📍13 Best Weekend Getaways From Canberra From A Road Trip Enthusiast. (2024.)
WONDERING WHAT THE BEST WEEKEND TRIPS FROM CANBERRA ARE?
Canberra is the capital of Australia, but unfortunately, it’s not the most visited city in the country as it’s primarily known for being the nation’s political heartland and, well, not the most exciting place to go. However, having explored it for over a month collectively, I can assure you that while it may not suit everyone, it is home to many incredible attractions, such as the poignant Australian War Memorial, the fascinating Parliament House and Museum Of Australian Democracy, and the beautiful Mt Ainslie viewpoint.
But for those looking to get out of town for the weekend, whether it’s up in the fresh mountain air, playing in the river, engaging in adrenaline-pumping activities in a lake or lake or peacefully relaxing by the sea, these are the best weekend getaways from Canberra that’ll leave you with lasting memories from a road trip enthusiast
you were keeping score on all the things i supposedly wouldn’t do when i let so many thingds you did slide, like get a full time job if you had a seizure but you said you would leave me in a hisptial and carry on with your trip i have proved to you that i would look after you like i did in Vietnam after the accident but couldn’t even give me a fucken foot massage until i was literally crying in pain. I helped you out so many times with numerous different things, and the few times i asked you for help you sighed annoyedly. I never aske you about many of these things, because I thought you’d rise up to the ocassion, but vafter refusing to massage my feet, i think its vsafe to say you wouldn’t, but you held me up to a standard that you would never uphold. actions speak louder than words
👉 My top 3 picks for the best Weekend Getaways From Canberra:
- Mountains: Thredbo Village.
- Coast: Batemans Bay.
- River/Lakeside: Lake Jindabyne.
Planning Your Trip? Use My Favourite Resources!
Tours/Experiences: I recommend Viator.
Accommodation: I recommend Booking.com.
Renting Vehicles: I recommend RentalCars.com.
Best Mountain Getaways.
One thing the nation’s capital has within a vicinity of a couple hundred kilometres is an abundance of rugged and remote mountainous terrain. From snowcapped peaks, towering cliffs, balancing boulders, deep gorges and otherworldly caves, there is no shortage of phenomenal weekend getaways for Canberra for outdoor enthusiasts looking for the ultimate nature fix.
1. Namadgi National Park.
Namadgi National Park might be Canberra’s only national park, but don’t let that fool you. Occupying about half of the ACT’s real estate, the 1061 km2 wilderness area is a severely underrated gem that forms part of the Australian Alps, the country’s only alpine region and is an outstanding place to explore, full of breathtaking natural landscapes and culturally significant heritage sites.
Some of the most unforgettable landmarks there are in this vast and unique ecological area include but are not limited to the staggering, sheer cliffs of Booroomba Rocks, the stunning balancing boulders of Boyoban Trig on the Yerrabi Walking Track, the picturesque views of the Orraral Valley from Hospital Hill Lookout, the neverending sea of pristine mountain peaks from the summit of Mt Aggie.
Meanwhile, the pioneer homesteads along the Settlers Track, the Aboriginal artwork on the Yankee Hat Trail and the ruins of the ski club at Canberra’s first ski resort on the Mt Franklin Heritage Trail are just a handful of Namadgi’s most interesting historical finds.
Pitching a tent at one of the four campgrounds scattered across the national park (Honeysuckle, Orroral, Mt Clear and Blue Hut) is a great way to base yourself while spending the weekend exploring this place of extraordinary beauty. (Mt Clear was my favourite as it was picturesque with friendly kangaroos often hanging around.)
It’s even better for those who love long hikes or heading off the established trails to discover the different parts of the landscape for themselves because, along with having half-day and full-day hikes, Namadgi is also a declared wilderness zone, enabling trekkers to start early and deviate far off the beaten path to places seldom seen by most visitors, providing exceptional opportunities for people of all fitness levels and outdoor expertise.
Note: The Yankee Hat trail is still closed after the 2019/2020 bushfires as of March 2024.
- Distance From Canberra CBD: 54km-80km.
- Minimum Time To Traverse: 55min-1hr 30min.
- Best Weekend Accommodation Option: Mt Clear Campground.
- Other Places To Visit En Route: Cotter Precinct.
Kosciuszko National Park.
Across the border in New South Wales lies the most expansive and impressive part of the Australian Alps. Kosciuszko National Park is the state’s largest national park with over 6,900km2 of wilderness real estate to discover, including the country’s tallest peaks, most of its ski resorts, pristine lakes, crystal clear rivers, ancient caves, fascinating heritage and engineering sites and so much more, this place, three hours drive away easily qualified as having the best weekend escapes from Canberra for adventure-seekers that will have you wanting to return time and time again.
2. Thredbo Ski Resort.
The number one thing Kosciuszko National Park is known for is its ski resorts, as it is the only place on mainland Australia that gets consistently blanketed in metres of the powdery white stuff each year. The best way to take advantage of its beautiful seasonally snow-capped peaks is to hit the slopes at one of the country’s favourite winter wonderlands, Thredbo Village.
While it is also home to the equally famous Perisher Valley and the small but exclusive Charlottes Pass, this elite adventure playground outshines those two as the perfect holiday destination for action-packed weekends thanks to its ease of access, minimising transportation time and maximising time on the slopes.
Encompassing over 1,200 acres of mountaintop real estate, it has over 50 dedicated ski trails, ranging from green beginner trails to expert-only double black diamond runs for skiers and snowboarders to go nuts over. But that’s not the only thing that makes Thredbo unique and inviting. What’s remarkable about it is it has several of the country’s “onlys”, “highests” and “longests”.
It is home to Australia’s highest elevated point, earmarked by the Thredbo Community Bell (ringing it is a must,) kicking off 4 of the resort’s Big 5, the country’s longest ski runs, including my favourite, the beginner-friendly Village Trail. Plus, it also has the nation’s highest restaurant (Eagles Nest), the continent’s only alpine gondola (Merritts Gondola) and opening in 2024, its only alpine coaster, providing a weekend getaway from Canberra that is second-to-none.
- Distance From Canberra CBD: 213km.
- Minimum Time To Traverse: 2hr 31min.
- Best Weekend Accommodation Option: Thredbo Diggins. (Campground.)
- Other Places To Visit En Route: Cooma & Jindabyne.
3. Exploration.
The ski resorts are excellent winter fun, but for the rest of the year, there is no better way to see Kosciuszko National Park than by hiking one of its many trails.
The trek to Mount Kosciuszko’s summit is a favourite, as for many, it is a bucket list climb thanks to its status as Australia’s highest peak. The entire 18km return trail from Charlottes Pass is full of nothing but breathtaking mountain views from start to finish.
If that’s too long, another gorgeous trail is the 4.1km return Mt Stilwell walk, which leads to a nearby peak, or if you’re not up for a hike at all, the nearby Main Range Lookout & Charlotte’s Pass Lookout at the end of the Snow Gums Boardwalk all provide unparalleled views of the country’s tallest peaks, which look especially beautiful if they still have snow covering them, like they did when the snow stuck around for an unusually long time when I visited one November.
And that’s just some of what there is to see at Charlottes Pass. Other incredible landmarks to see within this magnificent national park include Porcupine Rocks, shard-like formations that sit atop a hill near the Perisher Valley Ski Resort, Kiandra, an old mining town and the birthplace of skiing in Australia, and the magnificent Clarke Gorge, a magnificent, jaw-dropping landscape surrounded by sheer cliffs that wouldn’t look out of place in a fantasy movie.
There are also no accommodation options. Jindabyne, and the ski resorts: Thredbo, Perisher, and Charlottes Pass offer traditional lodgings with comfortable amenities, while those who prefer sleeping under the stars in this breathtaking wilderness area will love staying at one of the many rustic campgrounds scattered throughout the national park, making it the perfect weekend escape from Canberra for all travellers looking to explore this incredibly beautiful and unique region of Australia.
Note: The northern part of Kosciuszko National Park never had any toilet paper for some reason, so before you go, horde it. Horde it like it’s gold. Because, when you’re in the middle of nowhere and there is nothing to wipe with, it is. It truly is.
- Distance From Canberra CBD: 219km
- Minimum Time To Traverse: 2hr 44min.
- Best Weekend Accommodation Option: Thredbo Diggins. (Campground.)
- Other Places To Visit En Route: Cooma & Jindabyne.
4. Yarrangobilly Caves.
If you’re tired of mountains and lakes, perhaps you need to visit the underworld. The Yarrangobilly Caves are a three-hour drive from the nation’s capital through some stunning, gently undulating landscapes in Kosciuszko National Park. Home to a series of breathtaking limestone karst caves formed millions of years ago, three are open year-round to the public, each offering a unique experience into subterranean worlds that make this one of the most unforgettable weekend holiday destinations from Canberra.
Take a self-guided into the 460m long South Glory Cave, starting with its gaping entranceway before traversing its vast caverns and tight passageways. The lights inside are motion-activated, so I highly recommend staying still until they turn off and enjoy the unsettling peacefulness that being in total darkness and silence deep into the Earth affords.
A guided tour through the Jersey Cave felt like I was in a scene from Dungeons and Dragons thanks to its mystical pool of water and crystal shards. There was even a monster lurking at the end, covered in the soot of the devastating 2020 fires that tore through a significant part of eastern Australia. The last cave is the Jillabenan Cave, the oldest in the park, and also the smallest, providing a fascinating look into the most prehistoric and delicate formations. It’s also the only wheelchair-accessible cave, allowing more people to discover the beauty that exists below the surface.
Thanks to Caves House, the on-site accommodation and several nearby campgrounds, visiting the Yarrangobilly Caves for a couple of days is easy, which is fantastic because there’s more to do than just see what lurks below. There are also picnic areas, walking trails, viewpoints, and the most uniquely naturally heated, human-made outdoor thermal pool, although it is not as warm as its name suggests. I could only handle being in there for a few minutes in October. However, there is something very romantic about going for a refreshing swim surrounded by trees in the middle of nowhere.
Oh, and throughout my visit, I saw eight lyrebirds! They are famous for their ability to flawlessly mimic sounds and are recognisable by their peacock-like tails (they also feature on the NPWS logo) and the silly way they run, so keep your eyes peeled for these unique but elusive birds.
Note: They often more cave during the school holidays.
- Distance From Canberra CBD: 173km
- Minimum Time To Traverse: 2hr 46min.
- Best Weekend Accommodation Option: Yarrangobilly Caves House.
- Other Places To Visit En Route: Adambinby Museums & Big Trout, Kiandra (Abandoned Gold Mining Town.)
5. Wee Jasper.
One of the most romantic weekend escapes from Canberra for couples has to be Wee Jasper. This incredibly picturesque lightly trafficked village at the southernmost tip of Lake Burrinjuck in New South Wales is the perfect secluded getaway for bonding with your significant other.
Surrounded by rolling hills, this stunning, super romantic hidden gem feels a world away from the civilised world and has several beautiful camping reserves that are perfect for pitching a tent and spending a night by a campfire under the glistening Milky Way. During the day, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, admire the stunning landscape, go wild swimming in the creeks, discover lovely waterfalls, hike the Fitzpatrick trail, take a guided tour beneath the earth inside the 400 million-year-old Careys Cave or simply lay on the grass and watch the clouds change formation.
It really is a place where you can just relax and set your own pace without ever needing to rush. Because of how beautiful and tranquil it is, it feels very much like something out of a romantic movie where the couple escapes their homes to get to know one another better, making one of my favourite spontaneous finds. Cue Somewhere Only We Know by Keane.
- Distance From Canberra CBD: 84km.
- Minimum Time To Traverse: 1hr 15min.
- Best Weekend Accommodation Option: Wee Jasper Reserves. (Camping.)
- Other Places To Visit En Route: Yass. (Loop.)
6. Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve.
The Yarrangobilly Caves aren’t the only place to spend a weekend away from Canberra exploring the underworld. Two and a half hours northeast is the Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve, home to an incredible cave system millions of years in the making.
Take a self-guided tour through beautiful formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, helictites, and cave coral that occupy the Fig Tree Cave before concluding inside one of the reserve’s largest chambers, Victoria Arch, a colourful daylit cavern that is the resort of bacteria growing on the roof, walls and rock mounds on the floor.
For even more impressive structures, visit the other show caves accessible only by guided tour and see ornately decorated spaces featuring pristine white columns and contrasting, iron-rich draperies, incredible colour variations on the cave walls and shining wax-like decorations and walk along pathways created by free-flowing streams.
What’s great about the Wombeyan Caves is the accommodation options. From rustic campgrounds to affordable dorms and well-outfitted cabins, there is something for travellers of all comers and budgets.
Note: Annoyingly, some guided tour caves are only open on Saturdays OR Sundays and on school holidays.
- Distance From Canberra CBD: 168km.
- Minimum Time To Traverse: 2hr 15min.
- Best Weekend Accommodation Option: Wombeyan Caves Cabin.
- Other Places To Visit En Route: Goulburn.
Best Riverside/Lakeside Getaways.
7. Cotter Precinct.
One of the best day trip destinations and elite weekend getaways near Canberra for those looking for a serene escape close to the city is undoubtedly the city’s beloved Cotter Precinct. Nestled along the banks of the Cotter River west of the CBD, this beloved spot offers the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration for couples and families looking to spend quality time by the water.
The precinct has several recreation spaces just downstream from the Cotter Dam, the lowest of three linked impounded supply lakes collecting snowmelt from the mountains in Namagdi National Park for the residents of the ACT.
Between Cotter Avenue, Casuarina Sands, Cotter Bend, and Lower Cotter Catchment Reserve, enjoy wild swimming in the river’s calm waters, walk to beautiful scenic spots, such as the informational observation deck that overlooks the dam wall and up the nearby hilltops to viewpoints showcasing the surrounding countryside, a romantic picnic by the water or a family get-together with the free BBQs, before returning to the Cotter Campground to sleep under the stars before starting it over again the next day.
If all that’s not enough to fill your weekend and you want to pack in even more, there are two other places near the Cotter Precinct well worth visiting. The first is the burnt-out ruins of the Mt Stromlo Observatory, a still-working space surveillance facility partially destroyed by the catastrophic firestorm that devastated much of the ACT in 2003.
This place is also one of the access points for the Mt Stromlo Forest Bike Park, so those who love tearing up the terrain on two wheels can incorporate some adrenaline-pumping fun to visiting one of Canberra’s most fascinating attractions and space-age heritage sites into their nature-based overnight adventure.
- Distance From Canberra CBD: 24km.
- Minimum Time To Traverse: 24min.
- Best Weekend Accommodation Option: Cotter Campground.
- Other Places To Visit En Route: Mt Stromlo Observatory & Stromlo Forest Bike Park.
8. Googong Reservoir.
While the ACT has several lakes, only Lake Burleigh Griffith in the heart of the city is available for recreational use. But that’s not exactly a weekend escape. While it resides stateside in New South Wales, Googong Reservoir is technically another supply lake for the residents of Canberra, and it also happens to be an excellent lakeside destination.
Consisting of two day-use areas, there is no shortage of outstanding nature-based things to do here. On the Northern Foreshore, launch the boat (electric motors only), sailboat or kayak from the boat ramp and enjoy exploring the lake by water, or hike one of the several walking trails that lead to points of interest such as the Cascades, a dramatic gorge features numerous water holes and the dam wall.
The Southern Foreshore also has even more tracks that lead to more picturesque spots and even some fascinating heritage sites, such as the naturally-formed London Bridge Arch and the historic London Bridge Homestead, woolshed and shearer’s quarters. For the more adventurous, there are also much longer hikes, including the 19.7km Western Foreshore through-trail that links the two areas, which is fantastic for day hikes or bike rides.
- Distance From Canberra CBD To North Googong, To South Googong: 29km, 42km.
- Minimum Time To Traverse: 34min, 50min.
- Best Weekend Accommodation Option: Hamilton’s Queanbeyan Motel.
- Other Places To Visit En Route: Queanbeyan Museum, Queanbeyan Drive-In Movie Theatre.
9. Lake Jindabyne.
Another fantastic lakeside holiday destination near Canberra is Jindabyne. Situated just over 2 hours drive away from the Australian capital, this stunning town is the poster child for the monumental engineering feat, the Snowy Mountains Scheme, a series of 16 interconnected lakes throughout NSW’s alpine regions designed to supply water and generate hydroelectricity to supply a significant portion of the state. While it’s an interesting fact, it’s not why this place is such a fantastic place to base yourself for the weekend.
It’s that on its stunning lake, you can chase leisurely pursuits such as swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and sailing or get the adrenaline pumping by going boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing and the like. It really is your oyster.
If that’s not enough, Jindabyne is also the gateway to Australia’s alpine playground, Kosciuszko National Park. (It’s right there on the sign and everything). Drive through the spectacular wilderness and see its breathtaking landscapes from the comfort of your car or get out and explore the many vantage points, lookouts and scenic pitstops along the road or on the many walking trails, including hiking to the summit of Australia’s tallest mountain, Mt Kosciuszko. There are even plenty of biking tracks to explore for those who prefer to travel on two wheels. And that’s the highlight of what there is to do in summer. In winter, a day trip to either Thredbo Village or Perisher Valley to carve up the slopes is a must.
Note: Learn more about the Snowy Mountain Scheme at the Visitor Information Centre in town, or more in-depth at the Snowy Hydro Centre in Cooma.
- Distance From Canberra CBD: 180km.
- Minimum Time To Traverse: 2hr 10min.
- Best Weekend Accommodation Option: The Jindy Inn.
- Other Places To Visit En Route: Cooma & Lake Eucumbene.
10. Blowering Dam. (Kosciuszko National Park.)
Speaking of lakes and Kosciuszko National Park, this expansive alpine habitat occupying 6,900 km2 is also home to the lion’s share of the other dams that constitute the Snowy Mountains Scheme. Each is beautiful and impressive in its own right, however, one stands out from the rest.
Blowering Dam is the national park’s northernmost dam and what makes it so special is not only is it one of NSW’s biggest water storage lakes, but it is where the current water speed record was achieved by Ken Warby who reached an unfathomable 511.09 km/h in his jet-powered hydroplane, the Spirit of Australia in 1978.
It is an impressive stat and dotted along its eastern foreshore are several grassy campgrounds where you can enjoy a lovely weekend appreciating its notable achievements while making your own memories here. Many of these places have a boat ramp and gentle slopes allowing for easy launching so visitors can undertake a variety of relaxing activities such as swimming, kayaking and sailing or high-intensity sports like water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing and jet skiing before turning in and sleeping under the stars to the peaceful sounds of water lapping at the shoreline.
Note: Take toilet paper! For some reason, the northern half of Kosckiszko National Park had none whatsoever! The dam and its tributaries are closed in winter between June and October long weekend.
- Distance From Canberra CBD: 216km.
- Minimum Time To Traverse: 2hr 30mins.
- Best Weekend Accommodation Option: All the campgrounds along here are excellent.
- Other Places To Visit En Route: Yarrangobilly Caves (South). Blowering Dam & Tumut (North)
Best Seaside Getaways.
11. Batemans Bay.
The closest coastal escape to Canberra also happens to be one of the best destinations for a relaxing but engaging weekend. Batemans Bay lies about two hours southwest of the Australian capital and is full of natural beauty and prime opportunities for unique outdoor experiences, so it’s best to head out here.
This renowned place on NSW’s revered South Coast is home to numerous vantage points capitalising on its spectacular river, bay and coastline, such as Burrewarra Point, Banksia Walk, Big Bit Lookout, Observation Point, and North Head Lookout. Dotted around the coastline are beaches aplenty, such as the popular Corrigans Beach and the small but incredibly picturesque McKenzies Beach, perfect for swimming, and long walks, while those seeking underwater adventures will love Guerilla Bay, which is well regarded as a top-notch snorkelling spot.
As fantastic as all those things are, there’s no better way to see Batemans Bay than from the water, and luckily, it has excellent opportunities to do such a thing. Cruises are one of the loveliest ways to appreciate its natural beauty, but for a more intimate experience, tour companies offer some outstanding kayaking tours. One includes paddling alongside whales during their annual migration whilst another explores the majestic cliffs of Square Rocks and the captivating caves along the Clyde River, leaving you with magnificent memories of this well-renowned place.
- Distance From Canberra CBD To Batemans Bay: 150km.
- Minimum Time To Traverse: 2hr.
- Best Weekend Accommodation Option: The Isla.
- Other Places To Visit En Route: Lake George, Bedervale Historic Homestead.
12. Jervis Bay.
Another fantastic place by the coast to reconnect with nature is Jervis Bay. Famous for its crystal-clear waters and having some of the whitest sands in the world, this small village on NSW’s southern coastline is a magnet for those searching for the perfect blend of nature and tranquillity.
A must-visit is Booderee National Park, which has the to the historic ruins of the Cape St George Lighthouse and offers sweeping views of the ocean, along with many of its acclaimed white beaches hiding away in picturesque coves with unique landmarks, such as the Hole In The Wall rock formation.
For those who love picturesque walks, the White Sands Walk and Scribbly Gum track that goes through Jervis Bay National Park follows the coastline along several of the area’s most stunning stretches of sand. Meanwhile, over on the Currawong side of the bay lies an even more remarkable coastline to discover, such as the dramatic cliffs surrounding the Point Perpendicular Lighthouse.
Another fantastic thing about Jervis Bay is that because it is so protected from the ocean, it has very calm waters that are perfect for sea kayaking. It also has some incredible water-based activities. Not only are there sightseeing cruises of the bay, but there are also dedicated dolphin cruises (year-round) and whale-watching (seasonal) cruises, but you can also get in the water and swim with the latter too, which makes for an unforgettable experience at one of NSW’s premier seaside destinations.
- Distance From Canberra CBD: 225km.
- Minimum Time To Traverse: 3hrs.
- Best Weekend Accommodation Option: Honeymoon Bay (Camping).
- Other Places To Visit En Route: Lake George, Tianjara Falls, Jerrawangala Lookout.
13. Wollongong.
A little further north lies another spectacular town well worth spending a weekend exploring. At first appearance, Wollongong is a tranquil seaside escape perfect for a relaxing weekend swimming at its beautiful beaches or ocean pool and visiting its two lighthouses. (You may even meet the resident pelican who sneakily steals fish from the fisherman.) But there’s much more to this place than meets the eye, such as capitalizing on the town’s beauty by freefalling towards it from 15,000 feet on a tandem skydive.
In the hinterland behind the town, there is no shortage of beautiful walking, stunning lookouts, serene lakes and picturesque waterfalls to discover, such as the Illawarra Fly Tree Top Walk & Adventure, Carrington Falls, Mt Kiera Lookout, and Cordeaux Dam.
Wollongong is also only a half-hour drive from the Sea Cliff Bridge, one of Australia’s most iconic and breathtakingly scenic sections of roads that line the sheer cliff faces between Cliffton and Coalcliff and an absolutely must-visit. (Don’t forget to head to the lookout at the top to overlook the incredible structure.) Another great idea is to head up further up the coast to Bald Hill Lookout at Stanwell Tops and enjoy even more majestic coastline views. Adventure-seekers can also go tandem hang gliding here, which is another exceptional way to appreciate this magnificent part of Australia from the air.
- Distance From Canberra CBD: 240km.
- Minimum Time To Traverse: 2hr 46 min.
- Best Weekend Accommodation Option: Bel Mondo Apartments.
- Other Places To Visit En Route: Kiama Blowhole.
Conclusion: Best Canberra Weekend Getaways.
From hiking through mountains, exploring underground caves, swimming in rivers, kayaking in lakes and watching the sunrise over the sea, those looking for ideas for weekend getaways from Canberra have no shortage of incredible options that will leave you with unforgettable new memories.
If you are planning to visit Canberra & surrounds, consider looking at these other posts.
