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 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
The National arboretum in Canberra opened in February 2013. There are various vantage points where you can see the growing forests (over 100 different species). The most unmistakeable one is dairy farmers hill (in the distance) where you can experience Canberra's amazing sunsets.

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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, ACT Baha'i Centre and Molonglo River Reserve 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 ACT Baha'i Centre and Stromlo Forest Park.

Holder
Statesman Hotel

Statesman Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Cnr Strangways & Theodore Streets Curtin ACT
The price is AU$139 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
AU$139
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Canberra. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
Nice and quiet

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2026

Statesman Hotel
Rydges Canberra

Rydges Canberra

4 out of 5
Corner Canberra Ave & National Circuit Forrest ACT
The price is AU$158 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
AU$158
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Canberra. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (899 reviews)
While it is a bit worn out the bed was very comfortable, the aircon worked well (it was humid for Canberra) Staff were thoughtful and kind and the shower was great.

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Rydges Canberra
Forrest Hotel and Apartments

Forrest Hotel and Apartments

3.5 out of 5
30 National Circuit Forrest ACT
The price is AU$113 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
AU$113
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Canberra. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
Have stayed here before so happy to stay here again. Some fittings in the bathroom fell off - such as taps, toilet roll holder part etc - and we had to put them back on, but besides that, we were happy with our stay there. Well-equipped apartment in nice location. Coles not too far away. (Walking ...

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Forrest Hotel and Apartments
See all 1,040 properties in West 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.
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! (8 reviews)
We were very happy with the accommodation. It suited our needs. We were great full for the aircon as it was such a hot weekend in Canberra. We definitely enjoyed our stay.

Reviewed on 7 Feb 2026

Brilliant 3 bedroom home•garden views• garage parking•walking distance to lake
Architectural Comfy 2B&2B suite with garden view close to lake & Shopping Centre

Architectural Comfy 2B&2B suite with garden view close to lake & Shopping Centre

Yarralumla ACT
Stay at this holiday home in Canberra. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Royal Canberra Golf Club and Weston Park are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (15 reviews)
Overall a nice place to stay but bathrooms need attention. Clogged drain we had to clean in one. The ensuite had mould growing in the grouting of the shower which had obviously been growing for some time. Dishwasher can’t be used as the door won’t shut.

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

Architectural Comfy 2B&2B suite with garden view close to lake & Shopping Centre
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 ACT Baha'i Centre are located ...
Stylish 4 bedroom 3 bathroom lakeside townhouse
See all properties in West 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.

Popular places to visit

National Arboretum Canberra which includes farmland, landscape views and tranquil scenes

National Arboretum Canberra

Take the family on an outing to National Arboretum Canberra during your trip to Canberra. Visit the shops and charming cafes in this walkable area.

National Arboretum Canberra
Royal Australian Mint showing interior views as well as a large group of people

Royal Australian Mint

Visit the building where every single coin in the country is made, learn about the production process and browse through a huge collection of coins.

Royal Australian Mint
Parliament House which includes a sunset and an administrative buidling

Parliament House

Admire the scale, architecture and artwork of the building where Australia’s politicians make the big decisions.

Parliament House
Belconnen Town Centre

Canberra Centre

During your trip to Canberra, you can do some window-shopping at Canberra Centre. Discover the top-notch restaurants and fascinating museums in this walkable area.

Canberra Centre
The University of Melbourne with Old Arts Clock-tower

Australian National University

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit Australian National University during your travels in Canberra. Experience the acclaimed art galleries and fascinating museums in this walkable area.

Australian National University
Australian War Memorial showing a pond and heritage architecture

Australian War Memorial

Wander the halls of this monument to learn about the battles fought by Australians, see military hardware and admire artworks.

Australian War Memorial

Activities

Captain Cook Memorial Water Jet

Personalised Sightseeing in Canberra, with John

AU$60
per adult
Personalised Sightseeing in Canberra, with John
AIS Tour

Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour

AU$21
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Australian Institute of Sport: The AIS Tour
Spies in the Capital: Women in Espionage Walking Tour

Spies in the Capital: Women in Espionage

AU$65
per adult
Spies in the Capital: Women in Espionage
See all activities in West Canberra

Cities near West Canberra

Parliament House which includes landscape views and an administrative building

Canberra

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