Hiking Trails to Explore

The ACT is home to some of the best hiking trails in Australia. With its stunning landscapes and breathtaking views, hiking in the ACT is an unforgettable experience. Some of the most popular hiking trails include:

Mount Ainslie Summit Trail

Located just a short distance from the city centre, the Mount Ainslie Summit Trail is a 4.5-kilometre round-trip hike that offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside. The trail is easy to moderate, and the hike to the summit takes around an hour.

Gibraltar Falls

For a more challenging hike, head to Gibraltar Falls. The trail is a 7.4-kilometre round-trip hike that takes around three hours to complete. The hike includes a steep climb to the top of the falls, but the views are well worth the effort.

Water Sports to Try

Canberra is surrounded by lakes and rivers, making it the perfect destination for water sports enthusiasts. Whether you’re a fan of kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up paddleboarding, there’s something for everyone.

Lake Burley Griffin

Lake Burley Griffin is a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts. The lake is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. There are also several beaches around the lake where you can relax and soak up the sun.

Murrumbidgee River

For a more challenging experience, head to the Murrumbidgee River. The river is perfect for white water rafting and kayaking, with rapids ranging from grade 2 to grade 4.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

For a unique perspective of the ACT, take a hot air balloon ride over the city and its surrounding countryside. As you float above the city, you’ll have a bird’s eye view of the stunning landscapes, including Lake Burley Griffin, the Australian National Botanic Gardens, and the iconic Parliament House.

Wildlife Encounters

If you’re an animal lover, the ACT is the perfect destination. The region is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, and a variety of bird species.

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

The Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is a 40-minute drive from Canberra and home to many native animals. You can take a guided reserve tour and see koalas, kangaroos, and wallabies up close.

Namadgi National Park

Namadgi National Park is another great spot for wildlife encounters. The park is home to a range of bird species, including the rare pink robin and the superb lyrebird.

Conclusion

There you have it, some of the best outdoor adventures near Canberra. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike, a water sports adventure, a unique perspective of the city, or a chance to see some native wildlife, the ACT has something for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for an unforgettable weekend getaway in Australia’s capital.

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Gundaroo

Distance from Canberra City: About 47 km

Travel Time: 41 minutes 

If you’re a foodie and don’t want to spend all your time exploring nature, then Gundaroo is the best spot for your day trip. Gundaroo is a small village that has several country-style restaurants. 

The good thing about Gundaroo is that it’s beautifully preserved. You will feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you enter this amazing village! The vineyards of Gundaroo are also a great spot for wine lovers. Handcrafted beers are a specialty of Gundaroo. 

You’d love to spend your time in Gundaroo if you understood the beauty and serenity of old buildings. This small village is home to 25 colonial-era buildings that allows you to explore the lifestyle of this village’s old residents.  

You don’t necessarily have to drive your car to Gundaroo on your day trip. Instead, you can rely on a coach hire service to easily reach Gundaroo and explore its beauty.

Braidwood

Distance from Canberra City: About 87 km

Travel Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Braidwood is an amazing day trip spot for you if colonial-era buildings pique your interest and you want to spend your time in a laid-back area. There are a lot of activities to do in Braidwood that you can enjoy with your friends and family. 

Let’s explore the rich history of Braidwood. This area was specifically set to help gold miners in the gold-rush era. You can see a lot of colonial buildings in this area that allow you to explore the greatness of the past. 

“Historical exploration” is not the only thing you can enjoy in Braidwood. The famous bakeries of Braidwood sell tasty delicacies that can satisfy your palate. After enjoying food at a bakery, you can head towards any of the country pubs in Braidwood to hang out with locals. 

The laid-back vibe of Braidwood’s old streets and colonial buildings attract filmmakers, designers, writers, and artists. If you’re an artist yourself, then visiting Braidwood is a must for you.

Snowy Mountains

Distance from Canberra City: About 119 km

Travel Time: 1 hour 26 minutes 

If the city’s hustle and bustle aren’t impressing you anymore, then you can enjoy a great retreat in the Snowy Mountains. The region of the Snowy Mountains is the best day trip destination if you want to explore nature and its beauty. 

The ground-level terrain allows you to explore all the beauty of the Snowy Mountains. You can reach the Snowy Mountains in your car, but it’s better to find a coach hire with a driver to easily arrive at Snowy Mountains in no time. 

The scenic beauty of the Snowy Mountains is easily accessible through a network of roads. However, before you plan your day trip to Snowy Mountains, you should check the seasonal information to ensure that roads will be accessible upon your arrival. 

Snowy Mountains have a lot of fun activities you can enjoy during summer. For example, you can visit the Snowy Mountains with your friends and family in July or August to enjoy swimming, hiking, fishing, kayaking, camping, and rock climbing.

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Distance from Canberra City: About 51 km

Travel Time: 54 minutes

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is a protected bushland that has a lot of biodiversity to offer. Visiting Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve on your day trip is the best option for you if you want to spot animals with your buddies and family members. 

One of the jolliest animals you can find in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve are: 

• Kangaroos
• Cockatoos
• Koalas
• Emus 

After you’re done exploring the wildlife, you can start your journey on the famous Birrigai Time Trail. This trail is sign-posted and allows you to explore the area without running into problems. Birrigai Time Trail provides a relatively simple hiking experience. However, if you want to amp up your hiking experience, then you can take the challenging hike to Gibraltar Peak. 

You’d be welcomed with the beautiful panoramic view when you reach the top of Gibraltar Peak. Make sure you don’t forget any of your hiking essentials at home so you can make hiking easier for you.

Yass Valley, NSW

Distance from Canberra City: About 75.4 km

Travel Time: 1 hour 12 minutes

Yass Valley is a wonderful day trip spot for you if you want to explore nature and history at the same time. Famous as a vine area, Yass Valley has a lot to offer to you whether you’re visiting it with your friends or family. 

Streets throughout Yass Valley have colonial buildings. You can stop to explore the architecture and significance of the colonial era. The countryside of Yass Valley also has a ton of adventures that you can enjoy on your day trip. 

The national parks and limestone caves of Yass Valley have great scenic beauty. You can indulge yourself in culinary experiences by visiting any of the food shops in Yass Valley. After you’ve filled your tummy with delicious food, you can head out to wineries to enjoy great wine. 

Fishing and hiking in Yass Valley provide great fun for groups. You can head to Brindabella National Park to catch fish or walk on a lovely trail.

Murrumbateman, NSW

Distance from Canberra City: About 47.5 km

Travel Time: 41 minutes

Yass Valley has a lot of wineries. However, Murrumbateman is a better destination for you if you’re really into wine. Murrumbateman is surrounded by a lot of green vineyards that thrive in the cool climate of this region. 

Murrumbateman has 20 world-class wineries that prove that it’s the perfect escape for wine lovers. If you are traveling with kids, then visiting vineyards is not the only option for you. Murrumbateman has a lot of restaurants and farmers’ markets that can allow your kids to explore and have fun. 

The rich history of Murrumbateman deserves a lot of attention. For example, the Cooma Cottage of Murrumbateman dates back to the time of Hamilton Hume, who was a famous Australian explorer. You’ll find a lot of artifacts in Murrumbateman that help you take a trip in the past. 

Trail riding is another fun activity in Murrumbateman that you can enjoy with your friends or family. Horseback trail riding makes it easier for you to explore the natural bushland and its mesmerizing beauty.

Gibraltar Falls By Sportz

Gibraltar Falls, ACT

Distance from Canberra City: About 44 km

Travel Time: 47 minutes 

If waterfalls leave you fascinated, then you must visit the Gibraltar Falls. The Gibraltar Falls are set in Namadgi National Park. The park that encompasses Gibraltar Falls stretches over an area of around 107,000 hectares. 

Gibraltar Falls is not only famous for its natural beauty. The European and Aboriginal cultural sites located in Gibraltar Falls, surrounded by wildlife, enable you to have a great time with your friends and family. 

The camping areas, barbecues, and picnic tables located near Gibraltar Falls make it easier for you to have fun on your day trip. Although you can drive your car to Gibraltar Falls, it’s better to rely on a coach charter to reach this area.

Lanyon Homestead, ACT

Distance from Canberra City: About 32.5 km

Travel Time: 36 minutes

If you’re an artist yourself and want to hang out with your art buddies, then you must visit the Lanyon Homestead. This house was built in the 19th century, and it contained the artwork of Sir Sidney Nolan. The government decided to convert it into a house museum after remodeling. 

Lanyon Homestead is surrounded by great views that help you forget about your problems. A day trip to Lanyon Homestead allows you to discuss art with your friends and family, and you can also enjoy a picnic in one of the beautiful gardens. 

Although you can reach Lanyon Homestead from Canberra in 35-40 minutes, it’s better to rely on a minibus hire service to easily reach this historic museum.

Boorowa – Farming Village, NSW

Distance from Canberra City: About 113 km

Travel Time: 1 hour 27 minutes 

Boorowa is an old Australian country region that has several cultural landmarks. In Boorowa, you can have a great time with your friends and family by exploring the country pubs, craft shops, and local restaurants. 

The must-visit historical sites of Boorowa are: 

• Boorowa Underbridge
• Glenara Gallery 
• Octagonal War Memorial 

If you’re not a history nerd and don’t want to spend all day exploring historical landmarks, you can turn your attention to other activities in Boorowa. Socialising with your buddies in country pubs or local restaurants located on the streets is the best way to have fun. You can also go shopping at local antique stores to buy items that remind us of the past. 

You can find a minibus hire with driver service online with coachhire.com.au, so you don’t have to worry about driving your car.

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