I did a search on this site and came up with a rec for the Forrest Inn as to its location. Is it still nice? The price isn't too bad. Is there another maybe B&B anyone would recommend in the same area? We hope to meet you, Neil_oz if you are in town Oct. 6 or 7! (This is provided we don't get our airline dates changed between now and then which would change dates for Canberra.) We are already booked for staying at Pat W.'s B&B, so maybe we could make this the "Fodor's Tour 2007"! That would be so fun.
Sally in Seattle

Sally, I'll definitely look forward to that. Hopefully October will be a nice time of year here (and probably a tad drier than Seattle).

As for the Forrest Inn, it looks fine on paper (so to speak) and the location is good, but let me get back to you on that. The inner parts of Canberra is not really B&B country -most are out of town somewhat.

Sally, I have never stayed in the Forrest Inn so I don't know about their accommodations. However, I know its location well because it's just across the street from the primary school where my son went. I think the location is great as you are near the shops and restaurants of Manuka (within walking distance if you enjoy walking) and you are just a few blocks away from Parliament House. The main thoroughfare of Canberra Avenue is quite close, so you can easily get to other parts of Canberra. The suburb of Forrest is quite nice with lots of large trees and several nearby parks.

Neil and longhorn, thanks for the info. Longhorn, are you in Canberra, too? We'd love to meet you, too, if so. We have learned so much about Australia on this extended time of research (since we missed out on FF seats last year). We especially love meeting Australians!
Sally in Seattle

Sally, I sure wish we were still in Canberra! We've lived in quite a few places around the world, but Canberra was the family favorite, hands down! Unfortunately, work takes us back to the States now, but we've been back to Canberra twice and look forward to going back again soon. Have a wonderful time there--it's a great place!
P.S. You'll be there during Floriade, the big outdoor floral show in Commonwealth Park. It's absolutely stunning what they do with flowers and it's free, so stop by for a look.

Stayed there a few times and it is fine.
Nothing fancy but decent, apartment hotel style at a reasonable price. I found Canberra very spread out and this location was OK for us but not really "downtown". There was shopping nearby and a decent bus service also.
Bon Voyage.

christo, there are people who'll claim that Canberra has no "downtown". Civic (short for Civic Centre) qualifies technically but I see no great advantage in staying there.