Inside Canberra’s most extraordinary overnight experience

Canberrans seeking adventure often hit the open highway for coastal escapes, ski slopes or bush retreats. But many may not realise that it’s equally possible to experience another world entirely in their own backyard.

At least that’s how it seems when staying overnight as a guest of Jamala Wildlife Lodge at the National Zoo & Aquarium. 

The setting is beautiful, isolated on the outskirts of Yarralumla, nestled between the Molonglo River and the Arboretum’s forests, although it is conveniently located just 15 minutes from Canberra Airport.

Within the lush surroundings of the zoo grounds, you are plunged into a thrilling safari experience, one where some of Earth’s most magnificent animals become your intimate dining and bunking companions.

This is a big part of what makes Jamala unique and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world, says general manager Amanda Mead.

“You completely forget you’re in Canberra, that’s the beauty of it,” she says. “There are some wonderful zoo accommodation experiences around Australia, but there is nothing [quite] like Jamala.”

As a recent visitor – and someone who has safaried in Uganda – I would argue this is about as close to an authentic experience as you can get. From the moment you arrive, it’s as though you’ve passed through a veil to Africa with privileged access to its emblematic wildlife. 

Check in is at 1pm, and as a Jamala guest, you’re welcomed to a decadent high tea in the stunning uShaka Lodge lounge and dining area, overlooking the garden terrace, infinity pool, and a black-and-white colobus monkey habitat.

Sculpted from glass, stone, and timber, the seven-room lodge is one of three distinct accommodation precincts offering a luxurious stay amid plush African-themed interiors, each with its own unique animal experience. 

Following afternoon tea, our friendly and knowledgeable guide, Sabrina, took us on a walking tour past a wide variety of habitats, pointing out the zoo’s resident families and conservation efforts for endangered species.

Monies raised from animal encounters and Jamala Wildlife Lodge directly support animal conservation in the wild and other welfare programs.

Mead says the vision is for guests to immerse themselves with the animals and come away with a greater understanding of conservation work. 

“It’s another part of what our guests love and appreciate – that their Jamala stay goes towards helping these beautiful animals,” she says. 

The hands-on aspect was certainly a lot of fun. Our group fed curious, eager deer in the open-range section and was introduced to a two-tonne rhino who sidled up to the fence for a pat!

This gentle giant lingered longer than expected, providing an extra special moment to marvel at his powerful presence up close.  

The day’s itinerary then allowed for time for relaxation in our respective suites, made easy by a complimentary bottle of champagne.

As a guest of the Giraffe Treehouse, there was another incredible animal encounter in store – feeding our charming new roommates, Skye and Khamisi.

The striking duo was free to roam about their habitat and could be seen and heard from the balcony munching on branches at all hours of the night. 

With the occasional sounds of other zoo wildlife drifting over, it’s a surreal pleasure to gaze upon giraffes mere metres from the lavish comfort of your room. One of my dinner companions summed it up later that evening, saying: “It’s all so hard to believe”. 

We had just found ourselves transfixed by the antics of two majestic white lions, whose sleeping den adjoins the rainforest cave where Jamala guests exclusively dine throughout their stay. Once a more casual banquet affair, dinner is now an event in itself, with four gourmet courses served with your choice of drop.

And of course, the extraordinary realisation you’re seated right next to untamed predators!

For the guests bunking in the Jungle Bungalows – suites famed for their unfettered design, which embraces the habitats of lions, tigers, bears, or cheetahs – they say the experience is simply mind-blowing.

Some had booked to celebrate a wedding anniversary, others had been eyeing off a stay since COVID, and all were keen to return.

Mead says they’re hoping to build on Jamala’s success by continuing to provide an outstanding guest experience.   

“As part of our 10-year birthday celebration, we will be opening up our loyalty program for our guests who encourage people to come and book with us because they’ve had such a wonderful stay,” she says.

“We say to everyone, ‘You arrive at Jamala as a guest but leave as part of our family.’ And that’s a big part of what our special stay is about.”

There’s a reason Jamala Wildlife Lodge has been named in the top five coolest hotels worldwide and as the most desirable destination accommodation in Australia. It’s truly a fantastic and memorable experience, one worthy of any bucket list.

Win a stay at Jamala!

To celebrate the 25th birthday of Allhomes in 2025, and the 10th anniversary of Jamala Wildlife Lodge, you have the chance to WIN an overnight luxury stay on Allhomes! Experience a night’s accommodation in a Jungle Bungalow.

Visit the Allhomes website to enter. Competition entries are now open and close on 29 May 2025. Terms and conditions apply.