Canberra is the capital of Australia and is a must-visit on your travels around Australia. The Australian capital is famous for being the political capital of the country with many administrative buildings of interest. In this post I’m not going to advise you on the best Canberra accommodation options for your holiday to Canberra. I will explore some of the best areas to stay in Canberra for your first or return visit plus, provide details of some of Canberra’s accommodation options for all budgets to take your shoes off at night.
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Where to Stay in Canberra
The Canberra we know today was built from scratch after the architect Walter Burley Griffin won a competition to design it in 1911. Most of the citiy’s major cultural attractions, political centre, restaurants, cafes and nightlife are found in the city’s centre. So when choosing accommodation in Canberra keep this in mind. Other areas to consider, particularly if you are arriving in Canberra by train, is the suburb of Kingston, where the main railway station is located.
Best Location in Canberra to Stay: A Quick Guide
Following, you will find a list I have devised of the best areas to stay in Canberra according to different travel styles.
- Best location in Canberra of sightseeing: Near the Australian Parliament House and Canberra City Centre
- Best location in Canberra for a first-time visit: Canberra City Centre
- Best location in Canberra if you don’t have a car: Kingston and Canberra City Centre
- Best location in Canberra for singles on a budget: Kingston
- Best location in Canberra for families: Canberra City Centre
- Best location in Canberra if you are towing a caravan: O’Connor
- Best location in Canberra for nightlife: Canberra City Centre
The Best Areas to Stay in Canberra, ACT
Canberra City Centre
On your visit to Canberra and the ACT my first recommendation of the best area to stay in Canberra is in the heart of the city. As the name suggests, Canberra City Centre, also known as the Civic Centre or CBD has a wide array of accommodation available. The main advantages of staying in this area of Canberra, or very close to it, is that it has excellent public transport connections and is close to the major Canberra attractions. The Civic Centre also has plenty of restaurants and cafes so you won’t starve. And if you want to experience Canberra nightlife, this is where you will find it.
Near Parliament House
Canberra’s Parliament House is the epicentre of Australian legislative power and it is surrounded by some budget to most luxurious hotels. If you are short on time and only want to visit the Parliament House and the CBD area of Canberra, then this area might just be for you.
Near and Around Canberra Railway Station
Many visitors to Canberra arrive by train at the main train terminal in Kingston, some 4km southeast of downtown Canberra. Four kilometres isn’t that far from the Canberra’s CBD and main attractions of Canberra. Therefore, this part of Canberra is a great place to base yourself. And there is a variety of accommodation options here.
Types of Accommodation in Canberra
Canberra has many styles of accommodation to suit different budgets. There are hostels, hotels, apartments and camping and caravanning grounds to stay at. All in easy reach by local public transport to the major attractions in the centre of Canberra which can be discovered on a visit to Canberra..
Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds in the ACT
If you are towing a caravan or want to pitch your tent then there are a couple of caravan parks and camping grounds not too far from the centre of Canberra. They are Southside Village about 7km from the CBD and Alivo Tourist Park about 3km from the CBD. Both have powered and unpowered sites plus cabins for your accommodation needs in Canberra.
Canberra Hostels
Hostels have long provided cheap and comfortable accommodation for the budget traveller. Mostly aimed at single travellers, couples and families are also welcome. Canberra has a few hostels including the Canberra City YHA which is conveniently located only .3km from the city centre. Making this a great option to see all the sights of Canberra and be close to restaurants and the nightlife.
Hotels and Motels in and around Canberra
Hotels and motels are plentiful in Canberra. They range from budget to mid-range to splurge! Many of them have great deals. Some I can suggest include: Mercure Canberra, Best Western Garden City, Mantra on Northbourne, Crowne Plaza, Hyatt Hotel and Rydges Capital Hill to name a few. For more hotel and motel options in Canberra visit Booking.com. This is my go-to website for when I’m looking for accommodation. On my latest trip to Canberra I stayed at the Ibis Styles Canberra Tall Trees Hotel – read my review here.
Self-catering Apartments in Canberra
Depending on how long your stay in Canberra is, staying in an apartment with a kitchenette so you can cook your own meals is ideal. Some centrally located apartments include Adina Serviced Apartments which are only 2.1km from the centre of town. Also Quest Canberra City Walk only .4km from the centre and the Citystyle Executive Apartments only .3km from the centre of town. These are great for couples and families or a group of friends.
Once in a life-time great experience
Fancy sleeping with a tiger or feeding a giraffe from your balcony while staying in luxurious accommodation? Then the Jamala Wildlife Lodge might be an option for you. Check out their accommodation options here.
Are You ready for Your Stay in Canberra?
Read next
5 Day Canberra Itinerary
Federal Highway Road Trip – The Road to Canberra
Hume Highway Road Trip
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