Pocket-sized adventures near the nation’s capital, from Namadgi National Park to a cultural city stay.
From creative city escapes to country jaunts, the the Australian Capital Territory is made for mini breaks with its mix of culture, nature and culinary clout. Explore the capital’s arts and dining scenes, discover local vineyards and farm stays or venture into the great outdoors. Find the best weekend getaways in the ACT below, all easily accessible from Canberra.
A vino trail through Canberra’s wine region
The vineyards at Lerida Estate offer cool-climate varietals. (Credit: VisitCanberra)
Tell me more: The few who know about the Canberra District Wine Region are in on a brilliant little secret. More than 50 wineries sit within 35 minutes of the capital, with passionate makers pouring perfumed shiraz and rieslings across cellar doors in towns such as Yass and Murrumbateman – technically in NSW, but happily sharing the bragging rights with the nation’s capital.
A wholesome farm stay at Beltana Farm
Sleep in a yurt at Beltana Farm, located a short drive from Canberra. (Credit: VisitCanberra)
The onsite farm promises top-notch food and cosy vibes. (Credit: VisitCanberra)
Join the truffle hunt in the winter months. (Credit: VisitCanberra)
What:Beltana Farm is a working truffière containing more than 800 oak and hazelnut trees.
Tell me more: Alice and Doug O’Mara spent eight years tending Beltana Farm before their truffle dogs found a harvest worth talking about. Guests can join the hunt in the winter months, then eat what’s been unearthed (along with other farm-to-table goodies) at the onsite restaurant, before sleeping it off in one of three luxury yurts warmed with kindling fireplaces.
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
AI Prompt
An adventure through Namadgi National Park
Namadgi National Park is perfect for hiking. (Credit: VisitCanberra/We are Explorers)
What?Namadgi National Park holds nearly half the ACT’s landmass with granite peaks, alpine grasslands and the territory’s only publicly accessible Aboriginal rock art site at Yankee Hat.
Tell me more: One of the best weekend getaways in the ACT for wildlife lovers, the park is known for its large population of Eastern grey kangaroos, which you will see grazing around the national park containing the ancient Ngunnawal ochre paintings. Climb Booroomba Rocks for views over the Brindabella Ranges and stop at Gibraltar Falls via a slight detour on the 45-minute drive back to Canberra.
A capital-sized cultural fix in Canberra
Visit the National Portrait Gallery.
Find inspiration inside the National Portrait Gallery. (Credit: Mark Mohell)
Tell me more: A cultural weekend in Canberra is all about world-class art, history, democracy and striking modernist architecture. Because the city was purpose-built to contain the nation’s treasures, you can easily pack an inspiring itinerary into a few days. Start at the National Gallery, before moving to the National Portrait Gallery next door and over to the grass-roofed Parliament House. Discover all of the top things to do in Canberra for your next weekend break.
Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?
Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
Carla Grossetti has written across print and digital for Australian Traveller and International Traveller for more than a decade and has spent more than two decades finding excuses to eat well and travel far. A prestigious News Corp cadetship...
Eleanor Edström is Australian Traveller’s Associate Editor. Previously a staff writer at Signature Luxury Travel & Style and Vacations & Travel magazines, she's a curious wordsmith with a penchant for conservation, adventure, the arts and...
Whether you prefer harbour views or coastal escapes, these seven hotels prove that every holiday should start poolside.
For the 13 million Australians planning a domestic holiday next year, where to stay is as important as where to go. The ideal hotel is one that helps you relax the moment you check in, with freshly prepared dining, easy access to local attractions, and an inviting pool lined with loungers and lush greenery. These seven hotel pools tick every box.
1. Hilton Surfers Paradise
Dive into this sunny pool precinct.
What’s better than a stunning hotel swimming pool? Four stunning hotel swimming pools. Just two minutes’ walk from the iconic Surfers Paradise beachfront, Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel & Residences has its own pool precinct extending over 1500sqm.
There’s a 40-metre lap pool, plunge pool, kids’ pool with playground, and an indoor pool for a heated escape on cooler days. Follow up your swim with a luxury treatment at the eforea Spa, before taking in the ocean and hinterland views at the hotel’s Catch Restaurant. Guests can choose from luxury hotel rooms, or fully self-contained apartments with a kitchen, laundry and private balcony. The Sky Residences are located on level 33 and above, and include floor-to-ceiling windows, larger balconies and stop-you-in-your-tracks views.
2. Hilton Cairns
Spend a day by the tropical lagoon-style pool.
If location is key, Hilton Cairns offers an urban, waterfront escape just two minutes’ walk from the marina, Cairns Esplanade Lagoon and CBD. When you’re not exploring the Great Barrier Reef or the local restaurants and markets, you’ll most likely spend your time on a lounger by the inviting tropical lagoon-style pool, shaded by lush palm trees. There’s even a ‘Popsicle Hotline’ for a complimentary ice block delivered straight to your lounger, or order from the popular pool bar.
Every room at the Hilton Cairns features a private balcony – rare for city hotels – so you can sip your coffee and watch the sunrise as the marina readies itself for boats heading out to the reef through Trinity Inlet.
3. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
Pull up a lounge chair and enjoy the Cairns weather.
Famous for their ridiculously delicious welcome cookies, served warm on arrival, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns is also known for its seven-story, open-air tropical atrium with waterfalls, bridges, pathways and a pond filled with barramundi. Some rooms and internal balconies overlook this rainforest indoor garden, and you can explore it anytime you like.
Don’t miss the regular fish-feeding sessions. When you’re not adventuring in the atrium, pull up a lounge chair beside the newly refurbished pool, or enjoy The Vine Room restaurant and bar, which won best redeveloped hotel in QLD at the Queensland Hospitality Awards. This hotel is the perfect base to visit the nearby Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, Cairns Aquarium, and the Reef Fleet Terminal.
4. Hilton Garden Inn Busselton
Enjoy the heated pool at Hilton Garden Inn Busselton.
To experience the colour-soaked sunrises of South West WA, get up early and take a dip in the welcoming, heated pool at Hilton Garden Inn Busselton. Overlooking the sheltered Geographe Bay foreshore, the loungers are perfectly positioned to take advantage of sunny afternoons as well.
Order a cool drink or devour fresh seafood from the hotel’s restaurant, Together & Co Restaurant. The unique menu is refreshed seasonally, but expect locally sourced Western Australian produce, Margaret River wines and modern Australian dishes. This hotel also offers Ocean View Rooms that frame the iconic Busselton Jetty nearby, as well as some rooms with private balconies, all decked out in soft coastal colours, pale timbers and sandy tones, reflecting the surrounding landscape.
5. Hilton Darwin
Head to the sun-drenched rooftop pool.
As soon as you drop your bags off in your harbour-view room at the Hilton Darwin, you’ll most likely head to the sun-drenched rooftop pool to wash away the tropical humidity and enjoy the endlessly blue Northern Territory skies.
After a dip, book into award-winning PepperBerry Restaurant. The menu leans into the cultural significance of the region by incorporating native ingredients. Think lemon myrtle, Kakadu plum, saltbush, wattle seed and other Indigenous flavours. Round out your evening with a short stroll to the CBD for an after-dinner drink or ice cream by the waterfront.
6. DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin
Dine beside the pool, or dive right in.
The most sought-after seat at the DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin is undoubtedly a terrace table in the hotel’s Aqua Restaurant and Bar. With views across the oversized pool and tropical gardens, the terrace is the best place to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean-inspired dishes with local ingredients.
From there, famous attractions such as Crocosaurus Cove and the Darwin Waterfront are within a gentle stroll. Recharge in one of the comfortable, luxury rooms with the Sweet Dreams® by DoubleTree sleep experience – a custom-designed bed, with feather or down bedding and crisp white sheets. It’ll give you a sleep so restorative, you’ll want to take the bed home with you, which you literally can, thanks to the brand’s retail collection.
7. Hilton Garden Inn Darwin
Hit the on-site pool under shady palms for a respite.
Striking a balance between being central and blissfully removed from Darwin’s busy nightlife, the Hilton Garden Inn Darwin hugs the quieter end of the famous Esplanade. With a resort-style pool set among palms and tropical plants, it’s a destination in its own right. Harbour View rooms have sweeping panoramic views of ochre-coloured sunsets, while other rooms enjoy the striking city skyline. The hotel is so highly regarded by the locals, it recently won the Best Overall Accommodation Hotel and Best Mid-Range Accommodation categories at the Hospitality NT awards – but that won’t surprise anyone who has stayed there.
