Australia is full of wonders, from icons to the lesser known. Here, we’ve curated two wonders from our 100 list that the ACT gets to call its very own.
This article is part of our 100 Australian Wonders series. Throughout the series, we explore our nation’s wonders across culture, nature, food, islands and many more. We hope it inspires your own exploration of Australia’s many wonders.
1. National Arboretum
Travelling with: Christine Aldred
Dotted across hills, the National Arboretum in Canberra is a living national treasure. Rising from grounds razed during the devastating 2003 firestorm, the arboretum is a stunning patchwork of greens, reds and golds.
Home to 94 pockets of rare and endangered forests, it’s more than just beautiful trees. It’s a place where visitors can wander gardens, join walks, admire bonsai, gather for meals and concerts, or cycle the tracks while children play in the acorn playground and fly kites.
With sweeping views over the city and mountains, it’s the go-to spot for catching a sunset, sunrise or hot air balloons floating by at dawn.
Walk, cycle or picnic in the expansive grounds of the National Arboretum in Canberra. (Image: Visit Canberra)
2. Parliament House
Travelling with: Christine Aldred
Canberra’s Parliament House is a result of an international design competition, opening its bronze-handled doors in 1988. The building that serves as our national parliament is a remarkable architectural feat and full of surprises.
Visit Parliament House on Capital Hill, Canberra. (Image: Tourism Australia)
Its centre is built within Capital Hill itself and covered with grass, designed so that people can stand above their elected representatives. With more than 4500 rooms, nine hectares of native gardens, a 22-kilometre labyrinth of corridors and even its own furniture restoration services and post office, Parliament House operates as a virtual city.
Daily or specialist tours provide intriguing insights by exploring the building, its extensive art collection and Indigenous perspectives.
There’s nothing like the freedom and flexibility of a road trip – made all the better with local knowledge.
From the rugged coast to the spiritual centre of the country, Australians are spoilt for choice when it comes to legendary drives. And hitting the road and meeting locals who can share their favourite spots along the way is one of the best ways to get to a destination’s heart.
These six epic road trips are a good place to start, basing yourself at locally run Quest Apartment Hotels to take advantage of insider travel tips and convenience aplenty.
1. Journey along the Murray: Mildura – Echuca – Wodonga
Explore the Murray. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Australia’s longest river is dotted with charming towns. In Mildura, a brew from Brother Chris will energise you for a day exploring Mungo National Park, featuring 240,000 hectares of lunar-like landscapes, ending with a restful night at Quest Mildura.
A day cruising with Murray River Paddlesteamers is a must-do. And make sure you visit Two Lads Brewing; Quest Echuca business owner Brendan Du Kamp says its crisp lager “has a wonderful reputation for converting even the most devoted traditional beer lovers”. Unwind at the centrally located Quest Echuca.
In Wodonga, Miss Amelie delivers the region’s best gourmet finds, and Mungabareena Reserve and Water Works offers fishing, swimming and picnic spots. End the day on a high note with a night at the spacious Quest Wodonga.
2. Through the heart of Australia: Adelaide – Alice Springs – Darwin
Stay close to Adelaide’s best attractions at Quest on Franklin.
Venturing through Australia’s spiritual heart is an unforgettable experience. Starting in Adelaide, check into Quest on Franklin, a convenient base for discovering the best activities – including Adelaide Central Market and the Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty summit hike.
Further north, Quest Alice Springs owner Sherry Li recommends you “take the time to explore the galleries and cafes, chat with the locals and venture beyond the town centre”. The culturally significant Angkerle Atwatye (Standley Chasm) and Alice Springs Desert Park beckon to be explored; afterwards, beat the heat with rooftop cocktails at Quest Alice Springs.
Up north, golden sunsets and barramundi await at Darwin Sailing Club, as does the pet-friendly Quest Palmerston, loved for its outdoor swimming pool and proximity to Palmerston Markets.
Greet the day from Castle Hill. (Image: Katie Purling)
Head from the city to the tropics, starting with a Brisbane culture fix at the Queensland Cultural Centre before enjoying drinks overlooking the river at Howard Smith Wharves. Sleep over at one of 11 Quest properties conveniently peppered across the city, including Quest Woolloongabba.
After heading north to Rockhampton, explore the Dreamtime Cultural Centre then marvel at Mt Archer National Park and Fitzroy River views from Quest Rockhampton.
Next, venture to Mackay, where the picturesque coast and sugarcane fields are easily accessible from Quest Mackay on Gordon.Even further north,in Townsville, Alison Rayner, business owner of the perfectly placed Quest Townsville on Eyre, recommends enjoying the sunrise from Castle Hill and the ‘Just Feed Me’ menu from Shorehouse.
4. The Western Way: Fremantle – Rockingham – Bunbury
Quest Bunbury puts you steps from Bunbury’s Koombana Bay, home to over 100 wild bottlenose dolphins. Make sure to also visit the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery (BRAG), found inside a historic former convent.
5. Follow the vines: Griffith – Orange – Singleton
Don’t miss the steak frites at Monty’s.
Immerse yourself in the flavours of the Riverina viticulture. In Griffith, sip montepulciano at Calabria Family Wines and the award-winning Noble One Botrytis Semillon at De Bortoli. It’s all easily accessible from Quest Griffith, where modern rooms are flooded with natural light.
Amy van de Ven, Quest Orange business owner, recommends visiting family-owned ChaLou Wines and Printhie Wines in Orange. “Finish with a long lunch or dinner at Quest Orange’s newest onsite restaurant, Monty’s Restaurant & Bar, where the steak frites are hard to beat, and you’ll find arguably the region’s best tiramisu,” she says. Make life easy by cocooning yourself at Quest Orange.
In the Hunter Valley, bed down at Quest Singleton, where tasteful rooms feature deep soaking baths and you’re well-placed to sip world-class drops at Brokenwood Wines and dine at two-hatted Muse.
6. Goldfields to Great Ocean Road: Geelong – Ballarat – Warrnambool
Taste Geelong’s delights. (Image: Visit Victoria)
This diverse adventure takes you from port city to historic town to rugged coastline. Begin in Geelong, brimming with culinary delights, culture and natural beauty that’s ready to be discovered at Little Malop Street and the rooftop patio at Quest Geelong.
Ballarat’s colourful Gold Rush history can be explored at Sovereign Hill, and the region’s top produce can be sampled at popular spirit and wine bar Roy Hammond. Quest Ballarat Station and its luxe rooms is the perfect place to hole up during your stay.
For an unforgettable Aussie experience, Naomi Slape – owner of Quest Warrnambool – recommends visiting Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, a dormant volcano where you can spot koalas, emus and wallabies in the wild. Quest Warrnambool is just steps from the idyllic McGennans Beach and across the road from the Warrnambool Art Gallery.
