Hotel Review: QT Canberra - Australian Traveller

QT Canberra brings a new meaning to the term ‘political party’.

If only the walls of the QT Canberra could talk. The quirky reimagined hotel has hosted everyone from celebrities to diplomats and political bigwigs over the past decade. And while there might not be as much cloak-and-dagger bed-hopping or backstabbing as per political drama House of Cards, it’s still a see-and-be-seen kind of stay.

Location

The QT brand reimagined the Rydges Lakeside Hotel in Canberra in 2014. And in doing so, it applied its quirky QT formula of ‘crazy + sexy = cool’ to an extensive redevelopment of the 205-room hotel. The original hotel was built at One London Circuit in 1970 and it has great mid-century Brutalist bones.

the hotel lobby of QT Canberra — Stay in the heart of the city at QT Canberra.

QT Canberra now sits in the arts and cultural precinct of New Acton in the so-called ‘capital of cool’. It’s also a short stroll from Lake Burley Griffin, boasting views from either side, and is a great starting point for a self-guided tour of the best things to do in Canberra.

Style and character

Neon Twitter feeds scroll down mirrors next to the reception, and the wallpaper is a brilliant kaleidoscopic pattern of pollies. The central lobby area also features a few glass-domed cabinets filled with politically themed knick-knacks. If you’re here to hobnob with members of parliament, you’ll be right in position.

the bar and lobby at QT Canberra — QT Canberra’s bar and lobby evokes an eclectic but chic ambience.

The hotel has been designed to embrace the arty and edgy luxury that underpins the QT brand, which is best described as minimalist chic with a monochromatic theme brightened by pops of colour and quirk. And although there are a lot of knowing nods to the hotel’s role in Australia’s political history, it’s worth taking a tour of the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House to see its influence.

QT Canberra, ACT — Settle in to the QT Lounge at the chic Canberra Hotel.

Facilities

QT Canberra has an onsite restaurant, bar and high tea offering, as well as conference venues, high-speed internet access, room service and undercover parking for guests. You can also hire a bike at reception to take around the nearby lake or take advantage of your Club Lime gym access.

an exclusive dining setup at QT Canberra Sky High Tea — Partake in an afternoon tea at QT Canberra Sky High Tea. (Image: QT Canberra)

Rooms

Although compact, each of the hotel’s rooms and suites are both fun and functional. My suite has a luxurious king-sized custom QT Dream bed and balcony that you can open to breathe in the crisp Canberra air. The pocket-sized bathroom also ticks all the boxes: big mirror, large rain showerhead, good lighting, and quality toiletries from Kevin Murphy.

a look inside the QT Canberra State Suite — QT Canberra State Suite is a stylish two-bedroom penthouse apartment.

Pops of yellow break up the neutral palette of black and white, allowing natural light to butter the space and own the 80s vibes. You will feel like you’re nailing it in your new life as a digital nomad when you book the QT Superior Room, which has fast internet, free wi-fi and an ergonomic desk.

a look inside QT Canberra Superior King Room — Settle in the QT Canberra Superior King Room.

Food and drink

The hotel’s sprawling ground floor is its crowning glory. It encompasses the reception, lobby and lounge areas, plus acts as the entrance to the onsite restaurant, Capitol Bar & Grill. QT is also home to its very own a hidden bar, Lucky’s Speakeasy.

a dimly lit interior at Lucky’s Speakeasy, Canberra — Lucky’s Speakeasy is perfect for an evening cocktail.

Capitol Bar & Grill is one of the city’s best restaurants and is dominated by dark and moody tones. Wooden features and monochromatic, patterned furnishings add a modern feel. It’s also full of playful, cheeky winks and nods to the site’s heavyweight political history.

The menu is both simple and sophisticated, with a focus on fresh produce and Australian flavours. The pasture-fed T-bone Bistecca Fiorentina from the dry-age cabinet coaxes out my inner carnivore and is charred to perfection.

a cosy dining interior at Capitol Bar & Grill, Canberra — Settle in at the Capitol Bar & Grill.

For dessert, I do as the waiter suggests and opt for the tiramisu, with dense layers of creamy mascarpone spiked with a shot of espresso. Choosing from the cheese trolley is also quite the experience and includes some tableside theatrics. I finish with a few wedges of the finest local and imported cheeses, paired perfectly with a glass of red.

Does QT Canberra have access for guests with disabilities?

QT Canberra is fully wheelchair accessible, including Capitol Bar & Grill. There are two wheelchair accessible King rooms for guests with mobility needs. Rooms and common areas can all be accessed via a wheelchair-friendly lift.

Is QT Canberra family-friendly?

The hotel is a great option for families with children. Kids can stay for free when sharing a room with adults if existing bedding is utilised. Two children aged 12 and under can also enjoy complimentary meals (from the designated kids menu only) when accompanied by a paying adult.

Details

Best for: Artsy types looking for a chic stay in the heart of the action.

Address: 1 London Circuit, Canberra ACT

Phone: (02) 6247 6244

Cost: From $554 per night.

A new wave of retreats, hotels, glamping sites and more is encouraging visitors to savour their time spent along the Great Ocean Road.

Long holding a place as one of Australia’s most rewarding drives, cliffs, curves and shifting coastal light continue to draw travellers to Victoria’s coastline year after year. What has evolved more quietly is the range of new accommodation along the Great Ocean Road to add new dimensions to the drive.

Rather than competing for attention, these stays are shaped by their settings. They sit beside rivers, among vines, on the edge of lakes and close to town centres where local life unfolds at an unhurried pace. Together, they point to a way of travelling the Great Ocean Road that values time spent in place, as much as distance covered.

1. The Monty, Anglesea

inside a classic room at The Monty Anglesea Great Ocean Road — Settle into The Monty’s unique style.

Anglesea has always appealed to travellers drawn to a quieter stretch of coast, where surf culture, bushland and river scenery blend into one. The Monty complements that character with a recent rebrand and refresh with traditional beach road trip nostalgia in mind. Mid-century retro decor means rooms are contemporary and funky, without being over-styled.

A highlight of the stay is Nina Cantina, the on-site Mexican restaurant overlooking the Anglesea River. Opening in 2026, it will undoubtedly become a popular gathering point, bringing together locals, day trippers and overnight guests. Watch the river flow while tucking into plates of tacos, before enjoying a digestion swim in The Monty’s pool.

Mornings in Anglesea often begin quietly. Kangaroos are a familiar sight on the nearby golf course, and walking tracks wind through heathland that reflects the natural landscape of the Surf Coast. From here, the road south feels like a continuation rather than a departure, easing travellers into the next stretch of the journey.

2. Basalt Retreats, Port Fairy

Basalt Retreat Private Villa interior — Discover this new adults-only retreat.

Near Port Fairy, Basalt Retreats is an adults-only delight set among a 24-year-old vineyard at Basalt Wines . The accommodation is a mixture of luxury and linens (and ultra comfy beds), allowing the long stretches of grapes to take centre stage. As the sun sets, Basalt Retreats settles into stillness. With minimal light pollution, the night sky becomes part of the experience, and star-searchers will delight in the uninterrupted views of our vast universe.

Poombeeyt Koontapool lookout — See Poombeeyt Koontapool from the lookout.

Staying along the Great Ocean Road western region gives you en route access to coastal landmarks. A visit to Poombeeyt Koontapool at Loch Ard Gorge is a must for those fascinated by natural blowholes, with enough walking trails to tucker out the most seasoned hiker.

The Poorpa Yanyeen Meereeng Trail between Timboon and Port Campbell reveals how wetlands, farmland and coastline connect across the region, best appreciated on foot or by bike.

3. Lake Colac Holiday Park, Colac

Book into a cabin at Lake Colac Holiday Park.

Lake Colac Holiday Park introduces new cabin accommodation set along the edge of a broad volcanic lake. The cabins are modern and light-filled, designed to make the most of the water views and open skies.

Lake Colac plays an important role in local life, hosting community events and everyday rituals alike. Staying here offers insight into the agricultural heart of the Great Ocean Road region, where the pace is shaped by seasons rather than sightseeing schedules.

Brae Restaurant great ocean road victoria — Have a delicious lunch, then join a farm tour at Brae Restaurant. (Image: Visit Vic)

Colac’s central location places visitors within reach of standout regional experiences. Otways Distillery’s Birregurra cellar door reflects the surrounding forest in its approach to spirits. While Brae Restaurant’s guided farm and kitchen garden tours offer a closer look at the land that underpins its acclaimed dining. Together, they highlight the strong connection between produce, place and people.

4. Glamping tents, Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve

Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve Glamping — Take a breather in Apollo Bay with brand new glamping tents.

Back on the coast, Apollo Bay has always been known to be a natural place to take a breather, sitting roughly at the Great Ocean Road’s midway point. The brand-spanking new glamping tents at the Apollo Bay Recreation Reserve offer comfortable accommodation that remains closely connected to the outdoors. With ensuite bathrooms and thoughtfully designed interiors, the cabin-tent hybrids offer enough privacy and luxuries to make the trip feel more luxurious than your standard camping affair.

Set near the river and within walking distance of the town centre, the location allows guests to move easily between beach walks, forest drives and relaxed meals.

A session at The Corner Sauna fits naturally into a stay here. The wood-fired sauna has become part of Apollo Bay’s way of life, offering warmth and restoration after time spent in the elements (also known as a frolic at the beach).

Apollo Bay Fishermens Co-op — Enjoy fresh seafood at Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op.

Apollo Bay has enough to entertain and dazzle travellers more than your average town. Graze on fresh seafood at local cafes – like Graze or Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-op – before venturing to nearby waterfalls. Spend hours kayaking among real-life seals, try your hand at surf lessons taught by understanding and patient guides, or simply spend your days reading a book while the surf crashes in front of you.

Together, these new accommodation openings highlight the Great Ocean Road’s continued evolution. With more places that invite travellers to slow down and stay a little longer, the journey becomes less about rushing between landmarks and more about engaging with the unique towns along the way.

Start planning your next trip along the Great Ocean Road at visitgreatoceanroad.org.au .

QT Canberra: a quirky retreat in the heart of the city