Events Archives — Abode Hotels

Anzac Day in the capital

March 29, 2018 By Andrew Sanchez

ANZAC Day in the capital.

Like the qualities of courage, mateship and sacrifice that inspire it, ANZAC Day commemorates more than the anniversary of the World War One landing on Gallipoli in 1915. Every year on 25 April, its spirit continues to be relevant to Australians’ sense of national identity and inspires events all around the country.

Anzac Day in the capital. A grandfather and grandaughter at the Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial. Image credit: Visit Canberra

In Canberra, the Australian War Memorial’s Dawn Service, National Ceremony, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commemorative Ceremony and Last Post remember those who have served, continue to serve or died for our country in war or conflict, and attract thousands of people to Anzac Parade and surrounds.

Everyone is welcome to attend the ceremonies, which include a veteran’s march, laying of wreaths, observance of one minute’s silence and the sounding of the Last Post – the military bugle call – that signifies the end of the day’s activities.

Learn more about the commemorations that take place on Anzac Day in Canberra on the Australian War Memorial’s website, which also features information about the free reserved seating that’s available every year, local road closures and the times to arrive. CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

Anzac Day in the Capital – dawn service. Image Credit: Visit Canberra

Abode Hotels is the perfect place to stay when visiting the capital. With five hotels, located conveniently in town centre locations, Abode Hotels has the Canberra region covered. Book your stay with us below.

Canberra Wine Week

February 28, 2018 By Andrew Sanchez

Canberra Wine Week is a series of exciting events hosted in and around the Canberra District Wine Region to celebrate all things food and wine related.

Last year there were over twenty events hosted and this year is set to be bigger and better.

What to expect:

wine exhibitions showcasing the very best of Canberra District wineries and producers
interactive workshops whereby you can create your perfect blend of wine
various wine dinners, luncheons, and tastings
live music
winery and cellar door tours.

For more information and to see the full list of events visit, canberrawines.com.au/events/canberra-wine-week

Image Credit: Visit Canberra

Book-in your Canberra Wine Week adventure and lock the dates in your diary, Saturday 7 April to Sunday 15 April 2018.

WHEN:
7-15 April, 2018

TIME:
Varies between events (visit website for more information)

WHERE:
Various venues (visit website for more information)

MORE INFORMATION:
canberrawines.com.au/events

Located in the heart of the Canberra District Wine Region, Abode Murrumbateman is the perfect place to stay when taking part in the Wine Harvest Festival. Book your stay with us below.

Art, Not Apart

February 28, 2018 By Andrew Sanchez

Art, Not Apart is a festival aimed at breaking down boundaries and presenting art that is inclusive and accessible to all.

Representing more than 270 artists and creatives, the program includes exhibitions, performance art, music, interactive installations, cinema, live street art, street food, and a dance party. New Acton is the festival HQ, but commissioned works will appear across the city.

This event is a must see and showcases the local region’s emerging art scene. A day without divide, this year’s theme is “Climax”.

Image Credit: Art, Not Apart

WHEN:
17 March 2018

TIME:
1:00—7:00pm + after parties

WHERE:
New Acton Precinct

MORE INFORMATION:
artnotapart.com

Abode Hotels is the perfect place to stay when visiting the capital. With five hotels, located conveniently in town centre locations, Abode Hotels has the region covered. Book your stay with us below.

Abode Hotels Cartier: The Exhibition Package

February 28, 2018 By Andrew Sanchez

In an Australian-first, The National Gallery of Australia brings exquisite Cartier jewelry, timepieces and precious objects exclusively to Canberra for Cartier: The Exhibition.

Be dazzled by more than 300 design masterpieces, charting the rise of the prestigious jewelry house throughout the 20^th century.

Cartier: The Exhibition offers a glimpse into the intimate world of Cartier’s famous international clientele from Hollywood superstars to royalty, revealing fascinating stories about the history of the stunning jewelry and the inimitable icons of style associated with them.

Exhibition highlights include:

Dame Nellie Melba’s diamond stomacher brooch,
the Queen’s “Halo” tiara, worn by Kate Middleton at her wedding to Prince William, Duke of Cambridge
Daisy Fellowes’ Tutti-Frutti Hindu necklace
Barbara Hutton’s imperial jadeite necklace
Princess Grace of Monaco’s 10.48-carat diamond engagement ring
Dame Elizabeth Taylor’s diamond and ruby necklace (a gift from her third husband Mike Todd which also doubles as a tiara)
plus, a selection from the NGA’s exceptional Ballets Russes costume collection.

Exclusive to Canberra, Cartier: The Exhibition is not to be missed.

The Queen’s “Halo” tiara, worn by Kate Middleton at her wedding to Prince William, Duke of Cambridge.

Looking for a place to stay? Abode Hotels has the perfect package for Cartier: The Exhibition. The package contains:

Discounted overnight accommodation
2 adult tickets to Cartier: The Exhibition
a bottle of sparkling wine
late checkout at 12 pm
FREE parking*
FREE WI-FI
bottled water

WHEN:
30 March – 22 July, 2018

WHERE:
National Gallery of Australia

TIMES:
Open daily, 10:00am – 5:00pm

MORE INFORMATION:
nga.gov.au/cartier/

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP, BOOK NOW BELOW.

Terms & Conditions: Travel dates from 30/03/18 – 22/07/18, subject to availability. Special offers only available during promotional period. Tickets and inclusions not refundable for cash. Parking offsite at Abode Woden.

Prepare for lift off: Canberra Balloon Spectacular

February 1, 2018 By Andrew Sanchez

Canberra Balloon Spectacular - Abode Hotels

Canberra Balloon Spectacular. Photo by Visit Canberra.

If you see a giant Darth Vader head, Simba the lion or a spectacular peacock floating past in the sky, don’t run screaming for the hills.

Just sit back and enjoy the latest Canberra Balloon Spectacular, which brings the world’s most ardent hot air balloon enthusiasts to the Australian capital each year.

The festival kicked off in 1988 when 50 hot air balloons were cast aloft to celebrate Canberra’s 75th birthday — the largest gathering of hot air balloons in the nation’s history, according to the Canberra Times.

Nearly 30 years later the Balloon Spectacular remains a staple on Canberra’s events calendar, attracting participants — and balloons — from around the globe.

As silent as a wisp of mist (with the occasional burst of gas for increased hot air and height), these brilliantly coloured craft revive the old magic and romance of ballooning. In the late 1700s pilots in France carried Champagne with them, to reassure onlookers on the ground they were friends, not foe, and to thank them for safe landing.

The Champagne may not be needed to ensure safe landing these days, but in early autumn each year balloon pilots from around the globe (plus their friends and family) descend on Canberra, bringing with them giant wicker baskets and bright balloon fabrics to join in the fun.

This year’s event will run from March 10 — 18, weather permitting, with the balloons taking off at 6.15am daily from the lawns of Old Parliament House. Surrounded by iconic parliamentary buildings and national attractions, the launch site offers the perfect Canberra backdrop.

Get there early for pole position as a spectator (admission is free) as the crowds of enthusiastic onlookers can be large. Hot breakfast, tea and coffee from the Belconnen Lions Club is available each morning, with live music and entertainment scheduled at weekends.

Abode Hotels Hot Air Balloon – Canberra Balloon Spectacular

Canberra Balloon Spectacular 2018 launches on March 10 and continues until March 18. Visit: balloonspectacular.com.au

Take the ride of your life in the Abode Hot Air Balloon. With packages starting from $630 per night in a Premium Studio for 2 adults (includes balloon flights), there’s never been a better time to experience the magic of Canberra from above.

Book your Balloon experience today by calling 1300 1 ABODE (22633).

Bright lights, city nights: Enlighten 2018

January 31, 2018 By Andrew Sanchez

Old Parliament House, Enlighten. Photo by VisitCanberra

When the sun sets on Canberra in early March, the capital’s most celebrated buildings will be under the spotlight once again for the eighth annual Enlighten festival.

Over two weeks of bright nights there will be family-friendly events throughout the city, including popular exhibitions, rare films, light installations by The Electric Canvas, live music and even stand-up comedy. As the lights go on across the Parliamentary Triangle visitors can also tuck into some authentic Asian food at the insta-worthy Enlighten Night Noodle Markets, now in its fourth year.

Enlighten Night Noodle Markets. Photo by VisitCanberra.

Nicole Warren, who has put on the creative director’s hat for the fourth consecutive year, says Enlighten Canberra 2018 will have one key player.

“This time the lake is a big focus, we really want to use it as an inspiration point. We’re currently working on a performance that’s literally going to use Lake Burley Griffin as a central character,” Ms Warren says.

What started in 2011 as a contained series of impressive light installations has grown into a grand multi-venue experience of architectural projections and unique performances that shine a light on Canberra’s man-made beauty.

“I really love that it’s a planned city, it’s kind of quirky because it’s not organic. Canberra is a dream, there are huge open spaces and it’s mostly flat, especially in the Parliamentary Triangle. The buildings are stunning and with that huge body of water it really is a beautiful place to be, particularly at twilight,” she says.

Ms Warren says Enlighten allows visitors to discover the capital in a way it cannot be seen during the rest of the year.

“You’ve just got these beautiful, big iconic spaces that are really important to Australia and we want to showcase that. A huge part of Enlighten is the national cultural institutions. They open their doors with amazing things happening in their spaces and have great illuminations on their buildings. Sometimes it’s the only time a visitor might experience the Parliamentary Triangle, the zoo or the Botanic Gardens in that way. These locations really step up by creating one-off experiences which you can only have during Enlighten.”

National Gallery of Australia, Enlighten. Photo by VisitCanberra.

Events such as Enlighten Canberra have helped cement the city as a serious cultural contender, and have attracted local and international guests year after year.

“Enlighten really showcases just how contemporary and innovative Canberra is. Over the last few years we’ve been able to present really big spectacular works and invite international artists that only come to Enlighten, so you can only see their work in Canberra. We want to create a unique experience, these participants aren’t just jumping aboard the tour train, you literally need to go to Canberra if you want to experience their work,” Ms Warren says.

And although Enlighten last year attracted almost 300,000 visitors, she says there are plenty of spaces to avoid the masses.

“There are places where you can step away from crowds and have a more intimate experience and then pop back into that lively festival atmosphere. We design works that have a limited capacity on purpose,” she says.

While the projections run all 11 nights, there is even more to see when the sun sets on the weekends.

“It’s on the Fridays and Saturdays we really crank up the volume. But then during the middle of the week it’s a great time to walk around and just experience the projections,” she adds.

Enlighten 2018
March 2, 2018 to March 17, 2018
For more information, head to:
enlightencanberra.com.au

Heading to Canberra for Enlighten 2018? Abode Woden has your accommodation covered, with a range of modern, flexible room arrangements and family-friendly studios available. What’s more, you’re within walking distance to public transport services or just a short 10-minute drive from the festival. Book your stay here.

Celebrate Australia Day in the Capital

December 22, 2017 By Andrew Sanchez

Australia Day means many things to many people. For some, it’s a celebration of our freedom, democracy and standard of living, and the chance to come together with family and friends to celebrate what’s great about being an Aussie.

Australia Day in Canberra. Photo by Visit Canberra

Across Canberra, a broad range of Australia Day events are held to mark the occasion on January 26. A good way to start the day is attending the National Citizenship and Flag Raising Ceremony, which officially welcomes Australia’s newest citizens. Set against a backdrop of Lake Burley Griffin and Parliament House, the ceremony is open to guests and spectators alike. At the 2017 event Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told the crowd that today’s Australians come from 200 countries and hold a diversity of faiths, cultures and backgrounds.

The moving ceremony, which brings the nation’s values to the fore, is a life-changing one for newly adopted Australians, including Mexican-born opera star Diego Torre, who became a citizen in 2016. Torre, who sang the National Anthem in front of the Prime Minister, described the ceremony as inspirational.

“After I arrived here everyone was very, very warm to me and my family. We discovered Australia was a beautiful country to live in and to stay and raise children.’’

Celebrate Australia Day, Canberra. Photo by Visit Canberra

Torre’s two-year-old daughter was with him at the ceremony. “It was a really special day. It was one of the best things that could happen to me,” he says.

South Australia chair of Australia Day celebrations, Houssan Abiad, says the ceremony is not about forgetting where you came from, or your language and culture, it is about injecting all of this into Australia’s culture.

After the ceremony, ease your way into an afternoon of celebrations, as you gather friends and family, a picnic and good cheer, and head to the Australia Day in the Capital concert. Staged on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, crowds will be treated to music and entertainment into the evening. Kids’ activities and play zones will be available to keep the little ones happy throughout.

End the day with a bang with the Australia Day fireworks, an amazing pyrotechnic display themed to music.

Abode Narrabundah

If there’s one person that has insight into this day of nation-wide celebrations, it is Stephanie Brantz, Sports Presenter and ABC Australia Day host. We sat down with Stephanie ahead of the big event to discover just what makes Canberra the perfect spot to celebrate.

AH: Why take part in Canberra’s Australia Day celebrations?
SB: What better place to spend Australia Day than in the nation’s capital, on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin with the view across to Parliament House, watching new citizens from all around the world receive their citizenship certificate from the Prime Minister?

What’s a highlight of the celebrations for you?
The Federation Guard. The way they march onto the parade ground at Rond Terrace, accompanied by the band, all in perfect step… I never get tired of watching it. I also love interviewing the new citizens as part of my role for the ABC broadcast. It’s a privilege to hear their stories and find out what made them decide to call Australia home.

When you’re in Canberra, where do you like to go exploring?
Over the years I’ve spent many wonderful hours lost in Questacon… it’s definitely not just for kids!

Favourite place for brunch?
My son is in first year at the University of Canberra and next to his residential lodge is The Coffee Grounds cafe, where we had a great brunch, though I’m also quite partial to Pork Barrel near the Rose Gardens of Old Parliament House in Parkes — fantastic food, and a lovely ambience to relax with friends or the paper.

Favourite restaurant?
Last time I was in Canberra for dinner I ate at Pomegranate in Kingston, which I would definitely go back to. And also Belluci’s in Manuka for a good Italian meal.

Best view?
From the Australian War Memorial across the Lake, past Old Parliament House to the new one. A triumph of town planning!

Favourite shopping spot?
Paperchain Bookstore in Manuka. I love browsing bookstores anyway, but I always end up buying something here and it’s not just books — there are so many cute things for gifts (or to treat yourself).

Hidden secret?
The National Carillon. I’d always seen it and heard the bells ring out but never really knew what it was. I came across it up close one day when walking around the lake. It’s on Aspen Island, Lake Burley Griffin, and was apparently a gift from the British Government to celebrate Canberra’s 50th anniversary! Who knew?!

Make the most of your Australia Day in the nation’s capital this summer at Abode Narrabundah. Located just minutes from Canberra’s Parliamentary Zone, and the lively Manuka and waterfront Kingston dining and entertainment precincts, you’ll be right amongst the action. Book your stay here.

Abode Narrabundah Double Studio

What’s On: National Multicultural Festival 2018

December 22, 2017 By Andrew Sanchez

National Multicultural Festival. Photo by Visit Canberra

The National Multicultural Festival in Civic this February will be a celebration of Australia’s diversity. Now in its 22^nd year, this iconic festival is expected to attract more than 280,000 people to share in three days of culture and creativity.

Dance, music, costume, food and art are the focus of the family friendly festival, which features more than 420 stalls and 150 acts, representing diverse cultural groups. Highlights include the opening concert, the Food and Dance Spectacular, Happy Chinese New Year, Indigenous Showcase and Greek Glendi. Entry is free to the event.

National Multicultural Festival. Photo by Visit Canberra

Parking at the event is limited, so we recommend utilizing public transport. ACTION Buses often run special services from Woden to the event.

National Multicultural Festival
16 -18 February, 2018
Canberra City

Heading to Canberra for the National Multicultural Festival? Abode Woden has your accommodation covered, with a range of modern, flexible room arrangements and family-friendly studios available. What’s more, you’re within walking distance to public transport services or just a short 10-minute drive from the festival. Book your stay here.

Abode Woden Family Studio

Christmas in Canberra 2017

December 1, 2017 By Andrew Sanchez

Christmas in Canberra – it’s got a nice ring to it, don’t you think? If you’re headed to Canberra this festive season, there’s plenty of celebrations and events to get you into the spirit. Then, come New Years Eve, there’s no greater place to see out the year, than in the nation’s capital. Eat, drink and be merry, friends.

Shop handmade this Christmas. Photo by Visit Canberra

Handmade Christmas Market 2017
8-10 December 2017
Friday: 5 – 9pm , Saturday/Sunday: 10am – 4pm
Exhibition Park in Canberra

Canberra’s award winning Handmade market is a quarterly event which brings together over 260 talented artists, designers, stylists, craftspeople and gourmets from all over Australia to showcase their handmade designs. You’ll find everything from fashion, furniture, sculpture, ceramics, children’s toys and clothing, jewellery, accessories and an indoor gourmet food and wine hall. Shop at Handmade to support local designers and find something unique and well-priced. While you’re at Exhibition Park for the Handmade Market, be sure to check out the Canberra Christmas Market on Saturday and Sunday (9am – 3pm) for an array of different festive gifts and treats.

12 Barks of Christmas

12 Barks of Christmas Carols
10 December 2017
Glebe Park, Canberra

Begin the festive season with your canine companion. This year RSPCA are again hosting our 12 Barks of Christmas Carols event. Bring your family and four-legged friend to sing along to choirs and bands and indulge in all kinds of delicious food and drinks from local markets, plus an RSPCA ACT Retail Stall to purchase gifts for your pet. But the fun doesn’t stop there – take the kids through an enchanted Frozen zone, and snap a festive photo with your dog and Santa at the Santa Paws Photobooth. Tickets are available to purchase online, with all proceeds going towards animals in care at the RSPCA ACT shelter.

Lanyon Christmas Carols and Picnic
16 December 2017
5pm – 9pm
Lanyon Homestead, Tharwa
$10 per car

Lanyon Christmas Carols and Picnic offers an evening of magical Christmas fun. Bring your own picnic to enjoy in the beautiful Lanyon gardens. Sing along with the Sing Australia Choir and Tuggeranong Valley Band as the sun sets over the Brindabella ranges. The homestead is lit by candles and decorated for a 19^th century Christmas. Enjoy ornament making for children, a sausage sizzle and plenty of musical entertainment.

The Commons Street Feast
30 November – 10 December 2017
12pm – 11pm daily
Commonwealth Park, Canberra
Free Entry

The 2016 inaugural The Commons Street Feast attracted over 50,000 Canberrans across 10 days of pure, glorious indulgence. Returning in 2017 The Commons is bringing over 20 of Australia’s most mouth-watering, insta-worthy food trucks dedicated craft beer and wine bars, plus a whole host of events, entertainment and installations to satisfy your inner most gluttonous desires. Keep an eye out for crowd-favourites Gelato Messina and Mary’s fried chicken.

Eat | Drink | Shop
13 December 2017
5pm – 9pm
The National Arboretum
Free Entry

A stylish night of gift shopping, festive food and craft. With 10% off the wide selection of books, home-wares and jewellery at the Curatoreum, and free gift wrapping, you’re sure to find something special for your loved ones. Take in the sensational views with live music and scrumptious grazing tables. Local printmaking masters Megalo Print Studio and Gallery will be there too to help you create your own hand-printed Christmas card.

New Years Eve in the City
31 December 2017
Garema Place, City Centre
Free Entry

Ring in the New Year in Canberra with a fantastic line-up of free entertainment including two live music celebrations and state of the art fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Civic Square hosts an all ages concert line-up while Garema Place brings in the New Year with bass beats and high-energy dancing. Keep an eye on eventsact.gov.au for the full program of live acts.

Wracking your brain for the perfect Christmas for your loved ones this year? Or perhaps you’ve got family coming to stay these holidays? Give the gift of travel this festive season with an Abode Hotels Gift Voucher. Purchase vouchers here.

Wheels and Squeals: Summernats 2018

December 1, 2017 By Andrew Sanchez

Summernats 2018: Way-out street machines and the colourful characters who build them with precision and drive them with pride fascinate teens and adults alike. Throw in screaming noise, billowing smoke, fireworks and huge crowds, and what’s not to like about Summernats for wide-eyed youngsters, too?

It was 1987 when Canberran Chic Henry built a burnout track at what is now known as Exhibition Park in Canberra. A year later the car enthusiast staged the first Summernats motor festival, bringing in cars such as the heavily-modified Pontiac J2000 from the United States for 100 per cent wow-factor.

Summernats. Photo by Visit Canberra

Back then the event was aimed squarely at car enthusiasts. Today, Australia’s biggest horsepower party has something for everyone.

In January 2017, Summernats saw 119,000 people enjoy Australia’s biggest automotive festival, which played host to more than 2500 elite machines.

People travel from around the globe for the Canberra event, and family entertainment is high on the organizers’ agenda.

Kids Club is a staple component of the festival, offering rides and sideshows for youngsters of all ages, and an ever-evolving range of food vendors to keep energy levels up. Lots of rewards are on offer for little tackers with creative flair. Summernats gives four prizes for the presentation of a creative portrayal of the event. This could be the clothes children dress up in, a hat they’ve made, shoes modelled on their favourite bike, pedal car, trike or billy cart. There is plenty of inspiration to inspire creative expression.

Of all the exhilarating events, the most outrageous are the three burnout competitions, in which warriors (drivers) battle it out in their well worked-over steel machines to make the final 50 on the Sunday. This is serious grunt. From here, the Burnout Master is chosen. Instant and constant smoke and finely honed driver skills are essential. In the quest for noise and fun, entrants leave nothing in the tank — reversing or stopping costs points.

Summernats. Photo by Visit Canberra

Aside from all the family events, meet-and-greet opportunities are available with some of the biggest names in the automotive universe. Last year Farmtruck and Azn, stars of the Discovery Channel hit TV show Street Outlaws, were on hand to sign autographs and have their photos taken.

Accompanied children are allowed at Summernats at night and the Saturday night Supercruise and fireworks show are always a hit with families.

The four-day Summernats festival kicks off on Thursday, January 4 2018. Family passes begin at $92 on the Thursday, $162 for the Friday, $187 for the Saturday and $109 for the Sunday. Visit: summernats.com.au for more information.

Heading to the capital for Summernats this January? Abode Gungahlin is located within a few minutes drive from Exhibition Park and boasts comfortable, family and group friendly rooms. Book your stay here.