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The 5 best day trips from Canberra

 
Hello Canberra
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Canberra is made for day trips.

Whether you’re a bushwalker, nature lover, wine sipper or coastal chaser, a day away is one of the easiest ways to reset and see a little more of what’s around you.

With mountains, beaches, country towns and wine regions all within a few hours’ drive, Canberra puts some pretty incredible places within easy reach. Ready to get away for the day? Here are some of the best places to visit near Canberra and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

Bowral

Drive time from ANU: 3 hours

If you’re looking for a taste of the English countryside without the long-haul flight, Bowral is the perfect spot. Think grassy plains, grand old buildings and enough floral gardens to make you want to start speaking in a Regency accent. This small town in the Southern Highlands of NSW is an idyllic escape from Canberra. It’s so picturesque, in fact, that Netflix’s Bridgerton hosted events there for its season three premiere, complete with appearances from some of the show’s stars.

What to do and see:

A Highland cow stands in a grassy landscape beside a lake, with trees and warm sunset light in the background.

Bowral is simply enchanting, with plenty to do and see. Image: Visit NSW

NSW South Coast

Drive time from ANU: 2.5 hours

While Kambah Pool might be Canberra’s closest thing to a beach, the real coastline is only a couple of hours away. The NSW South Coast is dotted with charming seaside towns, where you can swap lecture halls and office days for oysters, waves and sunshine. For Canberrans, some of the most popular spots include Batemans Bay, Narooma and Mollymook.

What to do and see:

Three people stand on a rocky coastline looking out at the ocean, with waves breaking between cliffs.

The NSW South Coast is a go-to destination for anyone in the ACT. Image: Visit NSW

Yass Valley

Drive time from ANU: 45 minutes

If your ideal day trip involves rolling hills, cellar doors and a country town main street, Yass Valley is calling your name. Just under an hour from Canberra, the region brings together heritage buildings, cool-climate wine, local produce and some very pretty countryside scenery. Start with a coffee in town, linger over lunch at a vineyard and still make it back to Canberra with daylight to spare.

What to do and see:

  • Lake George Winery to sample award-winning wines and enjoy scenic lake views
  • Cooma Cottage to step into history at the home of famous explorer Hamilton Hume
  • Some Café for delicious coffee, plus famous canned goods and pantry staples
A group of people ride horses in the Yass Valley along a lakeside trail at sunset, with reflections on the water.

The Yass Valley has everything from horses to antique stores and amazing coffee. Image: Visit Yass Valley

ACT national parks

Drive time from ANU: 45 minutes - 1 hour

If you’re after a day trip with proper fresh air, striking landscapes and the chance to spot some very cute Australian native animals, Namadgi National Park and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve are hard to beat. Namadgi is a rugged landscape that has been cared for by the Ngunnawal people for tens of thousands of years. Nearby, Tidbinbilla is home to bushland, wetlands, walking trails and wildlife galore.

Keep an eye out for koalas, cockatoos, emus and the Southern Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby which is native to Tidbinbilla.

What to do and see:

Three people hike along a sunlit bushwalking trail in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve through tall trees.

Drive up to an hour and see unbelievable nature at ACT national parks. Image: VisitCanberra

The Snowy Mountains

Drive time from ANU: 3 hours

Don't let the name fool you. The Snowy Mountains are worth the drive any time of year, not just when the snow rolls in. About three hours from Canberra, the Kosciuszko National Park region offers some of the best hiking, mountain biking and scenic walks in the country, with the kind of views that make the trip feel worthwhile before you've even stopped the car.

Come winter, Perisher and Thredbo turn the region into one of Australia's top ski destinations, drawing everyone from first-timers to seasoned skiers from June through to late September.

What to do and see:

  • Thredbo and Perisher for snow sports in winter, and mountain biking and alpine hiking in the warmer months
  • The Main Range walk for sweeping views of the high country and a walk up to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, Australia's highest peak
  • Charlotte Pass for a quieter base in winter, with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the doorstep
Two hikers walk along a raised track through the Snowy Mountains, with rocky hills and alpine lakes in the background.

Despite the name, the Snowy Mountains are a travel destination all year round. Image: Visit NSW

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No time to get away? Then holiday at home! You don't need to leave Canberra to have a great time. Check out what’s on in Canberra.