The ultimate girls weekend away for Cartier: The Exhibition

March 29, 2018 By Andrew Sanchez

Our full-proof guide to make an ultimate girls weekend away for Cartier: The Exhibition.

SATURDAY

Lunch at Pollen Café

Head to the Australian National Botanic Gardens for lunch at the bright and idyllic Pollen Café. This award-winning cafe, recently make-overed by Tracy Keeley of Bookplate (at the National Library of Australia) serves up delicious and wholesome food, great coffee and fresh juices amongst the beauty of the most diverse collection of Australian plants in the world. Another plus, Pollen’s menu offers plentiful vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Take a stroll through the Botanic Gardens

Follow brunch with a stroll through the peaceful surrounds of the Botanic Gardens and marvel at the extensive collection of Australian native plants and wildlife. The cool Rainforest Gully and Red Centre collections are both highlights. Entry is free.

Clunies Ross Street, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Acton
Hours: 9am – 4pm daily
www.pollencafe.com.au
www.parksaustralia.gov.au/botanicgardens

Pollen Cafe. Image Credit: @pollencafe Instagram

Spoil yourself at Jindii Eco Spa

It’s time to be nurtured by nature. Take a short walk to the bottom of the Gardens where enriching, botanical treatments at Jindii Eco Spa await. Inspired by the native flora found in the lush rainforest surrounds of the Australian National Botanic Gardens, Jindii Eco Spa has an extensive offering of wellness and beauty treatments, designed to relax, rejuvenate and reconnect you with nature.

Hours: Mon – Wed & Friday – Saturday, 8am – 5pm
Thursday, 8am – 8pm
Sunday: Closed
www.jindii.com.au

Jindi Spa. Image Credit: Jindi Eco Spa.

Afternoon drinks at Parlour Wine Room

An elegant venue at NewActon, Parlour Wine Bar is a delight for wine lovers and gourmet grazers too. Browse an extensive list of local and international boutique wines and cocktails, meticulously compiled by acclaimed sommelier Peter Bell and be sure to pair them with a few delicious tapas plates. Take a seat on their garden-facing terrace, or inside where eclectic, vintage interiors and a toasty fireplace take front and centre.

Parlour Wine Room. Image credit Visit Canberra

16 Kendall Lane, NewActon
Hours: Mon – Sun, 12pm – late.
www.parlour.net.au

Dinner at Raku

It’s time for dinner, and in Canberra you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to the variety and quality of dining destinations. If you love modern Japanese cuisine, you can’t go past Raku in the CBD. Raku combines the precision and artfulness of Japanese culinary history with the vibrant energy of modern Australian dining. Executive chef Hao Chen is a master with the sushi blade, so we recommend indulging in his signature tasting menu, accompanied by some of Raku’s many sakes of course.

148 Bunda Street, Canberra
Hours: Mon – Sun, 11am – 3pm & 6pm – 11pm
www.rakudining.com.au

Raku Interior. Image credit: Raku

SUNDAY

Brunch on the Kingston Foreshore

Enjoy a sleep-in, you’ve got the luxury of a 12pm late checkout after all*, then head to staple brekky spot, Local Press on the Kingston Foreshore. Serving up wholefood dishes and cold pressed juices prettier than Lake Burley Griffin at dawn, this cosy café is big on fresh and flavour and caters to all dietary requirements. Rug up in one of their colourful blankets and take in the waterfront setting.

35 Eastlake Parade, Kingston
Hours: Tues – Friday, 7:30am – 4pm
Sat – Sun, 8am – 5pm
www.localpresscafe.com.au

Local Press Cafe. Image Credit: Visit Canberra.

Explore Cartier: The Exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia.
This is what you came for. Cartier: The Exhibition is a first for Australia – never have we seen so many incredible diamonds, emeralds and other precious stones in one exhibition.

The exhibition showcases more than 300 items, some of which have been exclusively loaned to the National Gallery of Australia by royal families, celebrities and the Cartier collection, in exquisite settings such as royal tiaras, necklaces, brooches, earrings and timepieces. This exhibition offers a rare 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.

Parkes Place East, Parkes
Hours: Mon – Sun, 10am – 5pm (Easter hours may vary)
www.nga.gov.au

Cartier: The Exhibition. Image Credit: NGA

Shopping in Braddon

It’s time to shop til’ you drop in Braddon! The retail revolution has really heated up here in the past months, with the new Nibu and Palko buildings joining the scene on Lonsdale Street. For those after unique homewares and gifts, there’s KIN Gallery, Bison Home, The Hive, Handsomepretty, Timber Tailor, among a stylish mix of fashion boutiques including Assemblage Project, itrip iskip, Koji Collection, Rebel Muse, Pink Ink and Designer Op Shop.

Eclectic homewares in the Ori Building, Braddon. Image Credit: VisitCanberra

Where to stay: Abode Narrabundah

Nestled within a prestigious and leafy green 1940s suburb in Canberra’s south, Abode Narrabundah is a stone’s throw from the fine-dining and shopping centres of Griffith, Manuka and Kingston. This stylishly appointed hotel is conveniently located within a few minutes’ drive of the Parliamentary Triangle, making it the perfect place to stay when visiting Canberra for NGA’s blockbuster Cartier: The Exhibition.

The Abode Hotels Cartier Package includes:

Discounted overnight accommodation in any Abode Hotel
2 adult tickets to Cartier: The Exhibition
A bottle of sparkling wine
Late checkout of 12pm
FREE parking
FREE unlimited Wi-Fi
FREE bottled water

Abode Narrabundah Foyer

*Late checkout of 12pm available by booking with the Abode Hotels Cartier: The Exhibition Package only. 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.

Best cycling routes in Canberra

March 29, 2018 By Andrew Sanchez

From easy meanders on hire bikes around Canberra’s picturesque lakes to exhilarating hit-outs on dirt roads through the Brindabella Mountains, the city offers something for cyclists of every level. We’ve compiled the best cycling routes around Canberra.

Best cycling routes in Canberra – road bike rider along Lake Burley Griffin. Image Credit: Visit Canberra

If you didn’t bring your own set of wheels, hire a road or mountain bike from the Cyclery, Braddon, or one of the Spinway Canberra outlets in the city, Kingston or Forrest. Many of the Territory’s ACTION buses have dual bike racks, to get you to a starting point.

Billed as the best half-day cycling route in Australia, the Lake Burley Griffin circuit can be completed in one outing, or over three loops – the 16km western loop, 4.9km central or 9km eastern loop. Take your pick of coffee stops along each. VisitCanberra has a brochure if you’re the type who likes to make a plan in advance.

For mountain bikers, Stromo Forest Park is a 15-minute drive from the city and highly recommended for all skill levels. Kowen Forest, off the Kings Highway, hosts the Mountain Bike Australia Solo 24-hour National Championships in October and is another good location, along with Majura Pines, off Majura Parkway.

The Cycle Canberra Six Peaks Ride over 118km challenges cyclists to traverse the six peaks of Canberra – Mount Stromlo, Red Hill, Mount Pleasant, Mount Ainslie and Black Mountain and Dairy Farmers Hill (in the National Arboretum).

For a ride with an incredible view, pack some snacks and stop for a picnic at the Lake George lookout for morning tea.

The Pedal Power ACT Country Riders group cycles to the villages of Tharwa, Gundaroo and Bungendore, as well as longer journeys to Goulburn, the South Coast and Young. These trips are for experienced riders who feel comfortable when a vehicle passes on the road, and consider a 60- 90km ride a reasonable morning’s work.

For details on social riding events go to PedalPower.org.au.

Where to stay.

Abode Narrabundah and Abode Woden are the perfect places to stay when visiting the capital with bikes. Both hotels are completely bike friendly offering:

Abode Narrabundah – Bike Friendly Rooms

Bike storage in all rooms
Washer/dryer facilities in all rooms
Cooking facilities in all rooms
Bike washing stations
Exercise bike and bike lock up storage (Abode Woden)

Book your stay with us below.

Family fun at Tidbinbilla Nature Park

March 29, 2018 By Andrew Sanchez

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve in the Australian Alps, which straddle the NSW, Victoria and ACT borders, is full of surprises for visitors and is perfect for family fun.

Family fun at Tidbinbilla Nature Park – Kangaroos. Image Credit: Visit Canberra

The reserve features spectacular exposed granite tors, foothill valleys and sheltered streams that are home to many native animals and plants.

You’ll spot wildlife including eastern grey kangaroos, echidnas, wallabies and emus in their natural habitat, and don’t forget to look up as you stroll through the eucalyptus forest to discover koalas in the leafy canopy. There’s also a sheltered enclosure where visitors can check out these iconic creatures up close and learn more about them during talks by rangers.

The Sanctuary at Tidbinbilla offers fabulous opportunities to experience a wetlands ecosystem surrounded by bushland and protected by a predator-proof fence, providing a safe refuge for many animals.

The monthly explorer program of ranger-guided activities is well worth investigating, with activities including koala walks, platypus talks and pelican feeding.

Tidbinbilla also offers booked activities such as water bugs, geo journey walks, cubby building, billy tea and damper experiences, plus the chance to learn about and have a go at throwing Aboriginal spears and boomerangs. If you want to go it alone, try the adventure obstacle course, a visit to the Historic Rock Valley Homestead or spend some time at the nature adventure playground which has a flying fox and other equipment the kids will love.

For families and friends, Tidbinbilla is an ideal location for a barbecue in designated areas, with plenty of parking, toilets and picnic tables.

Once you’ve got your energy levels up, set off on one of the 21 marked walking trails, ranging from 15-minute strolls to an eight-hour bush walk. Trails traverse the sanctuary wetlands, forested areas and cascading mountain streams through lyrebird country, or go high into the mountain ridges with spectacular views of the ACT. Take in the diverse vegetation — from woodlands and grasslands to sub-alpine snow gum and poa grassland — as you go.

Tidbinbilla also plays an important role in biodiversity conservation, with a range of research programs underway to help protect the flora and fauna of the area. A threatened species program focuses on the Northern Corroboree Frog, the Eastern Bettong and the Brush Tailed Rock Wallaby. You can see the corroboree frogs most days in the Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre, along with a number of other animals. It also has some lovely merchandise of these threatened species, with profits going towards their conservation.

Family fun at Tidbinbilla Nature Park – Visitors Centre. Image Credit: Visit Canberra

Where to stay.

At just 25 minutes’ drive and one of the closest hotels to the reserve, Abode Tuggeranong is the perfect place to stay. In partnership with the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, have come up with the perfect package for families and groups.

Abode Tuggeranong – 2 bedroom apartment

Book our Abode Hotels Tidbinbilla Package and receive:

A Tidbinbilla day pass voucher for a private vehicle – redeem at Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre
$10 Abode Pantry Voucher (perfect to get your picnic started)
FREE parking*
FREE unlimited Wi-Fi
Bottled water
Overnight accommodation in a spacious, self-contained two-bedroom apartment.

Abode Tuggeranong – 2 bedroom apartment

*Package valid from 24/03/18 – 04/04/19. Inclusions and tickets are not redeemable for cash. Free parking is subject to availability. No charges for cancellations made 2pm the day prior to arrival. Day pass voucher is only valid for vehicles containing up to 8 seats.

Put your best foot forward

March 29, 2018 By Andrew Sanchez

Put your best foot forward. Canberra is a walker’s paradise, with iconic buildings, natural treasures and waterways at every turn – most within easy reach of the city centre.

Put your best foot forward – Lake Burley Griffin

Old Parliament House should be first port of call from a history buff’s perspective, with a self-guided stroll through the restored gardens a must-do.

For a view of Anzac Parade, Lake Burley Griffin and the Parliamentary Triangle, park the car at Remembrance Park, Campbell, and take the picturesque 4.2km walk up the trail to Mount Ainslie.

In the south, Coolamon Ridge Nature Trail extends 2.7km from the Bicentennial Equestrian trail, letting you explore woodland and wildlife, including magnificent views of Bullen Range and Mount Coree to the west.

The Centenary Trail is an all-of-Canberra loop that almost crosses the NSW border to the north and includes the Murrumbidgee River in the south. The 145km trail is divided into daily sections, spaced for walkers and bike riders. Following fire trails and shared paths in urban and natural areas, it is designed for low intensity.

One section, the Murrumbidgee Discovery Track at the southern end, winds through rolling fields and bushland, starting at Stromlo Forest Park. This section runs for 27km and makes it possible to walk the length of the river between Point Hut Crossing, through Pine Island and finishing up at Casuarina Sands to the north.

The Centenary Trail’s northern section begins in Hoskins Street, Hall, and offers city views. Another section includes paths through the National Arboretum and begins at Forest Drive, Weston Creek.

For the seriously-fit, the Camel’s Hump trail at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve offers two difficult walks, a 19km, eight-hour trek or a shorter 11.6km, six-hour journey. The trail offers a demanding course through some of the more remote areas of the nature reserve. Travelling along the slopes of Johns Peak to the rocky outcrop of Camel’s Hump, walkers are rewarded with the best views across the Tidbinbilla Valley. Expect plenty of wildlife walking through Canberra’s nature reserves.

For more information and detailed walking maps, visit canwalk.org.auh.

Put your best foot forward – view overlooking Anzac Parade, Old and New Parliament Houses from Mount Ainslie. 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.

Hot off the press! A+ Magazine

March 2, 2018 By Andrew Sanchez

The Autumn/Winter edition of A+ Magazine is hot off the press!

Packed full of events, interviews and features covering Canberra’s people, arts & culture, sport, fashion, outdoor adventure and food & wine scenes.

This is our biggest issue yet! Read the magazine here.

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.

Abode Pantry Online

February 21, 2018 By Andrew Sanchez

Introducing Abode Pantry Online, your online bar conveniently delivering alcoholic beverages straight to your Abode Hotel room.

Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, there’s nothing better to end your day than to retreat to your room with your favourite beverage in hand.

Acting like an online bar, Abode Pantry is there to provide you with a great selection of alcoholic beverages. Order sparkling, red and white wines, plus a selection of beers with just a few clicks.

To place an order, simply follow the steps below:

Visit yourabode.abodehotels.com.au
Select your specific Abode Hotel’s location
Select the beverages you’d like to order and follow the prompts to checkout.

Start at yourabode.abodehotels.com.au. Select your Abode Hotel’s location, then click Pantry Online.

Browse and select the beverages you’d like to order, then follow the prompts to purchase.

Don’t forget to specify your room number and have a proof of age card ready, should our staff require to see it.

Click here to view the full menu

It’s important to note that Abode Pantry Online is only open during your specific hotels’ reception hours.

ABODE WODEN

Monday-Sunday:
Open 24-hours

ABODE NARRABUNDAH

Monday-Sunday:
7:00am-10:00pm
Public Holidays:
9:30am-6:00pm

ABODE GUNGAHLIN

Monday-Friday:
8:00am-8:00pm
Saturday-Sunday:
9:30am-8:00pm
Public Holidays:
9:30am-6:00pm

ABODE TUGGERANONG

Monday-Friday:
8:00am-10:00pm
Saturday-Sunday:
9:30am-10:00pm
Public Holidays:
9:30am-6:00pm

*Opening hours vary between Abode Hotels. Drink responsibly.

Abode Hotels’ Balloon Package

February 15, 2018 By Andrew Sanchez

Hot air ballooning is without a doubt one of the best ways to take in the stunning landscape of Canberra. In celebration of the Abode Hotel balloon landing, we are proud to present our balloon package.

Feel the magic of soaring over a changing landscape at sunrise, suspended in a basket under a glorious hot air balloon.

Take in the panoramic view below; the lush greenery of Lake Burley Griffin, its famed landmarks and the rugged Australian landscape over the Arboretum. You’ll see Canberra’s national attractions from a whole new perspective.

Abode Hotels Hot Air Balloon

Prices start from $630 per night in a Premium Studio or $660 per night in an Executive Studio for 2 adults (includes flights for 2).

Call 1300 1 ABODE (22633) to check availability and book the flight of your life.

Adventure on two wheels

February 8, 2018 By Andrew Sanchez

It’s true that there’s no better way to see a place than to experience it by getting around on bicycles. At a place where everything moves that much slower, that statement can be no further than the truth. Take advantage of Abode Murrumbateman’s location by getting out on two wheels.

If you’re up for the adventure why not book your stay with our Bike and Vine Package? Not only does it include a discounted room rate for a queen room, but also guaranteed bike hire for two, a bottle of wine, plus our very own bike map which shows you a selection of wineries and other places of interest to visit.

On the map: Choose between four wine routes, all easily accessible by bike.

Route 1: Shaw Vineyard Estate (approximately a 15-minute bike ride)

Visit Shaw Vineyard Estate, one of Murrumbateman’s premium cool climate, family-owned wineries, set in a picturesque setting and offering a relaxed escape amongst the vineyards.

Their stunning cellar door facility allows you to taste their full range of cool climate wines and houses an exquisite ceramics sales gallery of handmade and painted Italian ceramics exclusively sourced from Italy.

While you’re there, visit Olleyville at Shaw Vineyard Restaurant and enjoy a delicious meal.

Shaw Vineyard Estate – Abode Hotels

Route 2: Helm Wines (approximately a 25-minute bike ride)

Raise your glass to a palate-pleasing experience at Helm Wines, one of the leading wineries in the Canberra District. Established by Ken and Judith Helm in 1973, Helm Wines are known for producing award-winning Rieslings and Cabernet Sauvignons.

The winery, which has been given a 5-star rating by James Halliday, is a must-visit for all budding and experienced wine connoisseurs and is a great place to learn about the art of winemaking, whilst also tasting some great wines.

The Helm Wines tasting room is in the 1888 Toual Public School House, a listed building by the National Trust and is the source of inspiration for the school bell featured on the Helm Wines labels. Ironically the building was once used for meetings of the Temperance League, where locals signed the pledge against alcohol.

Route 3a: Clonakilla (approximately a 12-minute bike ride)

Celebrated as one of the best wineries in Australia, Clonakilla is a small, family business dedicated to producing distinctive, handcrafted Canberra Region wines in limited quantities. Established by the Kirk family in 1971, Clonakilla wines have consistently earned critical acclaim, with Tim Kirk named Gourmet Traveller Wines’ Winemaker of the Year in 2013.

Relax at Clonakilla’s cellar door, surrounded by local stone, reclaimed timbers, deconstructed wine barrels and a large fireplace. From its tasting bar, enjoy the picturesque view overlooking the rolling vineyards towards the iconic Clonakilla windmill.

Route 3b: Four Winds Vineyard (approximately a 17-minute bike ride)

The Four Winds Vineyard cellar door is a great place to pull up a chair over-looking the vines. Set in a scenic Instagram-worthy backdrop, enjoy your wine with flavoursome homemade wood-fired pizzas, made to order at the vineyard.

To book your Abode Murrumbateman Bike & Vine Package click here,
call 1300 1 ABODE (22633) or email reservations@abodehotels.com.au

*Travel dates from 1/03/18 – 30/04/19, subject to availability. Special offers only available during the promotional period. Bike hire and wine not refundable for cash. Enjoy Responsibly.

Abode Murrumbateman now open

February 2, 2018 By Andrew Sanchez

The wait is finally over – Abode Murrumbateman is now open.

A short 30-minute drive from the Canberra CBD, or 3-hours from Sydney, this stylishly-appointed property sets the tone for the ultimate food and wine experience in the heart of cool-climate wine country.

Abode Murrumbateman Reception

Catering to all visitors alike, Abode Murrumbateman features 50 spacious and comfortable studio rooms, large flexible foyer spaces, communal kitchen facilities and a guest lounge.

Abode Murrumbateman Common Kitchen

The state of the art communal kitchen at Abode Murrumbateman has everything you need to make a masterpiece with the amazing local produce.

Abode Murrumbateman Pantry

Satisfy your appetite or quench your thirst with our ever-accommodating Abode Pantry. As well as being stocked full of food, snacks and other essentials, the Abode Murrumbateman Pantry is stocked with a selection of Canberra Region wines and beers, plus other popular alcoholic beverages.

Abode Murrumbateman Continental Breakfast. Enjoy bread and pastries, fresh fruit and yoghurt, cereals, made to order pancakes and freshly made espresso coffee.

What better way to start the day than breakfast delivered straight to your room?

Abode Murrumbateman bicycles available for hire. Experience Abode Murrumbateman on two wheels at your own pace.

Terrace Rooms

Be one of the first guests to stay at this exceptional hotel in February to take advantage of the Abode Murrumbateman grand opening special. For a limited time only, we’re offering a discounted rate on all rooms, a late checkout of 12pm and a bottle of Canberra district wine.

Your next food and wine getaway is closer than you think… Book yours here.