Best serviced apartments in Canberra for a comfy stay in the capital

In the heart of Australia’s capital city, BreakFree Capital Tower is a well-situated home base to explore Canberra. You can take a short stroll along the shoreline of Lake Burley Griffin, the centrepiece of the city, to the National Museum of Australia, or wander up the tree-lined Anzac Parade to the Australian War Memorial shrine and museum.

Of course, there’s also plenty to see from the comfort of your own private balcony. Sit back and relax as you take in the surrounding landscaped parklands and views of the majestic Brindabella Ranges in the distance. Watch the city light up at night and admire the Parliamentary Triangle and Central Business District (CBD), before heading indoors to your cosy lounge, decorated in a simple, yet modern style.

Take advantage of the communal BBQ area and make yourself at home outdoors with your family and friends. Or pop into the CBD to check out Canberra’s café and dining culture – take your pick of anything from Asian street food to modern European fare.

Ranging from single-bedroom apartments to a three-bedroom penthouse split across two levels, every BreakFree accommodation option includes sleek tiled bathrooms and a fully-equipped kitchen – handy for those nights when you feel like staying in. Wind down with a gentle swim in the hotel’s pool, or work up a sweat on the tennis or squash court before retreating to the on-site sauna.

If you’re looking to experience local Canberra living, you’ve come to the right place. East is located in Kingston, one of Canberra’s trendiest neighbourhoods. Only a 10-minute drive from the city’s main attractions, it is home to a vibrant mix of stylish cafés, modern eateries, and laid-back pubs. Kingston’s creative culture comes to you through East Hotel’s range of uniquely designed apartments with their quirky touches, and a lobby gallery space showcasing work by local artists.

With studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, East is set up for all kinds of visitors. Family-owned and operated, the hotel is great for families with young kids (or young-at-heart adults), with designated kids ‘cubby’ rooms complete with bunk beds, play tables, and Xbox games.

For a break from cooking, check out the hotel’s wide range of culinary options. Choose from rustic Italian favourites at Agostinis – don’t miss out on the homemade gelato – or hearty dishes from Muse: a bookstore offering both hot and cold plates like bouillabaisse or light leafy salad. Finish it all off with a cocktail or chilled white wine at Joe’s.

Wander down to the Kingston Foreshore to visit the Canberra Glassworks or pop into the iconic Old Bus Depot Markets on a Sunday to stock up on local handicrafts, fresh produce, and culinary delights. Alternatively, hop onto one of East’s bikes and discover the city on two wheels.

Just a short drive from central Canberra, Pinnacle Apartments have luxury units that are ideal for families or groups of friends travelling together. Guest rooms range from one-bedroom to the city’s only four-bedroom apartment, comfortably sleeping eight adults and split across two storeys. Pick from options with private balconies, Nespresso machines and handy amenities like washing machines and fully-equipped kitchens.

The outdoor BBQ area with patio seating is a cool spot for alfresco dining, and you can pop down to the on-site Pinnacle Mini-Mart to stock up on essentials. If you’re looking to spend a bit more, head to nearby Kingston shopping village where you’ll find boutique stores selling homewares, jewellery and designer labels. Here, you’ll even stumble across some colourful nightlife options, such as cabaret shows and beer gardens. Alternatively, wander down to Kingston Foreshore, a popular spot for an evening drink, and take a peaceful stroll along the banks of Lake Burley Griffin.

Pinnacle Apartments even has its own 24-hour gym, decked out with treadmills, ellipticals and bikes, along with free weights. And there’s a 10-metre, solar-heated pool open every day until 10pm. As an added bonus, each room comes with complimentary on-site car parking and a daily housekeeping service – just in case you’re craving those hotel perks.

Alongside its cosy apartments, Adina Canberra Dickson has an expansive, atrium-style lobby where guests can hang out and have a drink before heading out to dinner. This light-filled area is also home to the on-site café – make your way here first thing in the morning before a full day of sightseeing to fill up on healthy breakfast options and fresh coffees. If you’re not in the mood for cooking dinner, pick from one of the many nearby Vietnamese restaurants to sample bowls of fresh pho and noodles.

In your apartment, a fully-equipped kitchen and laundry area give you plenty of independence, and comfy separate seating areas with patterned cushions and armchairs add those homely touches. Located in the city’s inner north suburb of Dickson, each apartment at the Adina has a private balcony with views over leafy streets and the nearby Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve. If you’re feeling energetic, take a walk up to the mount’s lookout, which has panoramic views of the area, and you could even bump into a kangaroo or two along the way.

Wander down to neighbouring Braddon, the hipster capital of Canberra, to visit one of the many fashion, homeware and design stores on Lonsdale Street. Follow it up with a trip to a craft beer garden to toast the end of an awesome day.

For anyone looking for eco-friendly accommodation, you’re in luck: the family-run One of a Kind Apartments has its own sustainability mission. Here, they recycle, compost, grow their own seasonal produce and use non-toxic cleaning products. They also order in delicious organic, fair trade coffee to help perk you up before a busy day of sightseeing.

Each apartment is individually decorated with an international city theme – such as Mexico City, San Francisco and Kyoto – and features funky furniture, polished wood floors and bold colour schemes. Spacious living and dining rooms, fully-equipped kitchens, private balconies or courtyards and en suites featuring Sukin Australia organic toiletries all combine to give these apartments a luxury flourish.

There are also fun communal spaces to hang out in, such as the art-filled foyer, herb gardens, greenhouse and a veggie patch where you can source seasonal produce. If you want a break from cooking, stroll down to Woolley Street, home of Canberra’s Chinatown, to sample the city’s Asian cuisine from yum-cha and Vietnamese pho, to Thai curries and Malaysian laksa.

You can see the city on the move by jumping on one of the hotel’s complimentary bikes – which come complete with bike lock and helmet – to discover nearby local attractions. Or if you’re travelling with the kids, head to Questacon, Canberra’s iconic children’s science museum.

A stone’s throw away from Parliament House, Forrest Hotel and Apartments is well-placed for visiting Canberra. The leafy streets of its garden district make a calming backdrop, while you’ll have plenty of museums closeby – the National Gallery of Australia and the Old Parliament House are a 5-minute drive away.

With lush courtyards and undercover BBQ areas available, you can spend as much time outdoors as in. You can start your day with a game of tennis, then reward yourself at the buffet breakfast – offering mouthwatering options ranging from fluffy pancakes to a full fry up. Choose from a comfy queen or twin room, or upgrade to one of the contemporary executive apartments.

Hire a bike from the on-site Spinway rental station and cycle down to the nearby Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve where you can spot birds, turtles, water dragons and platypuses. In the evening, dine at the on-site Sherwoods Restaurant and Bar, which serves bistro favourites like pizza from an alfresco deck overlooking the parklands. The ideal place to wind down after an activity-filled day.