Forrest Hotel and Apartments

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Canberra is often referred to as a big country town. Which is reasonable, seeing as pretty much everyone knows everyone, or knows of everyone. The capital has some gorgeous and green suburbs and a CBD, resembling a small version of Sydney. 

 

We’re sure we are all feeling the effects of cabin fever currently and are feeling a little bit cooped up. The government has recommended that we honour social distancing but remain active where possible in groups of no more than of 2. If you are about to visit Canberra, and don’t want to be stuck inside all day, what better way to pass the time then getting out of the house, with some fresh air to clear your mind, blast out your music (with headphones on) and get some endorphins rushing through your brain.

 

Canberra has beautiful scenic routes to walk through. Going out for a daily walk, should help put the mind at ease. You can do it on your own, it is free!

 

There are a few tracks that we would recommend trying. These vary in lengths and gradient. The crowd-pleaser route is ‘Lake Burley Griffin’. To walk the entirety of the lake, it takes around two hours, but the bridge-to-bridge route is great for a shorter walk with lovely views of national monuments. Lake Burley Griffin is a leisurely walk as it is mostly flat. The second route that locals love is ‘Mount Ainslie’. However, because it is a mountain, it is a much steeper track. This one is great if you want a more challenging walk. The scenery is bushlands and the summit, looks over the Parliamentary Triangle, so if you love Australian botanicals, you will love this walk. The National Arboretum have many tracks throughout the reserve. These allow you to see more of Canberra and the icons. This is also a destination for a scenic drive through the gallery of trees. Our final walking recommendation is a hike to the wonderful Gibraltar Falls. Walk along the trodden path or make your own adventures along the waterfall and riverbank. 

 

There are plenty of walks we couldn’t mention hear, please speak to one of our reception staff who are always full of local knowledge and ready to answer any query.

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
By Dot Forest December 19, 2025
YOU MUST SEE AFTER THE RAIN 6 Dec 2025 – 26 Apr 2026, Free The National Gallery's major summer exhibition, 5th National Indigenous Art Triennial: After the Rain - National Gallery of Australia https://nga.gov.au/whats-on/ Win a night on us at Forrest Hotel, plus two tickets to the National Portrait Gallery exhibition plus dinner for two at King O'Malley's. email us your perfect day in Canberra marketing@forresthotel.com and leave us a review 🤗 Review us at Reviews | Accommodation in Canberra City | Forrest Hotel What's on in Canberra? Click button below for more ideas. Warmest Wishes the Forrest Team 🥰 🚌Catch the number 59 bus to and from🌺all the major attractions, outside Forrest Hotel and Apartments