Unique stays in the ACT

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Discover the most unique stays in the ACT…

We’ve revealed our pick of 100 unique stays across Australia and below you’ll find the top three unique stays in the ACT that made it into our coveted list. Head here to read the full list and start planning your next escape.

1. Jamala Wildlife Lodge, Canberra, ACT

Luxury lodge experiences are often associated with loved-up couples and joint spa treatments, but in the case of Jamala Wildlife Lodge, located at the edge of Canberra, adjacent to the National Zoo & Aquarium, fine dining and five-star appointments come with some seriously family-friendly inclusions. The rooms here – spread across Jungle Bungalows, Giraffe Treehouses and the central uShaka Lodge – allow privileged access to the inhabitants of the zoo, from tigers to giraffes to monkeys; in my case its Malayan sun bears.

 

Arriving into the room, which is decorated in safari chic, with lots of dark wood and animal prints, my daughter makes a beeline for the picture window, where one of our furry neighbours for the night sits working its way into a coconut by way of some seriously long claws; our night is spent listening to a symphony of animal calls. In the morning, a pre-breakfast tour takes us through the zoo, with keepers detailing the valuable work done here undertaking breeding programs to bolster numbers of critically endangered species. As a mum, I will take my child making eye contact with wild animals and learning about conservation over a foot massage any day. – Leigh-Ann Pow

Jamala Lounge
Jungle inspired Jamala Lounge. (Image: Visit Canberra)

2. A by Adina Canberra, ACT

It is a sad fact that the practicalities expected of the serviced apartment sector often trump a focus on luxury and design, but the newly launched A by Adina brand is changing all that. Its sculptural, design-driven Canberra property, located at Constitution Place, ticks the boxes on both style and substance. The one- and two-bedroom apartments come with all the practical elements, from kitchenettes to washer/dryers, but the streamlined design, muted tones and attention to detail are decidedly luxe in their execution. Two gyms and a team of Personal Curators further ensure service(d) with style.

A by Adina Canberra, ACT
Inside the design-driven A by Adina Canberra. (Image: Rohan Thomson)

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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3. Little National Hotel Canberra, ACT

Little. Small. Compact. Tiny. Wee. Minute. Small-scale. Whichever way you spin it, the Little National Hotel is as it says on the tin: little. The rooms may be small, but they are perfectly coiffed. And it’s perhaps because of those compact proportions that you tend to narrow your focus to every nanoscopic, well-thought-out detail.

Bedroom of the Little National Hotel Canberra
The rooms at the Little National Hotel may be small, but they are perfectly coiffed.

The rooms are based on a 17 to 18 square metre floor plan and according to Patrick Lonergan, director of hotels, Doma Group, the Little National brand is about affordable luxury, “taking all the touch points we considered important and presenting it in a small package".

The Little National Library
The Little National Hotel also gives guests access to a beautiful library and cosy lounge area. (Image: Romello Pereira)

The idea behind the Little National is it provides guests with the most important aspects of a hotel stay. “We’re in the business of selling sleeps. That means a great mattress, great shower and technology supported by a beautiful library and cosy lounge area in a prime location near to some of the city’s best bars and restaurants." Political junkies will love the fact the Little National in Canberra is located across the road from the National Press Club and a short stagger from Parliament House. – Carla Grossetti

 

Read all 100 unique stays around Australia here.

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7 things you must experience on a getaway to Echuca Moama

Those dreaming of a river escape that’s less rush and more rest will discover the perfect getaway in Echuca Moama.

Best known for summer river holidays, Echuca Moama dishes up extraordinary options for those craving good food, experiences and culture. Discover how best to spend your getaway in this gorgeous river town.

1. Find unique stays in Echuca Moama

Goolwa River Retreat villas
Bathe under the stars at Goolwa River Retreat.

An adventure here starts with the perfect place to stay. Echuca Moama is famous for its luxury houseboats. Be spoilt for choice with amenities like spas, chef’s kitchens and en-suites onboard Murray River Houseboats and Echuca Luxury Houseboats.

For those who prefer to stay on dry land to sleep, there’s no shortage of accommodation options to suit every taste and budget. The villas at Goolwa River Retreat offer spectacular views of the Murray Riverfront, cosy evenings by the fire pit. And, a truly unique and luxurious experience: bathing under the stars in an outdoor bathtub.

Families travelling with young kids will appreciate the fully self-contained cabins, which sleep up to six, at NRMA Echuca Holiday Park. Complete with BBQ facilities and a kids’ playground, Echuca Holiday Park is the perfect base for families exploring the Echuca Moama region.

More adventurous guests can experience off-grid serenity at Carriages Water Front Retreat, where they can slumber among the redgums in a lovingly converted vintage train carriage.

If you prefer a more central place to stay, the Mercure Port of Echuca is located just five minutes from the Port of Echuca on foot and offers comfortable rooms, as well as easy access to all the region has to offer.

2. Explore the Murray River

PaddlesteamerS on the Murray River
Jump aboard one of Echuca Moama’s famous paddlesteamers.

A trip to Echuca Moama isn’t complete without seeing the Murray River. Take in views from the water, with Murray River Paddlesteamers and Echuca PaddlesteamersOr combine sightseeing with lunch at a local winery or brewery on a Wharf to Winery or Port to Plate cruise.

Those who prefer an active holiday can hire a stand-up paddleboard with Echuca SUP to explore the river. Duck under the historic Echuca Moama Bridge and listen out for local wildlife. At the end of your paddleboarding trip, you’ll find a shuttle service to return you to the car park.

Kayaking is another great option if you like to combine seeing the sights with a full-body workout. Hire a kayak from River Country Adventours, or join a river safari for a guided experience.

3. Go hiking and biking in Echuca Moama

two bikers riding on the 19-kilometre Waranga Rail Trail
Peddle along the 19-kilometre Waranga Rail Trail.

On foot or by bike, there are plenty of trails to explore the region. Embark on a guided e-bike tour with Green Pedal (or hire an e-bike and go it alone) to explore the 19-kilometre Waranga Rail Trail. Traverse through beautiful bushland and the scenic Waranga Basin. Bakeries and picnic areas in the historic town of Rushworth provide the perfect place for refreshments.

Day trip to the lookout at Whroo Forest, near the now-abandoned Whroo township, located on historic Balaclava Hill. The Hill was once the site of Victoria’s largest open-cut gold mine and home to a thriving town. Today, the area offers picturesque walking tracks and picnic sites.

4. Taste Echuca Moama’s best dining options

lobster dish on the table at opa in echuca moama
Taste delicious, authentic Greek at Opa. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Whether you like a candlelit dinner or a coffee in the sunshine, Echuca Moama is ready to delight your taste buds.

Pop into Opa for authentic Greek fare with views of the town from its upstairs balcony. Enjoy seasonal produce at The Mill, offering everything from global street food and share plates to classic dinner and dessert options inside a historic building.

Discover a local secret at Monkee and Co, a relaxed Asian-fusion restaurant serving up classics like Banh Mi and dumplings.

Start the day with excellent coffee and waterfront views at the family-run Watson St Pavilion.

5. Drink at Echuca Moama’s best bars

two people drinking cockatails at paradise bar in echuca moama
Cheers to neon at Paradise Bar.

Top-notch tipples can be found at Paradise Bar, a new cocktail bar serving up handcrafted cocktails to delight the taste buds in the heart of Echuca. The menu features classics like mojitos, margs, and spritzers. As well as Paradise’s own creations featuring funky ingredients like bubble gum syrup and an Old Fashioned with truffle oil.

Bar Lee at the Echuca Distillery is the place to go to watch the sun go down at the rooftop bar, taste Echuca’s locally made spirits and nibble your way through an exceptional selection of share plates.

For river views, excellent service and a more than extensive wine menu, head to Social Wine Bar. You’ll find a laid-back atmosphere in the riverfront beer garden that sprawls out under an ancient pine tree and a cosy interior perfect for hiding away on a cool evening.

6. Follow local art trails

Silo Art Trail
Jump in the car and follow the Silo Art Trail.

The region’s silos have been transformed into impressive, towering canvases depicting local fauna, Echuca’s historical links to industry and the building of the local railroad. Follow the Silo Art Trail by car, which takes between three and four hours.

Rochester Mural Park is home to an annual lineup of changing murals, while the Rochester Mural Festival showcases established and emerging artists.

7. Dive into local history

Echuca Port Museum and Penny Tourism
See the historic Port of Echuca.

The Echuca Moama region is bursting with history. Among its historical treasures is the Port of Echuca. Interactive displays showcase the port’s importance to historical trade along the river, industrial sites like the Evans Brothers Sawmill and the Port of Echuca railway station with its very own heritage steam train.

The displays pay homage to the site’s significance to the local Yorta Yorta People and their ancestral connection to the land where the Murray, Campaspe and Goulburn Rivers meet.

Explore the port independently or join a guided tour to learn from Echuca’s history buffs.

Learn more and start planning the perfect holiday to Echuca Moama at visitechucamoama.com.au.