canberra was a "national disgrace" and that many of its inhabitants feel apologetic as a result.

There's more to Canberra than roundabouts, freezing weather and “bloody pollies”, says singer Robyn Archer. Credit:Rob Homer

"Canberra is not the same thing as our federal government," she told the National Press Club this afternoon.

Ms Archer observed that every time there is good federal political news, the media use the term "federal government". When it is bad news, they use "Canberra".