Join ALLBecome a member of the loyalty program ALL and get a discount in more than 3,000 hotels starting with your first reservation
Aside from being the nation’s capital, Canberra might not be a bustling metropolis, but it is unique in every way. In fact, it is also referred to as the Bush Capital due to the sweeping nature reserves and surrounding mountain ranges. From the very beginning, the city was planned to preserve this natural beauty with vast open spaces that allowed the native vegetation and wildlife to thrive. Whether you are looking for family fun, history and culture, food and wine or an adventure in the outdoors, Canberra will deliver.
Canberra is well-known for iconic cultural attractions, museums and galleries that showcase the history and heritage of Australia. The city is rich in culture and home to a vibrant art scene that provides you with the opportunity to get involved in the creative community with classes and workshops. Heading out to the surrounding national parks and nature reserves will open you up to discovering waterfalls, gorges, forests, and even snow-capped mountains. You may even come across some of the best wineries and wine-trails in the high-country, where cool-climate wines are only a short drive away. No matter what you came for, Canberra promises to be an experience like no other.
The best times to visit Canberra are the autumn (Mar-May) and spring (Sep-Nov) months, because they are the ideal seasons to enjoy the events and festivals that are hosted during this time. Due to the city's dry continental climate, the summers (Dec-Feb) are warm, with January being the hottest and in winter (Jun-Aug), with possible snowfall and temperatures capable of getting down to -1°C. And make sure you bring an umbrella if you are visiting in October because this month has the highest chances of rain.
While Canberra is one of the smallest capitals in Australia, there are still plenty of transport options to keep you moving around. The public bus and light rail network will keep you connected to all parts of the city and the suburbs, just make sure you have a MyWay Card to save having to buy a ticket each time you ride. If you are spending the day visiting many of the city's top cultural attractions, then the Culture Loop bus service departs each hour from 9am to 4pm and drops you right outside or closely nearby your destination. To get to surrounding town centres and other key destinations like nature reserves, there are shuttle services that can get you there. If you have a bike, Canberra has great purpose-built bike tracks that weave through the city and beyond giving you the ultimate flexability to explore.
Beginning in the heart of the city, a trip to Canberra is never complete without visiting the major national icons. Take a guided tour through Parliament House, which is also one of the world's most architecturally acclaimed buildings. Explore the rich and diverse stories in the exhibitions of National Museum of Australia, which include some of the country's most cherished and important items. For history buffs, the Australian War Memorial which combines a world-class museum with an awe-inspiring shrine and a research centre. When you are not soaking in the culture, enjoy a picnic on a GoBoat along Lake Burley Griffin or take the family to check out the interactive wonderland at Questacon – the National Science and Technology Centre. Outdoor adventures are right on the city's doorstep with a summit walk up Mount Ainslie, cycling along the Centenary Trail, visiting the local wildlife at the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and even a hot air balloon flight over it all.
The best place for any foodies to visit is Braddon, a suburb only minutes away from the city's centre. Here you'll discover a diverse assortment of cafes, bakeries, restaurants, breweries and trendy bars, all within arms reach of each other. Indulge your sweet tooth at Enigma Fine Chocolates which specialises in artisan style chocolate truffles and bars that are also multi-award winning. Put some time aside to explore Murrumbateman, Yass and Hall, Canberra's premier wine regions. With 140 vineyards and over 40 wineries only 35 minutes' drive from the city, these regions are the perfect weekend getaway that offers cellar door tours for you to taste some of the best wine the country has to offer.
The Peppers Gallery Hotel Canberra is located right in the contemporary hub of New Acton. The rooms, suites and apartments have all been designed to accommodate every type of traveller, from business to leisure and offer individual charm and impeccable hotel service. Right on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin is the BreakFree Capital Tower Canberra with self-contained spacious rooms and surrounded by beautiful parkland. Accor also offers a range of accommodation options for your visit to Canberra including our Novotel, The Sebel, Mantra, Mercure and Ibis brands.