Yes you can stay at the venue, Rydges. The cost was $185 NOW $170 per night. much the same as Rydges in Melboure. No toaster on a small bar fridge and a kettle in the bathroom.
Rydges Lakeside Canberra Hotel
London Circuit Canberra City ACT 2600
Phone:+61 2 6247 6244
Accommodation in Canberra ACT Hotel
http://www.rydges.com/hotel/0/RACANB/Rydges-Lakeside-Canberra.htm
BOOKING LINK http://www.rydges.com/cwp/acteba best call to check price as well
Capital Executive Apartment Hotel Canberra: This is 1.5kms away, and a 20 minute walk, yes i checked it in a car. more or less follow the same street to the venue. Maybe too far to walk so it would suit if you drive down. The CBD is on the way to the venue, lots and lost a mall style shops + coles + woolies. I did walk in and view the rooms below and they are twice the size of Ry dges and have all the gear you need (free parking aslo)
$150 FAMILY STUDIO APARTMENTS CQ4 queen bed & bunk bed all in one room. Sleeps 2-3-4. All our rooms are fully self contained with kitchenettes, including an iron, ironing board, hairdryer, coffee/tea making facilities, toaster, kettle, knives, forks, spoons, cups, glasses, plates, pots, pans, sink, 2 x cook tops, microwave, mini-bar fridge and also large fridges.
$169 ONE BEDROOM FAMILY SPA SUITES CE4 queen bed in bedroom & 2 x drop down king single beds in the lounge room. Sleeps 2-3-4. All our rooms are fully self contained with kitchenettes, including an iron, ironing board, hairdryer, coffee/tea making facilities, toaster, kettle, knives, forks, spoons, cups, glasses, plates, pots, pans, sink, 2 x cook tops, microwave, mini-bar fridge and also large fridges.
TRY YOUR LUCK, maybe do a web search as you can find apartments for holiday rent within a kilomoter of the venue. If you can drive 15 minutes in and out there are some at $120 per night.