Jamala Wildlife Lodge Canberra Exterior photoJamala Wildlife Lodge Canberra Interior photoJamala Wildlife Lodge Canberra Room photo

Jamala Wildlife Lodge – A Favorite for Families in Canberra

Book your stay on our website
and save up to 10%
compared to Booking.com!
Check rooms and rates
From$1,350 /night
Check-in
17Sept
Check-out
18Sept
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

999 Lady Denman Drive, Weston Creek, Canberra
-
Near the National Zoo and Aquarium
Perfect
9.7
9.9
/10
2.6
4.7
/5

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.”
Hotel logo
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
    50 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
    Air conditioning
    Heating
  • Meerkat Room
    2 persons
    50 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Air conditioning
    Bathtub
  • Lemur Room
    2 persons
    52 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Air conditioning
    Heating
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!
September 2026 - September 2027
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
September 2026
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
October 2026
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
November 2026
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
December 2026
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
January 2027
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
February 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
March 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
April 2027
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
May 2027
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
June 2027
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
July 2027
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
August 2027
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
Choose dates to see prices
Check-in/ Check-out

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

Guest Parking

  • Private parking is possible on site for free.

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • 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
Show more

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
Explore Canberra
Explore Your Surroundings
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
National Zoo and Aquarium
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
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
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!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 13:30-14:00
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
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.
Review score
Based on 222 verified reviews
9.6 /10
Perfect
97 %
Recommend
Cleanliness
9.8/10
Comfort
9.8/10
Facilities
9.8/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.7/10
Location
9.7/10
Staff
9.7/10
Value for money
9.1/10
Pros
Animal proximity
Really good staff
Unique accommodation
Delicious food
Cons
Small enclosures
Limited drinks
Guest reviews
based on 154 reviews
9.7/10
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.
Open reviews

Next best alternative

Consider them for your next trip.