Where to Stay in Canberra – A Guide to the Australian Capital
Canberra is the capital of Australia.
Canberra was built from scratch at the beginning of the 20th century, to replace Melbourne as the Australian capital in 1927. It is a green city built to house the most important buildings in Australia.
The Australian capital is located in the southeast of the country, almost halfway between Sydney and Melbourne, surrounded by mountains and farmland.
The oceanic climate of Canberra varies from dry and hot, during the summer, to cold and cloudy winters, even with mild snowfalls. Therefore, the best time to visit Canberra is from December to March.
Arriving at Canberra has to be done by stopover since its airport has mostly domestic flights.
When it comes to public transport, Canberra has a bus network, with stops throughout the city. Additionally, taxis, apps, and rental cars are an option.
As for the best areas to stay in Canberra, the City Centre stands out for gathering the best attractions, restaurants, and nightlife options. See accommodation in Canberra City Centre.
Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in Canberra.
The Best Areas to Stay in Canberra, Australia
1. Our Favourite 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.
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.
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.
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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|ES| Mejores zonas donde alojarse en Canberra, Australia

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