Canberra Park, Gungahlin ACT
Please Note: Canberra Park is a purpose-built accommodation village primarily for school, sporting, and large community groups. It does not offer caravan, motorhome, or tent sites for the general public. For traditional camping, the adjacent EPIC (Exhibition Park in Canberra) is the designated facility.
Canberra Park is a modern and expansive accommodation facility that provides a safe, comfortable, and highly convenient base for large groups visiting the nation’s capital. Designed with the specific needs of school excursions and sporting teams in mind, it offers a complete, self-contained solution with a focus on security and functionality. The accommodation consists of contemporary cabins and dormitory-style buildings with a range of configurations, all equipped with modern amenities like ensuites and air conditioning. The facility is centred around a large, modern dining hall that provides catered meals for groups, removing the logistical challenges of feeding hundreds of visitors.
The key strength of Canberra Park is its superb location and transport connectivity. It is situated right next to the EPIC showgrounds and, most importantly, is directly on the Canberra Light Rail line. The ‘EPIC and Racecourse’ tram stop is a short walk away, offering groups a direct, safe, and efficient transport link straight into the city centre. This allows easy access to Canberra’s major cultural institutions and attractions, such as the Australian War Memorial, Parliament House, and Questacon, without the need for coordinating multiple buses in city traffic. The grounds are secure, with landscaped areas for recreation and relaxation between activities.
While it isn’t a destination for the general caravan and camping tourist, Canberra Park plays a vital role in the city’s tourism landscape. It provides an invaluable, high-quality resource that allows students and groups from across Australia to experience the capital in a comfortable and well-managed environment. Its sleek design and comprehensive services make it a premier choice for organised group travel to Canberra.
Site Information
- Location: At Exhibition Park, adjacent to the Light Rail line to the city.
- Site Suitable For: This is group accommodation in cabins/dorms, not a public campground.
- Road Access: Sealed roads.
- Site Surface: Landscaped grounds with buildings and pathways.
- Camping Permitted: No. Tourist camping is available next door at the EPIC Caravan Park.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: As per group booking arrangements.
- Number of Powered Sites: Not applicable.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Not applicable.
Facilities
- Facilities: Modern cabins with ensuites, large dining hall, recreation areas, meeting rooms.
- Picnic Tables: Yes, in outdoor areas.
- Potable Water: Yes.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent.
- TV Reception: Excellent.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, within buildings for guests.
- Ullage: Not applicable for public use.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
- Generator Use: Prohibited.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: Personal belongings for a group stay.
- Pet Friendly: No. Generally not permitted in group accommodation.
- Fishing: Available in nearby Lake Ginninderra or Lake Burley Griffin.
- Short Walks: Safe walking within the complex and easy access to Canberra’s wider path network.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Old Canberra Inn, Lyneham (approx. 4 km)
- The Gungahlin Lakes Club (approx. 5 km)
- The Duxton at O’Connor Shops (approx. 6 km)
- Places to Eat: On-site dining hall for groups. Nearby precincts of Dickson, Braddon, and Gungahlin offer huge variety.
- Local Attractions:
- Canberra CBD (accessible via Light Rail from the gate)
- Australian War Memorial (approx. 7 km)
- Cockington Green Gardens (approx. 8 km)
- National Dinosaur Museum (approx. 8 km)
- Nearest Caravan Parks (for public):
- EPIC Caravan Park (right next door)
- Alivio Tourist Park Canberra (approx. 6 km)
- Next Free Camps: Cotter Campground (low-cost, approx. 28 km). Free camping is very limited near Canberra.
- Nearest Dump Points: A public dump point is available at the adjacent EPIC facility.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Numerous major service stations in Mitchell and Dickson.
- Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite for guests.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite for guests.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Generally warm to hot and dry. Days can be very hot. Average temperatures range from 13°C to 28°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): Famous for its beautiful autumn colours. Days are mild and sunny, with cool, crisp nights. A prime time to visit. Temperatures average 7°C to 20°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Cold. Days are often clear and sunny but cool. Nights are very cold with heavy frosts being common. Snow is rare in the city itself but can fall on the nearby Brindabella ranges. Temperatures range from 0°C to 12°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A beautiful season known for the Floriade flower festival. Days become progressively warmer, but nights can still be cool. Temperatures average 6°C to 20°C.