Hotel Kurrajong, Heritage hotel building in Barton, Australia
Hotel Kurrajong is a two-story building in pavilion style with separate wings connected by corridors around central garden courtyards. The layout uses covered walkways and interior gardens to bring outdoor space into everyday movement through the building.
The building opened in 1926 to house government workers relocating to Canberra for the new Parliament. Architect John Smith Murdoch designed it as part of the capital's early development.
The building reflects the architectural principles of Walter Burley Griffin's garden city concept, integrating nature with governmental infrastructure in early Canberra.
The hotel sits near government buildings and is easy to find when exploring the area. Visitors can experience the courtyard design firsthand or view the preserved spaces without complications.
Former Prime Minister Ben Chifley lived at the hotel from 1940 to 1951, passing away in room 205. His extended stay links the building to a significant moment in Australian political history.
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