Seven unique places to stay on your Canberra getaway

Though it’s located just a ten-minute drive from the city centre, Jamala Wildlife Lodge might just make you feel like you’ve embarked on a transcontinental journey. Tour the sprawling grounds solo or on a guided safari, and you’ll spy lions, sun bears, rhinos, monkeys, zebras and more.

Stay overnight in a treehouse with views of giraffes (who might even visit your balcony!) or a bungalow with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a front-row seat to the tigers’ antics. With fine dining, one-on-one animal encounters, and an itinerary full of adventure, you’re in for an extraordinary stay.

Jamala Wildlife Lodge

For a serene escape, Beltana Farm in Pialligo offers a delightful blend of rustic charm and modern elegance, set amidst a trufferie of over 800 trees. This peaceful retreat is a haven for those seeking both relaxation and a taste of the farm-to-table lifestyle. The onsite restaurant is a standout feature, serving fresh, seasonal dishes crafted from the farm’s own produce, including truffle in the winter.

Guests can choose from a cozy cottage or one of three uniquely styled yurts, each offering a perfect fusion of country living and contemporary comfort. Whether you're after tranquillity or a closer connection to boutique farm life, Beltana Farm is an idyllic place to unwind.

Craving a night in? Indulge in the luxury of in-room dining, where meals are delivered straight to your door, allowing you to enjoy a delicious farm-fresh experience in the comfort of your own space.

Beltana Farm

Cubby and Co offers a stripped-back glamping experience located just a 20-minute drive from the city at Mount Majura Vineyard. From spring to autumn, you can stay in Edgar and Frank, two charming bell tents named after local winemakers, nestled among the vineyard's rolling vines. In winter, cozy up in Dinny, a tiny house offering stunning views.

Each hideaway features a plush bed wrapped in locally sourced linens, a selection of books to browse, and a stash of board games to enjoy. While you'll forgo showers during your one-night stay, the accommodation does include comforts like a mini-fridge and an eco-toilet. Spend your time picnicking and stargazing, or head to the cellar door for a wine tasting, with upscale takeaway delivered right to your tent deck.

For a new adventure, explore Cubby and Co's latest tiny homes - Kira and Mawson - located at Yarrh Wines, just 45 minutes from the city in the scenic bushland of the Yass River Valley.

Cubby and Co

Cosy and compact with artistic bones, the Ovolo Nishi luxury boutique hotel is the perfect base from which to begin exploring the sights of this creative city. This glamorous hotel perched on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin is housed in the Nishi building, the Japanese-inspired, pineapple-shaped architectural gem for which it’s named. The sophisticated rooms are an ode to the natural world, with retro furnishings constructed from refurbished clay, cork, eucalyptus timber and natural fibres, and bathrooms featuring luxe rain showers or deep concrete bathtubs.

The atrium rooms peer into a leafy internal courtyard alive with reclaimed Tasmanian tree ferns, while the sunrooms glow in natural light and gaze out over the lake. With easy access to nearby museums, nature reserves, and major national attractions, you’re perfectly positioned to explore the best of the city. After dining at the in-house restaurant, Monster Kitchen & Bar, catch a movie at Palace Electric cinemas below. To top it off, your furry four-legged friends are also welcome at this five-star, sustainable haven.

Ovolo Nishi

They say the best things come in small packages, and this is certainly true at Lake George Winery where you’ll find three charming homes - Little Baxter, Littler Edgar, and Little Rae - hidden within its gorgeous grounds. These pet-friendly, eco-friendly stays are situated within the picturesque 300-acre vineyard, just a 40-minute drive from Canberra’s city centre.

For those looking for more space, there are also larger accommodation options that can accommodate up to 13 guests. Spend your days wine tasting on-site or next door at Lerida Estate, explore hiking, or enjoy a cozy meal around the fire pit. And if you’re an early riser, a mountain hike rewards you with breathtaking sunrise views.

Lake George Winery

The region around Canberra is known for its softly spiced cool-climate wines, but many local vintners also provide tranquil places to rest wine-weary heads at the end of a beautiful day of imbibing. Tallagandra Hill Winery is one such venue, with three charming cottages on the winery grounds.

Each self-contained unit accommodates two adults, complete with a modern kitchen and bathroom as well as cozy lounging and sleeping spaces. You can bring wine and charcuterie to your private deck or taste your way through the vineyard’s drops while also enjoying local produce at the cellar door. If you time your trip well, you could also catch some live music performed by touring artists.

Image: Camilla Duffy

Tallagandra Hill Cottages