A good question.
A local answer.

Choose the atmosphere first: a central base is convenient for restaurants, while a lakeside or quieter hotel may feel more like a retreat.

Check the current events calendar for your visit rather than relying on a permanent attraction list. Limited-run shows can offer something new at a reasonable price.

Check breakfast cost, parking and nearby dinner options for five people. A suite or serviced apartment may be better value than two standard rooms.

Choose one accessible museum or gallery per outing and confirm the current entrance, lift and seating information with the venue. The distance from parking or drop-off matters.

Plan another scenic stop in case the fields have finished flowering. A drive based only on an old photo can disappoint.

If steak is the priority, check whether the restaurant offers the cut and cooking style she likes. For Italian, look beyond a generic pizza list to the full menu.

Compare the room's actual walk to a bus stop and food with its price. A budget hotel far away can cost you much of a one-day visit.

Decide first how much of the next day you want in Canberra. A stop near the city saves morning driving, while a farther town may be cheaper but leaves less sightseeing time.

Ask whether the pool is shared with day visitors or a gym and whether it is open during your stay. A quiet room or spa area may be a better fallback.

If laksa is the main reason to travel, make the Dickson visit part of a broader meal outing. If convenience matters more, try a well-reviewed Civic option first.

Keep one flexible day for weather and tiredness. Confirm accommodation before long regional legs, especially when travelling near school holidays.

Group nearby institutions into one day and use current Transport Canberra routes for longer hops. A car-free visit works better with a central base.