Rooftop Garden
On the uppermost terrace of , where the Canberra wind carries the scent of eucalyptus down from Black Mountain and the city's parliamentary geometry spreads below in all directions, the Rooftop Garden offers a breathing space unlike any other in the ACT. It is open to all hotel guests from dawn until late evening and serves as an informal gathering point - somewhere to read before the gaming floor opens, to take in the particular clarity of a Canberra morning, or to simply stand in the cold air and feel the size of the Brindabella sky. The planting scheme, designed by an ACT-based landscape architect, draws exclusively on native species that return colour to the terrace across every season of the year.
Native Species Planting
Over 40 species of ACT-native grasses, ground covers, and flowering shrubs create a living landscape that changes visibly with each season, including a spectacular bluebell display each September.
Parliament House Sightline
The western terrace rail provides an unobstructed view of Parliament House's distinctive roofline and the flagpole that flies the national flag continuously, visible from the garden at any hour.
Dawn Access for Early Risers
The garden opens at 5:30 a.m., earlier than any other public space in the building, allowing guests to experience the specific quality of Canberra's cold-morning light before the city stirs.
Heated Seating Zones
Four thermostatically controlled heated seating areas allow the terrace to remain comfortable through Canberra's sub-zero winter evenings, extending the usable season to the full twelve months.
Seasonal Cultural Events
The garden hosts four annual outdoor cultural evenings aligned with the ACT's festival calendar, including a winter stargazing night led by an astronomer from the Mount Stromlo Observatory precinct.
Private Terrace Hire
The full rooftop may be exclusively reserved for private celebrations of up to 60 guests, with Larder & Light catering available and a dedicated host managing the space for the duration of the event.