Although cities like Melbourne and Sydney have a lot more to offer to visitors, this political hub has some exciting itineraries and opportunities to explore other beautiful places in Australia. Also known as the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), this place is strategically placed amidst family farms, vineyards, and soaring hills. It’s also famous for its galleries, museums, and world-class institutions, filling the capital with exciting outdoor adventures and fun activities. For accommodation, you will find plenty of Airbnb vacation rentals in the city. If you’re visiting with your fur baby, a pet-friendly Airbnb is your best bet. Canberra’s location makes it only a few hours or about an hour’s drive away from other adventurous destinations around. Discover Australia’s beautiful and extensive wildlife, wine regions, historic places, and much more with these weekend trips from Canberra. Continue reading to find out more about the top day trips from Canberra, Australia.
1. Huskisson, NSW (from USD 36.16)
A day tour from Canberra to Huskisson promises a great time. Huskisson is a charming coastal town nestled on the shores of Jervis Bay in New South Wales, Australia. Known for its pristine white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Huskisson is a paradise for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Jervis Bay Marine Park, home to abundant marine life, including playful dolphins and majestic whales. Explore the breathtaking coastal trails that meander through the lush bushland, offering panoramic views of the sparkling ocean and hidden coves. Indulge in water sports like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding, immersing yourself in the vibrant underwater world.
Huskisson: Dolphin Cruise & Boom Netting Experience
Duration: 1.5 hour
2. Yarrangobilly Caves, NSW
Your itinerary of Australia is not complete until you have scheduled a visit to Yarrangobilly Caves. It beckons adventurers and nature lovers to explore its underground wonders and embrace the captivating beauty of this hidden gem. Step into a world of ancient limestone formations, hidden chambers, and mesmerizing underground rivers.
Embark on a guided tour through the caves, marveling at the intricate stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over thousands of years. Experience the therapeutic benefits of the natural thermal pools at Yarrangobilly’s Thermal Pool Complex, where you can soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters amidst a backdrop of tranquil rainforests. Uncover the area’s rich Aboriginal heritage through cultural interpretive displays and learn about the traditional stories and practices deeply rooted in this ancient land.
3. Batemans Bay, NSW (from USD 179.0)
Batemans Bay caters to every category of traveler, from nature enthusiasts, recreational seeker, romantics, water-based athletes, or individuals that need an ideal spot to explore the magnificent Eurobodalla area. This waterfront resort, set on the shores of the crystal-clear Clyde River, is packed with beautiful landscapes with serene hiking trails and wildlife, as well as parks, a museum, beaches, and more. See over 100 species of native birds at Birdland Animal Park, picnicking at Observation Point, fishing, and kayaking at the beautiful Clyde River National Park. And if you are interested in local history, you can check out the Batemans Bay Heritage Museum. All these fun activities are only two hours’ drive away from Canberra.
Day Tour from Canberra to Batemans Bay With Indigenous Experience
Duration: 12 hours
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4. Cockington Green Gardens, ACT (from USD 16.0)
Gold Creek Village of Canberra is home to these beautiful gardens, containing magnificent miniature structures from over 30 nations, begging to be explored. The Cockington Green Gardens feature handcrafted tiny people and buildings, meticulously made, some even taking more than a year to construct. The site was established in 1979, and it’s divided into two phases - the first highlights Australian and international models, while the other features display from Great Britain. See the Australian Capital Territory, Peru’s Machu Picchu, Scotland’s Braemar Castle, and much more. When you are done, enjoy some fantastic delicacies at Garden Cafe.
Cockington Green Gardens General Entry Ticket
Duration: 90 to 180 minutes
5. Tidbinbilla Nature Resort, ACT
Are you traveling with kids, alone, or with your significant other and wish to spend some time with nature? The Tidbinbilla Nature Resort is a choice to consider. It features long and short 22 well-marked hiking paths, cutting through thick bushes, where you will find platypus, emus, wallabies, birds, kangaroos, koalas, and more roaming around. Your children will love the Nature Discovery Playground, highlighting barbecue spots and picnic areas. The sanctuary and aboriginal culture and heritage also provide guided activities about the wildlife in the area, and you can get a map of the nature reserve at the visitors center. Tidbinbilla Nature Resort is only 55 minutes’ drive away from Canberra.
6. Yass Valley, NSW
Outdoor wonders and history shed their elegance in this thriving wine area, set only over an hours’ drive from Canberra. The streets are dotted with colonial buildings, and around the countryside, you will find national parks and old limestone caves. Have a taste of the vibrant culinary scenes at farmers’ markets and food shops, try out assortments of wines at the wineries, and learn about the critical history of this place at the museums. For outdoor fun, check out the 400-million years old limestone formations at Careys Cave, enjoy fishing and hiking at Brindabella National Park, and much more.
7. Braidwood, NSW
Braidwood is a historic gold mining region that was first explored by the Europeans in 1822, and it’s strategically set between the coast and Canberra. This historic area is the first to be listed on the NSW State Heritage register; it is National Trust-classified. There are a lot of exciting things to do here, from eating tasty delicacies at the bakeries and country pubs, buying antique items at the antique shops, to exploring the history of the gold-rush era in Braidwood Museum. The laid-back elegance and colonial structures that line the old streets have made this place a favorite film-making spot and a significant draw for designers, artisans, ironworkers, potters, artists, and more. For some outdoor activity, plan your visit during one of the festivals held here or explore Monga National Park.
8. Boorowa - Farming Village, NSW
Around Boorowa, NSW. The Union Bank commenced business in Burrowa in 1885. This building, opened in 1930, features a...
Posted by Explored Visions by GD on Tuesday, 19 February 2019
Set 70 minutes’ drive north-west of Canberra is this old Australian country region with a longstanding pastoral venture, cultural landmarks and more, to experience the authentic character of the nation. Soak in the untamed beauty of the Lachlan Valley Way, savor homemade dishes in the many country pubs lined in the streets, and also check out beautiful crafts at the antique shops. For some history, explore Boorowa Underbridge, Glenara Gallery, and the octagonal War Memorial.
9. Murrumbateman, NSW
Yass Valley boasts many wineries, but if you are into wine, Murrumbateman, a former gold mining site, set in the center of the Canberra district wine country, is a must-visit. It is set close to Yass Valley and only around 30 minutes’ drive away from Canberra. Taste a variety of curated wines at the cellar doors of 20 boutique wineries, enjoy tours to the vineyards, sample local cuisines at the primary market, and much more. The countryside is also blessed with natural cave and rock formations as well as bushlands, which you can explore on horseback tours.
10. Cotter Reserve, ACT
Cotter Reserve, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Posted by OZ Travellers on Monday, 11 November 2019
If you need a place to pass time alone or with kids, while picnicking or enjoying some fun water activities, Cotter Reserve, perched on Murrumbidgee River Corridor, is your best bet. You can paddle, fish, or swim with your young ones at the recreational Cotter River, allow them to play at the modern adventure playland, or enjoy a picnic under one of the several Poplar trees. Also, soak in the beautiful vistas of the dam wall as you stroll down the beautiful Cotter Dam Discovery Trail or even pitch a tent at the Cotter Campground. On-site are toilet amenities, barbecues, and ample parking for your convenience.
11. Gibraltar Falls, ACT
Gibraltar Falls is a beautiful 160-feet (50-meter) drop, down Gibraltar Creek, set in Namadgi National Park, about 33 minutes’ drive from Canberra center. The park covers an area of 262,166.5 acres (106,095 hectares), and it’s home to European and Aboriginal cultural sites, native wildlife, and natural wonders. From the Visitors Center, featuring a camping area, barbecues, and picnic tables, you can take a 20-minute hike through the bush to the fall. The area around the waterfall has poor drainage and might be slippery, especially after rain, but it’s a sight to behold. You can also get ideas on how better to explore the area at the visitor’s center.
12. Lanyon Homestead, ACT
Lanyon Homestead is a 19th-century pastoral house, set about 20 minutes’ drive in the outskirts of Canberra. This homestead used to contain the artworks of Sir Sidney Nolan, but it was later remodeled by the government, and it’s now a house museum. You will enjoy the incredible views of the surrounding landscape as you journey to this place, and beautiful gardens are surrounding the house, where you can picnic. Before leaving, have a taste of mouth-watering dishes at the Eating House or some light bites at Barracks Espresso Bar. You can even rent and organize special events on-site.
Uncover the best of Australia
Your visit to Canberra is bound to be one to remember, with the town’s vibrant educational venues, adventurous countryside, and fascinating destinations all around. Discover the best thrills and adventures the country has to offer by visiting some of these great places near Canberra.
Frequently asked questions about day trips from Canberra
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