"The Giraffe Treehouse was everything I hoped for and more."
esm1981 from Australia
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"Our room, the amazing food, yummy wines, the other guests, all the friendly staff, but most of all, the animals."
Lynette from Australia
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"The direct connection to the aquarium and zoo was great."
Vicky from Australia
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"Marvellous animal encounters."
gary t from Australia
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"The artifacts and, of course, the animals."
Angela from Australia
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5-star wildlife lodge with animal-view suites in Canberra
Accommodation
The hotel offers private suites, bungalows, and a tree house with direct views into animal enclosures. Guests in the Giraffe Treehouses can feed giraffes from their own balcony, while Jungle Bungalows provide close-up encounters with lions, tigers, or cheetahs. All rooms include air conditioning, a private bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities, and a flat-screen TV with cable channels.
Dining
African-inspired gourmet dining is served in the uShaka Lodge dining room with views of white lions and hyenas through glass windows. The multi-course dinner changes daily and includes premium selections such as wagyu steak and pumpkin ravioli. Breakfast and lunch are also included, with special diet menus available on request.
Family-Friendly
Every Friday, the hotel runs specialized activities for children, including guided night tours of the aquarium so parents can enjoy dinner. The property has a playground and offers kids' meals during meal times. Families can book interconnecting rooms like the Meerkat Family Suite or the two-bedroom Lemur suite.
Tours & Encounters
All bookings include a 90-minute guided zoo tour with a keeper who provides behind-the-scenes access to feed and pat animals like rhinos and cheetahs. Guests can also book private encounters with lions, tigers, cheetahs, and meerkats. The lodge provides exclusive access to wander the zoo after hours and before it opens to the public.
Location & Grounds
The lodge sits next to the National Zoo and Aquarium in Canberra, 8 minutes' drive from Manuka Oval and 10 minutes from the Australian War Memorial. The outdoor swimming pool offers views across the zoo's lake and is open all year. Guests also have free parking and 24-hour security on site.
Highlights
Accommodation: Suites with direct animal enclosure views
Dining: African-inspired gourmet meals with lion viewing
Tours: 90-min guided zoo tour included for all guests
Family: Friday children's activities with aquarium night tours
Encounters: Private cheetah, lion, and meerkat experiences
Pool: Infinity-style outdoor pool with lake views
“The immersive wildlife encounters and close proximity to animals, especially the giraffes right outside the rooms, create an unparalleled connection with nature. Exceptional staff dedication and thoughtful touches, from afternoon tea to Michelin-standard dining with animal views, elevate the entire experience. It's clear that attention to detail and a genuine passion for both animals and guest satisfaction are central to what makes this lodge so remarkable.”
Grace WhitmanContent & Editorial Director at Familyhotels
Choose from a variety of room types
Choose from a wide variety of rooms designed for families, including double rooms, family suites, and rooms with breakfast included
Reef Room
2 persons
540 sq. feet
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Meerkat Room
2 persons
540 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Lemur Room
2 persons
560 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Show all rooms
Availability and pricing for your selected dates
Book your family’s getaway in a snap with up-to-date availability and pricing!
Facilities
Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones
Facilities: Perfect
9.8/10Review score
General
Non-smoking rooms
Free Wi-Fi in public areas
Parking
Concierge desk
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Key access
Services
Housekeeping
Welcome drink
Dining
All inclusive
Restaurant
Special diet menus
Business
Business centre
Children
Children's menu
Spa & Leisure
Outdoor swimming pool
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room
Pool with view
Room features
Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-bar
Sitting area
Patio
Terrace
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
CD player
Room decor
Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite
At Jamala Wildlife Lodge, dining transcends mere meals; it's an exquisite taste of Africa. In an opulent setting surrounded by captivating animal encounters, guests can indulge in African-inspired gourmet offerings paired with fine wines and bubbly champagne, ensuring every bite is a special occasion.
Restaurant #1
African
Ambiance
Set against a backdrop of stunning wildlife, this restaurant boasts an inviting atmosphere that creates a warm and luxurious dining experience.
Key Offerings
Savor the chef's African-influenced dinner party menu, thoughtfully paired with exquisite wines and Moet champagne for a truly indulgent evening.
Reservation
Reservations recommended.
Hours vary.
Jamala Wildlife Lodge Location
999 Lady Denman Drive, Weston Creek, Canberra,
Map view
City landmarks
Park
National Arboretum Canberra
1.3 mi
Public Building
Royal Australian Mint
1.6 mi
Landmark
The National Bonsai and Penjing Collection
4800 ft
Amusement Park
Pod Playground
5200 ft
Gallery
Burrunju Aboriginal Gallery
5300 ft
Gallery
Yarralumla Gallery and Oaks Brasserie
5300 ft
Tower
Telstra Tower
2.2 mi
Landmark
Mount Stromlo Observatory
1.8 mi
Gallery
Beaver Galleries
1.8 mi
Museum
Questacon
3.3 mi
Lake
Lake Burley Griffin
2.3 mi
Museum
National Museum of Australia
2.7 mi
Garden
Australian National Botanic Gardens
2.5 mi
Landmark
National Rock Garden
1.8 mi
Park
Weston Park
2.7 mi
Mosque
Canberra Mosque
2.2 mi
Nearby
Zoo
National Zoo and Aquarium
1300 ft
Explore Canberra
Explore Your Surroundings
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
National Zoo and Aquarium
5 minutes' walk
A stunning blend of zoo and aquarium showcasing diverse wildlife with engaging animal encounters and educational experiences.
The National Bonsai and Penjing Collection
20 minutes' walk
A tranquil collection featuring exquisite bonsai and penjing art forms, perfect for a serene stroll and cultural appreciation.
Royal Australian Mint
30 minutes' walk
Home to Australia's circulating coins and minting processes, offering guided tours and coin exhibitions full of history.
Yarralumla Gallery and Oaks Brasserie
20 minutes' walk
A beautiful gallery featuring local artworks, accompanied by a delightful brasserie serving seasonal dishes and wine.
Biking around Lake Burley Griffin
10 minutes' drive
Biking around the picturesque Lake Burley Griffin offers scenic views and leisurely exploration. Bike rentals are available nearby.
Relaxation at Australian National Botanic Gardens
10 minutes' drive
Offering beautiful native flora and peaceful paths, these gardens are perfect for unwinding. Guided tours are also available.
Oaks Brasserie
20 minutes' walk
A vibrant atmosphere with diverse menus featuring local produce. Reservations are recommended for dinner.
Café on the Jim's
5 minutes' drive
Casual coffee spot with delicious breakfast and lunch options, catering to all diets including vegetarian and gluten-free.
Gungahlin Lakes Club
15 minutes' drive
Offers vibrant nightlife with events including live music and themed nights. Family-friendly atmosphere suitable for all ages.
Canberra Theatre Centre
10 minutes' drive
Hosts an array of performances from theatre to concerts, offering a lively cultural experience. Check event listings for details.
Tips on navigating the city
City Centre
Canberra 8 min · 2.9 mi
Airports
Canberra (CBR) 23 min · 9.4 mi
Train
Canberra Railway Station 11 min · 4.2 mi
Get access to exclusive early booking discounts for your family’s upcoming getaway
Book now and enjoy exclusive rates on your family vacation!
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 13:30-14:00
Check-out
until 11 am
Internet
Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
13
Family-focused reviews and ratings
Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.
Cleanliness
9.9/10
Comfort
9.9/10
Facilities
9.8/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.7/10
Location
9.8/10
Staff
9.8/10
Value for money
9.2/10
Pros
Animal proximity
Really good staff
Unique accommodation
Delicious food
Cons
Small enclosures
Limited drinks
Guest reviews
based on 148 reviews
9.6/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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