A guide to Hotel Kurrajong, a heritage-rich home in Canberra
Admit it, when you choose a hotel, the main priority is to make sure you pick the one closest to the famous attractions.
What if I tell you that Hotel Kurrajong isn’t just a mere accomodation that’s near Canberra’s top tourist spots? It is one of them.
You’ll be surprised to know that this heritage-rich hotel holds stories close to people’s hearts.
This place, which once housed the most important political figures of Australia, now serves as a place of comfort and convenience for the city’s visitors.
Where is Hotel Kurrajong?
Hotel Kurrajong is located at 8 National Circuit, Barton. It’s placed within the famous Parliamentary Triangle, and is just a short walk from famous landmarks like the Parliament House.
Additionally, the hotel is about 10 minutes away from Canberra Airport and offers convenient access to public transportation. The nearest stop is just a four-minute walk away.
How to get to Hotel Kurrajong
Via bus: Bus routes 2, 6, 56, 59, and 182 stop near the hotel. The nearest one is Brisbane Avenue, which is approximately a four-minute walk from the hotel.
Via taxi or ride-sharing services: Hail a cab or book your preferred ride-sharing service, like Uber. Just let them know that you’re going to the hotel and they will drive you there right away.
Via private car: Just simply type ‘Hotel Kurrajong’ into your Waze or Google Maps, and will guide you directly to the hotel while providing real-time traffic conditions and the best route to use.
What to do and see in Hotel Kurrajong
1. Have a relaxing stay
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Hotel Kurrajong offers 147 refurbished guest rooms that overlook the hotel’s terrace garden, with 26 of them located in the heritage wing, which was originally opened in 1926.
The classic rooms either come with a king-size or twin bed and small luxuries like coffee pod machines. Meanwhile, the family rooms offer two interconnecting rooms that can accommodate up to four people.
If you want to splurge a little on your stay, the Executive Suites and Terrace Rooms can give you more space and style as you get to have indoor and outdoor spaces and luxurious amenities.
Room rates start at $349 per night, but of course, special offers are available too, especially if you join the hotel’s membership.
2. Indulge in the packages
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The hotel has an eClub member exclusive rate that provides its members with special rates, packages, and complimentary benefits. They also offer special packages for families and couples!
Since the former Prime Minister resided at Hotel Kurrajong throughout his entire parliamentary career, the hotel offers patrons a special experience to live like Chifley did.
An overnight accommodation in the Chifley Room comes with a complimentary breakfast for two, a $50 credit for food and beverage, and a welcome whiskey upon arrival.
3. Try out Chifley’s Bar and Grill
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This on-site dining in the hotel is named after the 16th Prime Minister of Australia, Ben Chifley, who loved dining there.
In honor of his favorite drink, the whiskey bar curated a special menu that offers a taste of whiskeys from around the world.
Dining is available all day from breakfast to dinner. The kitchen itself focuses on delivering menus that come from seasonal and fresh produce.
Their specialty includes steaks, seafood, and chicken cooked on the grill.
For something more laid-back and relaxed, the bar area offers options perfect for winding down and casual catch-ups.
4. Book the meeting and events venue
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If you’re looking for a venue with premium furnishings, flexible layouts, and high-quality equipment for your events and meetings, you can check out Hotel Kurrajong’s dedicated spaces.
The first-class facilities offer both indoor and outdoor venue options. The courtyard, in particular, is a famous reception venue for weddings.
Check out the hotel’s official meetings and events page for offers and detailed information. They have special packages for specific events like corporate events and weddings!
5. Join special events
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Hotel Kurrajong makes sure to keep the place vibrant and fun.
On specific days, Chifley’s Bar and Grill holds special events to bring a refreshing energy to the relaxing, social vibes of the place.
These special events include High Teas, Old-fashioned Thursdays, Happy Hour, and Acoustic Fridays. These curated offerings and live performances are presented for these particular events to enhance the guest experience.
Lastly, the hotel offers a 45-minute guided tour of the Museum of Australian Democracy. It’s called “The Chifley Experience” because the tour follows the same route former Prime Minister Ben Chifley took every morning on his way to work.
What’s nearby
1. National Archives of Australia
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Website: http://www.naa.gov.au/
Address: Kings Ave, Parkes
Phone: +61262123600
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The National Archives of Australia is just a short walk from the hotel. This is the place where Australia keeps its historical memorabilia, including original documents from major political decisions and wartime photos.
If you’re a curious mind who wants to engage and connect with the country’s roots, this place is perfect for you.
Visitors can experience gallery exhibits and guided tours for free. It’s a nice touch if you don’t want to spend so much money during your trip.
2. Questacon Science Garden
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Website: https://www.questacon.edu.au
Address: King Edward Terrace, Parkes
Phone: +61262702800
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
On the other hand, if you’re traveling with kids or you’re more into science, Questacon Science Garden is the place to go.
Mind you, it’s not just your typical science center with unmoving exhibits, it’s interactive in the best way possible – watch and take part as science comes to life.
You can participate in the experiments, watch live performances, and enjoy interactive exhibits. We can assure you that spending just half a day here will satisfy your wonders about how things work.
Just a few minutes away from the hotel, you can surely have a day packed with adventure as both kids and adults can enjoy this fun, learning experience.
3. National Gallery of Australia
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Website: nga.gov.au
Address: Parkes Pl E, Parkes
Phone: +61262406411
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
If you love art, the National Gallery of Australia is the go-to destination. Once inside, you’ll be greeted by a collection of around 155,000 artworks.
7,500 of these are a collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, making the gallery home to the world’s largest collection of this art form.
Honestly, the architecture alone is worth visiting. The building has a modern look, and the stunning sculpture garden will make your head turn.
Back to the exhibits, the displays are rotated regularly so visitors can see something new every day. There are also themed mini-exhibits that change every 4 to 6 months.
4. Parliament House
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Website: https://www.aph.gov.au/
Address: Parliament Dr
Phone: +61262777111
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Here’s the thing, no visit to Canberra is complete without a stop at Parliament House, and staying at Hotel Kurrajong basically means you’re just a few steps away from it.
Aside from the political aspect of this attraction, the building is filled with national art and historical displays that tell stories about the legislative journey of the country.
Guided tours, which are free, are available every day, covering everything about how the Australian government functions.
Its most famous spot is the grass-covered roof. It used to be a popular spot for picnics, but was closed to the public for security reasons.
5. Kingston Foreshore
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Website: https://kingstonforeshorerestaurants.com.au/
Address: 19-43 Eastlake Parade, Kingston
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
If you want to enjoy the waterfront views surrounded by a line of cafes, restaurants, bars, and boutique shops, Kingston Foreshore is the place to be. You will often find families out for dinner, couples on romantic dates, or people walking their dogs.
You can start your day here with a cup of coffee, wander through artisan shops on weekends, and try out various international cuisines.
Occasionally, you will find art installations made by local artists.
And honestly, it’s worth planning an evening here if museums and monuments aren’t your thing.
Where to eat near Hotel Kurrajong
1. Burger Craft
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Website: http://www.burgercraft.com.au/
Address: Ebsworth Building, Level 6/6 National Circuit, Barton
Phone: +61431339535
Operating hours:
- Monday 11:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Tuesday 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Wednesday to Friday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Just about a five-minute walk from the hotel, this eatery on National Circuit in Barton has become a favorite place for burger lovers.
Burger Craft is famous for their thick, juicy patties and house-made sauces. And if you’re someone who judges a place by how they make their fries — yes, they nail that too.
With its affordable pricing and yet satisfying portions, it’s the perfect spot if you want to fuel up for your Canberra tour.
And the best part is, the place doesn’t pretend to be gourmet. No need to dress up and book a reservation — just show up ready to feast on tasty burgers.
2. Ottoman Cuisine
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Website: http://www.ottomancuisine.com.au/
Address: 9 Broughton St, Barton
Phone: +61405989131
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Friday 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Sunday 12:00 pm – 11:30 pm
If you want to dine in with a touch of elegance, Ottoman Cuisine in Bougainville Street will give you a taste of classic Turkish dishes while embracing local and fresh Australian ingredients.
They offer a variety of delicate lamb dishes, seafood, and what’s a Turkish restaurant without the famous Baklava?
And don’t forget to add the curated wine list that complements well with the distinct flavors of Turkish cuisine.
3. Nakha Chhe
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Website: https://nakhachhe.com.au/
Address: 23 Brisbane Ave, Barton
Phone: +61426545009
Operating hours: Monday to Friday 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Nakha Chhe stands out among the other restaurants because of the authentic experience with classic Nepali cuisine.
Their signature dishes are chicken momo and spicy goat khana, best paired with daal and pickles. You’ll also find a good variety of meatless options like the Vegetarian Chatamari (rice crepe-based, topped with potato and black-eyed bean curry and spices).
The portion sizes are generous, with fair prices and spice levels that can be adjusted to your liking.