Sleep among the animals and experience the Wild Indulgence Package at Jamala Wildlife Lodge. If there’s one thing better than a zoo, it’s a zoo that also features an aquarium, a hotel and a restaurant. At Jamala, visitors are given the unique opportunity to slumber in bungalow-style suites with giant windows that connect to a variety of animal enclosures so you can sleep beside lions and tigers, alpacas or giraffes. The venue has recently teamed up with offering a “Wild Indulgence” package. It features a full two-night itinerary in a uShaka Lodge room and a half-day spa treatment including massage and deep tissue treatments with spa and sauna access. They’ve also got a new package called the “Linger Longer” which features tickets and tours of other attractions around the capital including Australia’s original electric boating experience, GoBoat, or tickets to Canberra’s local snow field, Corin Forest.
Wander through the halls of power and experience the history that lies at the heart of Australian democracy. No trip to the capital would be complete without touring Parliament House, where Australian law is made. The massive structure, which is one of the most open parliamentary buildings in the world, features 4,700 rooms with a range of displays on offer for visitors. Read up on former prime ministers and learn about landmark decisions that change the very essence of Australian society. Parliament House also has a giftshop with iconic souvenirs and books, and balcony restaurant with sweeping views of the parliamentary triangle and Australian War Memorial. Lucky visitors might even catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister himself! Later, wander down the road to old parliament house, also known as the Museum of Democracy. Step back in time and experience what parliament used to be like in the 20th century. Hear famous speeches by the likes of Gough Whitlam and even the Queen.
Take a relaxing stroll or cycle around Australia’s famous Lake Burley Griffin. The Lake and surrounding areas are popular for a wide range of boating and other recreational activities. There are lovely parks for picnics and areas for swimming as well as walking tracks and cycling paths. The Lake is a busy waterway with rowing, sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, dragon boating, fishing, model boating and stand-up paddle boarding being just some of the activities available. While you’re there, swing by one of Canberra’s newest restaurants, the Walter Café, featuring stunning views of the Lake and mountain ranges behind the city. The menu highlights include Alaskan crab omelette, ricotta hot cakes with caramelised banana wattle seed butter and chilli scrambled eggs served with feta and potato.
Huddle up by the fire and settle in for some hearty “pub grub” at the Old Canberra Inn. Built in 1857, the Old Canberra Inn is one of the first licensed pubs in the capital and older than the city itself. Well-known for its huge selection of Australian craft beers, it boasts a fun and relaxed atmosphere with great food, games and live music.
