📍16 Best Day Trips From Canberra Within 3 Hours Drive From A Road Trip Enthusiast. (2024.)
WONDERING WHAT THE BEST DAY TRIPS FROM CANBERRA ARE?
While Canberra may be Australia’s capital and political epicentre, the meticulously designed showpiece of the nation doesn’t get nearly as much love from travellers looking to explore the country as many other destinations due to its unfortunate official status as not being the most exciting place to visit.
However, while it has plenty of outstanding attractions which aren’t Parliament House that people can visit, such as the poignant Australian War Memorial, the breathtaking observation deck atop the Telstra Tower, and the quirky miniatures at Cockington Green, don’t just stick to the city as there are many phenomenal places to visit within 3 hours drive of the CBD well worth visiting.
Whether it’s roaming the modern-day charred ruins of space-age technology, learning about one of the greatest engineering wonders of the world, exploring the continent’s only alpine wilderness and going underground to visit subterranean worlds, here are my favourite places to take scenic day trips from Canberra that I discovered while travelling extensively throughout the ACT and the South East Tablelands region of New South Wales.
👉 My top 3 picks for the best Canberra Day Trips:
- Within An Hour: Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.
- Within 2 Hours: Cooma & Wagabilla NP.
- Within 3 Hours: Kosciuszko National Park.
Planning Your Trip? Use My Favourite Resources!
Tours/Experiences: I recommend Viator.
Accommodation: I recommend Booking.com.
Renting Vehicles: I recommend RentalCars.com.
Best Day Trips In Canberra
Within 1 Hour Drive.
If you’d rather spend more time exploring the sites than driving to get there, these fantastic day trip destinations are all within an hour’s drive from the CBD, meaning you’ll discover all these places have to offer in no time. What’s also great about these locations is that because they don’t take long to reach, you won’t need to leave at the crack of dawn to make the most out of it. You can start much later in the day, which is a guaranteed way not to annoy the other people in your party, who may or may not be as excited to lose out on sleep as you are.
1. Cotter Precinct.
The Cotter Precinct is one of the capital’s most beloved nature escapes. Part of the Murrumbidgee River Corridor, the beautiful and popular recreation area is less than half an hour’s drive west of the CBD and sits just downstream of Cotter Dam, the last and lowest of the ACT’s three interconnected lakes that collect snowmelt from Australia’s only alpine mountain range.
Cotter Avenue is the main visitor area with gorgeous views looking up at the dam wall from the end of the car park. But an even better location to see it is from the short Cotter Dam Discovery Trail, which has a suspension bridge and a 16-metre long, amphitheatre-style observation deck overlooking the structure along with information panels detailing notable aspects about its construction.
The precinct is also a favourite for wild swimming. And that’s where Cotter Bend and Casurina Sands shine. These beautiful spots downstream of the dam wall have beautiful sandy golden beaches with gentle slopes that make getting in and out of the water a breeze, and with its typically shallow depth and gentle flow, it is the perfect place to visit for family adventures on hot summer days when all you want to do is cool down.
What’s also great about these places is that scattered across all three are plenty of grassy areas, sheltered tables, free electric BBQ and playground equipment for enjoying a relaxing outdoor picnic and get-together with friends and relatives. Furthermore, the nearby Lower Cotter Catchment Reserve is home to a network of stunning walking trails leading to several spectacular viewpoints overlooking the picturesque lake from the surrounding hilltops.
And if that wasn’t all, the Cotter Precinct also has a campground (book online), meaning it’s not just one of the capital’s best nearby day trip destinations, but also among its best weekend escapes. And that’s before telling you it has hot showers too!
- Distance From Canberra CBD: 24km.
- Minimum Time To Traverse: 24min.
- Other Places To Visit En Route: Mt Stromlo Observatory & Stromlo Forest Bike Park.
2. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. – $.
One of the best day trips from Canberra for couples and families who love natural landscapes, native animals and cultural heritage sites is easily Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. This expansive 54.5km2 protected area that lies 48km southwest of the city showcases all three along its 20+ marked tracks ranging from grade 1-5 and other easy-to-access attractions that sit right next to their respective parking lots
Discover stunning viewpoints overlooking the state’s highest peaks, bask at picturesque cascading waterfalls, explore Aboriginal rite of passage gathering sites where “boys became men”, and marvel at the architectural beauty of the region’s pioneer homesteads.
Along with preserving the state’s natural and cultural heritage, Tidbinbilla was also established to safeguard the flora and, more delightfully, the fauna. Kids will especially love seeing all the endemic animals that call these places home. The ponds at the Sanctuary were where I saw the notoriously elusive platypus for the first time while the resident swan was calmly sitting on its nest incubating her eggs next to the walkway.
Meanwhile, at Flint’s, a rare and uniquely white pigment-less kangaroo stood out from the rest of her large regularly-coloured gang, and seeing her was a truly unforgettable experience! I was told she’s also local so there’s a good chance you can see her too. There are also dedicated spacious enclosures for specific species of animals such as the Eucalypt Forest for the endangered koalas and Barayngu Murawung for the critically endangered southern brush-tailed rock wallaby, but I had no such luck seeing any.
The nature reserve also has three dedicated picnic areas nestled amongst the trees that have free gas, electric and woodfire BBQs and plenty of grassy areas and covered tables, so while you’re out exploring the many trails and attractions, you can take some time out and enjoy a romantic outdoor lunch with your significant other or BBQ get-together with family and friends, where those with young kids will love Sheedys, which has the Nature Discovery Playground for them to run wild on, making this place a fantastic all-round day trip destination.
Note: Tidbinbilla is paid entry per. However, because of work needing to be done on the Visitor Information Centre, fees are currently waived. Check the website to see if it’s still applicable or if they have done the repairs and it’s back to business as usual.
- Distance From Canberra CBD: 48km.
- Minimum Time To Traverse: 48min.
- Other Places To Visit En Route: Mt Stromlo Observatory & Stromlo Forest Bike Park, Cotter Precinct, Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex.
Namadgi National Park.
When it comes to outdoor experiences close to Canberra, no place is more magnificent and full of natural beauty than Namadgi National Park. Although it occupies a significant portion of the ACT, this massive wilderness area, covering over 1061 km2, is easily the capital’s most severely underrated gem.
What makes it so spectacular is that not only does it have some incredible geographical landmarks and numerous Aboriginal and early European heritage sites, but this breathtaking national park is also part of the Australian Alps, the country’s only alpine region, home to the nation’s highest summits, including Mt Kosciuszko, and the only place is that receives consistent annual snowfall, making it worthy of many visits.
3. Southern Expanse.
The southern part of Namadgi National Park is the most accessible and visitable section of this expansive wilderness area, covering the entire lower half of the ACT. Getting there involves a beautiful scenic drive through the capital’s most gorgeous terrain and discovering its epic walking trails, which is unequivocally Canberra’s best day trip destination.
Of the many phenomenal options, the two of my favourites doable in a day include Booroomba Rocks, a short but challenging 2.5km return walk to the top of a magnificent exposed granite cliff face that overlooks the national park’s northern expanse, Yerrabi Walking Track, another challenging 4km return hike that goes through several microclimates to the exposed granite slab peering down to the impressive Boboyan Trig boulder.
As for heritage sites, the easy 6km return Yankee Hat trail leads to ancient Aboriginal artwork of pre-colonial life depicted by the Ngunnawal people, the traditional owners of the land, and the 6 or 9km Settlers Route track at the very tip of the national park, near the Mt Clear campground, goes to several pioneers homesteads that early European Settlers resides in while working the land are also highly recommended.
Note: The Yankee Hat trail is still closed after the 2019/2020 bushfires as of March 2024.
4. Western Expanse.
Along the western border of the ACT lies Namadgi National Park’s less frequented but equally magnificent wilderness zone. One of the best trails for scenery is Mt Aggie which has nothing but panoramic views of the pristine mountain wilderness, while the challenging 14.5km return Mt Gingera trail is a superb day-trek adventure for quick hikers looking for a spectacular visual reward.
As for heritage, the Mt Franklin walk goes to the burnt out ruins of the Mt Franklin Chalet, the oldest club-built ski lodge on mainland Australia, accompanied by a large corrugated iron interpretive shelter recalling the areas bygone days as a ski resort, before going up a ski run to the top of the summit, where an old ski tow and a lovely view of the landscape awaits while the Bendora Arboretum track goes to conifers planted in the 1900s for research purposes.
You can also visit Canberra’s highest dam, Bendora Dam, however, like the other alpine lakes in the ACT, you can only observe it and not enjoy water activities in it.
Other Places To Visit En Route: Cotter Precinct.
Other Areas Of Namagi National Park: Corin Dam.
5. Googong Reservoir.
Although the ACT is home to four lakes, only one is available for recreational use: Lake Burleigh Griffin, the ornamental water body Canberra was meticulously created around. The other three, Bendora Dam, Corin Dam and Cotter Dam, don’t allow any water access to preserve their alpine purity, which provides residents of the nation’s capital with some of the cleanest drinking water in the country.
But if you’d like to do some aquatic activities away from the city in the serenity of nature, Googong Reservoir, also a water source for the ACT in neighbouring NSW, is the perfect day drive destination.
Googong’s Northern Foreshore, 29km from the city centre, is the closest of the two public day-use areas and has boat launching facilities that permit the use of sailing boats, canoes, kayaks and boats with electric motors for exploring the lake from the water. It also has several beautiful walking trails leading to the Dam Wall Lookout and into a river gorge known as the Cascades.
Meanwhile, the Southern Foreshore, 15km away, is fantastic for discovering local heritage sites, such as the historic London Bridge Homestead and woolshed and shearer’s quarters in addition to stunning natural landmarks like the natural London Bridge Arch. The 19.7km Western Foreshore through-trail connects the two areas and makes a fantastic full-day hike or half-day cycle.
- Distance From Canberra CBD To North Googong, To South Googong: 29km, 42km.
- Minimum Time To Traverse: 34min, 50min.
- Other Places To Visit En Route: Queanbeyan Museum, Queanbeyan Drive-In Movie Theatre.
Best Day Trips Within 2 Hours
From Canberra.
Those looking for places to visit near Canberra within a 2-hour drive are spoilt for choice for day trip destinations. From the picturesque Snowy Monaro and Yass Valley countryside to the breathtaking Sapphire Coast, there are so many beautiful places in New South Wales’ spectacular South East Tablelands region to explore that it’s hard to know which direction to go.
6. Cooma.
If it’s a town you’re looking to spend the day exploring, Cooma, 117km south along the Monaro Highway, is easily the best place to visit near Canberra. Home to the unmissable Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre, it offers a deep dive into the ambitious engineering feat of the Snowy Mountains Scheme. This historical project not only showcases the innovative spirit behind the monumental task of interconnecting 16 dams across the country’s only alpine region but also sheds light on its role in shaping Australia’s identity as a multicultural nation thanks to the tireless contribution of wartorn migrants coming from over 30 countries to work on this project.
Another place well worth visiting is the Corrective Services NSW Crime Through Time Museum, an informative attraction filled with intriguing gaol memorabilia from different eras of imprisonment, providing a fascinating insight into the region’s convict past and the change from corporal punishment to reformation. What makes it so unique is how it is run: with working prison guards assisted by current minimum-security inmates, the only place in Australia to do so! You can even purchase a souvenir made by one of them and my favourite, pull the level on the old gallow.
Cooma also has some beautiful lookouts that are fantastic to visit at sunrise or sunset. Two of the highlights are Nanny Goat Hill in town which overlooks the picturesque urban centre and Mount Gladstone, just off the highway en route to Jindabyne, which has lovely views facing westward across the countryside. The latter is also home to the local Mountain Bike Park, a fantastic way to jam-pack in some adrenaline-pumping thrills into a day out at the Capital Of The Snowy Mountains for those who like to tear up the terrain on two wheels.
- Distance From Canberra CBD To Cooma: 117km.
- Minimum Time To Traverse: 1hr 24min.
- Other Places To Visit En Route: Bunyan Railway Station.
7. Wadbilliga National Park.
If you don’t think spending time in Cooma will be enough to fill the day and want to discover more of what the natural landscape nearby has to offer, then visiting Wadgabilla National Park, 41km away, is a must, especially since it only has two main attractions that are easily doable between sunrise and sunset for people of moderate fitness level.
The first is the Cascades Walking Track, the short 0.8km grade 3 return walk to a picturesque viewing platform that overlooks the stunning Tuross River tumbling into the serene rockpool, which forms the perfect wild swimming hole. While that’s a gorgeous sight, the longer and more challenging Tuross Fall Walking Track (4km, grade 4 return) is well worth the hike as it leads to another observation deck that overlooks the impressive waterfall of the same name as it plunges down a 190m cliff face.
If you have a 4WD, mountain bike, or registered motorbike, Wadgabilla is even more inviting as it has a 35km stretch of diverse offroad terrain. It cuts through the middle of the national park, going through various environments such as high river valley catchments, coastal forest foothills, rainforests and heathlands, providing fantastic opportunities for rugged outdoor adventures, especially for those seeking an alternative to get to the ocean towns.
- Distance From Canberra CBD To Wadbilliga NP: 158km.
- Minimum Time To Traverse: 2hr 7min
- Other Places To Visit En Route: Bunyan Railway Station, Cooma.
8. Yass & Lake Burrunjuck.
If you want to explore what there is to offer in the other direction, Yass is a picturesque town with some incredible heritage attractions well worth seeking out. The most notable is Cooma Cottage, the former home of Australia’s first native-born explorer, Hamilton Hume, who, along with British-born sea captain William Hovell, led an expedition where they famously discovered a route between Sydney and Melbourne, most of which subsequently became the Hume Highway.
You can also walk some of the original Hovell To Hume trail that didn’t become a national highway nearby and even see his burial site, where he rests alongside his wife, Elizabeth, in the Yass General Cemetery.
Then make your way to Lake Burrinjuck, a scenic 40-minute drive west of Yass along the Hume Highway (M31) and Burrinjuck Road, where you can indulge in various water activities like swimming, kayaking, boating, jet skiing and more. It’s also great for picnics, BBQs and walks. However, access to the water is only by utilizing the caravan park’s facilities, where a day-use fee applies.
- Distance From Canberra CBD To Yass, To Lake Burrinjuck: 58km, 116km.
- Minimum Time To Traverse: 1hr, 1hr 40min.
- Other Places To Visit En Route: Carolls Creek Waterfall.
9. Wee Jasper.
For those looking for the ultimate secluded nature escape for you and your significant other within an hour’s drive, you don’t need to look any further than Wee Jasper, as there is no better contender for romantic day trips from Canberra than this one. Wee Jasper is an incredibly picturesque and secluded village in the rolling foothills around Lake Burrinjuck’s southernmost tip, creating a dreamy backdrop for a romantic self-sufficient getaway.
It has several stunning reserves featuring beautiful creeks, waterfalls and walking trails. And because it’s way out back and beyond, it also has excellent stargazing and camping opportunities, making it a fantastic place to get to know one another better.
However, one place to visit before nightfall with incredible ecological beauty is Careys Cave, a breathtaking 400 million-year-old limestone cave with stalagmites and stalactites formed by ancient corals. The guy who runs a private tour of it is a bit of a divisive character who went way overtime with what was supposed to be a one-hour tour and has mixed reviews, so just a major heads up that he does talk a lot which many people online who were on the same tour as me didn’t appreciate (a significant amount of time was him talking to us outside before even going inside the cave).
- Distance From Canberra CBD: 84km.
- Minimum Time To Traverse: 1hr 15min.
- Other Places To Visit En Route: Yass. (Loop.)
Best Day Trip Destinations
Under 3 Hours Drive.
For those who don’t mind leaving before the crack of dawn and making the most of the 24 hours they have, here are the ultimate day drives from Canberra within 3 hours that have no shortage of outstanding natural beauty and cultural heritage to explore, from alpine peaks, underground caves, abandoned gold mining towns and prisoner of war sites.
10. Jindabyne.
One of Canberra’s best day trip destinations further afield is Jindabyne. Located just over 2 hours from the nation’s capital and 63km west of the Cooma, the Capital Of The Snowy Mountains, this gateway to Australia’s Alpine Playground is a stunning place to visit year-round.
The lake it sits on the shores of is no ordinary impounded dam. Lake Jindabyne is one of the 16 interconnected lakes of the landmark engineering feat, the Snowy Mountains Scheme, created to provide a sustainable water source for residents in the Murrumbidgee and Murray River basins and to generate renewable hydroelectricity for a significant portion of the states by moving water between dams.
On it, you can enjoy relaxing activities like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing or something more adrenaline-pumping, like boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, or tubing. Meanwhile at the Visitor Information Centre, you can get a brief overview of what it took to complete one of the most technologically advanced accomplishments in the world in harsh and challenging alpine conditions. (You can learn even more about it at Cooma’s Snowy Discover Centre en route to Jindabyne.)
More things to do in Jindabyne include heading to Australia’s highest brewery, the Banjo Paterson Pub and drinking their signature beer Kosciuszko Pale Ale, named after the nation’s tallest mountain, Mt Kosciuszko, which is just a 42km drive and a 9km walk west of town.
Speaking of the landscapes surrounding Jindabyne, one of the most breathtaking ways to appreciate this spectacular alpine region is to fork out for a scenic helicopter ride, which has incredible options to enjoy an unforgettable aerial perspective of the town’s famous lake, the country’s highest peaks, including Mt Kosciuszko or key locations of the expansive Snowy Mountain Scheme, which is magical year-round, but is especially so in the middle of the year when heavy snow cover turns the rugged terrain into a magical winter wonderland.
- Distance From Canberra CBD: 180km.
- Minimum Time To Traverse: 2hr 10min.
- Other Places To Visit En Route: Cooma & Lake Eucumbene.
Kosciuszko National Park.
Neighbouring the ACT’s Namadgi National Park, Kosciuszko National Park forms the entire NSW contingent of the Australian Alps. With its seasonally snow-capped mountains and outstanding natural beauty, the state’s largest national park has no shortage of incredible things to do and places to discover year-round, such as skiing amongst the country’s highest mountains, walking along crystal clear rivers, past the many alpine lakes, inside million-year-old caves, and amongst intriguing heritage sites and so much more, make it one of the most elite day trips from Canberra for couples, families, and solo travellers seeking phenomenal outdoor adventures. You’ll definitely want to start early for these ones.
11. Ski Resorts.
If you’re visiting Canberra in winter, one of the best places to visit for a day trip is, unquestionably, one of Kosciuszko’s ski resorts. Home to two of the country’s most famous ski villages, Thredbo and Perisher Valley along with several other smaller ones such as Charlottes Pass, Smiggin Holes, Blue Cow and Guthega, there is no shortage of incredible runs to ski or snowboard down in Australia’s rooftop.
There are heaps of green, blue and black trails for beginners hitting the trails for the first time, intermediates for those with more experience and experts levelling up their skills, making it an excellent outing for families having their first time at the snow, couples looking to do something fun, engaging, adventurous and romantic, and solo travellers seeking some elite alone time in the mountains.
Note: If driving there yourself, you will have to use or carry ski chains between June and the October long weekend.
- Distance From Canberra CBD To Thredbo, To Perisher: 212km, 211km.
- Minimum Time To Traverse: 2hr 35min, 2hr, 34min.
- Other Places To Visit En Route: Cooma, Jindabyne.
12. Hiking.
Something else Koscoisuzko has an abundance of is hiking trails. Scattered across the expansive national park are some of the country’s most beautiful hikes and a dream for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
The hike to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko is the clear favourite as a day hike as at 2226m high, it is Australia’s highest peak and a great mountain to say you’ve conquered. The shortest route starts from the end of Kosciuszko Road and is an easy 18km return journey and full of breathtaking uninterrupted panoramic views of nothing but a sea of mountains from start to finish.
Another fantastic, but much shorter alpine walk I also highly recommend doing is Mt Stillwell. The easy 4.1km return trail that also starts from Kosciuszko Road also has incredible unhindered views of some of the nation’s tallest peaks for a significant length of its track as well as lovely views looking down at the remote ski village of Charlottes and the river that flows away from it. For a super short walk just to appreciate the rooftop of Australia, Main Range Lookout & Charlotte’s Pass Lookout at the end of the Snow Gums Boardwalk are absolute must-visits.
Meanwhile, away from Charlotte’s Pass, Porcupine Rocks, which starts near the Perisher Valley Ski Resort is another excellent trail with gorgeous scenery and shard-like rocks to enjoy.
Note: While it’s not advisable to do any of the trails if they are blanketed in the snow unless you’re experienced in remote alpine exploration, doing it during the transitionary months when there is still a reasonable amount on the upper peaks still gives off that magical winter wonderland vibe.
However, even though it wasn’t snowing when I went after an unseasonable snowfall in late November, the weather is known for changing dramatically. Ensure you know what the conditions are supposed to be like before starting any walks and be prepared if does suddenly change, especially if doing a longer hike, such as the Mt Kosciuszko walk. Someone had to unexpectedly stay overnight in Seamans Hut because the weather turned on them, and when I was coming back from my overnight walk, the conditions were rapidly deteriorating.
- Distance From Canberra CBD: 219km
- Minimum Time To Traverse: 2hr 44min.
- Other Places To Visit En Route: Cooma, Jindabyne.
13. Yarrangobilly Caves.
Another phenomenal place to visit in Kosciuszko National Park is the Yarrangobilly Caves. These spectacular limestone karst caves date back millions of years and showcase incredible subterranean formations such as stalactites and stalagmites, flowstone, coralloids and crystals through their three caves open year-round to the public.
South Glory Cave is self-guided with massive caverns and narrow passages, while the other two, Jersey Cave, which looks like something out of Dungeons and Dragons complete with crystal and dragon (not really, but there is a formation that looks like one at the end) and Jillabenan, the oldest cave here, is with a guided tour only. However, they do often open more during the school holidays.
The caves aren’t the only attractions to see here, as surrounding them are several scenic trails perfect for breathing in fresh air after spending time underground. Castle Walk is particularly picturesque, but one of the most unique places to visit is the naturally heated human-dug thermal pool. Be warned, though, it’s not as warm as the name implies, and I could only spend a few minutes in it. But there is something incredibly romantic about bathing in nature amongst the trees after exploring the underworld that makes the Yarrangobilly Caves one of the best places for a couple’s day trip from Canberra within 3 hour’s drive.
- Distance From Canberra CBD: 173km
- Minimum Time To Traverse: 2hr 46min.
- Other Places To Visit En Route: Adambinby Museums & Big Trout, Kiandra (Abandoned Gold Mining Town.)
14. Cowra.
With its poignant ties to World War II, one of the best towns to see places of historical significance north of Canberra is Cowra, which has one of the most unique attractions because of what transpired at the POW Camp which subsequently became Australia’s largest prisoner breakout of its kind.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the nationally recognised heritage site where the daring escape took place and resulted in the deaths of 231 Japanese detainees and 4 Australian guards on August 5, 1944, and learn about the event on signboards scattered throughout the level-out ruins. You can also visit their graves in the dedicated cemeteries on the outskirts of town.
Since the tragedy, Cowra became Australia’s home of reconciliation and now has a World Peace Bell installed in the main street crafted from the melted-down coins of 106 United Nations countries to symbolise peace. Acknowledging its status as the town’s longest longstanding contribution to this, the town hosts the annual Festival Of International Understanding which aims to advocate for those values by forging stronger friendships with other countries, choosing a different nation to celebrate their culture through parades, music, shows, activities, fireworks and more, making it easily one of the best times to visit.
Another fantastic time of year to head out this way is mid-August to late-September when the canola fields bloom. These colour the landscape a brilliant yellow, which is viewable driving in and around town but is particularly gorgeous to see from the boulders of Bellevue Hill Lookout.
- Distance From Canberra CBD: 196km.
- Minimum Time To Traverse: 2hr 21min.
- Other Places To Visit En Route: Yass.
15. Nimmitabel & Bombala.
Two other towns worth the long drive to visit are Nimmitabel and Bombala. Heading 37km south past Cooma along the picturesque Snowy Mountains Highway (B72), you’ll reach Nimmitabel, a charming place with lovely attractions. Stroll down the lovely main street and discover the quirky Nimmity Bell, a symbolic monument earmarking the town’s transition from its old sawmilling roots to a historic tourist pit stop with a play on the town’s hard-to-pronounce name.
Speaking of its sawmill days, just around the corner on Clark and Boyd Street lies the incredibly rare Geldmachers Mill, one of two remaining pioneer windmills that started as a flour mill for 13 years until 1885 then for a brief stint, became a sawmill, before being left abandoned for many years.
Lake Williams on the highway just south of town is a lovely last stop before leaving to head 52km further south to Bombala. This is platypus country, and a fantastic place to try spotting these famously unique and elusive aquatic animals is at the dedicated Platypus Reserve, a short distance away.
Here, they have a dedicated viewing platform overlooking the Bombala River. But you’ll have to be quiet and observe the water’s surface for slight disturbances to spot them, as they aren’t fond of noise and when they do surface, it is typically only for a split second! Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to spot any, but numerous reviewers on Wiki Camps and Google said they were able to see some in the middle of the day. However, early morning provides the best opportunities, so be sure to head out super early to increase your chances (and drive slowly at night and during sunrise to avoid hitting land animals, as that is when they are more active.)
Speaking of sunrise, a fantastic place to enjoy the early morning atmosphere before heading to the reserve is the Bombala Lookout, which has beautiful views from a rocky outcrop overlooking the countryside.
- Distance From Canberra CBD To Nimmitabel, To Bombala: 152km, 203km.
- Minimum Time To Traverse: 1hr 47min, 2hr 22min.
- Other Places To Visit En Route: Cooma.
16. Batemans Bay.
For those seeking a coastal escape, there’s no better day trip destination than Batemans Bay. Located 2 hours southwest of Canberra, you’ll want to leave early to make the most of this breathtaking seaside gem which offers a perfect blend of nature, relaxation and adventure.
Explore its renowned beauty from one of the many walking trails and lookouts lining the river, bay and coastline, such as Burrewarra Point, Banskia Walk, Big Bit Lookout, Observation Point, North Head Lookout and swim at one of its many gorgeous golden beaches, such as the popular Corrigans Beach and the small but incredibly picturesque McKenzies Beach. As for those who prefer exploring the marine environments that lie beneath the surface, Guerilla Bay is a top-notch snorkelling spot.
There are also plenty of cruises to see Batemans Bay from the water, but with such incredible kayaking opportunities, joining one of the guided tours offering paddling alongside whales during their annual migration or past the incredible cliffs of Square Rocks and through the incredible caves of the Clyde River, they are the ultimate way to experience this renowned destination.
- Distance From Canberra CBD To Batemans Bay: 150km.
- Minimum Time To Traverse: 2hr.
- Other Places To Visit En Route: Lake George, Bedervale Historic Homestead.
Accommodation: Where To Stay In Canberra.
- Budget: Garden City Hotel, Best Western Signature Collection.
- Mid-Range: Mercure Canberra Belconnen.
- Luxury: Meriton Suites Canberra.
Conclusion: Best Canberra Day Trips.
Whether it’s escaping into nature, discovering local heritage or learning about landmark engineering technology, there is no shortage of excellent day trips from Canberra for road trippers to explore within 3 hour’s drive, such as the beautiful Cotter Precinct on the Murrumbidgee River Corridor, the home and burial site of Australia’s first native-born explorer in Yass or the many lakes of the monumental Snowy Mountains Scheme.
If you are planning to visit Canberra & surrounds, consider looking at these other posts.
