Hotels in Canberra

Despite being the capital of Australia, Canberra is often outshined by its neighbours Melbourne and Sydney. But a closer inspection reveals that the city has much to show its visitors. Canberra is a testament to Australia’s wonderful mixture of neo-classical architecture and sprawling natural reserves. The Parliament House is a major example of this with its peculiar façade surrounded by spacious greens.

Whether you’re a nature lover who wants the view of gardens and parks or someone who finds it relaxing to stay in the city, Canberra’s got you covered.

How to Get There

Canberra Airport (CBR) is the main airport in the area, located around eight kilometres from the city proper. It’s the 8th busiest airport in the continent, serving an average of 8 million passengers annually.

From the airport, it will take around 10 to 20 minutes to get to the city centre. You can catch the ACTION bus or the Airport Express Shuttle bus to get to the city proper. There are also taxis outside the airport ground floor that can take you to any destination in the city.

Getting Around

Driving is the best way to tour the city. There are plenty of parking spaces and little traffic congestion, so it’ll be a breeze to drive around. But if you prefer public transportation, buses and trains can take you anywhere you need to go.

Canberra is prominent as the cycling capital of the country, so feel free to go pedalling around the city. There are many shops where you can rent a bike for this. For first-timers, hop on the Culture Loop bus for a free ride that will take you to the 10 most visited attractions in the city.

Top Things to Do

The Parliament House, National Museum of Australia, and Australian War Memorial are few of the famous tourist spots in Canberra. Strolling in the National Botanic Gardens, cruising in Lake Burley Griffin, visiting the Jerrabomberra Wetlands, and enjoying the panoramic view from Mount Ainslie are the most relaxing things to do.

If you want more thrilling activities, you can join the hunt for truffles at the Truffle Farm. You can also experience how it feels to be a pilot at the Canberra Jet Flight Simulator. You also won’t miss the outdoors here when you visit the Batemans Bay or hike the Black Mountain Nature Park. Either of these tourist spots in Canberra will give you a satisfying view of nature’s wonders.

Want to have an educational trip with your kids? The Canberra Glassworks, Namadgi National Park, the National Zoo & Aquarium, the Royal Australian Mint, and the Questacon are the favorite tourist spots in Canberra for learning activities.

What to Eat

If you ask around for what to eat in Canberra, most of the locals will recommend you try out the duck pancakes from Chairman & Yip. The thin mushroom pancakes are served with sweet and salty roasted duck for a weird combination that’s perfect for the taste buds.

BBQs, burgers, toasts, gelatos, and shakes are the most commonly served food in restaurants and cafes. Brodburger, Pâtissez, and Lonsdale Street Roasters, and Terra are the go-to diners for tourists in Canberra. Have you tried kangaroo meat? Head to Momoda for a delectable kangaroo spring roll.

Nightlife

The seemingly quiet streets of Canberra during the day come to life at night with clubs and live music. You can find small bars almost anywhere offering a cosy atmosphere to spend the evening. There are also upscale places that serve drinks while you listen to live jazz music.

Canberra is never short on late-night parties where you can dance to DJ sets and flashing neon lights until the early hours.

Where to Stay

For first-timers, look for accommodation in the CBD. Many of the top attractions in the city are found here. Canberra hotels are usually within walking distance from popular tourist spots and restaurants. If you’re on a budget, go to Acton. The area is also filled with parks and gardens, so it’s quite refreshing to stay here.

Woden Valley is the place to be if you like to be surrounded by green spaces and nature reserves. Meanwhile, Braddon is one of the oldest suburbs in Canberra. It’s populated with old houses with 20th-century designs. This place is lined with restaurants, cafes, and boutiques, perfect for just wandering around.

If you’re travelling with your family, some of the best hotels in Canberra are in Kingston. The place has lots of establishments for entertainment, dining, and shopping.

Travel Tips