Hotel Kurrajong Canberra
by the TopOfHotel team
A 4-star heritage hotel in Barton set in a 1926 building that once housed Australian Prime Ministers and hosted the Queen, a 9-minute walk from the lake. Score 8.9.
A 4-star heritage hotel in Barton set in a 1926 building that once housed Australian Prime Ministers and hosted the Queen, a 9-minute walk from the lake. Score 8.9.
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
The 147 rooms keep the old-building character but stay clean and properly maintained, all with air-con and a minibar. Because this is a heritage building, the floor plans aren't the cookie-cutter boxes you get in a modern tower — sizes and layouts vary room to room, and most guests read that as charm rather than a flaw. Each one has its own shape and quirks. High ceilings and timber detailing carry the period feel through, and in winter — when Canberra gets genuinely cold — the lobby fireplace is the warmest spot in the building to nurse a drink.
Food and amenities
Downstairs is Chifley's Bar & Grill, named for Prime Minister Ben Chifley, who lived here; it cooks breakfast fresh every morning and guests rate the morning meal well. There's a gym on site but no pool — worth knowing if a swim is part of your routine. Rounding it out: concierge service, free Wi-Fi, that lobby fireplace, and 6 meeting rooms that make the place a real option for business trips and small functions.
Location and getting there
Hotel Kurrajong sits on National Circuit in Barton, inside the Parliamentary Triangle. The standout here is the walk to Lake Burley Griffin — about 9 minutes, the closest of any Barton hotel — with the National Gallery of Australia and Old Parliament House nearby. Parliament House itself is a longer 13-14 minute walk, further than the other Barton hotels, so factor that in if it's your main stop. Canberra Airport is roughly 6-8 km away. Guests on Trip.com rate it 8.9/10 across 120 reviews.
Things to know before booking
Three honest catches. There is no pool, only a gym — Hotel Realm and Knightsbridge nearby both have one if that matters. Parliament House is a 13-14 minute walk, noticeably further than from the other Barton hotels, so you'll be on foot longer if that's where you're headed. And the heritage building means room layouts and sizes are inconsistent — book with the understanding that you can't count on a uniform room shape or square footage. Prices start near $120 a night and run to roughly $230 at the top.
Our take
Hotel Kurrajong Canberra is the pick for business travelers and couples who want a hotel with a story behind it. If you value the character of a 1926 heritage building, a solid in-house restaurant and a short walk to the lake over having a pool on site, this is the one we'd point you to in Barton. You're paying for atmosphere and a piece of Canberra's history — and on that count it delivers.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- A 4-star historic hotel set inside a heritage building on National Circuit in Barton, with high ceilings, timber detailing and a lobby fireplace that give it real period character.
- The building dates to 1926 and once served as a residence for Australian Prime Ministers, Ben Chifley included, and has hosted the Queen — history you don't get in a modern chain.
- Chifley's Bar & Grill sits on site and cooks breakfast fresh every morning, so you can eat well without leaving the building.
- There are 6 meeting rooms for business and functions, plus concierge service and that lobby fireplace, which is a genuine draw in Canberra's cold winters.
- The walk to Lake Burley Griffin is about 9 minutes — the closest of the Barton hotels — and the National Gallery of Australia is nearby.
- There is no pool here, only a gym — if a swim is part of your trip, the nearby Hotel Realm or Knightsbridge handles that better.
- Parliament House is a 13-14 minute walk, further than the other Barton hotels, so you'll spend more time on foot if that's your main destination.
- Because it's a heritage building, room layouts and sizes vary a lot — each room has its own character, but you can't count on a uniform shape or square footage.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
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Insider Tips
- Ask the front desk about the building's history — staff have genuine stories about the prime ministers who stayed here.
- Grab a drink by the lobby fireplace in winter; Canberra gets properly cold and it's the best seat in the place.
- Walk down to Lake Burley Griffin in about 9 minutes for the foreshore and the National Gallery.