Events Archives — Abode Hotels

Family fun at the snow

May 2, 2018 By Andrew Sanchez

Up for an alpine adventure? The family-friendly Snowy Mountain resorts of NSW are an easy two-and-a-half hours’ drive from Canberra and offer skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing trails as well as childcare and lessons for all levels of expertise.

The ski season runs from June to early October so plan your trip, book your accommodation and hire your gear early. Options for getting to the snow from Canberra include staying with Abode Hotels and taking a day trip with Murrays Coaches, or driving and staying at a motel or caravan park in Jindabyne or in one of the lodges in the ski resorts.

To make sure everyone is confident on the snow, organise a professional lesson or two at your chosen resort and consider enrolling the kids in a catered day or half-day program. Now, you’re free to hit the slopes!

Skiing can be exhausting so when the kids are with you, remember to take regular refuelling breaks over a mug of hot chocolate. Maybe even mix things up a little with some tobogganing or a swim in the pool at Thredbo.

To challenge them, you might like to let your older, more capable children ski separately and meet up with them later to do a run together. Finish off your day by warming your toes by the fireside of one of the family-friendly restaurants dotted around the resorts, some of which provide unforgettable views of Mount Kosciuszko.

Where to ski

Perisher Blue offers a wide variety of skiing runs, night skiing, firework displays and a snow tube park. Its Discovery Kids learn-to-ski program caters to children aged 3 to 4 years and its Perisher Kids to children aged 5 to 14. Older children can also take a crash-course with a 3-hour group lesson.

perisher.com.au

Selwyn Snowfields has exceptionally low prices and introduces children to the snow as early as 18 months through its Mini Mites, Mighty Mites and Mega Mites programs.

selwynsnow.com.au

Thredbo provides dedicated beginners’ slopes and a range of outdoor snow activities for all ages. The resort’s alpine village also has a 50-metre heated pool with waterslide and Australia’s longest runs and offers catered full and half-day ‘Thredboland’ programs that entertain and teach skiing to children aged 4 to 6.

thredbo.com.au

Charlotte Pass is one of NSW’s smaller ski resorts and offers a beginners’ area with snow tube park as well as daytime and evening children’s activities. Its all-day kids’ ski program caters to 3-12 year olds and includes beginner to intermediate lessons, a hot lunch and indoor activities.

charlottespass.com.au

Top 6 Snow Trip Tips

Save money by looking out for ‘kids-ski-free’ resort deals in June and September and borrowing ski gear from friends and family.
Hire your ski gear in Canberra, Cooma or Jindabyne rather than in the resorts – it’s cheaper and by booking in advance you’ll make sure you get the sizes you need.
Choose to ski at a resort that has a kids’ ski school or day program as well as a variety of restaurants within easy reach of the snowfield.
Check the road conditions at Live Traffic NSW. If you’re driving a two-wheel-drive vehicle between the June and October long weekends, it is compulsory to carry properly- fitted snow chains. Hire these in Canberra or Jindabyne.
Rest and revive and save money by shopping for food in Cooma and packing daily lunch boxes.
Stay warm and safe and never travel alone. More about alpine safety can be found on the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website.

Where To Eat

Snowgums at Perisher has a fireplace to relax by after a day on the slopes and offers spectacular views of the snowfields. In Jindabyne, Bacco Italian serves traditional and gourmet pizza and pasta the kids will love and the always busy Sundance Bakehouse is pure pie heaven – pick one up for breakfast. The Bowlo Bistro provides good-value family dining at the end of the day with a salad and vegetable buffet. Located at the top of Snowgums Chairlift just off the top of the Crackenback Supertrail in Thredbo, Black Sallees serves a hearty winter bistro-style menu fast, so you can eat then be back on the slopes before you know it. Also perched high above Thredbo Village, at the top of the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift, is Eagles Nest, Australia’s highest restaurant, serving warm winter fare with a side of live music on Thursdays and Saturdays.

Planning the road trip? Abode Hotels is the perfect place to stay. With flexible room types, self-contained rooms, fully equipped with kitchenettes and washer and dryers will make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Book our Ski Stopover Package, which includes:

Accommodation in a spacious studio apartment with a discounted room rate
Two Abode thermal mugs, accompanied by hot chocolate sachets
Bottled water
Unlimted Free Wi-Fi
Free Parking*

*Terms and conditions: Travel dates from 01/06/18 – 09/09/18, subject to availability. Special offers only available during the promotional period. Tickets and inclusions not refundable for cash. Free parking is not available at Abode Woden, and is subject to availability.

Canberra Region Truffle Festival, 2018

April 30, 2018 By Andrew Sanchez

The ultimate foodie event, the Canberra Region Truffle Festival 2018 is an annual celebration of the rare Black Winter Truffle.

More than 250 tasty events this winter will explore the magic of the Black Winter Truffle. They include degustation dinners, dishes at cafes, truffle hunts, cooking classes, demonstrations, farmers markets and more.

1 June – 31 August 2018
Various venues around the city and region
www.trufflefestival.com.au

Truffle Dish. Image Credit: VisitCanberra

FOODIE FACTS

Truffles in the Canberra region

Sometimes referred to as the “diamond of the kitchen”, truffles are a fungus that grows underground when the roots of particular trees such as oaks and hazelnuts have been infected with a mycorrhiza (or fungus root).

Originally confined to the wild, research during the past 100 years, particularly in France, has led to truffles being cultivated as a domestic crop.

The Canberra region produces the Black Winter Truffle or Périgord Truffle (T. melanosporum) which forms in summer and slowly matures during autumn. When they are ready to harvest in winter, truffle farmers find the fungus using dogs that have been specially trained to detect truffle aroma.

Taste and aroma

The taste on the tongue can be sweet, sour, bitter, salty and “umami” (savoury), but the aroma in the nose can be much more discriminatory: musty and sweet, a very intense mushroom overlaid with other notes including “forest floor”.

Truffle flavours and aroma enhance and intensify those of other foods. For example, a steak with truffle sauce becomes meatier, eggs are transformed into a gourmet item, and every aspect of the meal becomes more satisfying.

Don’t be fooled about the aroma of truffle oils! This has been redeveloped by chemists and what you’re smelling is ‘Truffle Aroma’, not truffles.

Cooking and storing tips

Truffles are seasonal, and fresh is always best! They go well with simple dishes involving eggs, mushrooms, chicken, pasta, potatoes, risotto, Jerusalem artichokes, and celeriac, and also in sauces. Always shave truffles as thinly as possible because the greater the surface area, the greater the aroma.

Truffles are best stored in the refrigerator in a large jar, each wrapped in paper towel and should be used within three weeks. If yours grow some white mould, brush it off under running cold water, then dry and place back in the jar and fridge.

Try storing them with fresh eggs so the truffles infuse the yolks with their aroma. Truffles can also be preserved by snap freezing, but this process will reduce the aroma and mean you have to use or shave your truffle while it is frozen because thawing will make it rubbery.

This information has been kindly provided by the Canberra Region Truffle Festival which takes place during the Australian truffle season (June to August).

Abode Hotels is the perfect place to stay when visiting the Truffle Festival. With five hotels, located conveniently in town centre locations, Abode Hotels has the Canberra region covered. Book your stay with us below. Be Smart, Book Direct to receive the best deal.

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

Cartier: The Exhibition is in its last month and offers visitors a chance to experience the breath-taking display of exquisite Cartier jewellery, timepieces and precious objects at The National Gallery of Australia.

Be dazzled by more than 300 design masterpieces, charting the rise of the prestigious jewellery house throughout the 20^thcentury. Exhibition highlights include:

Dame Nellie Melba’sdiamond stomacher brooch,
the Queen’s “Halo” tiara, worn by Kate Middletonat her wedding to Prince William, Duke of Cambridge
Daisy Fellowes’Tutti-Frutti Hindu necklace
Barbara Hutton’simperial jadeite necklace
Princess Grace of Monaco’s48-carat diamond engagement ring
Dame Elizabeth Taylor’sdiamond 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.

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 jewellery and the inimitable icons of style associated with them.

Elizabeth Taylor with her diamond and ruby Cartier necklace (1958). Image Credit: NGA

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. Photo Credit: NGA.

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.