Canberra continues to buck expectations when it comes to the variety of accommodation available throughout the city. The basic hotel options are there, but if you’re looking to staycation in style, there’s something to pique your interest.
For a luxury experience, the best-placed hotel for another level of sophistication is the Ovolo Nishi. This five-star accommodation is found just on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin, and a short distance from most of Canberra’s landmarks, in the trendy New Acton Precinct. The exterior is iconic in Canberra’s skyline, but the interiors have a lot to offer, constructed from repurposed fibres and materials, with natural tones and minimalist décor. Their in-house restaurant Monster Kitchen and Bar is repeatedly making best-of lists for Canberra eateries, but you’re only walking distance away from other amazing food and drink venues in the New Acton Precinct you’re in need of a couple more options.
Similarly in the city centre is the Jamala Wildlife Lodge. Ten minutes from the CBD, this accommodation is found within the National Zoo and Aquarium grounds, where you’ll feel a world away in one of their rooms, ranging from Giraffe Treehouses to Jungle Bungalows. Guests that stay here can tour the zoo from the comfort of their rooms, where floor-to-ceiling windows look out onto animal enclosures. Fine dining is included in some packages, along with animal encounters, and in the Giraffe Treehouses, a possible balcony visit!
For an escape to the great outdoors, there are loads of farm stays and winery accommodations available that showcase the landscape trending further out of the CBD. For a balance of both the CBD conveniences and farm comfort, Beltana Farm is in Pialligo, only a 12 minute drive from the CBD. This accommodation is set in an 800 tree trufferie, where you can dine on seasonal farm-to-table meals at their onsite restaurant. If you’re feeling lazy, it can even be ordered as room service.
Only 20 minutes from the CBD by comparison are the Cubby and Co accommodations at Mount Majura Vineyard. You can sleep amongst the vines in bell tents if you’re looking to be as close to nature as possible, but their tiny house is just as cosy and probably a better option for winter. This stay is perfect for trying the best wines from the vineyard, with no skipper required.