Premium Nishi Skyhome Free park Fast Wi-Fi Views!
Entire rental unit in Canberra, Australia
- 2 guests ·
- · 1 bedroom ·
- · 1 bed ·
- · 1 bath
Hosted by Michele
- Superhost ·
- · 9 years hosting
Listing highlights
Self check-in
Check yourself in with the key safe.
Comfy bed for better sleep
The black-out blinds and extra bedding are loved by guests.
Calm and convenient location
Guests say this area is peaceful and it’s easy to get around.
Some info has been automatically translated.
Perched high on the 14th floor of iconic Nishi in Canberra City, my Skyhome is a quiet stylish sanctuary. For an executive seeking a friendly workspace, a holiday couple looking for a sky-high lovenest or a solo guest, Skyhome's perfect! Total privacy, superior soundproofing and silent hydronic winter warmth. Large balcony. Beside the lake and ANU. Easy base for touristing. Allocated basement parking. Free Wi-Fi. Simple breakfast, stocked pantry. Flowers. Hand-ironed linens. Caring host closeby.
The space
UPDATED JUNE 2026
Please note that this apartment is a private, non-corporate dwelling, run by one caring owner/host who loves to provide a memorable and personalised guest experience - just as the creators of Airbnb intended.
My Skyhome has no affiliation with Ovolo Nishi Hotel. (But of course, to enjoy the Ovolo Hotel lounge, bar and restaurant, you can go down to the ground floor at any time.)
Some guests have said that their stay at Skyhome was their best Airbnb experience in the world! (Check my Guestbook.) You can see from many great reviews that you'll feel welcome too.
Skyhome is located in the iconic award-winning Nishi building, with a 6.0-Star NABERS Energy rating (the highest available) and a 6-Star Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia. Apartments feature an 8-star NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) Thermal efficiency with eco-cooling and silent constant winter warmth. Total privacy. Exceptional soundproofing when both glass walls are closed.
Amazing views from the large balcony, with free coloured light show every night on the Academy of Science, the National Film and Sound Archives building and University House in ANU.
When you're sitting in the lounge or on the balcony, with no view of the street below, staying at Skyhome is truly like living in sky! High in the sky, birds fly by. (And little fruit bats.)
There's a large well-equipped work area, where it's easy to spread out. Fully equipped kitchen with everything you'll need for cooking full meals.
The bedroom has a queen bed and natural bedding. High quality cotton sheets and all-seasons wool quilt. Pillow choice.
Laundry with washer and condenser dryer. Shower big enough for two. Light breakfast from the pantry, also stocked with snack foods, rice and pastas.
Early bag drop available and late bag collection. Wheel-chair friendly - all on one level. Locked storage in the Nishi basement for your bikes.
Skyhome's in the small unique city precinct of New Acton, with restaurants, cafes, bars, licensed cinema (with eight screens) 7-day convenience store, hairdresser and several quiet green spaces.
Studio apartments in Nishi have fold-down beds but Skyhome is a one-bedroom apartment with free-standing queen bed, and ample cupboard and shelf space. Well set-up for long stays, and generous long stay discounts apply.
Many guests who come for work have said that it's like a home-away-from-home. The comfortable workspace in the lounge/dining area, has desk, desk chair, shelves and lots of room to spread. At the end of a busy day away, Skyhome is quiet and welcoming, or it's totally suitable for fulltime work-from-home, with time off to enjoy the precinct. (Over 60 restaurants will deliver.)
My apartment's on the fourteenth floor. It juts out above a city street that's mostly quiet at night. When the outer glass balcony wall is open, you'll hear traffic sounds from Parkes Way. But with that outside glass wall shut, the whole place is silent. The sound-proofing is brilliant.
The drive from the airport along Parkes Way to Nishi in New Acton is quick, direct and easy. Your dedicated parking space in the massive 5-floor basement will be waiting. When you take the lift up to Skyhome and open the front door, you'll look along the hallway to a vista of undisturbed Australian bushland – aka ‘the bush’– on Black Mountain.
If it's a sunny autumn, winter or spring afternoon, the sunlight will be streaming in from the west. (In summer, the blinds will be closed when you arrive.) The view from the balcony is panoramic, stretching from the city in the north, right across the west, to the lake and mountains in the south-west. Hopefully, you’ll be treated to glorious sunsets during your stay.
The hydronic central heating for the building depends on the outside temperature. It's soundless and adjustable, with no hot spots. Usually runs from May until early October. Nishi holds its gentle heat remarkably, right through Canberra's coldest frosty months.
'In warmer months, natural cross ventilation has an air-conditioning effect.
Skilful design has meant that electric air-conditioning is not required in Nishi apartments, but two large quiet ceiling fans have been installed to dispel extra heat in high summer. Feel free to use the fans at any time. During your stay at Skyhome you'll be breathing air that's always fresh and not recirculated.
The heating from autumn through to spring comes from the hydronic water system which runs throughout the building. The whole Nishi building holds steady warmth and in my own experience, little heating is needed, even when it's a frosty night outside. The bathroom has heated towel rails for an added touch of cosiness.
If you'd like to stay in for the evening and cook, the well-equipped kitchen has everything you'll need for meal preparation. The pantry is stocked with basics like pastas, rice, sauces and canned vegetables. There are snacks, soup and ready meals.
For breakfast there’s muesli, cereals, porridge and long-life regular milk. There's butter, olive oil spread, honey, marmalade, jam and peanut butter. And yes, there's Aussie vegemite of course! Bring bread for toast, or buy it from the convenience store in the precinct (open 8am to 10pm every day).
In the kitchen, there's an excellent Bosch gas cooktop and electric oven, a microwave oven, electric kettle, tea of several types, ground coffee (regular and decaf) instant coffee (regular and decaf). There's a teapot, coffee plunger and a coffee pod machine. Plenty of plates, bowls, glasses, mugs, utensils and other kitchen needs.
The kitchen also has a toaster, sandwich maker, wok with stand for the gas cook-top, and electric rice cooker. And a stick blender for making morning smoothies.
Skyhome has a front-loader washing machine. Detergent and softener provided. Bosch condenser dryer, so no humidity builds up in the apartment when the dryer's in use. Plus, there's a foldable drying rack for natural drying on the balcony (+pegs). Ironing board and iron. Washing bags for delicates.
A generous area of hidden cupboard space has hanging area and ample shelf space. Shopping bags, including insulated. Umbrellas. (One is truly weird.) There's a full range of cleaning equipment and supplies for long-stay guests.
The lounge area has HDTV and blu-ray player for free-to-air local TV, as well as internet apps for Netflix, Spotify, YouTube, FoxPlay, iView, SBS. (Remember to bring your passwords.) Or use the HDMI cable to plug in your laptop to watch your media files on TV.
If you like to travel with your favourite movies and music on a flashdrive, the player has a front USB port. Or stream by Wi-Fi from your phone. Check out SBS on Demand and ABC Iview for hundreds of free movies, including Australian classics. BTW There's always popcorn in the pantry, ready to be microwaved. ☺️
(BTWThe sofa in the lounge is not a fold-out bed.)
There's a small portable bluetooth speaker, studded with Swarovski crystals! There are charger cables if you've left yours at home. (USB, Apple and USC.) Power board and extension cord for the work area.
There's a designated work-station with office chair, laptop stand, desk light, mousepad, power outlets and plenty of shelf-space. NBN connection is both ethernet (cable provided) and Wi-Fi, with unlimited free data and high steady speed. (NBN 100/20) The large dining table with four chairs, beside the work area, can double as a generous work-desk.
On the bookshelves, you'll find a collection of brochures about local activities like festivals and current cultural events, books and puzzles.
My Guest Guide details all the facilities available to you at Skyhome. Please look through this Guide when you arrive so you'll know what's where.
The entire balcony can be closed off to form a large sunny protected west-facing dining area or sitting area. Architects call this space a 'wintergarden'.
In summer months, to make the most of beautiful weather so high in the sky, leave the lounge/balcony area open. You can open both the sliding glass walls.
The apartment stretches right through the Nishi building, from east to west. Morning sun spills into the bedroom. (I love this myself, but you may prefer to have the front blind closed.) There's a blind to close for privacy and light-reduction in the bedroom, plus a total block-out blind.
Ceiling-to-floor insulated blinds on the western side, block summer sun and to keep the apartment cosier at night. Charcoal slate absorbs the warmth on winter days if the blinds are kept open.
Nishi is Japanese for 'west'. In Japanese style, the bedroom is close to the entrance, beside a small vestibule. Full length mirror here. This space is great for storing suitcases, etc. But please store bikes and scooters in my basement storage cage.
All sheets, towels etc are provided, plus extra towels. I launder them at my main home and hand-iron the Actil First Line sheets. The all-natural all-seasons quilt is wool-filled with pure cotton cover. I provide a second set of sheets, towels etc for long-stay guests. (Eight days and over)
Especially for the weary traveller, how good is it to be greeted instantly on arrival, by the sight of fresh white, cotton sheets on a comfy bed, all ready for a good night’s sleep? Or for crashing immediately, straight after a long-distance flight! There's a range of pillows from soft to hard.
The compact well-designed bathroom has walk-in/wheel-in shower with plenty of room for two. Choice of shower settings. High quality hairdryer. Straightener. Shampoo, conditioner and bodywash are all provided, with several options. There's body lotion, sunscreen and a few personal necessities you may have forgotten to bring.
The balcony has a patio table and chairs for eating outdoors, or simply sitting with a drink to enjoy the brilliant view. In the evening, there’s the soft glow of flameless candles, or from the touch-lamp on the balcony table.
The balcony has a modular lounge that can be arranged in any way you like. (But not as a bed for a third guest. I have a folding bed for sleeping on the balcony when I stay at Skyhome and this can be available in some circumstances, like if the two of you wish to sleep separately.)
Skyhome is a beautiful light-filled sanctuary. Because this part of Nishi juts out above the avenue below, it’s easy to get the sensation that you’re actually staying in the sky. You'll likely see birds fly by (and in the early evening, fruit bats). But from being up so high, there won’t be any flies!
Skyhome overlooks a part of the Australian National University, where there are way more trees than buildings. As soon as you open the door and look through to bushland on Black Mountain, you'll know you're in for a relaxing time. Away from it all ... yet close to everything.
Many guests mention how much they like the homely ambience. Their own enjoyment then adds to the build-up of good vibes. (And I'm grateful for that.)
Parking is totally free throughout your stay. You drive down to the dedicated parking spot in the basement on arrival, then you come and go as often as you please. No boom-gates, no tickets - just drive in and out. FREE dedicated parking in a busy city parking station! How good is that?! (You save $35 a day.) If you have no car, and you have a visitor, invite them to use the parking space.
The clearance for entry to Nishi parking is 2.1 metres.
Nishi is the pride of New Acton Cultural and Cinema Precinct. This is a small wedge-shaped city precinct on the southern edge of Canberra CBD. It's beside the West Basin of Lake Burley Griffin, where extensive beautification is well underway. The promenade is very easy to access, from the front of the building, or there's a long footbridge on the edge of the precinct, that means no street crossing. More beautification was finished in June 25 and more is underway in June 26.
The paths along the lake edge are great for walking, or riding a bike, an ebike or a scooter - all easily available for hire. There's an excellent free outdoor gym along the promenade, near Commonwealth Avenue bridge.
ANU is on the other side of the street from Nishi. A short pleasant walk will take you to the ANU swimming pool and Club Lime gym. (And a licensed supermarket.) Canberra Olympic pool is also quite close.
My apartment is within short walking distance of the main city centre (we call 'Civic'). Allow about fifteen minutes. Please note, that there are roadworks underway for setting up light rail – but none near Nishi – and this has changed some transport and walking routes.
All public transport in Canberra is free on Fridays.
There's no longer a free city loop bus in Canberra. The Red Explorer Loop Bus is a private loop service that provides a way to see the city's sights.
For parking in the city, I always go straight to Wilson Parking station at 33 Allara Street - especially on a winter's night! From New Acton, you can easily walk through Commonwealth Gardens to the National Convention Centre in the eastern part of Civic.
Regatta Point Tourist Information Centre in the precinct next to New Acton is a good place to start your Canberra touristing. Café Walter (great for breakfast!) The Marion restaurant with brilliant views, serves lunch and High Tea.
The National Library, APH, Questacon, National Museum, Portrait Gallery, MoAD, OPH and National Rose Gardens, as well as our national floral festival, Floriade in Sept/October, are all within easy walking distance. Or hire an e-scooter. There are usually some available in the New Acton precinct - all have helmets with them. Or hire a regular or electric bike.
Most of the tourist venues have good cafes, especially the Museum, not far along the lake, which is a great place for learning about Australian culture. The National Film and Sound Archives building is just across the street - with popular new cafe, and coloured lights at night, enjoyed from the 14th floor balcony.
Also, on the other side of the street, are the Canberra School of Music and Llewellyn Hall for concerts. And the famous Shine Dome - that’s the Academy of Science building with its extraordinary copper roof and clear blue moat. Also lit up at night. (Sometimes called 'the Martian Embassy'!) University House nearby has a coloured-light display all night.
The impressive environmental ratings, along with its striking architecture and unique artworks, make Nishi a Canberra icon that's in high demand with visitors to the national capital, from other parts of Australia and from overseas.
Have simple breakfast in Skyhome, or breakfast downstairs at Monster in the Nishi building, or one extraordinary cafe in the precinct, Mocan and Green Grout, or breakfast at Bicicletta at Peppers Gallery Hotel next door. Early coffee etc from Espresso Room in Nishi and L'il Brew next door in Pepper's for a quick breakfast or easy lunch. AK's on the ground floor has home-made Malaysian lunches on weekdays.
If you’d like to cook meals during your stay, there’s a full kitchen. Lots of pans and pots, and everything else you'll need. The kitchen has gas cooktop, electric oven, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, jug, sandwich maker and rice cooker. And wok for the wok ring with the cooktop. Dishwasher. Full laundry and supplies.
At the convenience store, just a few minutes' walk away in the New Acton precinct, you'll find provisions for a bigger breakfast. Available from 8am (7 days) Closes 10pm each night. The unlicensed New Acton store sells fruit and vegetables, frozen dinners, a variety of other foods, daily necessities and lots of good chocolate. The popular hatted restaurant Rebel Rebel beside the store, sells curated wines and beers for taking away. Also non-alcoholic drinks.
You may like to bring wine, beer etc with you for your stay, or visit the licensed supermarket close-by in ANU - Daily Market Groceries. Or drive to a licensed supermarket in Civic, Manuka, Kingston or Campbell. (I like shopping in the small suburb of Campbell, and you can easily drop in there on your way to Skyhome, if you hire a car at the airport.)
My apartment is high above Ovolo Nishi Hotel and just below the penthouses. The decor is simple, with quiet relaxing colours - cool ones in summer and some warm effects in autumn and winter. For you as my welcome guests, there’ll be fresh flowers from my beautiful large garden at my main home (about twelve minutes away).
You can sit in the lounge area of the balcony to read or listen to music, or to have a quiet drink, overlooking the bushland within ANU campus. Or have a meal at the balcony table, looking out to the mountains and the lake. You’ll also get a good view of the National Arboretum. (I highly recommend a visit during your stay. It's our newest national treasure.)
And the famous Canberra sunsets! Amazing! Splendid! Awesome! They stretch from north to south, and often fill the whole sky. (Autumn and Spring are the most reliable sunset seasons)
In winter months you may see snow on the Brindabellas to the south. It's usually very pleasant on the 14th floor on summer evenings. Morning mists from Autumn through to Spring can also be quite lovely and ethereal. (And see the frost down on the ground, while you're so snug inside.)
Nishi is totally private and totally silent if the double-glazed glass walls are shut. ☺️To quote from that famous Australian movie, The Castle: 'How's the serenity?'
But take the lift down to Ovolo Nishi and the place is buzzing!
There's Monster restaurant, the retro chic lounges, the two elegant fireplaces and a library area. The bar’s open every night.
And down Nishi's famous grand staircase, made of reclaimed maritime timbers, there's Palace Electric Cinema, with eight theatres and its own fabulous bar, with major snacks and coffee bar. (Take your drinks and snacks to the movie with you.) Palace holds frequent movie festivals throughout the year, so there’s likely to be one happening during your stay.
Li'l Brew Espresso Bar next door in the Peppers building is open Monday to Friday 6.30am-3pm weekdays. This is my favourite. The Espresso Room in Nishi, next to Palace Cinema opens Monday to Friday 7am to 4pm. Very elegant but also comfy. Bakery and sushi.
There are several restaurants and bars in the New Acton precinct, from family to high-end. Monster is a highly-rated restaurant in Ovolo Nishi, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Rebel Rebel Eatery and Winebar in the precinct is 'a cool, airy restaurant with a rustic vibe offering innovative dishes'. Hatted, trendy, very popular. Outdoor eating.
Landmark restaurant Parlour has recently closed. Underneath Parlour's venue, there's a bar/nightclub called High Jinks, open every night until late. 'Feel a true neighbourhood vibe with a warm atmosphere, rockabilly tunes and good old fashioned hospitality from a passionate and creative team'.
And AK's, next to the Espresso Room in Nishi, serves excellent Malaysian food at lunchtime on weekdays, to eat in at long tables or take away.
Mocan and Green Grout in the north east of the precinct is a 'retro-chic nook with inventive meals cooked in an open kitchen, plus fair-trade espresso'. Open daily from 7 AM to 3:30 PM, with the kitchen closing at 2 PM and takeaway coffee available until 3 PM.
Over sixty restaurants with a large variety of food styles will home deliver to Nishi apartments, via local food delivery services.
Take-away pizza from Bicicletta next door in Peppers is an easy meal to bring back to Skyhome and eat on the balcony (and there's an NRMA discount) . Outdoor tables in a leafy courtyard. The moody bar in Peppers is a great place for a pre-theatre drink.
Fully-licensed Palace Cinema serves bistro meals and snacks, day and night. You can sit in their retro-style lounge for eats and drinks, or take your drinks into the cinema with you. This can be a highlight of your holiday, especially when it's so chilly outside.
The New Acton Cultural and Cinema Precinct is a cultural mainstay in Canberra and you’ll see many original sculptures and paintings as you walk around the buildings, grounds and gardens. I've invested in several original pieces, supporting the New Acton ethos for original works. I’ve also kept the precinct's retro-chic style in my decor. I change parts of the decor to keep in harmony with Nature's seasons.
For electric car recharging, a quick trip to the airport has been recommended to me, but there are charging stations in the city. There's one near City Hill, a couple of blocks away. Search PlugShare for public chargers in the ACT and across Australia, showing charger speed and plug types.
Walking and riding around are easy and enjoyable, morning, day and evening. The central part of Canberra is mostly flat. Check online for bike hire options, regular or electric, at Cycle Canberra.
From Kingston Harbour, or from near the International Flag Display beside the lake, you can hire an electric Go-boat to cruise around the lake. Love them! Or take a lake cruise instead.
Usually, there are plenty of electric scooters (with helmets) parked around the New Acton precinct. You can hire these instantly to ride around on Canberra's mighty network of bike paths. Use the Lime app on your phone. (BTW You don’t need a permit in the ACT. And they’re heaps of fun to ride!)
I recommend a ride around the West Basin, next to Nishi, to the National Museum. Fascinating place, excellent bistro, especially for brunch. (Open 7 days 9-4.30. 1.5 hour sitting time
After nine years of hosting, my 4.99 rating recently dropped to 4.98 unfortunately, due to an issue with the TV reception in the Nishi building (which was quickly fixed) and an unhappy guest who stayed twice.
If you read through my reviews, you’ll see that staying at my lovely apartment Skyhome, has been a comfortable, enjoyable experience for many visitors to Canberra, from other parts of Australia and from overseas. I love to stay at Skyhome myself when I'm working on my writing. I hope you’ll choose it too.
I wish you a wonderful memorable time in our beautiful national capital. You'll probably find there's so much more to see in 'Australia's best keep secret' than you've planned time for. You’ll simply have to come again! 😊
Cheers for now
Michele, your happy host 🦋
Guest access
Skyhome is wheel-chair friendly.
The whole place is yours to enjoy. It has everything you need. Some say it's like staying at a friend's place but you'll have the whole place to yourself, with easy access to your host if needed.
Early bag-drop and late bag pick-up are available in my large secure basement storage cage. Code and instructions provided on request.
Other things to note
PARKING
Clearance is 2.1 metres
My free dedicated parking space in the massive Nishi basement will be available to you from 2pm on the day of your arrival, right through until 11am on the day you leave. During your stay, come and go as often as you please - no boomgate, no monitoring and no need to notify your number plate. (You'll be saving $35 per day.)
If you need parking before 2pm on your first day, there are two floors of paid public parking in the basement - you may like to get the Wilson Parking app before you arrive. There's paid parking in several other areas of the New Acton precinct.
EARLY BAG DROP
If you need early bag-drop before my apartment is available at 2, please mention this when you make your booking and I'll send you instructions for storing your bags in my locked cage in the basement. It's easy to find and access. Late pick-up available too, for anytime after 11am check-out.
LONG BOOKINGS
Long bookings welcome, and as your host I'll meet you to show you all the facilities. There's a full, well-lit and fully equipped kitchen and laundry station in the apartment with large tub, washer, detergent, and excellent Bosch extractor dryer. Also a clothes-horse (+pegs) for fresh-air drying on the balcony. Iron and ironing board. Second set of sheets towels etc provided free for guests, staying eight days or longer.
BICYCLE/SPORTS GEAR STORAGE
If you bring or hire bikes or electric scooters, or large sports equipment, please store them in Skyhome's cage in the basement. Thanks.
MEDIA OPTIONS
There are Netflix, Foxtel Play, Spotify, ABCIview and SBSonDemand apps on the TV. Bring your own passwords. DVD player, also has USB port and HDMI for laptop + cable.
SMOKING?
Not anywhere at anytime - including on the balcony. This policy applies to the entire Nishi building. There are areas for smoking in the New Acton precinct.
The space
UPDATED JUNE 2026
Please note that this apartment is a private, non-corporate dwelling, run by one caring owner/host who loves to provide a memorable and personalised guest experience - just as the creators of Airbnb intended.
My Skyhome has no affiliation with Ovolo Nishi Hotel. (But of course, to enjoy the Ovolo Hotel lounge, bar and restaurant, you can go down to the ground floor at any time.)
Some guests have said that their stay at Skyhome was their best Airbnb experience in the world! (Check my Guestbook.) You can see from many great reviews that you'll feel welcome too.
Skyhome is located in the iconic award-winning Nishi building, with a 6.0-Star NABERS Energy rating (the highest available) and a 6-Star Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia. Apartments feature an 8-star NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) Thermal efficiency with eco-cooling and silent constant winter warmth. Total privacy. Exceptional soundproofing when both glass walls are closed.
Amazing views from the large balcony, with free coloured light show every night on the Academy of Science, the National Film and Sound Archives building and University House in ANU.
When you're sitting in the lounge or on the balcony, with no view of the street below, staying at Skyhome is truly like living in sky! High in the sky, birds fly by. (And little fruit bats.)
There's a large well-equipped work area, where it's easy to spread out. Fully equipped kitchen with everything you'll need for cooking full meals.
The bedroom has a queen bed and natural bedding. High quality cotton sheets and all-seasons wool quilt. Pillow choice.
Laundry with washer and condenser dryer. Shower big enough for two. Light breakfast from the pantry, also stocked with snack foods, rice and pastas.
Early bag drop available and late bag collection. Wheel-chair friendly - all on one level. Locked storage in the Nishi basement for your bikes.
Skyhome's in the small unique city precinct of New Acton, with restaurants, cafes, bars, licensed cinema (with eight screens) 7-day convenience store, hairdresser and several quiet green spaces.
Studio apartments in Nishi have fold-down beds but Skyhome is a one-bedroom apartment with free-standing queen bed, and ample cupboard and shelf space. Well set-up for long stays, and generous long stay discounts apply.
Many guests who come for work have said that it's like a home-away-from-home. The comfortable workspace in the lounge/dining area, has desk, desk chair, shelves and lots of room to spread. At the end of a busy day away, Skyhome is quiet and welcoming, or it's totally suitable for fulltime work-from-home, with time off to enjoy the precinct. (Over 60 restaurants will deliver.)
My apartment's on the fourteenth floor. It juts out above a city street that's mostly quiet at night. When the outer glass balcony wall is open, you'll hear traffic sounds from Parkes Way. But with that outside glass wall shut, the whole place is silent. The sound-proofing is brilliant.
The drive from the airport along Parkes Way to Nishi in New Acton is quick, direct and easy. Your dedicated parking space in the massive 5-floor basement will be waiting. When you take the lift up to Skyhome and open the front door, you'll look along the hallway to a vista of undisturbed Australian bushland – aka ‘the bush’– on Black Mountain.
If it's a sunny autumn, winter or spring afternoon, the sunlight will be streaming in from the west. (In summer, the blinds will be closed when you arrive.) The view from the balcony is panoramic, stretching from the city in the north, right across the west, to the lake and mountains in the south-west. Hopefully, you’ll be treated to glorious sunsets during your stay.
The hydronic central heating for the building depends on the outside temperature. It's soundless and adjustable, with no hot spots. Usually runs from May until early October. Nishi holds its gentle heat remarkably, right through Canberra's coldest frosty months.
'In warmer months, natural cross ventilation has an air-conditioning effect.
Skilful design has meant that electric air-conditioning is not required in Nishi apartments, but two large quiet ceiling fans have been installed to dispel extra heat in high summer. Feel free to use the fans at any time. During your stay at Skyhome you'll be breathing air that's always fresh and not recirculated.
The heating from autumn through to spring comes from the hydronic water system which runs throughout the building. The whole Nishi building holds steady warmth and in my own experience, little heating is needed, even when it's a frosty night outside. The bathroom has heated towel rails for an added touch of cosiness.
If you'd like to stay in for the evening and cook, the well-equipped kitchen has everything you'll need for meal preparation. The pantry is stocked with basics like pastas, rice, sauces and canned vegetables. There are snacks, soup and ready meals.
For breakfast there’s muesli, cereals, porridge and long-life regular milk. There's butter, olive oil spread, honey, marmalade, jam and peanut butter. And yes, there's Aussie vegemite of course! Bring bread for toast, or buy it from the convenience store in the precinct (open 8am to 10pm every day).
In the kitchen, there's an excellent Bosch gas cooktop and electric oven, a microwave oven, electric kettle, tea of several types, ground coffee (regular and decaf) instant coffee (regular and decaf). There's a teapot, coffee plunger and a coffee pod machine. Plenty of plates, bowls, glasses, mugs, utensils and other kitchen needs.
The kitchen also has a toaster, sandwich maker, wok with stand for the gas cook-top, and electric rice cooker. And a stick blender for making morning smoothies.
Skyhome has a front-loader washing machine. Detergent and softener provided. Bosch condenser dryer, so no humidity builds up in the apartment when the dryer's in use. Plus, there's a foldable drying rack for natural drying on the balcony (+pegs). Ironing board and iron. Washing bags for delicates.
A generous area of hidden cupboard space has hanging area and ample shelf space. Shopping bags, including insulated. Umbrellas. (One is truly weird.) There's a full range of cleaning equipment and supplies for long-stay guests.
The lounge area has HDTV and blu-ray player for free-to-air local TV, as well as internet apps for Netflix, Spotify, YouTube, FoxPlay, iView, SBS. (Remember to bring your passwords.) Or use the HDMI cable to plug in your laptop to watch your media files on TV.
If you like to travel with your favourite movies and music on a flashdrive, the player has a front USB port. Or stream by Wi-Fi from your phone. Check out SBS on Demand and ABC Iview for hundreds of free movies, including Australian classics. BTW There's always popcorn in the pantry, ready to be microwaved. ☺️
(BTWThe sofa in the lounge is not a fold-out bed.)
There's a small portable bluetooth speaker, studded with Swarovski crystals! There are charger cables if you've left yours at home. (USB, Apple and USC.) Power board and extension cord for the work area.
There's a designated work-station with office chair, laptop stand, desk light, mousepad, power outlets and plenty of shelf-space. NBN connection is both ethernet (cable provided) and Wi-Fi, with unlimited free data and high steady speed. (NBN 100/20) The large dining table with four chairs, beside the work area, can double as a generous work-desk.
On the bookshelves, you'll find a collection of brochures about local activities like festivals and current cultural events, books and puzzles.
My Guest Guide details all the facilities available to you at Skyhome. Please look through this Guide when you arrive so you'll know what's where.
The entire balcony can be closed off to form a large sunny protected west-facing dining area or sitting area. Architects call this space a 'wintergarden'.
In summer months, to make the most of beautiful weather so high in the sky, leave the lounge/balcony area open. You can open both the sliding glass walls.
The apartment stretches right through the Nishi building, from east to west. Morning sun spills into the bedroom. (I love this myself, but you may prefer to have the front blind closed.) There's a blind to close for privacy and light-reduction in the bedroom, plus a total block-out blind.
Ceiling-to-floor insulated blinds on the western side, block summer sun and to keep the apartment cosier at night. Charcoal slate absorbs the warmth on winter days if the blinds are kept open.
Nishi is Japanese for 'west'. In Japanese style, the bedroom is close to the entrance, beside a small vestibule. Full length mirror here. This space is great for storing suitcases, etc. But please store bikes and scooters in my basement storage cage.
All sheets, towels etc are provided, plus extra towels. I launder them at my main home and hand-iron the Actil First Line sheets. The all-natural all-seasons quilt is wool-filled with pure cotton cover. I provide a second set of sheets, towels etc for long-stay guests. (Eight days and over)
Especially for the weary traveller, how good is it to be greeted instantly on arrival, by the sight of fresh white, cotton sheets on a comfy bed, all ready for a good night’s sleep? Or for crashing immediately, straight after a long-distance flight! There's a range of pillows from soft to hard.
The compact well-designed bathroom has walk-in/wheel-in shower with plenty of room for two. Choice of shower settings. High quality hairdryer. Straightener. Shampoo, conditioner and bodywash are all provided, with several options. There's body lotion, sunscreen and a few personal necessities you may have forgotten to bring.
The balcony has a patio table and chairs for eating outdoors, or simply sitting with a drink to enjoy the brilliant view. In the evening, there’s the soft glow of flameless candles, or from the touch-lamp on the balcony table.
The balcony has a modular lounge that can be arranged in any way you like. (But not as a bed for a third guest. I have a folding bed for sleeping on the balcony when I stay at Skyhome and this can be available in some circumstances, like if the two of you wish to sleep separately.)
Skyhome is a beautiful light-filled sanctuary. Because this part of Nishi juts out above the avenue below, it’s easy to get the sensation that you’re actually staying in the sky. You'll likely see birds fly by (and in the early evening, fruit bats). But from being up so high, there won’t be any flies!
Skyhome overlooks a part of the Australian National University, where there are way more trees than buildings. As soon as you open the door and look through to bushland on Black Mountain, you'll know you're in for a relaxing time. Away from it all ... yet close to everything.
Many guests mention how much they like the homely ambience. Their own enjoyment then adds to the build-up of good vibes. (And I'm grateful for that.)
Parking is totally free throughout your stay. You drive down to the dedicated parking spot in the basement on arrival, then you come and go as often as you please. No boom-gates, no tickets - just drive in and out. FREE dedicated parking in a busy city parking station! How good is that?! (You save $35 a day.) If you have no car, and you have a visitor, invite them to use the parking space.
The clearance for entry to Nishi parking is 2.1 metres.
Nishi is the pride of New Acton Cultural and Cinema Precinct. This is a small wedge-shaped city precinct on the southern edge of Canberra CBD. It's beside the West Basin of Lake Burley Griffin, where extensive beautification is well underway. The promenade is very easy to access, from the front of the building, or there's a long footbridge on the edge of the precinct, that means no street crossing. More beautification was finished in June 25 and more is underway in June 26.
The paths along the lake edge are great for walking, or riding a bike, an ebike or a scooter - all easily available for hire. There's an excellent free outdoor gym along the promenade, near Commonwealth Avenue bridge.
ANU is on the other side of the street from Nishi. A short pleasant walk will take you to the ANU swimming pool and Club Lime gym. (And a licensed supermarket.) Canberra Olympic pool is also quite close.
My apartment is within short walking distance of the main city centre (we call 'Civic'). Allow about fifteen minutes. Please note, that there are roadworks underway for setting up light rail – but none near Nishi – and this has changed some transport and walking routes.
All public transport in Canberra is free on Fridays.
There's no longer a free city loop bus in Canberra. The Red Explorer Loop Bus is a private loop service that provides a way to see the city's sights.
For parking in the city, I always go straight to Wilson Parking station at 33 Allara Street - especially on a winter's night! From New Acton, you can easily walk through Commonwealth Gardens to the National Convention Centre in the eastern part of Civic.
Regatta Point Tourist Information Centre in the precinct next to New Acton is a good place to start your Canberra touristing. Café Walter (great for breakfast!) The Marion restaurant with brilliant views, serves lunch and High Tea.
The National Library, APH, Questacon, National Museum, Portrait Gallery, MoAD, OPH and National Rose Gardens, as well as our national floral festival, Floriade in Sept/October, are all within easy walking distance. Or hire an e-scooter. There are usually some available in the New Acton precinct - all have helmets with them. Or hire a regular or electric bike.
Most of the tourist venues have good cafes, especially the Museum, not far along the lake, which is a great place for learning about Australian culture. The National Film and Sound Archives building is just across the street - with popular new cafe, and coloured lights at night, enjoyed from the 14th floor balcony.
Also, on the other side of the street, are the Canberra School of Music and Llewellyn Hall for concerts. And the famous Shine Dome - that’s the Academy of Science building with its extraordinary copper roof and clear blue moat. Also lit up at night. (Sometimes called 'the Martian Embassy'!) University House nearby has a coloured-light display all night.
The impressive environmental ratings, along with its striking architecture and unique artworks, make Nishi a Canberra icon that's in high demand with visitors to the national capital, from other parts of Australia and from overseas.
Have simple breakfast in Skyhome, or breakfast downstairs at Monster in the Nishi building, or one extraordinary cafe in the precinct, Mocan and Green Grout, or breakfast at Bicicletta at Peppers Gallery Hotel next door. Early coffee etc from Espresso Room in Nishi and L'il Brew next door in Pepper's for a quick breakfast or easy lunch. AK's on the ground floor has home-made Malaysian lunches on weekdays.
If you’d like to cook meals during your stay, there’s a full kitchen. Lots of pans and pots, and everything else you'll need. The kitchen has gas cooktop, electric oven, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, jug, sandwich maker and rice cooker. And wok for the wok ring with the cooktop. Dishwasher. Full laundry and supplies.
At the convenience store, just a few minutes' walk away in the New Acton precinct, you'll find provisions for a bigger breakfast. Available from 8am (7 days) Closes 10pm each night. The unlicensed New Acton store sells fruit and vegetables, frozen dinners, a variety of other foods, daily necessities and lots of good chocolate. The popular hatted restaurant Rebel Rebel beside the store, sells curated wines and beers for taking away. Also non-alcoholic drinks.
You may like to bring wine, beer etc with you for your stay, or visit the licensed supermarket close-by in ANU - Daily Market Groceries. Or drive to a licensed supermarket in Civic, Manuka, Kingston or Campbell. (I like shopping in the small suburb of Campbell, and you can easily drop in there on your way to Skyhome, if you hire a car at the airport.)
My apartment is high above Ovolo Nishi Hotel and just below the penthouses. The decor is simple, with quiet relaxing colours - cool ones in summer and some warm effects in autumn and winter. For you as my welcome guests, there’ll be fresh flowers from my beautiful large garden at my main home (about twelve minutes away).
You can sit in the lounge area of the balcony to read or listen to music, or to have a quiet drink, overlooking the bushland within ANU campus. Or have a meal at the balcony table, looking out to the mountains and the lake. You’ll also get a good view of the National Arboretum. (I highly recommend a visit during your stay. It's our newest national treasure.)
And the famous Canberra sunsets! Amazing! Splendid! Awesome! They stretch from north to south, and often fill the whole sky. (Autumn and Spring are the most reliable sunset seasons)
In winter months you may see snow on the Brindabellas to the south. It's usually very pleasant on the 14th floor on summer evenings. Morning mists from Autumn through to Spring can also be quite lovely and ethereal. (And see the frost down on the ground, while you're so snug inside.)
Nishi is totally private and totally silent if the double-glazed glass walls are shut. ☺️To quote from that famous Australian movie, The Castle: 'How's the serenity?'
But take the lift down to Ovolo Nishi and the place is buzzing!
There's Monster restaurant, the retro chic lounges, the two elegant fireplaces and a library area. The bar’s open every night.
And down Nishi's famous grand staircase, made of reclaimed maritime timbers, there's Palace Electric Cinema, with eight theatres and its own fabulous bar, with major snacks and coffee bar. (Take your drinks and snacks to the movie with you.) Palace holds frequent movie festivals throughout the year, so there’s likely to be one happening during your stay.
Li'l Brew Espresso Bar next door in the Peppers building is open Monday to Friday 6.30am-3pm weekdays. This is my favourite. The Espresso Room in Nishi, next to Palace Cinema opens Monday to Friday 7am to 4pm. Very elegant but also comfy. Bakery and sushi.
There are several restaurants and bars in the New Acton precinct, from family to high-end. Monster is a highly-rated restaurant in Ovolo Nishi, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Rebel Rebel Eatery and Winebar in the precinct is 'a cool, airy restaurant with a rustic vibe offering innovative dishes'. Hatted, trendy, very popular. Outdoor eating.
Landmark restaurant Parlour has recently closed. Underneath Parlour's venue, there's a bar/nightclub called High Jinks, open every night until late. 'Feel a true neighbourhood vibe with a warm atmosphere, rockabilly tunes and good old fashioned hospitality from a passionate and creative team'.
And AK's, next to the Espresso Room in Nishi, serves excellent Malaysian food at lunchtime on weekdays, to eat in at long tables or take away.
Mocan and Green Grout in the north east of the precinct is a 'retro-chic nook with inventive meals cooked in an open kitchen, plus fair-trade espresso'. Open daily from 7 AM to 3:30 PM, with the kitchen closing at 2 PM and takeaway coffee available until 3 PM.
Over sixty restaurants with a large variety of food styles will home deliver to Nishi apartments, via local food delivery services.
Take-away pizza from Bicicletta next door in Peppers is an easy meal to bring back to Skyhome and eat on the balcony (and there's an NRMA discount) . Outdoor tables in a leafy courtyard. The moody bar in Peppers is a great place for a pre-theatre drink.
Fully-licensed Palace Cinema serves bistro meals and snacks, day and night. You can sit in their retro-style lounge for eats and drinks, or take your drinks into the cinema with you. This can be a highlight of your holiday, especially when it's so chilly outside.
The New Acton Cultural and Cinema Precinct is a cultural mainstay in Canberra and you’ll see many original sculptures and paintings as you walk around the buildings, grounds and gardens. I've invested in several original pieces, supporting the New Acton ethos for original works. I’ve also kept the precinct's retro-chic style in my decor. I change parts of the decor to keep in harmony with Nature's seasons.
For electric car recharging, a quick trip to the airport has been recommended to me, but there are charging stations in the city. There's one near City Hill, a couple of blocks away. Search PlugShare for public chargers in the ACT and across Australia, showing charger speed and plug types.
Walking and riding around are easy and enjoyable, morning, day and evening. The central part of Canberra is mostly flat. Check online for bike hire options, regular or electric, at Cycle Canberra.
From Kingston Harbour, or from near the International Flag Display beside the lake, you can hire an electric Go-boat to cruise around the lake. Love them! Or take a lake cruise instead.
Usually, there are plenty of electric scooters (with helmets) parked around the New Acton precinct. You can hire these instantly to ride around on Canberra's mighty network of bike paths. Use the Lime app on your phone. (BTW You don’t need a permit in the ACT. And they’re heaps of fun to ride!)
I recommend a ride around the West Basin, next to Nishi, to the National Museum. Fascinating place, excellent bistro, especially for brunch. (Open 7 days 9-4.30. 1.5 hour sitting time
After nine years of hosting, my 4.99 rating recently dropped to 4.98 unfortunately, due to an issue with the TV reception in the Nishi building (which was quickly fixed) and an unhappy guest who stayed twice.
If you read through my reviews, you’ll see that staying at my lovely apartment Skyhome, has been a comfortable, enjoyable experience for many visitors to Canberra, from other parts of Australia and from overseas. I love to stay at Skyhome myself when I'm working on my writing. I hope you’ll choose it too.
I wish you a wonderful memorable time in our beautiful national capital. You'll probably find there's so much more to see in 'Australia's best keep secret' than you've planned time for. You’ll simply have to come again! 😊
Cheers for now
Michele, your happy host 🦋
Guest access
Skyhome is wheel-chair friendly.
The whole place is yours to enjoy. It has everything you need. Some say it's like staying at a friend's place but you'll have the whole place to yourself, with easy access to your host if needed.
Early bag-drop and late bag pick-up are available in my large secure basement storage cage. Code and instructions provided on request.
Other things to note
PARKING
Clearance is 2.1 metres
My free dedicated parking space in the massive Nishi basement will be available to you from 2pm on the day of your arrival, right through until 11am on the day you leave. During your stay, come and go as often as you please - no boomgate, no monitoring and no need to notify your number plate. (You'll be saving $35 per day.)
If you need parking before 2pm on your first day, there are two floors of paid public parking in the basement - you may like to get the Wilson Parking app before you arrive. There's paid parking in several other areas of the New Acton precinct.
EARLY BAG DROP
If you need early bag-drop before my apartment is available at 2, please mention this when you make your booking and I'll send you instructions for storing your bags in my locked cage in the basement. It's easy to find and access. Late pick-up available too, for anytime after 11am check-out.
LONG BOOKINGS
Long bookings welcome, and as your host I'll meet you to show you all the facilities. There's a full, well-lit and fully equipped kitchen and laundry station in the apartment with large tub, washer, detergent, and excellent Bosch extractor dryer. Also a clothes-horse (+pegs) for fresh-air drying on the balcony. Iron and ironing board. Second set of sheets towels etc provided free for guests, staying eight days or longer.
BICYCLE/SPORTS GEAR STORAGE
If you bring or hire bikes or electric scooters, or large sports equipment, please store them in Skyhome's cage in the basement. Thanks.
MEDIA OPTIONS
There are Netflix, Foxtel Play, Spotify, ABCIview and SBSonDemand apps on the TV. Bring your own passwords. DVD player, also has USB port and HDMI for laptop + cable.
SMOKING?
Not anywhere at anytime - including on the balcony. This policy applies to the entire Nishi building. There are areas for smoking in the New Acton precinct.
Where you'll sleep
What this place offers
City skyline view
Mountain view
Lake access
Kitchen
Wifi
Accessibility features
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Rated 4.98 out of 5 from 340 reviews.4.98
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Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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Neighbourhood highlights
PLEASE CLICK THE 'SHOW MORE' LINK with 'WHERE YOU'LL BE'. It will take you to 'SHOW HOST'S GUIDEBOOK. I've included lots of info and links for local tourist attractions, shopping, dining, nature parks etc.
This stylish, well-equipped, peaceful, ultra-private, comfortable apartment is on the fourteenth floor of the iconic Nishi building in New Acton precinct, Canberra City. Overlooking ANU, mountains and lake. Under the same roof as Skyhome are Ovolo Nishi Hotel, Monster Restaurant, Palace Electric Cinema complex with eight theatres and popular bar, Makeshift workspace cafe, Fekerte's Ethiopian lunch-place, florist SPIRAL Botanicals and hairdresser Roji. And dedicated basement parking.
Over 60 restaurants deliver to Nishi via Deliveroo and Ubereats.
The main style of the small New Acton Cultural and Cinema Precinct in Canberra City is ‘retro chic’. Nishi is a feature of the precinct. It's an iconic, international award-winning 8star eco-building.
Also in New Acton, there’s Moccan and Grout, described as a ‘stylish nook with inventive meals cooked in an open kitchen, plus fair-trade espresso’. There's a family Italian restaurant with bar and garden courtyard, Bicycletta, open most nights. My favourite New Acton restaurant is Parlour, serving contemporary food with a modern Australian feel - cosy, retro and comfy. Rebel Rebel is a very popular restaurant, featuring Modern Australian fare. And in the precinct, there'a a quirky little bike repair shop.
The bar at Ovolo Nishi on the ground floor is open late every night. There are two open fireplaces in the lounge/bar/library area. There's an underground bar High Jinks, open every night and especially late at weekends. I hear they make great cocktails.
Superb original artworks feature in all buildings and surrounds, with complementary landscaping, in the unique city precinct of New Acton. There’s a New Acton website that will bring you up to date with latest activities and events. In keeping with the ethos of New Acton, there are original artworks in the apartment.
Bike and electric scooter hire are available at Peppers Gallery Hotel next door, or go online to find other local bike hire options - including electric bikes, of course. Or simply collect a scooter you see somewhere in the precinct. Online hire companies are Neuron and Beam. In summer you can hire paddleboats and 'picnic' boats with electric motors (hire at Kingston foreshore). There’s a free large open air gym and small park, just a short walk along the lake. New leisure areas are opening along the edge of West Basin (beside Nishi).
The lakeside walkway/bike/scooter and segway path will take you to Floriade (but only in Spring) Regatta Point tourist exhibition, Captain Cook Memorial Water Jet, Commonwealth Gardens, historic Blundells Cottage, the Centenary of Canberra National Playground, the National Carillon, the Centre for Christianity and Culture labyrinth, Kingston Foreshore with waterside cafes, restaurants and bars, Canberra Glassworks, Old Bus Depot weekly markets, the High Court, the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery, the National Rose Gardens at Old Parliament House, the Museum of Modern Democracy, Questacon and the National Library (with its exquisite Leonard French stained-glass windows).
Or walk or ride in the other direction to visit the National Museum, Black Mountain Peninsula picnic and swimming area, and the massive National Botanic Gardens on the slopes of Black Mountain, all native (and visible from the balcony, though hard to discern in the natural bushland on Black Mountain). Every night, Telstra Tower is lit with changing coloured lights, you can enjoy from the balcony. The National Film and Sound Archives building is lit up as well and occasionally, the Shine Dome.
Across the street from Nishi are the Australian National University, the famous Shine Dome or Australian Academy of Science (sometimes called ‘the Martian Embassy') and the Australian National Film and Sound Archives (with cafe). There's also the School of Music, with concerts in Llwellyn Hall. Yes, all these attractions really are within easy walking or riding distance of the apartment! (Guests often say that they wished they'd booked some extra days!)
It's only a short drive to Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, the National Zoo and Aquarium, embassies and consulates of many nations, the National Rock Garden, Telstra Tower on top of Black Mountain and the splendid National Arboretum (which you can also see from the balcony). The National Arboretum is our new national treasure and the latest 'go to' place that Canberrans enjoy taking their visitors to. (It's my own favourite too.)
This stylish, well-equipped, peaceful, ultra-private, comfortable apartment is on the fourteenth floor of the iconic Nishi building in New Acton precinct, Canberra City. Overlooking ANU, mountains and lake. Under the same roof as Skyhome are Ovolo Nishi Hotel, Monster Restaurant, Palace Electric Cinema complex with eight theatres and popular bar, Makeshift workspace cafe, Fekerte's Ethiopian lunch-place, florist SPIRAL Botanicals and hairdresser Roji. And dedicated basement parking.
Over 60 restaurants deliver to Nishi via Deliveroo and Ubereats.
The main style of the small New Acton Cultural and Cinema Precinct in Canberra City is ‘retro chic’. Nishi is a feature of the precinct. It's an iconic, international award-winning 8star eco-building.
Also in New Acton, there’s Moccan and Grout, described as a ‘stylish nook with inventive meals cooked in an open kitchen, plus fair-trade espresso’. There's a family Italian restaurant with bar and garden courtyard, Bicycletta, open most nights. My favourite New Acton restaurant is Parlour, serving contemporary food with a modern Australian feel - cosy, retro and comfy. Rebel Rebel is a very popular restaurant, featuring Modern Australian fare. And in the precinct, there'a a quirky little bike repair shop.
The bar at Ovolo Nishi on the ground floor is open late every night. There are two open fireplaces in the lounge/bar/library area. There's an underground bar High Jinks, open every night and especially late at weekends. I hear they make great cocktails.
Superb original artworks feature in all buildings and surrounds, with complementary landscaping, in the unique city precinct of New Acton. There’s a New Acton website that will bring you up to date with latest activities and events. In keeping with the ethos of New Acton, there are original artworks in the apartment.
Bike and electric scooter hire are available at Peppers Gallery Hotel next door, or go online to find other local bike hire options - including electric bikes, of course. Or simply collect a scooter you see somewhere in the precinct. Online hire companies are Neuron and Beam. In summer you can hire paddleboats and 'picnic' boats with electric motors (hire at Kingston foreshore). There’s a free large open air gym and small park, just a short walk along the lake. New leisure areas are opening along the edge of West Basin (beside Nishi).
The lakeside walkway/bike/scooter and segway path will take you to Floriade (but only in Spring) Regatta Point tourist exhibition, Captain Cook Memorial Water Jet, Commonwealth Gardens, historic Blundells Cottage, the Centenary of Canberra National Playground, the National Carillon, the Centre for Christianity and Culture labyrinth, Kingston Foreshore with waterside cafes, restaurants and bars, Canberra Glassworks, Old Bus Depot weekly markets, the High Court, the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery, the National Rose Gardens at Old Parliament House, the Museum of Modern Democracy, Questacon and the National Library (with its exquisite Leonard French stained-glass windows).
Or walk or ride in the other direction to visit the National Museum, Black Mountain Peninsula picnic and swimming area, and the massive National Botanic Gardens on the slopes of Black Mountain, all native (and visible from the balcony, though hard to discern in the natural bushland on Black Mountain). Every night, Telstra Tower is lit with changing coloured lights, you can enjoy from the balcony. The National Film and Sound Archives building is lit up as well and occasionally, the Shine Dome.
Across the street from Nishi are the Australian National University, the famous Shine Dome or Australian Academy of Science (sometimes called ‘the Martian Embassy') and the Australian National Film and Sound Archives (with cafe). There's also the School of Music, with concerts in Llwellyn Hall. Yes, all these attractions really are within easy walking or riding distance of the apartment! (Guests often say that they wished they'd booked some extra days!)
It's only a short drive to Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, the National Zoo and Aquarium, embassies and consulates of many nations, the National Rock Garden, Telstra Tower on top of Black Mountain and the splendid National Arboretum (which you can also see from the balcony). The National Arboretum is our new national treasure and the latest 'go to' place that Canberrans enjoy taking their visitors to. (It's my own favourite too.)
Meet your host
Superhost
340 reviews
340Reviews
4.98 out of 5 average rating
4.98
Rating9 years of hosting
9Years hosting
My work: Host/Write/Celebrant
My biography title: She has a mind of her own
G'day, I'm Michele. It's good to be in touch. My late husband David and I bought our excellent apartment in the international award-winning Nishi building in 2012. It's a quiet secluded place for me to write, and sometimes stay. I especially love the balcony and looking to the Brindabella Mountains. By being an Airbnb host, I can share my lovely Skyhome. Hundreds of great reviews tell me that my guests enjoy their visits, just as much as I do. I wish you splendid sunsets during your stay!
Michele is a Superhost
Host details
Response rate: 100%
Responds within an hour
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Things to know
Cancellation policy
House rules
Check-in: 2:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Checkout before 11:00 am
2 guests maximum
Safety & property
Carbon monoxide alarm
Smoke alarm
Not suitable for children and infants
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