Speaking as someone who lived in Canberra for eight years, I could say it takes about that long to get used to it. But that is an incredibly apt observation.

Reminds me of the warning given to ANU first-years about finding their way back to campus after a night on the piss - both Black Mountain (in the right direction from Civic) and Mount Ainslie (in the opposite direction) have flashing lights at their peak - if you follow the one that looks slightly smaller when viewed from Civic, you're in for a long walk...