Canberra | The Capital Destination Guide

Rocky Trail Entertainment has had a love-affair with racing in Canberra for over a decade. Stromlo Forest Park holds very personal memories for the team – our founders got engaged there after an adventure race many (many, many) years ago and since then we’ve loved re-discovering the ever expanding trail networks in the Capital!

What makes Canberra such a cycle friendly city? Is it the designated bike lanes on the main roads, or the extensive network of bike paths weaving their way throughout the city? We reckon it’s the range of cafes and venues that position themselves as ‘bike friendly’, or the year-round calendar of popular cycling events, including Rocky Trail’s line-up for Canberra every year!

Why not make it a weekend getaway to the Capital with us? There are so many things to see and do off the race track, and here’s the Top Ten to get you started!


FIND MORE THAN YOU EXPECT IN CANBERRA

Iconic national attractions; riding Mount Stromlo’s bike trails; sipping the cool-climate Shiraz. Canberra offers the peak experience.

It’s the best of Australia, brought together for you.

What’s on

Live performances in the city centre, free film screenings, Roller Derby, the Canberra Comedy Festival, or how about a whodunit at Old Parliament House after dark?! There’s always something going on.

Browse all events happening in Canberra


Accommodation

Midnight Hotel

Address: 1 Elouera St, Braddon
Phone: (02) 6220 0000
Web: www.midnighthotel.com.au
Email: reservations@midnighthotel.com.au

A lifestyle you won’t want to leave.

Designed by acclaimed architects Fender Katsalidis, and part of Marriott International’s Autograph Collection, Midnight Hotel offers 5-star bespoke accommodation, on-site restaurant and bar and a fully equipped wellness centre inclusive of gym, sauna and indoor pool.

A reflection of our neighbourhood, we invite Rocky Trail Entertainment participants and supporters to discover the beat of a growing city, celebrate creative originality and cultural authenticity, and above all, experience exceptional service in an extraordinary setting.

To receive a discounted rate of $258.00 for Canberra event dates*, please select the
following link: Book your group rate for Rocky Trail Entertainment

*Canberra event dates include:

  • 17th September
  • 23rd September
  • 24th September
  • 22nd of October

Abode Hotels

Belconnen, Gungahlin, Kingston, Malua Bay, Murrumbateman, Narrabundah, Tuggeranong, Woden
Phone: 1300 122 633
Web: www.abodehotels.com.au

As the official Rocky Trail Entertainment Accommodation Partner for 2023, Abode Hotels is offering all attendees 12% off their accommodation over the year. 

This special offer is available across all Abode Hotels properties in Canberra, as well as at Abode Murrumbateman, located just outside of Canberra in the cool climate wine region, and Abode Malua Bay, located on the NSW South Coast. 

To receive 12% off your stay, simply use the code ‘RockyTrail2023’ when booking online or over the phone. 

With eight hotels to choose from as part of this special offer, Abode Hotels has your Rocky Trail Entertainment accommodation sorted. 

Book now by visiting abodehotels.com.au or by calling 1300 122 633.

Statesman Hotel

Address: Cnr Strangways & Theodore Streets Curtin
Phone: (02) 6281 1777
Web: www.statesmanhotel.com.au
Email: hello@statesmanhotel.com.au

Recently renovated with exciting new guest rooms, restaurant and bars, the new Statesman Hotel have taken 54 years of history and revamped it with some scandal and a playful nod to the 70s. And yet some things never change – The Statesman Hotel still welcomes all Rocky Trail competitors and spectators to this friendly establishment. At just over 8km from Stromlo, it is the perfect destination to stay and recoup from a day’s riding.

Ring direct on 62811 777, mention the code “ROCKY TRAIL” and let the Statesman look after you!

The Canberra Rex Hotel

Address: 150 Northbourne Avenue, City
Phone: (02) 6248 5311
Web: www.canberrarexhotel.com.au
Email: reservations@canberrarexhotel.com.au

Built in 1959 as “the Luxury Hotel” in the nation’s capital, the Canberra Rex has stood as an iconic landmark for over 55 years.

With stunning rooms, spacious suites, amazing apartments, fabulous restaurant, fantastic facilities and personal service, there is really no where better to stay.

Use the code “RT10” to get a 10% discount for all our Rocky Trail Fam!

The Country Plaza Queanbeyan

Address: 147 Uriarra Road, Queanbeyan
Phone: (02) 6297 1211
Web: www.countryplazamotel.com.au
Email: info@countryplazamotel.com.au

The Country Plaza Queanbeyan is conveniently located on the NSW side of the ACT border in Queanbeyan, which is approximately a 15 minute drive to the Parliamentary Triangle and a short 10 min drive from Canberra Airport. 

  • Fully Licensed Restaurant (open Monday to Thursday nights 6pm – 8pm)
  • Breakfast Room (open daily from 7.30am until 9.00am)
  • Outdoor Swimming Pool
  • BBQ Facilities – outdoor and gas operated
  • Guest Laundry
  • Free car parking
  • All rooms have new 4K smart TV’s and guests can now stream their favourite shows by logging into their own accounts.
  • Wireless Internet in all rooms and public areas

Use the code “ROCKYTRAILS” to get 10% discount off the best available rate!


Canberra is the capital city of Australia, situated inland between the cities of Sydney and Melbourne. 
You can fly, drive, catch a bus, or jump on a train to Canberra.

Need more inspiration? There’s a guide for that!

Our top tips for #rockytrailracers

1.
Explore the neighbourhood Discover the hottest restaurants, your new favourite shop, and great cultural experiences with this amazing guide.
2.
Cycle around CanberraCanberra is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Australia, with designated bike lanes on the main roads and a huge network of trails and bike paths weaving their way throughout the entire city. Whether it’s doing a tour, taking a leisurely family loop around Lake Burley Griffin, or taking on the famous 145km Centenary Trail – getting around Canberra on two wheels is a breeze.
3.
Awesome animal encountersVisit Australia’s only combined zoo and aquarium less than 10 minutes from the centre of Canberra for a fun-filled day. With a wide variety of both native and exotic animals, as well as the largest inland saltwater tank in Australia, there is something for everyone at the National Zoo and Aquarium.
4.
Canberra for young and old(er)Planning a short break for the whole family can present some hurdles to overcome. Striking a delicate balance between keeping the kids entertained and the adults stimulated is the way to go.
5.
Get your brunch onWhile social distancing and limitations on dine-in patrons still apply, there are SO many amazing cafes serving everything from light snacks and breakfast bites to major morning re-fuelling. Check out Culture Trip’s pick of the best spots!
6.
Vintage shoppingIf your idea of fun is poking around stores for pre-loved items in search of treasure or simply being more sustainable, then you need to delve into the suburb of Fyshwick and join the vintage trail. ‘Industrial eclectic’ is the perfect description for this suburb, once renowned for used car yards, fireworks retailers and adult shops. Fyshwick has since evolved and is the perfect place to while away a few hours on the hunt for a bargain or collectable with a mysterious story.
7.
Local bars and wineries to visitCanberra is home to loads of top-notch bars, wineries and distilleries where you can sip on locally crafted beverages — and meet their makers, too.
8.
Canberra’s best walksCanberra is a great city to live in if you love to walk. And in this strange time when we’re equally encouraged to physical distance and make sure we’re exercising, walks can be the perfect solution!
9.
Gold Creek VillageThis quaint village has something for everyone, with dinosaurs and lolly shops for young minds, a Tudor pub and boutique cafe for foodies, specialty stores and quirky shops for retail therapy, and a Reptile Zoo for everyone!
10.
Wine tastingCanberra’s cool-climate wine regions offer a spectacular range of experiences, from wine-tasing and fine dining to truffle hunting. Got little ones tagging along? Many of the wineries are definitely family-friendly!

INS(TA)PIRATION:
There are so many experiences that await,
here are just a few to get you started:

Share your stories, tag
#VisitCanberra
Official Rocky Trail hashtags:
#rockytrailracer #rockytrailentertainment