Hotels in Canberra

Best time to visit Canberra

Canberra is best during the spring months, which are from September – November. During this time of the year, you have pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists and all the key attractions are open.

How to get around Canberra

A well-connected capital city, Canberra has plenty of public transportation options to take you around. Most parts of the city centre can be explored on foot, but when you want to visit the outskirts, especially the wooded areas, you will need transportation. Transport Canberra has buses and a light rail system in the city and suburbs. For the rural areas of Canberra, you have the Qcity Transit options and the Transborder Express. To save on fares, get a MyWay card and receive a 5 percent discount.

Best places to stay in Canberra

Canberra is inland from the southeast coast of Australia. With its plush forestry and farmland, it definitely earns the nickname “Bush Capital.” While it might be away from the ocean, it does have Lake Burley Griffin, where you can glide out onto the water with a sailboat or kayak and enjoy the lakeshore views of the Parliament House, local museums and more. Canberra is a unique gem, because it offers some of the most fascinating indigenous art collections of the country, which is why it is a top spot for art collectors.

Acton

Acton is close to the city centre and also home to the Australian National University. A short drive from Acton, you have the Australian National Botanic Gardens and Black Mountain (Kalkajaka) National Park. Stay at the NewActon Hotel Hotel on Marcus Clarke Street and you will be in the centre of it all.

Canberra Central

Canberra Central spreads out in a circular shape and includes the London Circuit. In the centre of the city, you have plenty of attractions, hotels and you are a short walk from Commonwealth Park. Hotels in the city centre range from 5-star accommodations to budget-friendly places to stay. Try the Crowne Plaza Canberra on Binara Street. You also have the contemporary Novotel Canberra Hotel and the more economical BreakFree Capital Tower.

Chinatown

Chinatown is in the Dickson area of the city and home to Cantonese and Chinese restaurants. In Chinatown, the Asian food markets are open with fresh produce and unique gifts to take home. Hotels in Chinatown are affordable compared to the city centre. Two good options worth considering are the Aria Hotel and The Tradies Quality Hotel Dickson.

North Canberra

In North Canberra, you have O’Conner and the Northbourne Avenue areas. Budget lodging and most other hotels are in the North Canberra district. You also have youth hostels throughout the neighbourhood. The city has some amazing shopping centres, bars and public houses. In North Canberra, you will also find exceptional Asian and Turkish eateries. For hotels in Canberra in the northern area, try the Dickson Parklands or the Pavilion on Northbourne.

South Canberra

South Canberra is well known for its street café culture. The city has plenty of shopping malls, antique shops, fashion boutiques, and lots more to discover. It is also home to the inner suburbs of the city, including Kingston and Manuka where you find affordable hotels and stylish, boutique-like inns. The Novotel Canberra Hotel is located in the southern district and strategically placed so you do not need public transportation to reach most of the attractions.

Tuggeranong

On the southern side of the city you have Tuggeranong, where you will find friendly cafes, inexpensive venues and the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. This famous reserve has the largest concentration of walking trails and wildlife in the area. Stay at the Abode Hotel Narrabundah, which features flat-style hotel rooms.

Cheap hotels in Canberra

Find accommodations in Canberra that will not deplete your travel budget too quickly. As a capital city, there are plenty of budget-friendly hotels and hostels to choose from. Try the Tall Trees Canberra with its affordable rates and newly renovated rooms. You also have the Mantra on Northbourne, which offers a comfortable stay for families and business travellers. Peppers Gallery Hotel is in the contemporary area of New Acton and sits among other 5-star hotels in the area. The Capital Executive Apartment Hotel is a value hotel with a 24-hour reception desk and is a short walk from the CBD.

Canberra has a city centre that is vibrant, and the outskirts offer outdoor activities that are fit for the entire family. Even if you are only in this quaint area for a weekend, you will have more than enough to do during your days in the Aussie capital.

• Wine and dine your way around Canberra. As one of the increasingly popular culinary destinations in the country, you will find unique eateries that even the self-proclaimed foodies have yet to find. Fine dining is available throughout the city centre. You must try the Chairman & Yip. For a flat white coffee, visit the company owned by the World Barista Champion of 2015, ONA Coffee. Enjoy an upscale dining experience at Eightysix.
• Shop and enjoy the lively creativity atmosphere of Canberra by spending time at the Old Bus Depot Markets. Here you find everything from hipster fashion to houseware and organic produce to snack on.
• Escape from the city centre and enjoy the beauty of nature that surrounds Canberra. The heavily forested region of Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is 40 minutes from Canberra, but has everything from cockatoos to kangaroos to see. Make a trip to Canberra’s National Zoo & Aquarium in the city centre where you have bungalows and treehouses overlooking the animals.
• Explore the unique artwork of Canberra, and possibly purchase a piece to take home while you are here. The houses of art here are extraordinary, and you can also find a collection of priceless Aboriginal artwork. The National Gallery of Australia has more than 7,500 pieces on display, while the National Portrait Gallery features fun and trendy portraits of famous individuals along with their exhibition known as the “Uncommon Australians.”