This blog post is all about my stay at Little Drifter Canberra.
If you’re planning a trip to Canberra and looking for somewhere stylish, comfortable, and affordable to stay, I can’t recommend Little Drifter Canberra enough.
During my recent visit to Australia’s capital, I stayed at this beautifully modern hostel and was genuinely impressed by everything it had to offer. From its sleek design to its relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Below is my full review of my stay at Little Drifter Canberra, including reasons you should visit Australia’s capital city and a little bit about my upcoming travel plans around Australia.
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This blog post is all about my review of Little Drifter Canberra.
Why You Should Visit Canberra While Travelling Australia
Below are the top reasons I think you should visit Canberra, Australia’s capital city.
If you’re living in Australia on a Working Holiday Visa, I’d highly recommend adding the city to your list of travels during your time exploring the country!
A Capital Full of Culture and History
Canberra might not be the first place that springs to mind when planning an Australian adventure, but it absolutely deserves a spot on your itinerary.
As the nation’s capital, Canberra offers a completely different vibe to coastal cities like Sydney or Melbourne. It’s modern, clean, easy to get around, and packed with culture, history, and surprisingly cool local gems.
For starters, Canberra is home to some of Australia’s most important institutions, including Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, and the National Gallery of Australia.
Even if you’re not a history lover, these places are well worth a visit for their architecture, exhibitions, and insights into the country’s identity.
Great Food, Coffee & Local Neighbourhoods
Beyond the politics and museums, Canberra has a thriving food and coffee scene, beautiful outdoor spaces, and quirky neighbourhoods like Braddon, which are full of indie shops, colourful street art, and lively weekend markets.
Whether you’re chasing great brunch or craft beer, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how cool and creative the city feels.
Nature Right on Your Doorstep
One of Canberra’s most underrated perks is its natural beauty. The city is surrounded by parks, bushland, and scenic spots like Lake Burley Griffin and Mount Ainslie, which offers panoramic views over the city.
It’s the perfect mix of urban and outdoorsy, with walking trails, bike paths, and wildlife never far away.
Easy to Reach & Easy to Explore
Canberra is also super accessible, with regular buses from Sydney (I took the Greyhound there and back), a well-connected airport, and excellent roads if you’re doing a self-drive trip.
Once you arrive, getting around is easy thanks to the compact layout, reliable public transport, and walkable neighbourhoods.
Little Drifter Canberra: A Boutique Hostel with a Modern Twist
Little Drifter Canberra isn’t your average backpacker-style hostel. It’s a newly refurbished space that blends the best of boutique accommodation with the social feel of a hostel.
Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with friends, it caters to a range of travellers by offering both shared dorms and private ensuite rooms.
I opted for a private room and was honestly blown away by how clean, spacious, and thoughtfully designed it was. Think minimalist interiors, warm lighting, comfy bedding, and a touch of Scandi-inspired style.
Incredible Amenities for Work and Play
One of the standout features of Little Drifter Canberra is just how well-equipped it is for both downtime and productivity.
The games room was such a fun space to hang out and meet other travellers, complete with comfy seating and entertainment options.
If you’re working remotely or a digital nomad like myself, you’ll love the dedicated work areas with long tables, plenty of power outlets, and fast, reliable WiFi that reached every corner of the property (yes, even the rooftop!).
Speaking of which, the rooftop area is a total vibe. It’s the perfect place to unwind in the evening, and they’ve even set up an outdoor cinema for movie nights under the stars. It really adds to the community feel while keeping things effortlessly cool.
My King Suite Room at Little Drifter Canberra
I stayed in one of Little Drifter Canberra’s King Suites, and let me tell you, it was enormous.
I’m talking king-sized bed, private ensuite, and so much space to move around. There was a Smart TV, mini fridge, kettle, and all the thoughtful touches you’d expect from a high-end hotel, not a hostel.
I had loads of storage, which made unpacking feel instantly organised and stress-free, which is always a plus when you’ve been living out of a suitcase!
The overall aesthetic of the hostel has a trendy country theme that I absolutely loved. If you know me, you’ll know I have a soft spot for anything country. I love country music, and with an upcoming road trip to Arizona in a few months, it honestly made me feel right at home.
The warm wood accents, rustic design details, and homely feel gave it such a unique edge that sets it apart from any other hostel I’ve stayed in.
Perfect Base to Explore Canberra
One of the best things about staying at Little Drifter Canberra is the location. It’s perfectly situated to explore the city’s key attractions without feeling too “in the thick of it.”
Whether you’re heading to Parliament House, wandering the galleries, or grabbing brunch at one of Canberra’s many cool cafés, you’re only a short walk or drive away.
I found it to be the ideal base for ticking off all the must-see spots on my 1 Day in Canberra itinerary (you can read my full guide here if you’re planning your own trip!).
Would I Recommend Staying at Little Drifter Canberra?
If you’re heading to Canberra and want somewhere affordable but aesthetically pleasing, Little Drifter Canberra ticks all the boxes.
It’s a fresh, modern space that feels more like a boutique hotel than a hostel, with private options that make it perfect for anyone looking for comfort on a budget.
I’d happily stay again and recommend it to anyone looking for a place with charm, great design, and a relaxed atmosphere.
And don’t forget to check out my 1 Day in Canberra Travel Guide for all the best things to do once you’re there!
Book your stay at Little Drifter Canberra here!
My Upcoming Travels Around Australia
I’m actually heading back to Canberra in a few weeks, and I’ll be staying at Little Drifter Canberra again, that’s how much I loved it the first time!
This visit is part of a much bigger adventure as we’re going to be travelling around Australia to watch all the British and Irish Lions rugby games. It’s going to be an unforgettable few months of sport, road trips, and exploring more of this incredible country.
We’ve got stops planned in some amazing cities including Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and Melbourne, so expect plenty of new travel guides, YouTube vlogs, and personal recommendations to come.
If you’re a fellow rugby fan or planning your own Aussie road trip, make sure to follow along in realtime on Instagram. I’ll be sharing everything from match day antics to the best eats and stays along the way.
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By Orlagh Shanks
Orlagh Shanks is the Editor of Orlagh Claire, an award-winning travel and lifestyle blog.
After working in the PR & Influencer Marketing industry, Orlagh quit her job to travel Asia for 12 months and move to Sydney, Australia where she is now a full-time travel blogger and content creator sharing travel tips and recommendations for all 30 of the countries she’s visited so far.
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