As Australia’s national capital, Canberra is the epicentre of federal government, with Parliament House being the home of national politics, government departments, the public service, and a business environment of national significance.
While this makes the city a thriving centre for public policy, commerce and decisions of national interest, there is a lot more to the region than the reputation that often precedes it.
When it comes to progressive outlooks, sustainability, innovation, quality of life and fun, Canberra is a national leader.
With clean air, open space and a calming rhythm to its heartbeat, the city is where visitors come to breathe.
However, despite the gentler pace compared to larger Australian cities, there is plenty happening in the ACT, with world-class attractions, some of the finest restaurants and hotels in the country, and no shortage of opportunities to have a good time.
“The city is evolving as a business events destination at pace,” says Canberra Convention Bureau CEO Michael Matthews.
“Canberra was named second best city in the world for quality of life in the Oxford Economic Global Cities Report in 2024, and this translates into it being an exceptional place to visit and conduct business.
“Canberra is the city by the lake and a genuine ‘10-minute city’ whereby most services are not more than 10 minutes away.
“Many of our visitors from larger cities appreciate it being well designed and congestion-free. Our delegates from regional centres also don’t feel out of place as we’ve retained the ‘bush capital’ vibe – the sort of place where kangaroo spotting can be part of the morning commute.
“Being congestion-free is a legacy from the city’s design more than 100 years ago, and visitors to Canberra can move easily between events.
“Less time sitting in traffic means they can do more with their valuable time.”
Given Canberra’s proximity to a majority of the business population on the eastern seaboard, it is one of the most convenient locations to meet in Australia.
Given it’s also the home of federal politics and brimming with academic and industry expertise, it’s an in-demand location for associations to meet and conduct business.
“The city is a welcoming one with the name Canberra stemming from the Ngunnawal word meaning ‘meeting place’,” says Matthews.
“It is the place that intersects knowledge, culture and influence and tells our nation’s collective stories better than anywhere else in Australia.”
The ACT Government is progressive when it comes to its sustainability policies covering the strata of clean energy, emissions reduction, electric vehicles, public transport, green building standards, recycling, food waste and protections of threatened species. It aims to achieve net-zero emissions from government operations by 2040.
“We know how important sustainability is to event organisers and their delegates,” says Matthews.
“Since January 2020, the ACT has been supplied with 100 per cent renewable electricity, becoming the first city outside of Europe to achieve this.
“The ACT already meets its current electricity needs with 100 per cent renewable electricity.
“By 2045, the ACT’s energy supply will be 100 per cent renewable, with renewable electricity making up the bulk of energy use for households and businesses.
“Renewable gas will be used for niche applications, but fossil fuels, such as fossil fuel gas, petrol and diesel, are being phased out.
“Canberra locals are unashamedly progressive and forward-thinking, and the city is the place to be if you’re seeking a more sustainable way to meet, live and work.”
National Museum of Australia
Located at Acton Peninsula, on the Lake Burley Griffin foreshore, the National Museum of Australia is an architectural landmark. A prestigious venue for events, it features an array of versatile and light-filled spaces offering lakeside, mountain and city views.
From the Gandel Atrium, Peninsula Room and Friend’s Lounge, to the Visions Theatre, Gallery Mezzanine and outdoor Amphitheatre and Lakeside Deck, gala balls, cocktail functions and business meetings are catered for.
With a rotating program of exhibitions and displays, the museum is a spectacular and memorable site for events of all sizes.
Australian Parliament House
One of the most famous buildings in the country, Australian Parliament House is more than just the home of federal politics. As one of the few parliament buildings in the world available for private use, it features several unique spaces capable of hosting events.
From large, stylish formal halls – including the Great Hall – to smaller rooms, outdoor terraces and intimate alcoves, Australian Parliament House offers guests a rich and layered experience wrapped in architecture, design, cultural heritage and political history.
National Arboretum Canberra
Rising from the ashes of the devastating 2003 Canberra bushfires, this former pine plantation has been transformed into a spectacular nature park. National Arboretum Canberra is a picturesque site with rolling green hills, stunning views and modern architecture.
The arboretum is a popular venue for indoor and outdoor events, with the Village Centre, gardens, Terrace Room and scenic Margaret Whitlam Pavilion all offering diverse spaces, fine cuisine and unique Canberra experiences.
National Portrait Gallery
Located on the Lake Burley Griffin foreshore, the National Portrait Gallery is the youngest of Australia’s national cultural institutions.
Its vision is to reflect the face of Australia, tell Australian stories and increase understanding and appreciation of Australian people through the art of portraiture.
This culturally rich venue makes for dramatic functions and ceremonies, and it can be hired for breakfasts, seminars, conferences, workshops, launches, meetings, cocktail receptions and seated dinners across its main hall, theatre and terrace rooms.
Hotel Kurrajong Canberra
In this historic Canberra hotel, the echo of the past is never far away. It’s woven into the fabric of the walls, in the grooves of the hand-carved mantel, in the black-and-white photos that adorn the pavilion walls, and in the passion of the team as they share tales of bygone days.
Hotel Kurrajong Canberra combines contemporary style and luxury with Art Deco elegance. Built in 1926, the hotel offers a unique experience with warm hospitality and a taste of Canberra’s early history.
Boasting 147 beautifully appointed guest rooms, with 26 in the heritage wing, four executive suites and a variety of balcony and terrace rooms, Hotel Kurrajong provides convenient access to Canberra’s parliamentary precinct, business district and local attractions.
A by Adina Canberra
A by Adina Canberra sets a precedent in providing a hotel-living experience on the doorstep of Canberra’s Parliamentary Triangle, Lake Burley Griffin and cultural landmarks.
This new apartment hotel experience delivers guests freedom to arrange rooms into something that feels right for them.
“Think rooms intuitively designed to change according to guests’ personality and style of travel,” says TFE Hotels’ global marketing officer, Katia Giurtalis.
East Hotel
Opened in 2012, the family-owned East Hotel is a 140-room boutique accommodation hotspot in Kingston that features stylish interiors, a large atrium foyer and welcome free lollies in reception.
With an Italian theme throughout, this multi-level hotel oozes a warm, friendly vibe and delivers comfort in spades.
In addition to several accommodation options, East Hotel features six meetings and conferencing spaces for between six and 100 people.
Onsite Italian restaurant Agostini’s serves authentic regional cuisine. With fresh pasta made daily, pizzas and house-made gelato, it’s comfort food done perfectly.
An intimate dining room can also cater for small gatherings seeking quiet cuisine, before retreating to Joe’s Bar for curated wines and cocktails.
Canberra Southern Cross Club
Canberra Southern Cross Club offers exceptional event spaces tailored to guests’ needs.
The glass-fronted Yacht Club, on the Lake Burley Griffin foreshore in Yarralumla, provides perfect views for weddings and celebrations.
The company’s Woden venue caters to functions of all sizes, from small gatherings to grand gala dinners. With onsite parking, award-winning chefs and customisable packages, the dedicated team makes events seamless and stress-free.
Canberra Glassworks
The largest dedicated studio glass facility in the southern hemisphere, Canberra Glassworks attracts leading artists from around the world and offers visitors an opportunity to witness them at work in studios at Kingston Powerhouse.
Guests can also view work from leading artists plying their trade in glass in the venue’s gallery, or take home handcrafted gifts.
For groups, tailored incentive experiences are offered for conference and event activities.
Photo at top: Adam McGrath Photography.
