One of the best things about Canberra is its proximity to so many beautiful places. Whenever I have a friend who has moved to Canberra and still feels dubious about the city, I tell them to take these day trips. They dispel the common misconception that the Canberra region is boring – there is so much nature, culture, and history to explore. One look at Namadgi National Park from the summit of Booroomba Rocks is bound to make anyone fall in love with the Canberra region.
Without further ado, here’s my list of some of the best day trips from Canberra. We live in a beautiful place, and the ability to make these short, amazing trips proves it! I’ve ordered the list by proximity to Canberra’s CBD, so you can pick one that works for you.
Namadgi National Park
Namadgi is the only national park in the ACT, and it’s only a 40-minute drive from the city. Whenever I have family visit from overseas, I make sure to take them there. The sight of blue-grey mountain ranges, as far as the eye can see, is one of the most quintessential Australian vistas imaginable and never fails to impress.
The Ngunnawal people named Namadgi after their word for mountain. It encompasses 106,00 hectares of alpine, sub-alpine, and mountain areas. Namadgi serves as a precious habitat for 15 endangered species, 40 rare species, and 700 species of plants. I’m always stunned that it’s possible to find such seclusion in nature so close to Australia’s capital city. It really puts the Bush in ‘Bush Capital’.
There’s something for everyone to do in Namadgi, including 21 walking trails and more than 400km of mountain bike trails. My personal favourite hike to do in Namadgi is Booroomba Rocks – it’s relatively easy (4km and 1.5 hours), and the view is unparalleled!
Honeysuckle Creek
There are also plenty of heritage sights to see if you don’t feel like embarking on a big bushwalk, the most notable being Honeysuckle Creek. It was once home to the Honeysuckle Creek Tracking Station, which played a crucial role in the Apollo Moon missions. This is where the first images of Neil Armstrong walking on the Moon were received and broadcasted to the world in 1969. Today, you can explore the remains of the tracking station and learn about its contributions to space exploration. It’s a must-visit if your kids are going through an astronaut phase!
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is one of the ACT’s most well-known gems, and for good reason! It’s only 45 minutes from Canberra and offers the chance to see Australian wildlife in its natural habitat along the bushy walking trails. This includes koalas, kangaroos, emus, and the endangered brush-tailed rock wallaby. Tidbinbilla is renowned all over Australia for the role it plays in protecting these species and their habitats through its leading conservation programs. The fact that it’s open to the public is amazing – it’s a wonderful opportunity to appreciate Australia’s unique wildlife and learn about what we can do to preserve it.
There are 24 marked trails at Tidbinbilla, ranging from short walks to full-day hikes. There are also plenty of BBQs, playgrounds, and picnic spots, making it the perfect place for a family day out. If you’re looking for something educational, Tidbinbilla also runs school holiday programs and ranger-guided activities!
There are also plenty of opportunities to learn about Aboriginal culture and history. Tidbinbilla has been a sacred historical place for the indigenous Ngunnawal people for tens of thousands of years. The name ‘Tidbinbilla’ comes from the Ngunnawal word ‘Jedbinbilla’, which means ‘where boys become men’. This highlights the special relationship Ngunnawal men have with the valley and its use for ceremonies and passing on traditional customary men’s lore/law.
Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex
Just a short drive (8 kilometres) from Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve lies the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex, which is a vital part of NASA’s Deep Space Network. It’s one of only three Deep Space Network stations around the world.
This facility plays a crucial role in communicating with space missions, including interplanetary spacecraft and orbiting satellites. It’s home to several large antennas, including the impressive 70-meter dish, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The visitor centre offers exhibits on space missions, the science of space communication, and the history of the complex.
Gibraltar Falls
Gibraltar Falls is a stunning natural waterfall located just over 45 kilometres away from Canberra. The falls cascade over a 50-meter granite rock face, creating a mesmerizing display of water. Visitors can easily reach a viewing platform via a short, accessible path from the nearby parking area. The platform offers a safe spot to enjoy the full beauty of the falls.
If you love nature and photography, this is the place for you, especially after rainfall when the water flow is at its peak. There are also nearby picnic areas and information signs that provide insight into the geological history of the area and its surrounding environment.
While the water is beautiful, it’s important to note that it’s not safe to swim in because of unsafe conditions. As of March 2024, Gibraltar Falls is closed to the public, while more safety fences are being built after two falling deaths last year.
Brindabella Mountain Ranges
The Brindabella Mountain Ranges, or the Brindies as locals call them, are a mountain range that saddles the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales border. You can often see its snow-topped peaks from Canberra in the colder months. This range is part of the Australian Alps and is home to rolling hills, dense forests, and clear mountain streams.
It’s only 1 hour and 20 minutes from Canberra via a scenic drive through the countryside and is the perfect setting for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and camping. The Brindabellas are also rich in wildlife, with opportunities to spot kangaroos, wombats, and 80 bird species in their natural habitat.
For hiking enthusiasts, the range has challenging trails and the reward of panoramic views from the higher peaks. The highest peak in the Brindabellas is Mount Coree, with an altitude of 1421m. To hike to the top, it’s a steep 5.6km, but you can also drive right to the summit if you choose! The road condition isn’t the best though, so practice caution in wet weather.
Bungendore & Braidwood
Bungendore and Braidwood are two quaint historical towns just east of Canberra. Bungendore is the closest, just under a 40-minute drive from Canberra. Bungendore is known for its well-preserved colonial buildings, thriving arts scene, and craftsmanship. The town’s Wood Works Gallery is one of its biggest attractions, with fine wood art and contemporary furniture crafted by local artisans. There are also some lovely wineries, cafes and restaurants to stop in at.
The best time to visit Bungendore is during winter because it’s truffle season! Turalla Truffles is a farm in Bungendore that cultivates black truffles, and it offers truffle hunting tours with its specially trained Jack Russels truffle-finding dogs.
Keep driving another 30 minutes to get to Braidwood, one of the prettiest towns in all of New South Wales. It’s known for its colonial buildings, beautiful deciduous trees, and rustic beauty. It’s so pretty that it’s served as the backdrop for iconic Australian movies like Ned Kelly. Browse through the many antique stores and have a pie at the famous Braidwood Bakery. Finish off your visit with a pint at the Braidwood Hotel, a classic Gregorian-style pub. I recommend visiting Braidwood just as the leaves start to fall – it’s breathtaking.
Kosciuszko National Park
Kosciuszko National Park is three hours’ drive from Canberra and home to the Snowy Mountains, picturesque towns like Crackenback and Jindabyne, as well as Australia’s tallest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Climbing the peak is a 13km return hike that reaches an elevation of 2,228 metres.
In the winter months, Kosciuszko turns into a winter wonderland and a massive hub for snow sports at ski resorts like Thredbo and Perisher. The ski season runs from June to October, with the best snow in July and August. People come from all over Australia for the world-class slopes. It’s still beautiful in the warm months, though (and less crowded) – visitors can hike, fish, and bike. It’s also the best time to climb Mount Kosciuszko!
You can explore the caves through either guided and self-guided tours to learn about the cave’s unique geology and history. One of the highlights of the caves is the Thermal Pool, which is fed by a natural spring at a constant temperature of 27 degrees, making it perfect for a relaxing swim after a day of exploration.
Canberra District Wine Region
Canberra’s cool climate makes it perfect for wine, especially Shiraz, Riesling, and Pinot Noir. There are 140 vineyards and more than 40 wineries near Canberra, all within a 35-minute drive of the city. Most of the vineyards are near Murrumbateman, Lake George, and surrounding areas, but there are even some neighbouring Canberra Airport.
Any one of them would make a perfect day trip, but there are a few that really stand out. Eden Road Wines and Four Winds Vineyard near Murrumbateman are some of the most popular.
I recommend booking one of the many available cellar door tours so you can see a few in one day and not have to worry about driving! These tours give you the opportunity to learn about the wine-making process and the specifics of cool-climate viticulture. Many wineries also feature gourmet restaurants that pair local wines with fresh regional produce, providing a complete culinary experience.
The Southern Highlands
The Southern Highlands is a region known for its picturesque towns, lush landscapes, and cooler climate. It’s just a two-hour drive from Canberra and offers plenty of natural beauty, history, and culture. The Southern Highlands are famed for its well-preserved historic villages like Bowral, Berrima, and Moss Vale. These towns are chockablock with antique shops, boutiques, and gourmet cafes.
Bowral, the largest town in the Highlands, hosts the annual Tulip Time Festival, one of Australia’s oldest and best-loved floral festivals. The festival draws thousands of people every year, eager to see the vibrant display of tulips at Corbett Gardens.
If you’ve got a green thumb, you’ll find lots to love. The Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens showcases plants that thrive in the cooler climate. There are also several national parks and nature reserves ideal for bushwalking and birdwatching.
The Southern Highlands is also becoming known for its cool-climate wines, with several vineyards and cellars offering tastings and sales.
Kangaroo Valley
Kangaroo Valley, located between the Southern Highlands and the South Coast, is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty and rural charm. This lush valley is encased by mountains and has the Kangaroo River flowing through it, making it a prime location for outdoor activities like kayaking, canoeing, and bushwalking.
One of Kangaroo Valley’s main attractions is the Hampden Bridge, Australia’s oldest suspension bridge still in use. The Kangaroo Valley village itself is quaint – you’ll find a main street lined with cafes, galleries, and shops selling local crafts and produce.
Kangaroo Valley is also a hub for wildlife, offering visitors the chance to see native Australian animals in their natural habitat, including kangaroos, wombats, and birds unique to the region. If you’re interested in history, the Pioneer Village Museum can teach you all about when the valley was settled in the 19th century.
The South Coast
The South Coast is a slice of paradise with its expansive sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, only a couple of hours’ drive from Canberra. The region stretches from Wollongong down to the Victorian border and is dotted with vibrant coastal towns like Batemans Bay, Jervis Bay, Narooma, and Merimbula.
Batemans Bay is a hotspot for seafood lovers and beachgoers, with ample opportunities for boating and fishing. Narooma is a gateway to Montague Island, known for its snorkelling sites and a resident seal colony. No matter where I’m going on the South Coast, I always stop in to say hi to the seal colony. It’s so special to be able to see seals that close.
If you want to see even more marine wildlife, Merimbula and Tathra shine during whale-watching season. They offer tours that provide close encounters with these gentle giants. Paying for a tour isn’t a requirement to see the whales, though – sit on the historic Tathra Wharf for long enough during whale-watching season, and you’re bound to spot one.
Which Day Trip Will You Be Taking?
This list goes to show that Canberra is perfectly placed for exploring. From the wild landscapes of Namadgi National Park to the charming streets of Bungendore and Braidwood, there’s a day trip for everyone. Whether you’re up for a mountain hike, keen to taste local food and wine, or looking to delve into history, there are so many great experiences at your fingertips in Canberra!