Canberra to finally get the new luxury hotel it deserves

Crystalbrook Aurora, Canberra is set to redefine the city’s hospitality scene.

Canberra has long needed a new luxury hotel to elevate its hospitality scene. And leading sustainably-led luxury hospitality company Crystalbrook Collection promises to fill that gap with Crystalbrook Aurora, Canberra.

With 225 rooms and suites, several restaurants and bars, luxury retail offerings and a wellness precinct, this contemporary hotel will bring world-class sophistication to the nation’s capital.

The curved facade of Crystalbrook Aurora Canberra. — The building’s facade will reflect the nearby parliamentary buildings.

Named after one of the proposed names for the city, the accommodation is both an homage to Canberra’s beginnings and an embrace of its contemporary spirit – inspired by the idea of a new dawn.

“Crystalbrook Aurora’s identity reveal and development progress marks an exciting next chapter in our Canberra journey. This project reflects our commitment to investing in high-growth, culturally significant locations and delivering properties that reflect the future of responsible luxury," shared Ghassan Aboud, Founder of Crystalbrook Collection.

The neutral rooms at Crystalbrook Aurora Canberra. — Rooms and suites will be swathed in chic neutral tones.

The modern 10-storey building takes cues from Canberra’s architectural heritage and civic style. A curved facade will draw parallels to nearby parliamentary buildings, while the interiors will pay homage to Marion Mahony Griffin, a pioneering architect who significantly contributed to the design of Canberra. Mahoney’s designs emphasised harmony between buildings and nature, which is to be reflected in the building’s light-filled central skylight atrium and generous use of greenery.

Rooms and suites will be sleek and spacious with timeless appeal. Bathed in natural light and swathed in calming neutral tones and natural textures, they are set to offer an inviting atmosphere for relaxation and comfort.

Crystalbrook Aurora Canberra dining area. — The hotel will house multiple restaurants and bars.

Multiple dining facilities, including a modern European rooftop restaurant, will further add to Canberra’s thriving foodie scene. In line with the rise of wellness travel, the hotel will feature a dedicated wellness precinct with Crystalbrook’s signature Eléme Day Spa, a sauna, pool and gym facilities. The site will also house luxury retail offerings, flexible meeting and event spaces.

Crystalbrook Aurora, Canberra is slated to open in 2027 on Bunda Street in the city centre. Stayed tuned!

From natural wonders to historical sites, we’ve rounded up Victoria’s most epic icons that deserve a place on your itinerary.

Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

From towering mountains to crystal cascades and ancient rock art sites, the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is a playground for both outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. Don’t miss the views from the highest peak Mount William or the iconic Pinnacle.

Murray River

A paddle steamer down the Murray in Echuca — The wonders of the Murray are best experienced on board a paddle steamer. (Image: Visit Victoria)

A natural icon of majestic proportions, the Murray River flows for a staggering 2700 kilometres, making it one of the world’s longest navigable rivers. Meandering through Victoria before flowing out to sea at Goolwa in South Australia, the river is home to diverse wildlife, picturesque towns and secluded creeks and beaches.

Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell

the Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road — The Twelve Apostles are a star attraction on the Great Ocean Road. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

These limestone sea stacks are arguably Victoria’s most famous icon . After an $8-million upgrade to its lookout, The Blowhole near Loch Ard Gorge/Poombeeyt Kontapool (meaning breath of the whale) has recently reopened. A brand-new Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre, complete with rooftop lookout, will open in 2026.

You Yangs, Geelong

kangaroos in You Yangs — Kangaroos enjoy dusk in the You Yangs. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Rising 300-plus metres from the flat volcanic plains between Melbourne/Naarm and Geelong, the You Yangs are massive granite boulders named for the local Wadawurrung word ‘Youang’, meaning ‘big hills’. Hiking, biking, rock climbing and horse-riding are popular within this regional park.

Redwood Forest, Yarra Valley

Near the town of Warburton, an extraordinary forest of some 1500 Californian Redwoods stands among native orchids, eucalypt trees and rich birdlife. Planted in the 1930s, these 55-metre-plus trees can live for 2000 years and will grow to be some of the world’s tallest.

Wilsons Promontory, Gippsland

the Wilsons Promontory — Wilsons Promontory is home to the incredible Skull Rock formation. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The Prom, as it’s known locally, is the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. This 50,000-hectare reserve comprises granite mountains and forest, fringed by sandy beaches and surrounded by a marine park rich in marine biodiversity. It’s also home to the incredible and imposing Skull Rock formation.

Hanging Rock Reserve, Macedon Ranges

This six-million-year-old volcanic rock  was thrown into the national spotlight thanks to the 1967 novel and consequent 1975 film based on the fictional disappearance of schoolgirls in 1901. Mystery aside, visitors can walk the steep 105-metre summit, fish for trout and go twitching.

Sovereign Hill, Ballarat

exploring Sovereign Hill — Step back in time at Sovereign Hill. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Cry ‘eureka!’ at Sovereign Hill , a living museum to the prosperous Gold Rush era of the 1850s, during which Ballarat produced the most gold in the world. Visitors to this much-loved attraction can walk historic  streets, enter a gold mine and try panning for the good stuff, too.

The Great Stupa, Bendigo

Who’d have thought the largest Buddhist temple in the Western world would be tucked away in Bendigo’s bushland? Welcoming visitors to explore, this sacred Buddhist pagoda is an epicentre for Tibetan culture, architecture, art and interfaith harmony.

Cape Schanck Lighthouse, Mornington Peninsula

the Cape Schanck Lighthouse from above — Heritage-listed Cape Schanck Lighthouse. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

Ensuring the safe passage of ships in the notoriously treacherous Bass Strait since 1859, this heritage-listed lighthouse overlooks dramatic volcanic coast and wild beaches. The surrounding reserve is home to a plethora of wildlife including little penguins, seals and echidnas.