Canberra is a fantastic destination for a long weekend. It has a lot to offer for families looking for activities and entertainment and for couples looking for cultural experiences, relaxation and fine dining.

Here are some of the reasons why The Lux Travellers recommend you put Canberra on your travel map this year.

1. Stay is style, like the politicians do, at Hotel Realm

Hotel Realm is part of the DOMA collection of hotels, a group with impeccable taste in hospitality. Located at the footsteps of the Parliament House Hotel Realm provides an excellent base for visiting travellers. It offers an impressive choice of suite accommodation starting from One-bedroom Realm suites to architecturally designed Penthouses and Two Bedroom Residences which makes it a perfect choice for families.

Fancy suite accommodation is complimented by an excellent restaurant Ostani Bar that serves hearty breakfasts by the fireplace and sumptuous share plates and cocktails in the evening. The cuisine is Modern Australian with a European twist.

Active travellers are not forgotten at Hotel Realm with a fitness centre and pool located at the basement level, while those looking for some pampering are able to book a treatment at Mudd The Spa and enjoy a massage or facial or get truly spoiled with a Vichy shower and a wrap.

www.hotelrealm.com.au

2. Go on a Hot Air Balloon to see the capital from high above with Balloon Aloft

Fantastic experience for the young and young at heart. The adventure starts with a very early wake up call at 5.30am to confirm that the flight is on (flight schedule is a little volatile due to weather and wind direction). Once confirmed, get ready quickly and wear your warmest clothes as it gets freezing up in the air, especially in winter.

After a short briefing at the Hyatt hotel guests are taken to the lakeside a few minutes away and your flight experience begins. You get to see the whole process from the beginning – how the balloon get unfolded and blown up, first with cold air and then with hot. Once the balloon starts lifting up swiftly jump in the basket and, in a few minutes, you are on the way.

Scenic flight lasts 30-40 minutes and is quite entertaining with the pilot telling you stories about Canberra’s history as you enjoy the views. The landing is much smoother than I thought and after a celebratory glass of champagne you are on your way back to town just in time for your hotel’s sumptuous breakfast.

www.balloonaloftcanberra.com.au

3. Take the kids to VertiKal, indoor skiing centre

For those who haven’t skied before this is an excellent opportunity to get on the skies or snowboard. Book a number of lessons in advance to get your confidence up before hitting the real snow. All lessons are for small groups or private and are taught by professionals. This brilliant technology came to us from Europe and apparently is used by the professional kiers around the world to perfect their skills.

Parents can enjoy a pizza or a coffee while their children are taking in the snow tips in a cosy lounge room by a fireplace.

https://www.vertikalsnowsports.com

4. Apply the skills you learned on the real snow at Corin Forest

Corin Forest is an outdoor snow playground with snowsports school and snow play for families. It is only one hour drive from Canberra and it’s not dependent on the weather as most of the snow is man made.

The mountain has one small slope with magic carpet, perfect for the beginners. Book a morning or afternoon session and private lessons to get comfortable on the skis before heading to Thredbo or Perisher. For those who just want to see and feel the snow, build a snow man, have a snowball fight and get some breeze on your face while speeding down a hill on a toboggan snow play area is perfect.

www.corinforest.com.au

5. Family fun at the National Zoo & Aquarium

National Zoo is a privately owned zoo in Canberra and apart from the usual tours, it offers unique close encounters with beautiful animals – you can hand feed a tiger, lion or bear for an unforgettable experience, meet a cheetah or become a zoo keeper for a day.

Those who don’t want to leave this sanctuary can stay the night in Jamala Lodge, exquisite lodge with 18 guestrooms all offering something very special – whether it is sleeping next to a bear or feeding giraffes bananas for breakfast from your balcony. Unbelievable experience you’ll cherish forever.

www.nationalzoo.com.au

www.jamalawildlifelodge.com.au

Enjoy our capital and feel free to contact The Lux Traveller with any questions. Our team will be delighted to organise an unforgettable trip to Canberra for you and your loved ones!