Where to Stay in Canberra – A Guide to the Australian Capital
Canberra is the capital of Australia and the most populated inland city in the country. Located in the country’s southeast, on the Molonglo River, Canberra was created to serve as the federation’s national capital. The Australian capital is famous for its administrative buildings and holds the most impressive collection of Australian aboriginal art. In this post, we will explore the best areas to stay in Canberra.
Canberra was built from scratch at the beginning of the 20th century to replace Melbourne as the Australian capital in 1927.
The main cultural attractions in Canberra’s centre include Lake Burley Griffin, the Parliament House, the National Museum of Australia, the Old Parliament House, Questacon – National Science and Technology Centre and the National Gallery of Australia. See accommodation in Canberra City Centre.
Other attractions in Canberra include the National Zoo & Aquarium, the National Arboretum Canberra and the Australian War Memorial.
For nature lovers, Canberra is the gateway to the impressive natural landscapes and wildlife areas such as Black Mountain, Mount Ainslie, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and Jerrabomberra Wetlands.
Due to its location, Canberra has an oceanic climate. In January, at the height of summer, temperatures typically range between 14 and 28 ºC. Meanwhile, in August, average temperatures hover around 1 and 14 °C. The best time to visit Canberra is from spring to autumn (October through June); temperatures are still pleasant enough to enjoy outdoor activities during these seasons.
To get to Canberra by air, the city is served by the Canberra Airport. Located 8 km from the Canberra CBD, this airport offers domestic connections to Australia’s main cities.
Canberra is connected to Sydney by the NSW TrainLink railway. Canberra’s railway station is in the suburb of Kingston, near the City Centre. A network of long-distance buses also connects Canberra to destinations in Australia, including Sydney and Melbourne. See bus routes, schedules & fares.
When it comes to moving around the city, ACTION provides public transport throughout the city, and there are taxis and mobile apps available. Canberra’s inner city is pedestrian-friendly, but cars are still the best way to reach the city’s outlying suburbs. You can rent a cheap car here.
The best area to stay in Canberra, ACT is the City Centre. This district is home to the city’s main cultural attractions and museums, nightlife, restaurants and some of the best accommodation options. See accommodation in Canberra CBD.
Other great areas to keep in mind when choosing the best location in Canberra include the area around the Parliament House and the suburb of Kingston, where the main railway station is located.
Keep reading to find more about the best areas to stay in Canberra, ACT.
Best Location in Canberra, Australia: A Quick Guide
Below, you’ll find a list of the best areas to stay in Canberra according to your travel style. Keep on reading below to find more information on each particular suburb.
- Best location in Canberra for sightseeing: Near the Australian Parliament House
- Best location in Canberra for nightlife: Canberra City Centre
- Best location in Canberra for families: Canberra City Centre | Kingston
- Best location in Canberra without a car: Canberra City Centre
- Best location in Canberra for first-time visitors: Canberra City Centre
- Best location in Canberra for business travellers: Canberra City Centre
- Best location in Canberra for a budget stay: Kingston
- Best location in Canberra for LGBTQ travellers: Canberra City Centre
Best Hotels in Canberra, ACT by Theme
Got something specific in mind? Here’s a list of some of the top hotels in Canberra. No matter your reason for visiting the city, we can help you decide!
- Most unique hotel: Ovolo Nishi
- Best mid-priced hotel: Forrest Hotel & Apartments
- Best budget hotel: Red Cedars Motel
- Best luxury hotel: Midnight Hotel, Autograph Collection
- Best boutique hotel: Little National Hotel Canberra
- Best hotel with a pool: Canberra Rex Hotel
- Best inn / B&B: The Pommy Tree
The Best Areas to Stay in Canberra, Australia
1. Recommended area: Canberra City Centre
Canberra City Centre is, as its name suggests, the heart of the city, as well as its commercial and historical centre.
This area revolves around the City Hill Park and Northbourne Avenue.
Also known as the Civic Centre or CBD (Central Business District), Canberra City Centre has excellent public transport connections, and hosts the best boutiques and fashion stores, with brands that range from the most recognized to those of local production. As a result, the City Centre concentrates the largest number of shops in the city.
This central area is also the favourite place for tourists and locals in search of the best nightlife in the Australian capital.
The City Centre has several bus stops along Northbourne Avenue.
This neighbourhood offers a variety of accommodation for all budgets and tastes.
This lively area also includes the Canberra Convention Centre, which makes it an excellent area for business travellers.
The City Centre is the best area to stay in Canberra, thanks to its excellent connections, its variety of accommodation, and the shopping and nightlife options it offers.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Canberra, Australia:
- Heart of the city
- Great transport connections
- Shopping area
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
QT Canberra Hotel
The QT Canberra enjoys a perfect location in the centre of Canberra, on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, and offers elegant design accommodation. Free WiFi is available in all areas, while the concierge team offers quality service.
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Budget
Capital Executive Apartment Hotel
Just 5 minutes’ walk from Canberra city centre, this hotel offers free cable TV and free 24-hour secure parking. Facilities include an award-winning restaurant and a fully equipped gym with sauna.
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Luxury
Avenue Hotel Canberra
Located in the centre of Canberra, this elegant hotel has a restaurant and fitness center. All luxury accommodations have a private balcony with outdoor furniture. Free airport shuttle service is provided.
2. Near the Parliament House
The Australian Parliament House, also called Yarralumla in the aboriginal language, is an emblematic building, located south of the centre of the city of Canberra.
The Parliament House has a modern design in harmony with the surrounding landscapes and is close to shops, cafes and restaurants.
This building, epicentre of the Australian legislative power, is the most visited attraction in Canberra and houses Australian galleries and works of art on its interior.
When visiting the Parliament House, you can also go up to its roof, which is made of natural grass.
The Australian Parliament House is a infrastructure surrounded by immense gardens, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment venues. The area is full of government buildings, foreign embassies and different kind of architectural styles.
This area of Canberra also hosts some of the most luxurious hotels in the Australian capital.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Canberra, Australia:
- Australian Parliament House
- Great architecture
- Luxury-type hotels
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Rydges Capital Hill Canberra
The Rydges Capital Hill Canberra, located just 500 meters from the Parliament, offers 24-hour room service and a 15-meter indoor heated pool. The city centre of Canberra is 5 minutes away by car.
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Budget
Brassey of Canberra
The 1920’s-style Brassey of Canberra sits on 2.5 acres of gardens, just 5 minutes from the Parliament of Australia and the Capital Circle. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and access to a variety of local restaurant options.
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Luxury
Hyatt Hotel Canberra
This luxury hotel features a state-of-the-art fitness centre with an indoor pool and sauna, and is just 5 minutes’ drive from the Parliament. Snacks can be taken in the common lounge, and there is free Wi-Fi.
3. Around Canberra Railway Station
The Canberra Railway Station is located in Kingston, 4 km southeast of downtown Canberra, and not far from the city’s main government and diplomatic quarter.
This is the main terminal station of the train line that connects Canberra with the city of Sydney.
As Sydney is the main point of international entry to Australia and an important centre of business and tourism, the Canberra Railway Station is a excellent area to stay in Canberra because the trains will always be available during your stay in the Australian capital.
The area, in addition to providing access to the attractions of Canberra, is especially recommended for business travellers, and those who are looking to see the rest of Australia.
The Canberra Railway Station is also included among the best areas to stay in Canberra for having a wide range of hotels.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Canberra, Australia:
- Train station
- All kinds of accommodation
- Commercial area
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Diplomat Hotel
The elegant 4-star Diplomat hotel, renovated in October 2018, is located in Griffith, a 5-minute drive from the Parliamentary Triangle of Canberra. It offers rooms with free Wi-Fi access and free parking.
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Budget
ibis Styles Canberra
The award-winning ibis Styles Canberra offers air-conditioned rooms and free parking. Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool and 100 MB of free Wi-Fi per day.
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Luxury
Abode Kingston
Abode Kingston offers accommodation in Canberra. The property is within walking distance of the Kingston Shopping Centre, 500 meters from the Manuka shopping area and 600 meters from Manuka Oval.
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