We completely understand if you want to cosy up in your comfy room and indulge in some R&R but if you want to get out and explore then we can help. Start planning the itinerary for your next Canberra getaway with our top ten things to do within a ten minute walk from the hotel.

1. Go shopping at The Canberra Centre. Stock up on the latest tech at the Apple Store, update your wardrobe at Zara, Saba, Hugo Boss or one of the many fashion retailers or just enjoy one of the delicious dining options. Right next door to The Canberra Centre you will find Trove Canberra, a delightful curation of local artists’ wares. This is where to find items that are created locally, by hand and with love. If you are looking for something special or a gift, you can find jewellery, clothing, millinery, ceramics, homewares, candles, soaps, cards, chocolate and much more.
Or venture a little further to the boutiques in Braddon, less than 5 minutes by car.

2. Discover great Canberra coffee to get your day off to a great start. While other cities in Australia often get all the glory for being ‘coffee capitals’, Canberra has a surprisingly thriving coffee scene. The Cupping Room is one of our favourites and while it’s more of a 14-minute walk, we believe you can get there in 10 minutes when lured by a good coffee! The Cupping Room is as much about coffee education as it is about making you your preferred cup. And, if you are thinking about changing up your regular morning order, have a chat to the team there about all things coffee. Another local find is Dobinsons Bakery Café, a counterpoint to the trendy industrial or organic single origin haunts that are currently all the rage. This bakery café is always packed with locals and the selection of bakery treats is tempting!

3. For the art lovers, visit the Canberra Museum & Gallery, where you will find an interesting variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions. If it is your first visit to Canberra, check out the Canberra Stories exhibition which visually represents the local community and speaks to diversity and the theme of ‘Canberra as Meeting Place’.

4. Settle into a comfy chair at the Civic Library and read some books, leaf through a magazine or get transported on adventures far away with an audio book.

5. Catch the latest blockbuster or indie flick at the local Dendy Cinema or enjoy the People’s Choice Award winning Palace Electric Cinema which is a 5 minute drive away.

6. See a theatre production or concert at the Canberra Theatre Centre. From theatre to dance to family friendly shows, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Have a look at the upcoming shows and book your tickets here.

7. Swim some laps, do a class or learn to swim at Canberra Olympic Pool. Heated and indoor, this pool is great to keep fit and energised no matter the time of year.

8. Grab a drink or enjoy a meal at one of the many dining precincts in the area. Foodie culture is alive in Canberra and local produce is a key feature. You don’t even have to venture outside the hotel, Redsalt Restaurant showcases everything to love about Canberra food. If you are staying for a few nights, have a chat to the concierge team about what kind of food you love and they will point you towards something you are bound to enjoy.

9. Browse for something unique and quirky, track down your favourite vinyl at Landspeed Records or check out the large selection of board and card games at The Games Capital in Garema Place.

Take a tour and see the sights. Jump on the Red Explorer bus from outside the hotel and take a coach tour of major sights, you can’t come to Canberra and not see Parliament House at least once!

The post Top Ten Within Ten Minutes appeared first on Crowne Plaza Canberra.

Each year Lonely Planet releases their ‘Best in Travel’ Top Cities to whet your appetite about your next passport stamp. The 2018 list is full of beautiful, colourful and vibrant cities from Seville in Spain to Kaohsiung in Taiwan and Oslo in Norway. Perfectly situated amongst these cities is Canberra, Australia taking out third place between Detroit and Hamburg. We know there is so much to love in Canberra and are excited to be showcased by Lonely Planet.

Discover 3 top reasons to visit the no.3 city in Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel’ 2018:

#1 Boutique Precincts

Canberra is full of diverse pockets each with unique flavours and distinctions. For foodie culture, Braddon is the place to visit. Lonsdale Street and the surrounding streets are full of delicious food (have you tried eightysix yet?), an amazing coffee culture (try Barrio Collective Coffee) and the perfect spot for a drink (if beer or cider is your beverage of choice try BentSpoke Brewing Co).

NewActon is another unique area in Canberra and is renowned for its architecture and the pineapple-shaped Nishi building. The Nishi Gallery is a must-visit while you are in the area but you will also find art throughout the precinct.

For a little history, take a trip to the 1920s in the historic Kingston area which is also home to the waterside locale of Kingston Foreshore. In this area you can also visit the Canberra Glassworks and have a hands-on experience in glass blowing. Make sure to time your visit for a Sunday to attend the famous Old Bus Depot Markets.

#2 National Institutions

As Australia’s capital, Canberra is home to many of the country’s national museums, galleries and memorials that honour and celebrate Australia, its people and its stories. With regular exhibitions hosted at these venues throughout the year, each trip to Canberra promises a different experience. Some notable attractions to tick off your list first include:

• Australian War Memorial
• Parliament House
• National Gallery of Australia
• Questacon
• National Library of Australia
• National Portrait Gallery
• Canberra Museum and Gallery
• Museum of Australian Democracy
• National Arboretum

Read more about the diverse range of art, history and culture exhibitions showing in Canberra this summer.

#3 Food and Wine

With the annual truffle festival, the coffee culture and being the home of the FreakShake, Canberra has an unexpectedly delicious food scene. In addition to eating your way through the city’s host of restaurants, why not plan your trip around one of these festivals:

• The Commons Street Feast – 30 November to 10 December 2017 – A food truck festival which is the perfect excuse to be outdoors and eat up a storm!
• Enlighten Canberra – 2 to 8 March 2018 – An iconic light and sound festival accompanied by an equally striking gastronomy display from local eateries.
• Canberra District Wine Harvest Festival – 7 & 8 April 2017 – Held at a variety of wineries throughout the region, come and discover a new favourite drop.
• The Truffle Festival – 1 June to 31 August 2018 – A little fancy, a little earthy, discover why people love truffles.

Is your wanderlust ignited? Let 2018 be the year you discover some of the cities on Lonely Planet’s list and book a Canberra getaway. We look forward to welcoming you to the hotel. View our special accommodation promotions here.

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