Canberra is a city that never ceases to amaze, not only for its beauty and attractions but also for the extraordinary variety of excursions it offers in its surroundings..
The Australian capital is an ideal starting point for exploring a region rich in breathtaking landscapes, historic villages, renowned wineries, and pristine natural parks. With an hour or two of driving, you can go from the vibrant city life to the tranquility of the countryside, from the snow of the Snowy Mountains to the beaches of the South Coast.
The Best Day Trips
Historic Villages and Wineries
A short distance from Canberra, a series of charming historic villages offers a perfect contrast to the modern streets of the capital.
Gundaroo (30 minutes north): This small village, with its pub dating back to the gold rush era, is a must-visit for food lovers. Stop for a drink at the Gundaroo Inn, open for over 140 years, before treating yourself to lunch at the Grazing, a restaurant housed in a restored former pub that serves dishes like ash-grilled kangaroo fillet. On the way back, along Murrumbateman Road, you can stop at some of the best wineries in the region, including Eden Road Wines and Four Winds Vineyard .
Braidwood (1 hour east): A true paradise for antique and vintage lovers, with shops like Bernadoff and the STUR Gallery . Start your day with a sourdough loaf or a gourmet cake at the hidden DOJO Bread, and then enjoy a brunch at the artistic Albion Café . Continuing towards Canberra, stop by the Lark Hill Winery, a biodynamic winery, and if you are visiting in winter, join a "hunt" for truffles with trained dogs at the Blue Frog Truffle Farm .
Bungendore (35 minutes): A lesser-known but equally charming village, perfect for a relaxing trip . Start with a brunch at the The Gathering and then explore artisan shops like Manon & Moss . A tasting at the Lark Hill Winery or a beer at the The George is the perfect way to end the day .
Namadgi National Park: Adventure in Nature
For hiking and unspoiled nature lovers, the Namadgi National Park is a wonder less than an hour from the city . This park protects the northern part of the Australian Alps and offers trails for all levels, breathtaking landscapes, and ancient Aboriginal rock art sites.
Square Rock Walk: Un'escursione di 9.5 km andata e ritorno (circa 3 ore) che conduce a un imponente affioramento di granito a 1.450 metri di altitudine. Dalla cima, la vista si estende sulle Brindabella Range, la parte più settentrionale delle Alpi australiane . Il sentiero, di difficoltà moderata, è adatto a famiglie con un livello di fitness medio e offre un'ottima introduzione alle Alpi australiane .
Mount Tennent: For those seeking a more challenging experience, the trail to Mount Tennent is a 15 km round trip that takes about 4-6 hours to complete . The view from the top is magnificent and makes the effort worthwhile .
Easy trails: The park also offers numerous easy and family-friendly paths, starting from bus stops, such as the Mount Rob Roy Summit loop from Banks or the Point Hut Pond loop from Conder .
Before venturing into the park, it is always advisable to visit the Namadgi National Park Visitors Centre at Tharwa for updates on trail conditions, detailed maps, and local information .
The Murrumbateman Wine Region
Just a 30-40 minute drive away, in the area of Murrumbateman, lies one of the most interesting wine regions in Australia, famous for its cool climate wines such as Shiraz and Riesling .
Tour in autonomia: È possibile visitare le cantine con la propria auto, seguendo la Murrumbateman Road. Tra le cantine da non perdere ci sono Clonakilla (rinomata per i suoi Shiraz-Viognier), Helm Wines (pioniere del Riesling locale), e Mount Majura Vineyard.
Wine Hopper Tour: For those who prefer not to drive, the new service Wine Hopper offers a hop-on, hop-off tour that allows you to visit 3 or 4 wineries at your leisure, departing from downtown Canberra every Saturday and Sunday . The tour offers maximum flexibility, allowing you to get off at any participating winery for tastings and lunch, then get back on and continue to the next .
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
A short distance from Namadgi National Park, the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is a protected bushland area, ideal for spotting Australian wildlife in the wild . Here you can see kangaroos, koalas, emus, and cockatoos at The Sanctuary, and follow the Birrigai Time Trail to Birrigai Rock Shelter, a rock shelter used by the Ngunnawal Aboriginal people over 20,000 years ago . For more experienced hikers, the trail to Gibraltar Peak (8 km) offers a panoramic view that is worth it .
Longer Hikes: Snowy Mountains and South Coast
If you have more time available, day trips can turn into real adventures.
Snowy Mountains (2 and a half hours south): In winter, it is the ideal destination for skiing at Thredbo or Perisher Blue . After a day on the snow, enjoy an aperitif at Wild Brumby Distillery to taste their Williams pear or green apple grappa . In summer, the area offers opportunities for walking, fishing, kayaking, and climbing .
Huskisson and Jervis Bay (2 and a half hours east): For a summer-flavored trip, head to the picturesque seaside town of Huskisson. Enjoy a pub lunch at the Loaded Dog Tarago Hotel, and then continue along the scenic road through the bush until you reach the white sands and crystal-clear waters of Jervis Bay . The return to Canberra via the Booderee National Park offers the opportunity to take a walk along the very white Murrays Beach .
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Day Trips from Canberra
What are the best day trips from Canberra?
The most popular trips include the historic villages of Gundaroo and Braidwood, the Murrumbateman wine region, Namadgi National Park for hiking, and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve for wildlife. For longer trips, the Snowy Mountains and Jervis Bay are must-see destinations.
How far is Murrumbateman from Canberra?
Murrumbateman is about a 30-40 minute drive north of Canberra .
What can I do at Namadgi National Park?
Namadgi offers numerous hiking trails of varying levels, such as the Square Rock Walk and Mount Tennent, as well as sites of Aboriginal rock art and breathtaking alpine landscapes . It is the perfect place for an immersion in unspoiled nature.
Can I visit the wineries without a car?
Yes, there are organized tours like the Wine Hopper, which offers a hop-on, hop-off service to visit the wineries of the Murrumbateman region departing from Canberra . Private guided tours are also available .
What is the best time to visit the Snowy Mountains?
Winter (from June to August) is ideal for snow sports, while summer offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and kayaking .
How far is the nearest beach from Canberra?
The nearest beach, such as Jervis Bay, is about 2 and a half hours' drive east of Canberra .
Is it possible to visit the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve on a day trip?
Yes, the reserve is located about an hour's drive southwest of Canberra, making it perfect for a day trip .
Are there easy family-friendly trails around Canberra?
Yes, Namadgi National Park offers numerous easy trails, such as the Point Hut Pond loop from Conder, and the Square Rock Walk is considered moderately difficult and suitable for families .
Day trips from Canberra
Canberra is much more than just a capital: it is the perfect starting point to explore an extraordinary region where nature, history, and culture blend into a mosaic of unforgettable experiences. From historic villages that tell the epic of the pioneers, to wineries producing world-renowned wines, to national parks offering breathtaking views, every trip is an adventure that enriches and surprises. Whether you have a day or an entire week, the surroundings of Canberra await to provide you with authentic thrills.
For a comprehensive overview of how to organize your Canberra holiday and make the most of your excursions, check out our Complete Guide to Canberra Holidays. You’ll find all the information you need for an unforgettable trip to the Australian capital.
Review date: March 15, 2026