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The 10 best day trips from Canberra: coast, wineries, and scenic escapes
The best day trips from Canberra include wine-tasting in Murrumbateman, hiking in the Snowy Mountains, and fishing in Batemans Bay and Jervis Bay.
Some of the best day trips from Canberra include Murrumbateman Wine Region, Gundaroo, Southern Highlands, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Namadgi National Park, Snowy Mountains, Batemans Bay, Huskisson and Jervis Bay, Braidwood, and Bungendore.
This guide explores the best day trips from Canberra, with travel times, the quickest ways to get there, and the must-see highlights at each destination.
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Best day trips from Canberra at a glance
Below is a quick overview of the best day trips from Canberra by car with all the info you’d need for your travel. These destinations are perfect for couples, nature lovers, families, history buffs, foodies, and solo travellers in Australia.
| Day trip destination | Highlights | Travel time from Perth | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Murrumbateman Wine Region | Wineries, cellar doors, chocolate shops, countryside views | ~30–40 min drive | Couples, foodies |
| Gundaroo | Heritage village, historic pub, heritage walk, wineries | ~30–40 min drive | Couples, history lovers |
| Southern Highlands | National parks, heritage towns, wineries, seasonal festivals | ~2 hr drive / ~3–4 hr train | Couples, nature lovers |
| Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve | Wildlife spotting, easy trails, Sanctuary Loop, picnic areas | ~40 min drive | Families, nature lovers |
| Namadgi National Park | Hiking trails, Aboriginal sites, Mount Tennent, remote landscapes | ~45–60 min drive | Hikers, outdoor enthusiasts |
| Snowy Mountains | Mount Kosciuszko hike, alpine scenery, skiing, Lake Jindabyne | ~2.5–3 hr drive | Adventurers, nature lovers |
| Batemans Bay | Beaches, seafood, coastal walks, Clyde River | ~2 hr drive / ~3–4 hr bus | Families, beach lovers |
| Huskisson and Jervis Bay | White-sand beaches, dolphin cruises, snorkelling, coastal walks | ~2.5–3 hr drive / ~4–5 hr bus | Couples, beach lovers |
| Braidwood | Historic streets, antique shops, cafes, heritage buildings | ~1 hr drive / ~1.5–2 hr bus | Solo travellers, history lovers |
| Bungendore | Art galleries, woodworks, cafes, nearby wineries | ~30–40 min drive / ~40–50 min train | Couples, foodies |
Best romantic day trips from Canberra for couples
Here are some of the best places to visit near Canberra if you’re planning a date or looking for a romantic escape with your partner.
Murrumbateman Wine Region
Murrumbateman is a former gold mining town known as the wine capital of the Canberra District. It’s a popular day trip from Canberra for its scenic vineyards, cellar doors, and relaxed countryside setting.
You can visit well-known wineries like Clonakilla and Shaw Wines, or stop by the Murrumbateman Chocolate Company for local treats. The area also has historic sites such as Cooma Cottage, the former home of explorer Hamilton Hume, and Allwood Cottage.
- Drive time from Canberra: ~30–40 minutes
- Where: ~40 km from Canberra
Tip! Before planning your car ride, check the requirements for driving in Australia, including road regulations and license rules.
Gundaroo
Gundaroo is a charming 19th-century riverside village in the Yass Valley, known for its heritage buildings and peaceful countryside setting. It’s home to the historic Gundaroo Inn, a 144-year-old, heritage-listed, Gold Rush-era pub.
You can explore the town through the Gundaroo Heritage Walk, a self-guided route featuring around 25 historic sites, including the 1872 Colonial Inn and Clemenger’s Cottage. There are also nearby wineries, making it ideal for a romantic day trip from Canberra.
- Drive time from Canberra: ~30–40 minutes
- Where: ~35 km from Canberra
Southern Highlands
The Southern Highlands is a scenic region in New South Wales known for its cool climate, national parks, and charming heritage towns, making it an ideal romantic day trip from Perth.
You can visit Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a rainforest walk or zipline, or explore the Bradman Museum if you’re a cricket fan. Popular towns to explore include Bowral, Mittagong, Moss Vale, Burrawang, and Bundanoon.
Seasonal highlights include the Pie Trail in June and the Tulip Time Festival in September, along with antique shops, cafes, and countryside views.
- Drive time from Canberra: ~2 hours
- Where: ~120–150 km from Canberra
- Public transport: ~3–4 hours by train (via Sydney to Bowral or Mittagong)
Best nature and outdoor day trips from Canberra
Below are some of the best day trips from Canberra if you want to reconnect with nature or enjoy outdoor activities.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is one of the best places near Canberra to see native wildlife up close. The Sanctuary area is a highlight, where you can often spot koalas, platypus, and birdlife, while kangaroos and emus roam freely across the reserve.
For walks, try the Sanctuary Loop for an easy circuit, or the Gibraltar Peak Trail for panoramic views over the valley. There are also picnic areas and a visitor centre if you want a relaxing stop.
- Drive time from Canberra: ~40 minutes
- Where: ~40 km from Canberra
Tip! Before your nature trip, consider getting travel insurance for Australia to stay covered while exploring remote areas and participating in outdoor activities like hiking.
Namadgi National Park
Namadgi National Park is known for its remote wilderness and longer hiking routes. One of the most popular spots is Honeysuckle Creek, which has walking trails and a historic space tracking station site.
You can also hike to Mount Tennent for a challenging full-day trek, or explore Aboriginal rock art sites and historic huts like Brayshaws Hut. Facilities are limited, so it’s best to plan ahead.
- Drive time from Canberra: ~45–60 minutes
- Where: ~45 km from Canberra
Snowy Mountains
The Snowy Mountains offer some of the most dramatic landscapes in New South Wales. In warmer months, you can hike the Mount Kosciuszko Summit Walk (18.6 km return from Thredbo), Australia’s highest peak.
In winter, from June to September, areas like Perisher and Thredbo turn into ski resorts for snowboarding and skiing. Even outside ski season, the region is great for scenic drives, alpine lakes, and lookout points like Lake Jindabyne.
- Drive time from Canberra: ~2.5–3 hours
- Where: ~200–250 km from Canberra
Best coastal and small-town day trips from Canberra
Below are some of the best day trips from Canberra for coastal spots and small towns, with beaches, shops, and relaxed scenery.
Batemans Bay
Batemans Bay is a coastal town on the South Coast of New South Wales, known for its beaches, fresh seafood, and seaside views.
You can swim or unwind at Corrigans Beach, walk along the Clyde River foreshore, or enjoy fresh oysters and fish and chips at waterfront spots. For views, head to Observation Head Lookout, or visit nearby Mogo Wildlife Park. The area is also popular for fishing, kayaking, and short coastal walks.
- Drive time from Canberra: ~2 hours
- Where: ~150 km from Canberra
- Public transport: ~3–4 hours by coach/bus from Canberra, with limited daily departures
Huskisson and Jervis Bay
Located in Jervis Bay, Huskisson is known for its white-sand beaches and clear turquoise water.
You can visit Hyams Beach, often said to have some of the whitest sand in the world, or join a dolphin- or whale-watching cruise, with whale season running from May to November. The area is also great for snorkelling, kayaking, and walking the White Sands Walk along the coast.
- Drive time from Canberra: ~2.5–3 hours
- Where: ~190 km from Canberra
- Public transport: ~4–5 hours by bus (usually with transfers)
Braidwood
Step back in time in Braidwood, a historic country town known for its well-preserved colonial buildings and heritage streets.
You can explore the town centre to see 19th-century pubs and cottages, browse antique stores, bookshops, and boutiques, or stop at local cafés and bakeries. It’s also a popular stop on the way to the coast for a break.
- Drive time from Canberra: ~1 hour
- Where: ~85 km from Canberra
- Public transport: ~1.5–2 hours by regional bus, but services are limited
Bungendore
Just a short drive from Canberra, Bungendore offers a relaxed village atmosphere with a focus on local art and crafts.
You can visit the Bungendore Wood Works Gallery, explore local art galleries and gift shops, or enjoy a slow meal at a cafe. There are also nearby wineries and cellar doors, making it a good option for a quick food and wine trip.
- Drive time from Canberra: ~30–40 minutes
- Where: ~35 km from Canberra
- Public transport: ~40–50 minutes by direct train from Canberra (Kingston Station)
Practical tips for planning day trips from Canberra
Before heading out on your day trip from Canberra, make sure you have the following covered to avoid any problems later.
- Rent a car if possible: Most destinations are easier to reach by car, especially if you want to visit multiple stops in one day.
- Book ahead for wineries: Cellar door tastings can fill up quickly, particularly on weekends and during peak seasons.
- Check public transport schedules: Coach and train services are limited, so confirm departure and return times in advance.
- Plan for the weather: Temperatures can vary widely, especially in the Snowy Mountains (colder) and the South Coast (warmer).
- Stay connected: Use an Australian SIM card or travel eSIM for navigation and updates in rural areas.
- Start early: Longer trips like Jervis Bay or the Snowy Mountains require an early start to make the most of your day.
- Pack essentials: Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and layers, especially for outdoor or remote destinations.
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