West Canberra Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

CHILDS PLAY AT THE NATIONAL ARBORETUM CANBERRA
With spectacular views across the hillside, it’s a lovely setting for the kids to burn off some excess energy and where you can sit and enjoy a cuppa. 
The Arboretum is a place for learning about and growing trees. On the grounds there is the Pods playground and the National Bonsai and Penjing Garden. There is no entry fee; however, the car park has a pay station, $2.00 for an hour or $7.50 for the whole day (9am to 5pm).
CHILDS PLAY AT THE NATIONAL ARBORETUM CANBERRA
With spectacular views across the hillside, it’s a lovely setting for the kids to burn off some excess energy and where you can sit and enjoy a cuppa. 
The Arboretum is a place for learning about and growing trees. On the grounds there is the Pods playground and the National Bonsai and Penjing Garden. There is no entry fee; however, the car park has a pay station, $2.00 for an hour or $7.50 for the whole day (9am to 5pm).
CHILDS PLAY AT THE NATIONAL ARBORETUM CANBERRA

Our main interest was the playground. We consider this an architectural masterpiece and well worth the visit. 
‪#‎Arboretum‬#Canberra#PlaygroundFun#BonsaiandPenjingGarden
CHILDS PLAY AT THE NATIONAL ARBORETUM CANBERRA
With spectacular views across the hillside, it’s a lovely setting for the kids to burn off some excess energy and where you can sit and enjoy a cuppa. 
The Arboretum is a place for learning about and growing trees. On the grounds there is the Pods playground and the National Bonsai and Penjing Garden. There is no entry fee; however, the car park has a pay station, $2.00 for an hour or $7.50 for the whole day (9am to 5pm). 
I had a chance to walk into the Arboretum… There is a large restaurant/café with views across Canberra and a gift emporium. Heading through and out the other side is the National Bonsai and Penjing Garden. If you are into Bonsai, this is a very impressive collection. 
‪#‎Arboretum‬#Canberra#PlaygroundFun#BonsaiandPenjingGarden
Wonderful Landscape

Where to stay in West Canberra

Aerial panorama of Tuggeranong Parkway passing near National Arboretum and Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra, Australia

Curtin

Uncover some of the top draws of Curtin like its shopping and restaurants. If you're hoping to see more of the larger area, stop by Royal Australian Mint or Canberra Nature Park.

Curtin
New tree planting along the road at Weston Park. New tree planting with stakes along the road going down to the lake at Weston Park

Weston

If you're spending some time in Weston, Molonglo River Reserve and ACT Baha'i Centre are top sights worth seeing.

Weston
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Holder

While Holder may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Stromlo Forest Park and Mount Stromlo Observatory.

Holder
Forrest Hotel and Apartments

Forrest Hotel and Apartments

3.5 out of 5
30 National Circuit Forrest ACT
The price is AU$93 per night from 28 Jan to 29 Jan
AU$93
28 Jan - 29 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly motel in Canberra. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
Clean room and friendly staff Great location

Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026

Forrest Hotel and Apartments
Avenue Hotel Canberra

Avenue Hotel Canberra

5 out of 5
80 Northbourne Avenue Braddon ACT
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$159 per night from 27 Feb to 28 Feb
AU$159
27 Feb - 28 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Canberra. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,014 reviews)
Clean and spacious rooms. Awesome views and the spa is a great size. Will plan on staying there again if the opportunity comes. Great central location. Excellent breakfast and variety. Nice happy hour. Staff was very friendly.

Reviewed on 21 Jan 2026

Avenue Hotel Canberra
Novotel Canberra

Novotel Canberra

4.5 out of 5
65 Northbourne Avenue Canberra ACT
The price is AU$155 per night from 29 Jan to 30 Jan
AU$155
29 Jan - 30 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Canberra. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,009 reviews)
Check in was pretty minimal - they just handed over our room key. There isn't information about the facilities in the room - a QR code comes up on the TV, which links you to the information. We don't usually turn on the TV, though - maybe this information could be better displayed on a card in the ...

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

Novotel Canberra
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Stylish 4 bedroom 3 bathroom lakeside townhouse

Stylish 4 bedroom 3 bathroom lakeside townhouse

Coombs ACT
Stay at this holiday home in Canberra. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Stromlo Forest Park and Mount Stromlo Observatory are ...
7/10 Good! (2 reviews)
The property was just as described. It was clean and a real delight for our entire family of 6 adults and 2 children.Thank you

Reviewed on 22 July 2025

Stylish 4 bedroom 3 bathroom lakeside townhouse
A 5-Star Waterfront Home, Yarralumla

A 5-Star Waterfront Home, Yarralumla

Yarralumla ACT
Stay at this holiday home in Canberra. Enjoy free breakfast, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Weston Park and Royal Canberra Golf Club are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3 reviews)
Overall good stay. Location was good. Larger area for all guests to be comfortable. Heating was great. Dishwasher did not work. Messaged property manager and they insisted it was working. There was no power going into the dishwasher at all. No solutions throughout the stay.Had to use external lighter ...

Reviewed on 11 July 2025

A 5-Star Waterfront Home, Yarralumla
Brilliant 3 bedroom home•garden views• •garage parking•walking distance to lake

Brilliant 3 bedroom home•garden views• •garage parking•walking distance to lake

Yarralumla ACT
Stay at this holiday home in Canberra. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Royal Canberra Golf Club and Weston Park are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
The property was very well appointed and spotlessly clean in a lovely location. I would rate the owner as a renter, not a host, as communications at times were slow and very business-like.

Reviewed on 29 Dec 2025

Brilliant 3 bedroom home•garden views• •garage parking•walking distance to lake
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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