Pamper, Play and Stay: A Guide to the Perfect Girls Staycation in Canberra
If the promise of a weekend away has been hanging in the air with your girlfriends for too long, let this be your sign to take the reins - and we have the perfect destination for you: Canberra.
Idyllic scenery, a world-class food scene, stunning nature walks, and thriving city life are just a few of the draw cards that make the capital a fantastic place to escape with your best girls. But what makes this city truly special - and an ideal destination when planning a getaway - is the versatility of things to do. After fun? Relaxation? Adventure? Canberra has it all, and below is a guide to some of the best ways to spend your girls’ trip.
Hiking and exploring
One of the key features of Canberra that makes it such a worthy contender for your weekend away is its natural beauty. Nestled between rolling hills and vast bushland, the city wraps itself around the iconic Lake Burley Griffin, providing the perfect backdrop for a casual morning walk along the shore. Nearby, the Australian National Botanic Gardens awaits with a network of walking trails through the pristine gardens.
Appreciate Canberra’s beauty from new heights at Mount Ainslie, offering breathtaking views of the city and beyond from the summit. The popular 4.3 km trail takes around an hour to complete and is well worth the hike.
Source: ACT Government
If getting active and outdoors is the theme for your weekend, venture out to Namadgi National Park for hundreds of kilometres of walking tracks, from short strolls to challenging treks.
Local dining and drinking
Regardless of how you plan to spend your time in Canberra, we can bank on one thing - getting a taste of the city’s delectable food scene is a must! First off, get your caffeine hit from The Cupping Room. As part of the Ona Coffee family, the crew here take coffee seriously and are passionate about crafting some of the best brews around. While you’re there, enjoy the delicious all-day brunch menu. Might we suggest the French Toast with cinnamon-soaked three mills milk bread, fresh strawberries, almonds, butter crumble, citrus meringue, matcha white chocolate ganache, raspberry caramel, and matcha dust? Yum!
Source: The Cupping Room
If eating your way through the weekend sounds like your ideal plan, indulge in an elegant High Tea at the Atrium. Held monthly, enjoy the delightful towers of sweet and savoury finger foods with 2 hours of free-flowing prosecco to top it off.
Can’t land on something everyone feels like? Head to the Verity Lane Market to satisfy everyone’s cravings. This stylish food hall is tucked away in the 1920s-built Sydney Building, offering a warm and bustling atmosphere within the cosy and historic architecture.
Source: Verity Lane Market
As the sun begins to set, enjoy a pre-dinner drink or two at the cosy Bar Rochford, known for its extensive drinks menu. Spoilt for choice? The knowledgeable staff are ready to recommend drinks that pair beautifully with your evening plans, whether you're preparing for a night out on the town or unwinding after a long day.
For standout Australian cuisine, head to Canberra’s award-winning steakhouse, Marble & Grain. Unwind in the warm glow of timber accents and contemporary decor and indulge in signature dishes such as the eye fillet or the more adventurous options that highlight seasonal ingredients. The carefully curated wine list pairs seamlessly with the menu, offering a range of local and international wines that enhance the flavours of each dish.
Source: Marble & Grain
Luxurious pampering
A trademark of the quintessential girls' trip is, of course, a well-deserved pamper session! And luckily, there’s no shortage of places to treat yourselves to the ultimate spa day. For a holistic wellness approach, visit Canberra Day Spa to pick from a selection of luxurious treatments, from healing massages to rejuvenating facials.
Or, pop into Adytum and enjoy the private bathhouse experience for up to two people, featuring a traditional hot rock sauna, Turkish bath and cold pail shower.
Melt away tension with a hot stone massage or foot bath at La Terre, a space of peace and tranquillity right in the heart of the city. Need a full body reset? Book an invigorating body exfoliation to emerge feeling brand new!
Source: La Terre Day Spa
Exploring the wine region
Canberra’s wine region is home to 140 vineyards and over 40 wineries, so we couldn’t lure you to wine country without a taste of the best cellar doors in the district! Taste what has been argued to be the country’s best red wine at Clonakilla, celebrated for their Shiraz. Enjoy a laid-back afternoon with woodfired pizza and award-winning wine at Four Winds Vineyard, or overlook the stunning Southern Tablelands from the relaxed lounge at Shaw Estate.
Source: Clonakilla Wines
Too many to choose from? Leave the planning to the local experts and join a wine tour instead.
Where to stay
For stylish, luxury accommodation in the heart of the city, Avenue Hotel is the perfect pick. Plus, enjoy the ultimate girls’ weekend getaway with our limited-time Girls’ Staycation Package, including accommodation in the Spa Suite or Two-bedroom Apartment for 2 to 4 adults, buffet breakfast at Marble & Grain, a bottle of sparkling wine and late check-out at noon.
Discover the perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and indulgence in Canberra. From savouring delicious brunches at local favourites to exploring stunning walking trails and sharing stories over pre-dinner drinks, lifelong memories are waiting to be created with your girlfriends.
