24 hours in NewActon: a culture vulture’s guide to Canberra
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Want to explore the cultural hub of NewActon? Nestled amongst the artworks you’ll find the perfect base from which to launch yourself into the experiences of the area – Peppers Gallery Hotel.
A hidden gem in the area, this spectacular luxury boutique hotel is worth a second look for anyone looking to book a staycation to play tourist in their own town. And with Canberra’s key cultural, entertainment, and commercial facilities on its doorstep, spending 24 hours here will truly feel like an escape.
Here’s our suggested itinerary for a cultural Canberra weekend in NewActon. Easter stay-cation, anyone?
2 pm: Check-in to Peppers Gallery Hotel
Allow us to introduce you to a hotel that combines luxury with culture and comfort in the best way possible.
This heritage-listed gem (formerly known as Hotel Acton) delivers urban luxury without the city noise. What sets Peppers Gallery Hotel apart? Everything from the 24-hour attentive reception to the award-winning Bicicletta Italian restaurant, which serves authentic cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Add the stylish Library Bar with its curated wine and cocktail selection, the unique landscaped gardens and its prime location near Lake Burley Griffin and the national institutions and you can see why booking a night at Peppers combine to offer a fresh perspective on Canberra’s cultural heart.
3 pm: Explore the national institutions
With the National Museum of Australia less than a 15-minute walk away, why wouldn’t you want to make the most of a day exploring it? And with Peppers offering a Pompeii Exhibition Package in collaboration with the NMA, you can make your Canberra stay-cation truly unforgettable.
Looking for more? The National Gallery of Australia is a 40-minute walk or a quick car ride away and home to some amazing exhibitions, including Anne Dangar. Running until Sunday 27 April, consider this your sign to go.
And for families looking for something to do, the Tim and Gina Fairfax Discovery Centre at the NMA and Questacon (which is about a 30-minute walk or five minute drive away) should be at the top of your list.
Other highlights? The National Film and Sound Archive, the National Archives of Australia, the Museum of Australian Democracy and the National Portrait Gallery are all also in close proximity.
5 pm: Pre-dinner cocktails at the Library Bar
After you’ve had your fill of exploring, head back to the hotel and wash the day down with a delicious cocktail – it’s the perfect way to reset and relax.
With unique décor, a funky collection of art and books, as well as an impressive drinks list of boutique beer, wines and spirits, here you can snuggle into one of the comfortable booths or perch up at the bar to watch the masters in action.
A must-try on the drinks menu? The Yuzu Martini and the Bicicletta Spritz tick the box for both taste and appearance.
6 pm: Pizza and pasta at Bicicletta
Those who have been to Bicicletta before know that an authentic taste of Italy awaits – but for those who haven’t, let us introduce you to your new go-to dinner destination (because you’ll want to go more than once).
Serving up homemade pizzas, pasta, and gelato, the recently revamped menu has everything from Rigatoni alla vodka with ricotta salata and parsley and Gamberi pizza with tomato, prawns and chilli to a mouthwatering pistachio tiramisu. Everything here is created from the freshest seasonal produce and ingredients that are locally sourced and packed full of flavour.
Invite your friends or dine alone – no matter what you choose to do, it will be a delicious end (or start) to the evening.
8 pm: Catch a movie at Palace Electric
With the host of many prestigious premieres and film festivals just around the corner from Peppers, watching a movie at Palace Electric is another thing to cross off your cultural bucket list.
Home to eight theatres with luxurious amphitheatre seating and the latest in digital projection and sound, you’ll enjoy a state-of-the-art cinematic experience and be in bed all before midnight. And for those that book the Queen Suite at Pepper’s (because why not?) you can even run yourself a post-film bubble bath to take the time to truly unwind.
9 am: Breakfast in bed
With a 24-hour food menu available, you don’t even need to leave bed to enjoy breakfast at Peppers the next morning. Perfect for a lazy start to your day, let the team bring you coffee, croissants and savoury favourites to fill you and fuel you before checking out.
10 am: Walk the lake
It’s not a true Canberra staycation without squeezing in a walk around Lake Burley Griffin. Make sure to check out the unique sculptures and installations scattered throughout the NewActon area, soak in the sun and enjoy the water views before heading back to Peppers.
11 am: Check-out of bliss and back into reality
Full of chic charm, your 24 hours in NewActon will leave you with a renewed appreciation for Canberra’s cultural heart. Book your own Easter staycation and fall back in love with this unique urban pocket.
For more information, visit all.accor.com
Images supplied. Feature image: Ben Calvert.
