Golden Hour in the Rose Garden: An Evening at the Historic Hyatt Hotel Canberra

Entrance to the Hyatt Hotel Canberra, illuminated warmly and flanked by ornamental trees, welcoming visitors with classic architectural elegance.

There are few places in our nation’s capital that command as much respect and evoke as much nostalgia as the Hyatt Hotel Canberra. Established in 1924 as "Hotel Canberra," this heritage-listed gem is a living piece of Australian history. Walking through its corridors feels like stepping back into a more elegant era—an era of Art Deco sophistication, "old world" charm, and impeccable 5-star service.

This past Friday, 30th January, I had the absolute pleasure of being invited to this iconic venue to perform a three-hour twilight set from 5–8 pm.

A Garden Oasis in the Heat

The setting was the hotel’s stunning Rose Garden Courtyard. If you haven’t visited, it is a leafy sanctuary tucked away from the bustle, surrounded by manicured greenery and the kind of quiet luxury the Hyatt is famous for.

I won’t sugarcoat it—it was a true Australian summer day! With the temperature hitting a scorching 42°C, the heat was fierce in the sun but comfortable in the shade. While many guests understandably opted for the sanctuary of the indoor air conditioning, a brave and wonderful group of locals and travellers headed outside to join me under the shade of the trees.

Capturing a moment mid-performance selfie at the Hyatt Canberra Rose Garden.

Cold Drinks and Classic Tracks

Despite the heat, the atmosphere was nothing short of 5-star. The Hyatt staff were, as always, attentive and professional, ensuring the cold drinks were flowing and the food was as exquisite as the surroundings.

Musically, we covered a lot of ground. Over the course of three hours, I worked through a setlist of over 40 popular covers. There is something special about hearing Leonard Cohen’s "Hallelujah" or Tracy Chapman’s "Fast Car" echoing through a historic courtyard as the sun begins to dip.

I kept the energy moving with everything from:

• The Beatles classics (Here Comes The Sun felt particularly appropriate given the weather! along with Come Together)

• 90s nostalgia with Natalie Imbruglia’s Torn

• Australian anthems like Jimmy Barnes’ Working Class Man

• Crowd favourites like Coldplay’s Yellow and Carly Simon’s You’re So Vain

The Hyatt Canberra Rose Garden basks in the warm glow of the setting sun, offering a tranquil and picturesque retreat.

A Note of Thanks

Performing at a venue with such a rich history is always a highlight. From the politicos of the 1920s to the music lovers of 2026, these walls (and gardens) have seen it all.

I want to extend a huge thank you to the management and events team at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra for booking me and for looking after me so well during the heatwave. It is always a privilege to provide the soundtrack to such a prestigious location.

To those who braved the 42-degree heat to listen, sing along, and say hello—thank you for making the afternoon so memorable.

And thank you to my lovely wife Lucy for surprising me at the end of the gig to join me for an ice cold prosecco as the sun was setting. Now that was the highlight of the day.

Richard Ings Music