Hip Apartments in Canberra You'll Want to Call Home

Infinity pools are usually reserved for plush hotels, but these apartments have access to a rather stylish version; perfect for a cool down after a session in the on-site spa or gym. After, fire up the barbecue on the sleek black-tiled poolside terrace for a post-workout protein fix. Located in the leafy Kingston suburb, and close to its modern Australian eateries and gourmet foodie markets, you’ll have a hard time deciding whether to say in or go out every night

These apartments take sustainability seriously. The fabulous art-filled spaces combine ecoprinciples with holistic design, fitted throughout with Energy Star-rated appliances and offering Sukin Australia toiletries. The apartments also have access to gardens and vegetable patches – free to dip into if you’re running low on veg.

Whatever time you arrive at Manhattan Civic you’ll get a warm welcome from the friendly 24-hour staff. The apartments are available for the short and long term and offer up to 1,023sqft (95sqm) of living space, plus Bosch appliances and built-in wardrobes. You’re also close to the city’s business precincts.

You might want to book tickets ahead for Canberra Theatre, the National Gallery of Australia and Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre, which are a short distance from Quest Canberra’s front door. The 37 serviced apartments range from studio to two-bedroom set-ups and stand within the grounds of the heritage Melbourne building, one of Canberra’s oldest properties. A handful of the best restaurants in Canberra are also in easy reach. Rather stay in and cook? Quest’s pantry shopping service will deliver groceries to your door.

Red, white and grey is the colour scheme throughout these stylish studios and apartments, and they all include king-sized beds, espresso machines, microwaves and fridges (many also have kitchenettes), plus Ideology toiletries in the bathroom. The south Canberra location in the Woden Valley area, not far from the Red Hill Nature Reserve, means having access to a car is recommended. Breakfast is served at No.10 Restaurant + Bar downstairs for an extra cost.

Fancy a bit of elevated tennis on holiday? Who doesn’t? Nesuto Canberra has squeezed a half-sized tennis court and barbecue area on their rooftop that overlooks the CBD on the corner of Canberra’s London Circuit. Inside you’ll find four-star apartments with kitchen and laundry facilities and an indoor swimming pool, spa and gym. Flexible bedding arrangements can be made for families or work parties. Outside, Canberra Theatre Centre is just across the road, along with the walking tracks around Lake Burley Griffin that also run alongside Commonwealth Park.

Pretending to call Kingston home for a few days will come easy. The village-like suburb, southeast of Canberra’s landmark Capital Hill, has new restaurants and cafes popping up all the time along the developing foreshore precinct. Pinnacle Apartments sit down a tree-lined street and offer a mix of fully serviced apartments with access to a gym, outdoor pool and barbecue area. For a special dinner, head down the road to OTIS Dining Hall for their delicious seasonal set menu with pairing wines.

A wonderful accommodation spot between Kingston and Manuka, Oxley Court has one- and two-bed apartments only a short drive from the Parliamentary Triangle, the National Gallery and Questacon – the National Science and Technology Centre. All apartments have queen-sized beds, a private courtyard or balcony, a writing desk and lots of space.

Wake to picture-perfect views of Lake Burley Griffin in the compact one-bed apartments here, or stretch out in a sprawling split-level loft apartment down the lane in the New Acton South building. Each loft is styled to match the work of a different international designer such as Grant Featherston, Verner Panton or Achille Castiglioni. Each luxury apartment is set up according to the principles of passive cooling, and hydronic heating is available in the icy winter months.

This apartment block is on a quiet street in the Garden District, adjacent to Parliament House in the Parliamentary Business District. The motel-style rooms and apartments come with a comfortable queen- or king-sized bed and all the essentials. Expect no frills here, just clean, comfortable and good-value accommodation that will suit everyone from single travellers to families. They’re basic, but there’s still a barbecue area, in-house restaurant and bar, bike hire, tennis courts and free parking.

A downside to choosing an apartment over a hotel room is that you usually have to clean it yourself. Not here. Housekeeping will replenish the complimentary items such as toiletries and coffee pods, and give your place a daily spritz. The North Canberra property offers stylishly designed self-contained apartments with interconnecting rooms for families or groups, pet-friendly rooms, and studios designed specifically for people with impaired mobility.