Discover Canberra
Discover Canberra
Pilgrims Boutique Apartments sits in Griffith, one of Canberra's most prestigious inner-south garden suburbs — a leafy, tightly held pocket of tree-lined streets and handsome homes just moments from the very best the capital has to offer. It's a rare address: quiet and green, yet within a short stroll or a few minutes' drive of everything worth seeing.
The village life of Manuka and the buzzing waterfront of Kingston are practically on the doorstep, bringing fine dining, boutique shopping, wine bars and weekend markets within easy reach. A little further, the national institutions of the Parliamentary Triangle — Parliament House, the National Gallery, the Portrait Gallery and the Australian War Memorial among them — tell the story of the nation, while Lake Burley Griffin's paths and parklands offer a scenic escape whenever you'd like to slow down. Galleries, museums, history and long lakeside walks: from Pilgrims, it's all close at hand.
Manuka Village
Griffith's beating heart — and one of Canberra's oldest, best-loved dining and shopping precincts. Just a short stroll from Pilgrims, Manuka is a true village: leafy, walkable streets where independent boutiques, cafés, wine bars and acclaimed restaurants sit shoulder to shoulder among heritage buildings.
Come for the morning coffee ritual, browse the independent fashion and homeware stores, then linger over long lunches and lazy dinners. At its centre is Manuka Oval, in action since the 1920s — cricket in summer, AFL in winter, with cafés and bars right at the boundary for pre- and post-game celebrations.
Distance: an easy 10-minute stroll, or a few minutes by car
Kingston & Kingston Foreshore
Canberra's liveliest waterfront precinct and a favourite for long, lazy days by the lake. Just a few minutes from Pilgrims, Kingston pairs a buzzing dining and bar scene with the shimmering edge of Lake Burley Griffin, where restaurants, wine bars and gelato spots spill out onto the promenade.
Wander the Foreshore for waterfront dining and sunset drinks, hire a paddle-boat or stroll the lake path, then browse the boutiques and galleries of the growing Kingston Arts Precinct.
On Sundays, the beloved Old Bus Depot Markets bring local makers, gourmet food and live music under one roof — an easy way to spend a morning.
Distance: ~5 min drive
Parliament House & the Parliamentary Triangle
The symbolic and geographic heart of the nation and a genuinely fascinating half-day out, just minutes from Pilgrims. Australia's Parliament House sits atop Capital Hill, its grass-covered roof and 81-metre flagpole an icon of the city; step inside for free public tours, the Great Hall, and the chance to watch democracy in action when Parliament is sitting.
Just down the hill, Old Parliament House houses the Museum of Australian Democracy, where you can walk the historic chambers and the story of the nation's political life. The surrounding Parliamentary Triangle rewards a wander — sweeping architecture, manicured lawns and lake views, with the National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery and other cultural institutions all within easy reach.
Distance: ~2 km / ~5 min drive
National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery & National War Memorial
Three of the nation's great cultural landmarks, all an easy trip from Pilgrims. Within the Parliamentary Triangle, the National Gallery of Australia holds the country's most significant art collection — from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander masterworks to international icons — alongside an ever-changing program of world-class touring exhibitions. Next door, the National Portrait Gallery tells Australia's story through the faces that shaped it.
A little further, across Lake Burley Griffin at the head of Anzac Parade, the Australian War Memorial is both a moving shrine and one of the world's finest military museums. Time your visit for the daily Last Post Ceremony at closing — a quietly powerful way to end an afternoon.
Distance: galleries ~3 km / ~7 min drive; War Memorial ~5 km / ~10 min drive
Lake Burley Griffin
Canberra's scenic centrepiece and its favourite playground — a shimmering ribbon of water at the very heart of the city, ringed by parklands and just minutes from Pilgrims. The lake's walking and cycling paths stretch for kilometres, perfect for a morning run, a leisurely ride or an easy stroll past some of the capital's best-known landmarks.
Watch the Captain Cook Memorial Jet fire its column of water high above the surface, hire a kayak, paddle-boat or bike to explore from the water's edge, then settle in for lunch or sunset drinks at one of the lakeside cafés and restaurants. It's the kind of place that rewards both an energetic outing and a slow afternoon doing very little at all.
Distance: ~3 km / ~7 min drive
Australian National Botanic Gardens
Just a short drive from Griffith, the Australian National Botanic Gardens are a beautiful place to explore Australia’s native plants and landscapes. Wander through themed gardens and natural bushland, including the lush Rainforest Gully with its covered walkways and interpretive displays. Enjoy the walking trails, take in the views across Canberra and Black Mountain, or simply find a quiet spot to sit and take it all in.
With plenty of quiet spots to sit and explore, the Gardens are a lovely choice for a relaxed morning or afternoon. There’s also a café on site if you’d like to stop for lunch or a coffee along the way.
Distance: ~6 km / ~11 min drive
National Arboretum Canberra
The National Arboretum Canberra is set across 250 hectares of rolling hills overlooking Canberra and Lake Burley Griffin. With more than 40,000 trees, scenic walking trails and spectacular views, it’s a great place to spend a few hours exploring the outdoors.
There’s plenty to discover, including the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection, sculpture gallery, gardens and POD Playground. Stop at the Village Centre for a coffee or something to eat while enjoying the views.
Distance: ~7 km / ~12 min drive
