Luxury holidays in Canberra

When to go

Canberra experiences extremes in temperature, ranging from 40°C in summer to zero in winter. Winter days generally start with frosty mornings followed by clear blue skies and plenty of sunshine. If you are a fan of flora, spring sees the city alive with blooms and so is a vibrant time to visit.

Getting there

• Planes

  You can fly direct to Canberra Airport (www.canberraairport.com.au) from any of Australia's state capitals | except Darwin | as well as from Newcastle | Townsville and the Gold Coast. Qantas (www.qantas.com.au) | Virgin Blue (www.virginblue.com.au) and Tiger Airways (www.tigerairways.com) all cover the route. A taxi to the city centre costs about AU$20. The Airliner bus (www.airliner.com.au) runs between the airport and the city bus interchange half-hourly during the week and hourly on the weekend.

• Trains

  Arrive in Canberra at Kingston station, about six kilometres from the city centre. Direct services on CountryLink (132 232; www.countrylink.info) arrive from Sydney daily, although from Melbourne there’s a train/bus connection.

• Automobiles

  Canberra is about 300 kilometres south west of Sydney, and an easy three-and-a-half-hour drive. Major car hire companies can be found in both cities.

• Taxis

  Canberra Cabs (132 227; www.canberracabs.com.au) and Cabxpress (+61 (0) 2 6260 6011; www.cabxpress.com.au) are a good bet. Cars can be hailed in the street, booked or picked up at numerous ranks.