Surprising Canberra – Book Your Stay at Forrest Hotel
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Canberra surprises you with an exciting calendar of events guaranteed to lift the spirits and warm the heart. From world-class exhibitions and live entertainment to unforgettable foodie experiences, there's something to delight every visitor. During the school holidays, families will also find plenty of fun activities and attractions to keep everyone entertained.
Perfectly positioned in Canberra's leafy garden district, Forrest Hotel & Apartments is your ideal base for exploring the capital. Just minutes from the city's most iconic attractions, you'll enjoy comfort, convenience and easy access to the very best Canberra has to offer.
What's Hot in Canberra This Weekend!
Winter in the City - Great Family Fun
Wed 8 - Sat 18 July | Circus Oz performs each day at 3:30pm, followed by Flux Fire Shows at 5:30pm, 6:30pm and 7:30pm. | Petrie Plaza, Canberra CBD | FREE
Canberra’s city centre transforms into a winter wonderland for 10 days for Winter in the City. Expect high-energy circus acts from Circus Oz, fire performances lighting up the night and more delights. Rug up and wander through the city, stop in for a bite and enjoy the winter thrills in the heart of Canberra. Just 11 mins uber from The Forrest Hotel & Apartments
Rutherglen in the City 2026
Fri 10 - Sat 11 July | Various session times & events | Members' Dining Room, Old Parliament House (MOAD), Queen Victoria Terrace | TICKETS
It is two days of tasting, discovery and winter wine indulgence when 17 of Rutherglen’s leading wineries come to Canberra. This year, you can also pull up a seat for our Wine Bar, Wine Chats masterclasses and sip your way through more than 100 wines. Just 6 mins uber or 29 min walk from The Forrest Hotel & Apartments
Celebrating 60 Years of Forrest Hotel & Apartments
Enjoy Forrest Member Discounts
Since opening its doors in 1966, Forrest Hotel & Apartments has welcomed generations of guests to Australia's capital. What began as a classic Canberra motor inn has grown alongside the city itself. For sixty years, families, public servants, politicians, sporting teams and visitors from around the world have found comfort, friendship and hospitality at Forrest. As Canberra evolved, so too did Forrest, while continuing to provide the warm welcome that has been its hallmark for six decades. Today we celebrate not only a building, but the thousands of stories, memories and friendships created here since 1966. [travelweekly.com], [tripadvisor.com.au]
Become a Forrest Member and enjoy and explore the colourful sights, tastes and sounds in your National Capital. The Forrest Hotel & Apartments Offers a choice of accommodation styles - Queen or Twin Rooms to Executive One or Two Bedroom Apartments ideal for family stays. Plus our family courtyard offers BBQ and picnic facilities to guests and more like FREE PARKING. Pick up your Complimentary Canberra map at reception on check-in. Need help planning your Canberra Stay? Email marketing@forresthotel.com
Join as a member on our website by clicking on this link
Showtime in Canberra
Canberra is alive from theatre stages to intimate cabaret venues
Majestic Movie Music by Canberra Symphony Orchestra
Fri 31 Jul 7pm | Sat 1 Aug 2pm & 7pm | Llewellyn Hall, ANU School of Music, Building 100, William Herbert Place Acton | TICKETS
Join the CSO as we pay tribute to the movie music of Hans Zimmer. From the epic worlds of Interstellar, Inception and the Batman Dark Knight Trilogy to animated classics such as The Lion King and Kung Fu Panda and unforgettable themes from Pirates of the Caribbean and Gladiator, join the evening for a journey through Zimmer’s iconic scores – experiencing the highlights and exploring what makes them so great. Just 11 mins uber from The Forrest Hotel & Apartments
This Week's Shows in Canberra
New Australian Musical
Wed 8 - Sat 11 Jul | 7pm + 3pm Sat Matinee | Canberra Theatre Playhouse, Civic Square, London Circuit, Canberra | TICKETS
Part comedy, part concert and part midlife awakening, Middle Raged is a fresh, fierce and funny celebration of what really happens when women hit midlife. Featuring songs by Missy Higgins, Gillian Cosgriff, Tim Minchin, Sia and P!nk, Middle Raged celebrates the power and potential of a glorious mid-life and beyond. Booking fast. Just 10 mins uber from The Forrest Hotel & Apartments
Sassy Jazz, Bold Blues & Groove
Sun 12 Jul | 6pm | Smiths Alternative, 76 Alinga Street, Canberra City | TICKETS
Join TWO BLONDES + A BLOKE for a genre-hopping, joy-filled musical journey featuring their 2026 Adelaide Fringe show & more! This entertaining two-hour performance showcases rich vocals, lush harmonies & dazzling piano, breathing fresh life into jazz, blues & iconic hits alongside original songs — all served a touch of mischief. Tickets $20/15. Just 9 mins uber from The Forrest Hotel & Apartments
Canberra's Hot Exhibits
Arthur Boyd - Tapestries
NOW – Sun 18 Oct | 10am-5pm | National Gallery of Australia | Level 1, Gallery 12, Parkes Place East, Parkes ACT | FREE
Immerse yourself in this glorious exhibition. The National Gallery presents a world-first opportunity to experience the full cycle of 20 monumental tapestries commissioned by renowned Australian artist Arthur Boyd. This exhibition marks the inaugural presentation of the complete series. Just 6 mins drive or 30 mins walk from The Forrest Hotel & Apartments
Imagine Yourself in Antarctica
1 Jul - 11 Oct | 9am-5pm | National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton Peninsula, Canberra | A JULY SCHOOL HOLIDAY SPECIAL
This stunning new exhibition tells the extraordinary first-hand stories of more than 100 years of Australians in Antarctica. For teens partake in the July School holidays special ticketed event where you can step into the boots of an explorer in the early 1900s and join a polar expedition for a role-playing experience where you become part of the story. Just 9 mins drive from The Forrest Hotel & Apartments
War Memorial Galleries
Daily | 10am-4pm | Australian War Memorial Treloar Cres, Campbell | BOOKINGS
Explore Australia's involvement in major conflicts, sacrifice and military history on the 3 levels of Memorial galleries of immersive soundscapes, including voices, music and battle sounds. The Vietnam War exhibit features the Iroquois helicopter 'Helibourne Assault' sound and light show, starting 15 minutes past and 15 minutes to the hour. Just 9 mins drive from The Forrest Hotel & Apartments
Rear vision: the Holden Collection
Daily to Sun 11 Oct | 9am-5pm | National Archives of Australia, Kings Ave, Parkes | FREE
Trace Holden's journey to 'Australia's own car' and its lasting impact on the nation's economy, industry and identity. Explore archival records, rare artefacts, drawings and images that reveal the people, innovations and decisions behind General Motors-Holden. From wartime production to the fight for equal pay, these stories highlight how Holden helped shape modern Australia. Just 4 mins drive or 21 minutes walk from The Forrest Hotel & Apartments
Share Your Forrest Story & Win a Stay
"For me, I used to work in Canberra as a contractor, and occasionally between housesits I needed a spot to rest - it was always the electric blanket, in those cold Canberra Winters - something simple but an added touch that ensured a cosy night in! That's what I remember most."
Joanne (Guest)
We’d love to hear more memories from guests like the above from past and present — whether it’s a favourite room, a family tradition, a milestone moment, or a snapshot from Forrest’s early years. Every story shared enters the draw to win a night in one of our stylish two‑bedroom apartments. Send your story to: marketing@forresthotel.com We’ll continue featuring guest stories throughout the year as part of our 60‑year celebration.
Stay With Us — Book Direct for Added Flexibility
A world of taste, comfort, and Canberra charm awaits. Enjoy same‑day cancellation and free parking when you book direct with Forrest Hotel & Apartments.
The Great Outdoors
Winter in the Woods
Daily | 9am-4pm | National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Drive, Molongo Valley | FREE
Take a magical seasonal escape where nature warms the soul, even on the coldest days. See the forests come alive with colour with 'Warm Trees' at the National Arboretum. The views are spectacular! Just 11 mins drive from The Forrest Hotel & Apartments
Floating Sauna
Daily | Lake Burley Griffin Yarralumla Beach East, Alexandrina Drive, BOOKINGS
Book one of two independent wood-fired floating sauna rooms, overlooking the lake. Just 8 mins drive from The Forrest Hotel & Apartments
Weekly Park Run
Every Sat | 8:00am. | Pescott Lane, Weston Park, Yarralumla | FREE
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you! Just 10 mins drive from The Forrest Hotel & Apartments
Snowplay
Daily Fri-Sun to 20 Sept | Corin Forrest, 1268 Corin Rd, Paddys River | ACTIVITY TICKETS
In Canberra’s backyard, affordable and fun first snow experience close to home. Just 45 mins drive from The Forrest Hotel & Apartments
Snow Fun in the Snowy Mountains
Stayover in the Forrest on your Snow Journey
It's time to dust off your skis and snowboard – the ski season is here. Now is the time to start planning a snowy escape this winter and the Forrest Hotel and Apartments offers fabulous overnight rates to make it all happen for your family and friends. Just 2-2.5 hours drive from The Forrest Hotel & Apartments
A World of Blooms Spring into Action
Book your Floriade Journey Now
Daily Sat 12 Sep – Sun 11 Oct | Commonwealth Park | City | FREE
If you are an early bird traveller, now is the time to look at arranging your Floriade holiday escape.Over one million blooms bring Commonwealth Park to life with colour and the simple joy of being outside in spring. NightFest — Thursday 1 to Sunday 4 October. Just 15 mins drive from The Forrest Hotel & Apartments
Getting into the Community Spirit
Weekly Charity BBQ
Every Thu 8.30am-1.30pm | Canberra Hospital adjacent to the multi-storey car park, outside Building 15 on Hospital Road, Garran.
Join us every Thursday (weather permitting) at our BBQ that serves both breakfast and lunch for healthcare workers, patients, and visiting families at Canberra Hospital. This BBQ has become an institution within the Canberra Hospital community. Just 10 mins drive from The Forrest Hotel & Apartments
Stay in the Forrest
Team Forrest Here to Spoil You
You'll find the Forrest Hotel & Apartments can become your cosy home away from home. We offer one of the most affordable and best value hotels in Canberra. Enjoy a choice of Accommodation styles for short term stays or long term holidays. Our vid says it all.
Enjoy our Manuka Village Neighbourhood
The Forrest Hotel & Apartments are just a stroll away to the laid back vibe of Manuka Village - home to some of Canberra's most popular cafes, bars & boutiques! Just 3 mins drive or 11 mins stroll from The Forrest Hotel & Apartments
Forrest for Business & Pleasure
Forrest Hotel Celebrating 60 Years
From Motor Inn to Modern Apartments
The property has evolved from a traditional motor inn into today's Forrest Hotel & Apartments while maintaining its original hospitality values. Renovations and upgrades have allowed it to adapt to changing traveller expectations while remaining in its well-known National Circuit location.
[travelweekly.com], [tripadvisor.com.au]
