Best Day Trips from Canberra

Canberra's location in the Australian Capital Territory and its proximity to the Snowy Mountains, the NSW Southern Tablelands, and the South Coast makes it an excellent base for day trips of extraordinary variety. Within two hours you can be skiing in the Snowy Mountains (in season), swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the NSW South Coast, or exploring the colonial heritage of the Southern Tablelands.

Namadgi National Park — which covers nearly half of the ACT — begins at the city's western edge and offers superb hiking, wildlife, and Aboriginal rock art within 30 minutes of the CBD. Bungendore and Braidwood are charming heritage towns popular for weekend escapes. The Canberra District wine region produces excellent cool-climate Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Shiraz, with cellar doors accessible within 30-45 minutes of the city. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Murrumbateman wine country, and the historic Gunning village add further options.