Forrest Hotel and Apartments

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There's a wide range of activities and events in Canberra, from permanent attractions like the Australian War Memorial and Parliament House to ongoing festivals such as Floriade (Spring), Summernats (Summer), and the Enlighten Festival (Autumn). You can also find specific ongoing events, such as the Anzac Day Last Post Ceremony or shows at the Canberra Theatre Centre, and enjoy seasonal markets like the Capital Region Farmers Market.  
Major Attractions & Ongoing Events
Australian War Memorial: A museum, shrine, and archive commemorating Australian war sacrifices. 
Parliament House: The seat of the Australian government. 
National Gallery of Australia: A key cultural institution in Canberra. 
Canberra Balloon Spectacular: An annual event where hot air balloons launch over the city's landmarks. 
Capital Region Farmers Market: A popular market with local produce and goods. 
Seasonal Festivals 
Floriade: Canberra's annual spring festival.
Summernats: A major summer event celebrating cars.
Enlighten Festival: An autumn festival featuring art and culture.
Truffle Festival: Held in winter, focusing on the local truffle industry.
Cultural & Performing Arts
Canberra International Music Festival: A ten-day musical extravaganza featuring international and local musicians. 
Anzac Day Last Post Ceremony: A moving ceremony held at the Australian War Memorial. 
Comedy Shows & Theatre: Events like John Safran's "Squatting at Kanye's" are often held at the Canberra Theatre Centre and the Street Theatre. 
February 20, 2026
5TH INDIGENIOUS ART TIRIENNIAL AFTER THE RAIN IS SHOWCASING EXTRORDINARY WORKS BY FIRST NATIONS ARTISTS. DEPECTING HOPE AND NEW GROWTH, PLANTING SEEDS AND LIFE AFTER THE RAIN CATCH THE NUMBER 59 BUS OUTSIDE FORREST HOTEL OR A LOVELEY 30 MIN WALK OR SHORT BIKE RIDE. CHECK OUT EVENTS ACT FOR ALL THE WONDERFUL ENLOIGHTEN AND BALLON FESTIVAL EVENTS https://events.canberra.com.au/
January 16, 2026
Australia Day Weekend Celebration Sat 24-Mon 26 Jan | FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow + Night Markets | 9pm, 10pm | Hub 1 | Commonwealth Place Hub 2 | Kings Park on the Lake | FREE FLIGHT - where the sky tells our story! Two different 15-minute drone shows each night. Look to the skies for breathtaking light displays, illumination effects, cutting edge drone choreography, immersive music, and story 7 mins drive from The Forrest Hotel & Apartments Australia Day Barbie ? Enjoy our Guest BBQ and lovely landscaped courtyard and Fire up the grill at Forrest Hotel & Apartments Our tranquil courtyard and BBQ area is fully equipped with utensils and ready for your next cookout. Need supplies? The excellent Coles Manuka is right around the corner at Manuka Village for all your grocery needs. Enquire when you book or ask on check-in!!! Family Fun at the Arboretum Daily | 8.30am - 5pm | Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street Acton ACT | FREE Family friendly serviced apartments in Canberra Book Direct 02 62034300 https://www.forresthotel.com/accommodation The National Arboretum Canberra is a mosaic of living forests offering breathtaking views and unique experiences. With over 44,000 trees across the 250-hectare site, the Arboretum is one of the world's largest living collections of rare, endangered and culturally significant trees. Feeling active? Walk or ride through over 20 kilometres of scenic trails that wind through majestic forests, offering breathtaking views and peaceful escapes. Families will love the iconic POD Playground, a space designed to spark imagination and joy. Just 10 mins uber from The Forrest Hotel & Apartments Take a Dip in History Daily | The Manuka Swimming Pool, New South Wales Crescent, Manuka | TICKETS Just down the road from the Forrest Hotel, you will find Canberra's first pool embracing the art deco style. Opened in 1931. Before this pool came about, Canberrans swam in the Molonglo River and other local river swimming holes. Its style still lives on today with all the mod cons. Just 4 mins drive or 13 mins walk from The Forrest Hotel & Apartments Hiking Mount Ainslie Hiking Mount Ainslie offers stunning 360-degree views of Canberra, with popular trails like the Kokoda Track (4.5km return) providing a sealed path with steep sections and stairs, starting conveniently behind the Australian War Memorial, perfect for a rewarding city and landscape vista. Options range from this moderate out-and-back to longer circuits that loop to Mount Majura, suitable for various fitness levels, with highlights including the summit lookouts and diverse flora and fauna. 8 mins drive from The Forrest Hotel & Apartments Win a night on us!!! Review us at Reviews | Accommodation in Canberra City | Forrest Hotel and email us at marketing@forresthotel.com and tell us about your perfect day in Canberra Forrest Hotel & Apartments... the staff go above and beyond, and I found it to be its own community within itself" AS Johnston (Guest) BOOK THE FORREST DIRECT FOR SAME DAY CANCELLATION + FREE PARKING Hotel with free parking near parliament House https://www.forresthotel.com/accommodation