one of the comfiest stays in Canberra

Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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Sleek, modern, minimalist: it’s been called all these things. It’s also one of the comfiest stays in Canberra.

Hotel Realm in Canberra was one of the first five-star stays in the nation’s capital when it opened in 2008. But a lot has changed in the nation’s capital since then. Despite the fact there is now a plethora of great places to stay in the ACT, Hotel Realm remains a stylish and sought-after option.

Location

Hotel Realm is located next to the Parliamentary Triangle, within easy walking distance of Capital Hill, the National Gallery of Australia, the National Portrait Gallery and lakefront. Hire a bike to do the circuit of Lake Burley Griffin; it’s one of the best things to do in Canberra.

Part of the DOMA Group, the stylish hotel sits within the Realm Precinct, which also includes the Burbury Hotel & Apartments, Little National, Brassey Hotel and Pinnacle Apartments. It’s near to the Canberra CBD.

the property exterior of Hotel Realm Canberra
Enjoy a luxe stay at Hotel Realm Canberra.

Style and character

Hotel Realm underwent a full renovation in 2015 to bring it thoroughly up to date with all that is happening in Australia’s so-called capital of cool.  Renovations were completed in 2019, revealing a sophisticated, comfortable, mid-sized business hotel with somewhat of a 1960s spirit.

The use of industrial finishes such as concrete and granite is a cheeky wink to some of the Brutalist beauties that are dotted around Canberra’s cityscape. But the new-look hotel also has a softer side.

the foyer at Hotel Realm Canberra
The sophisticated foyer interior sets the tone for your stay.

First impressions start in the luxurious lobby, which has a soaring atrium and is clad in a gun-metal and silver exterior that allows the light to wink through. There is also a stunning art installation: an immense mobile of red squares festooned like autumn leaves around the three-storey space, which adds colour and a sense of drama.

the foyer at Hotel Realm Canberra
Hotel Realm Canberra is an elegant accommodation with modern amenities.

Facilities

Hotel Realm Canberra is a DOMA Hotel that is primarily aimed at business travellers and so has a rather masculine, no-nonsense, neutral colour scheme of rich browns, tans and charcoals.

The room I’m staying in has a kitchenette, washing machine and dryer, which is very convenient over the course of my weekend stay. There is a hair salon, two spas, a heated 25-metre pool, health club and gym for all guests to use. Pilates classes and hire bikes are also available, as well as a run club guests can join for the duration of their stay.

an indoor pool at Hotel Realm Canberra
Take a refreshing dip in the pool.

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Rooms

All up, there are 158 rooms arrayed around the central atrium and they all benefit from the architects’ commitment to creating spaces that are airy and bright.

In my suite, there’s no traditional wall art on display, but I don’t think pastel landscapes or moody city scenes would add to the already homely style of my Realm Suite. It has a large king-size bed, fat mattress, plump cushions, soft throw rug, leather furniture, upholstered walls and sheer, white curtains. There is also a balcony, seperate lounge room and kitchenette.

a spacious living area in Hotel Realm Canberra
Get cosy in the spacious living area.

The decor is beautiful and minimalist, the textures and colour scheme soft and varied. It’s a soothing space to chill and big enough to invite friends over for an aperitivo. The bed linen is all white, with a dark-grey throw adding personality. There are also white marble and glass tabletops that level up the luxe feel.

a lounge room with balcony in the Realm Suite, Hotel Realm Canberra
The Hotel Realm Canberra suite has pared-back interiors.

My Realm Room resembles a contemporary, interior-designed apartment replete with a kitchenette. Despite all those mentions of minimalism, I found the fit-out to be warm and cosy. The furnishings have been kept to a minimum, which means the colours and textures work to make you feel quite cocooned in the room.

Flatscreen TVs are the only things that adorn the walls in the lounge and bedroom, and they can act as wall art when not in use. However, I’m here to switch off. And I’m much more interested in sitting in a puddle of sunshine on my balcony and drinking in the views over Old Parliament House.

The new updated suites at Hotel Realm Canberra, which draw on a soft and muted palette.
The updated Penthouse suite at Hotel Realm Canberra, which is sleek and elegant.

Food and drink

Hotel Realm is tucked into the hip, happening Realm Precinct where you will find a cornucopia of restaurants, cafes and bars. The DOMA Hotel has also become a draw for foodies with its flagship restaurant, Louis. Led by culinary director Ben Willis, who was at the helm at two-hatted Aubergine for 14 years, the restaurant offers a unique take on classic European fare.

Louis Dining is all warm colours and leather lounges in Hotel Realm Canberra.
Louis is all warm colours and leather lounges in Hotel Realm Canberra.

Design nerds are also being lured to Louis for its dreamy interiors, conceptualised by acclaimed interior design firm Luchetti Krelle. Expect lazy Susans on the tables, beautiful bentwood chairs, Thonet Hoffman stools, warm pendant lighting and Missana low stools.

Louis Dining, all dark blues and gold finishes, is a Luchetti Krelle designed restaurant in Canberra at Hotel Realm
The sumptuous Louis Dining at Hotel Realm Canberra is finished with French accents.

Head to nearby Ostani Bar for a cocktail night with the girls or a laid-back pint in the afternoon. It’s known among locals as one of the best bars in Canberra for a tipple or two and offers up classic pub meals as well.

Breakfast at Hotel Realm is included and typical continental offerings include yoghurt, muesli, cereals, muffins and croissants. There is also a range of breads, juice and tea.

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Does Hotel Realm have access for guests with disabilities?

Hotel Realm offers Easy Access suites, which have been designed for guests requiring wheelchair accessibility. In addition, all public areas are wheelchair accessible and there is accessible parking available.

Is Hotel Realm family-friendly?

Yes. There are several room options that can easier accommodate families with children.

Details

Best for: Small families and couples who want to be close to the heart of the city.

Address: 18 National Circuit, Barton ACT

Phone: (02) 6163 1800

Cost: From $454 per night.

Planning a trip to Canberra? Check out the other Canberra accommodation options you should know about in our handy guide.

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Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti avoided accruing a HECS debt by accepting a cadetship with News Corp. at the age of 18. After completing her cadetship at The Cairns Post Carla moved south to accept a position at The Canberra Times before heading off on a jaunt around Canada, the US, Mexico and Central America. During her career as a journalist, Carla has successfully combined her two loves – of writing and travel – and has more than two decades experience switch-footing between digital and print media. Carla’s CV also includes stints at delicious., The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Australian, where she specialises in food and travel. Carla also based herself in the UK where she worked at Conde Nast Traveller, and The Sunday Times’ Travel section before accepting a fulltime role as part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK. Carla and has been freelancing for Australian Traveller for more than a decade, where she works as both a writer and a sub editor.
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Why winter is the best time to be on the New South Wales coast

    Kate Bettes Kate Bettes
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    NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

    Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

    Winter on the NSW South Coast

    Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

    Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

    two people standing in front of kiama blowhole
    See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

    Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

    Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast
    Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery. Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

    Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda, and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

    End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines.

    The Sebel Kiama exterior
    Sleep by the harbour.

    Winter on the Mid-North Coast

    A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

    First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

    Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast
    Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk, one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

    Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines, where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

    port macquarie koala hospital
    Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

    The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala. Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

    Back in town, Whalebone Wharf serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

    At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie, right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

    bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie
    Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

    Winter on the Central Coast

    On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

    The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk, an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

    Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

    a humpback whale breaching on the central coast
    Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park. Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

    If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast, a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery, where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

    Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm. Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

    woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm
    Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

    As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal, which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

    Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores, between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

    restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast
    Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Winter in Wollongong

    Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

    If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

    Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

    monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple
    Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch. Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

    The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong. A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery, which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

    monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park
    Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

    As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen. It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

    Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

    Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
    Fall asleep listening to the waves.

    Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.

    Review: Hotel Realm, Canberra | Australian Traveller