Your stay — Olympia Motel
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The Property — Olympia Motel
The Olympia Motel in Canberra exudes a no-frills, functional charm, with its 3-star rating reflected in the simple yet clean and comfortable rooms. The motel's retro aesthetic is a nod to its 1960s design, with a dash of modern amenities to keep guests connected. It's a solid choice for budget-conscious travellers who want a fuss-free base to explore the city, with a 2-minute walk to the nearby bus stop and easy access to the city centre. Standing in the lobby, you'll get a sense of laid-back Australian hospitality.
Chronicles of Canberra
Canberra, the Australian capital, was founded in 1913 as a planned city, designed by American architect Walter Burley Griffin. The city's early years saw a mix of Art Deco and International Style architecture, which still influences its modern landscape. Today, Canberra is a city of cultural identity, boasting world-class museums like the National Gallery of Australia and the National Museum of Australia. The city's cultural scene is shaped by its history, with a strong presence of Indigenous Australian culture and a thriving arts community.
Best Time to Visit
Full Canberra guide →Best months
The best months to visit Canberra are October and November, with mild temperatures (average highs around 18°C/64°F) and manageable crowds. The city's famous Floriade festival takes place in September and October, but these shoulder months offer a more relaxed atmosphere and fewer tourists. March is another great time to visit, with wildflowers in bloom and comfortable temperatures.
Peak / festival surge
January is peak tourist season in Canberra, with prices for accommodations increasing by up to 20% due to the Australian Open tennis tournament and summer holidays. The city's festival calendar is also packed, with events like the Enlighten Festival and the National Folk Festival drawing large crowds.
Budget shoulder season
April and May offer the best budget-friendly shoulder months, with discounts on accommodations and fewer tourists. The weather is mild, with average highs in the mid-teens (around 15°C/59°F), making it an ideal time for exploring the city's many museums and galleries.
Weather & packing
Canberra's climate is known for its sudden changes in weather, so be sure to pack layers for your visit. Bring a waterproof jacket or umbrella, as summer storms can roll in quickly, even during the dry season.
Live City Briefing — Canberra
- The new light rail line, currently under construction, is expected to improve public transportation in the city centre by 2027.
- The National Museum of Australia has announced a major renovation, with a new exhibit on Indigenous Australian culture set to open in 2026.
- The Canberra International Film Festival is scheduled to take place in August 2026, with a focus on Australian and international cinema.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Olympia Motel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor (4th or above) to minimize street noise from the nearby city center. These rooms are also likely to have a better view of the city skyline.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the ground floor, especially near the service entrance, as they may be subject to noise from delivery and service staff.
Best views
Rooms on the north side of the hotel (facing the city center) will have a view of the city skyline, while rooms on the south side will have a view of the surrounding streets.
Quietest floors
3rd and 4th floors are likely to be the quietest, given the hotel's layout and location.
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel's location in the city center means that some street noise is unavoidable, but the higher floors and rooms away from the service entrance should minimize disturbance.
Insider tips
Request a room with a fridge if you plan to stock up on snacks or drinks, as it's not a standard amenity in every room. If you're arriving by car, take note that parking may be limited, so it's best to check with the hotel in advance for availability and any parking fees.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Olympia Motel
Free limited tier; 500 MB/day; login via room keycard; paid tier (AUD 10/24 hours) available for extra 5 GB
Serves all floors; no stairs-only historic sections
Complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader); no physical papers available
1400-2200 hours; early bag-drop available from 1000 hours; late check-out until 1200 hours (AUD 20/30 minutes)
Available 24/7; AUD 5 per item, per day
Step-free access; wheelchair accessible entry points; some rooms have limited mobility access
On-site parking available (AUD 15/night); nearest public car park (QUTS, AUD 4/hour); no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: AUD 50 advance deposit + incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Bible Baptist Church (140 m · ~2 min walk)
- Church: Saint Demetrios (396 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: C3 Church Queanbeyan (1.4 km · ~17 min walk)
- Church: St Raphael’s Church (1.5 km · ~18 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Riverside Plaza — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
Velacia Parklet — 300 m · ~4 min walk
Queanbeyan and District Historical Museum — 1.3 km · ~17 min walk
The Q — 1.4 km · ~18 min walk
Railway Street Central Community Playground — 569 m · ~7 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 1.4 km · ~18 min walk
Queanbeyan Pharmacy — 733 m · ~9 min walk
Chautari Mini Market — 58 m · ~1 min walk
Queanbeyan — 425 m · ~5 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Australian Dollar, AUD
You can exchange money at the Canberra Airport, but rates are generally poor; it's better to use ATMs or exchange bureaux in the city centre. Be aware that some exchange bureaux may charge high fees.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common, but not always available at smaller businesses. Mobile pay options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also widely accepted.
Tipping is not expected, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% in restaurants and bars is considered polite. For taxis, it's not necessary to tip, but rounding up the fare is appreciated.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A flat white from a café will cost around $4-5.
A pie or sausage roll from a bakery or food truck will cost around $8-10.
A main course at a mid-range restaurant will cost around $20-30.
The area around Garema Place and the Canberra Markets has a variety of street food options, including food trucks and stalls.
Common budget supermarket chains in the area include Coles and Woolworths.
The Fyshwick Markets have a range of affordable clothing and second-hand stores.
A day pass on the ACTION bus network costs $10, and the cheapest way to get from the airport to the city centre is by using the airport shuttle bus (around $6).
Buy groceries at the markets or from local supermarkets, use public transport instead of taxis, and take advantage of free attractions like the National Museum and the National Gallery.
Good to know — Canberra
Type I · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ A$1.43 · AUD
Emergency Contacts
CanberraFor all emergencies in Canberra, dial 000. For non-urgent police assistance, call 131 444. For health advice, contact Healthdirect on 1800 022 222. For the national Poison Information Centre, call 13 11 26.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Canberra, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Olympia Motel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 1.4 km · ~18 min walk — pharmacy · Queanbeyan Pharmacy — 733 m · ~9 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Civic Bus Stop (Alinga Street) → Various Canberra suburbs (e.g., Belconnen, Woden)
💡 Use the Transport Canberra app for real-time arrivals. The Mid City Motor Inn is a 3-min walk to the bus station. For Lake Burley Griffin, take bus 2 or 3.
Alinga Street Station (City) → Gungahlin
💡 The tram doesn't go to the airport yet, but it's great for reaching Gungahlin and EPIC markets. The Mid City Motor Inn is a 2-min walk from the Alinga Street stop.
Canberra Airport → Mid City Motor Inn (Canberra City)
💡 Book via the Canberra Taxi or GoCatch app for fixed fares; avoid surge pricing.
Canberra Airport → Tourist Hotel
💡 Uber is often cheaper than a taxi, but surge pricing peaks around 5–6 PM and 8–9 AM. Compare with Didi for another option. Pickup is just outside baggage claim.
Canberra Airport → City Bus Stop (Alinga Street / Civic)
💡 Buy a MyWay card at the airport newsagent for cheaper single trips; tap on and off. The Mid City Motor Inn is a 5-min walk from the city stop.
Canberra Airport → Tourist Hotel (London Circuit, Civic)
💡 Book through the Canberra Taxi app for a fixed fare of $35 to Civic. Avoid surge pricing late at night.
Canberra Airport → Hotel Queanbeyan
💡 Uber pool often skips cross-border trips, so stick to Uber X. Request pickup from the departures level to avoid airport surcharges.
Canberra Airport bus stop → City Bus Stop (London Circuit, near Tourist Hotel)
💡 Buy a MyWay card at the airport newsagent for easier travel around town. Tap on and off, or pay with your credit card (contactless) for the same fare.
Canberra Airport → Tourist Hotel
💡 Take bus 3 from the Airport to the City Interchange, then walk 5 minutes to London Circuit. The light rail runs from Gungahlin to Civic, but isn't direct from the airport—this combo saves time if you miss the R3.
Canberra Airport → Hotel Queanbeyan
💡 Book via the Canberra Taxi app for quicker pickup. The hotel is in Queanbeyan, NSW, so the interstate trip may incur a surcharge.
Canberra Airport → Queanbeyan Station
💡 Buy a MyWay card at the airport newsagent. Route 834 drops you at Queanbeyan Station, a 10-minute walk uphill to the hotel.
Canberra City (Jolimont Centre) → Queanbeyan Station
💡 You'll need a separate bus from the airport to Jolimont Centre first (Route 3 or 4). The coach runs parallel to the train line but is cheaper and just as fast.
About Canberra
Wikipedia ↗
Canberra ( KAN-brə; Ngunawal: Kanbarra) is the capital city of Australia and the largest population centre in the Australian Capital Territory. With an estimated population of 484,630 as of 2025, Canberra is Australia's largest inland city and the eighth-largest Australian city by population. The c...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Olympia Motel?
Request a room on a higher floor (4th or above) to minimize street noise from the nearby city center. These rooms are also likely to have a better view of the city skyline.
Which rooms should I avoid at Olympia Motel?
Avoid rooms on the ground floor, especially near the service entrance, as they may be subject to noise from delivery and service staff.
Is Olympia Motel noisy?
The hotel's location in the city center means that some street noise is unavoidable, but the higher floors and rooms away from the service entrance should minimize disturbance.
Which rooms have the best views at Olympia Motel?
Rooms on the north side of the hotel (facing the city center) will have a view of the city skyline, while rooms on the south side will have a view of the surrounding streets.
What are insider tips for staying at Olympia Motel?
Request a room with a fridge if you plan to stock up on snacks or drinks, as it's not a standard amenity in every room. If you're arriving by car, take note that parking may be limited, so it's best to check with the hotel in advance for availability and any parking fees.
What time is check-in at Olympia Motel?
Check-in at Olympia Motel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Olympia Motel have Wi-Fi?
Free limited tier; 500 MB/day; login via room keycard; paid tier (AUD 10/24 hours) available for extra 5 GB
Is there a city or tourist tax at Olympia Motel?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Olympia Motel?
A pie or sausage roll from a bakery or food truck will cost around $8-10.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Olympia Motel?
A day pass on the ACTION bus network costs $10, and the cheapest way to get from the airport to the city centre is by using the airport shuttle bus (around $6).
When is the best time to visit Canberra?
The best months to visit Canberra are October and November, with mild temperatures (average highs around 18°C/64°F) and manageable crowds. The city's famous Floriade festival takes place in September and October, but these shoulder months offer a more relaxed atmosphere and fewer tourists. March is another great time to visit, with wildflowers in bloom and comfortable temperatures.
Top Attractions in Canberra
💡 Hire a bike from the dock near the library for about $15 per hour — flatter route than walking and you'll cover more sights.
💡 Check the free short film screenings in the theatre on weekdays; the café has outdoor seating overlooking the lake.
💡 Rent a bike from the docks near the National Library for about $15 per hour. The eastern section has fewer crowds.
💡 The section between Kings Avenue Bridge and the National Library is quietest on weekday mornings—take a thermos and a book.
💡 Rent a bike from the Acton Ferry Terminal for $10/hour — the full loop is 12km with great views of Parliament House.
💡 The Sculpture Garden is free and often quieter than the main building; bring a picnic if the weather is fine.
💡 Rent a bike from the shop near the National Carillon for about $15/hour—the full loop is 25 km but the central section from Commonwealth Bridge to the Jet is an easy 4 km there and back.
💡 Hire a bike from the Canberra Bike Hire kiosk near the Commonwealth Place bridge—$15 for an hour, cheaper than a taxi for the loop. Keep left for the best photo of Parliament House reflected in the water.