THE ROOM
We chose the Giraffe Treehouse because it sounded the most interactive,with the promise of feeding the gangly giants. While the suite is luxurious,calling it a treehouse feels a bit misleading. Entry is via the deer and alpaca enclosure,and the rear balcony overlooks part of the giraffe quarters. The rooms are not set up among the trees by any stretch. Still,when else can you chill on the back deck and have a five-metre giraffe nibbling at some leaves a metre away? If you get tired of that,retire to the west-facing front deck and soak up some afternoon sun with a beverage from the mini-bar. The bathroom has a bath and huge shower,and the king bed is spacious. The African-themed furniture is a nice touch and there's a TV with Foxtel which you're unlikely to have time to use.
STEPPING OUT
Canberra is full of exciting adventures,whether your thing is museums and monuments or outdoor activities. If travelling with kids there's Questacon. If you're the active type Mt Stromlo's downhill mountain bike trails are world-class.
THE FOOD
In a word,excellent. And there's nothing quite like sitting down for a three-course dinner in an underground restaurant and having a lion wander in mere metres away in its indoor enclosure adjacent to the tables. It's not a guarantee,but we're told it happens most nights. You'll know when it does because of the audible gasp from other guests,and the knowing look from the waiters who have seen it all before. The actual meal is a delight:three courses with a choice of four mains and an extensive wine list. There are tasty vegetarian and gluten-free options. Breakfast is a winning combination of buffet and a la carte,so there's a menu but you can order as much as you want.
THE VERDICT
There's almost nothing to criticise about Jamala,except that it costs several weeks'worth of my rent for a one-night stay. Still,it's cheaper and more feasible than flying to Africa.
ESSENTIALS
From $1195 a night mid-week,including dinner and breakfast,depending on the room. The giraffe treehouse costs $1925 on Saturday nights.
HIGHLIGHT
The 90-minute early morning tour with a zookeeper,when the animals are far more active than later in the day. Rug up during Canberra's cooler months.
LOWLIGHT
Really only one thing:the price.
Josh Dye stayed as a guest of Jamala Wildlife Lodge