There comes a time when everyone needs a day away from their busy lives. To unwind, relax and stop thinking about work and other responsibilities. Even though we all love Canberra, who doesn’t love a good road trip. Whether you want to escape to the country, snow, coast or be one with nature we have found something for you.
Country Escape
Escape to the country Australian style, just under two hours from the CBD lives picturesque town Bowral. Located in the Southern Highlands in NSW discover its restaurants, wineries and beautifully lush greenery.
It’s never too early for a vino. Start your day visiting the cellar doors of the Centennial Vineyard and taste their range of award-winning wines while taking in their breathtaking views. For the real gourmet experience, later try highly acclaimed Biota Dining. the restaurant takes ‘locally sourced’ to the next level with all fresh and seasonal dishes. They also offer a unique adventure with the chefs, where you gather and cook ingredients from local surrounds and learn where and how they are grown.
If you’re looking for something a bit more low key, we suggest doing a pie trail in the Southern Highlands. In the month of June eat your way through around 30 pie outlets in the region. Tasting every kind of flavour or stopping into restaurants hosting pies events, including ‘Pies & Vino’. Make it a family affair and treat the kids to a sweet pie and drink at the Fairground Follies event in Bowral, while they enjoy a musical experience and a ride on a 100 year old steam carousel.
Alpine Escape
You might want to get a good night’s sleep before this one. Although the journey to the Snowy Mountains is around a three hour drive, it is well worth it. Skiers and snowboarders would already know this journey well, but if your new to the snow scene you will want to get up early to make as much use of the day as possible.
There are slopes for all levels at Thredbo Alpine Resort, so if you haven’t already this is a great time to learn to ski or snowboard. But if not, still enjoy what the cold weather brings and make a snowman or take a guided mountain tour. For lunch try Thredbo’s iconic on-slope restaurant Kareela Hutte and enjoy their European influenced cuisine and views of the mountain valley.
If you’re a little uncoordinated and don’t feel like tackling the mountain, we’ve got you covered. Take a turn off before Thredbo and stop at Lake Crackenback Resort and Spa. Curl up next to the fire and enjoy scenic views of the spectacular mountains and the lake’s crystal waters. Or engage with one of the resort’s many activities, then enjoying a meal at their restaurant.
Coastal Escape
The weather at the coast can be perfect all year round and sometimes there is nothing better than sitting on the beach on a sunny day. Us Canberrans are so lucky that in under three hours we can travel to some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. The Sapphire Coast in NSW is the perfect destination for a coastal getaway.
What we love most about Bermagui on the Sapphire Coast is its pristine waters, rated sixth out of eight of the best ocean rock pool in the world is the Blue Pool. Not only is it a great swimming and snorkelling spot, it is also a perfect spot for shore-based whale watching. For the ultimate relaxation trip enjoy a leisurely lunch at Palm Bar in the Bermagui Beach Hotel and make the most of the location by indulging in some fresh local seafood and stunning views.
View this post on InstagramPalming off another Monday 🌴 . . #bermagui #palmorparma #seeaustralia #sapphirecoast
If you feel like exploring, also located on the Sapphire Coast is the Pinnacles Beach in Eden. Take a walk on the beach then head up to the Pinnacles loop walking track for a pleasant walk with stunning coastal views. On the trail stop at both of the lookout points to view the fascinating red gravel clay and white sand Pinnacles formation, which dates back 65 million years ago. The Green Cape Lighthouse is also another lookout point which is popular for wildlife spotting.
Nature Escape
Explore Australia’s one of a kind nature and wildlife 45 minutes away from Canberra at Namadgi National Park. Put on your runners and comfy clothes because this day trip requires some walking.
Jump away from your worries in the Gibraltar Falls creek. The area is a popular destination in the park for Canberrans. From the Woods Reserve car park take a 20 minute walk to the falls and cool off in the creek and look out to views of the waterfall. A sausage sizzle would make the perfect day with a BBQ and picnic tables at the car park. If you’re not interested in staying long at the falls just continue on the Wood Reserve trail.
Discover some of Namadgi’s Aboriginal Heritage with over 21,000 year old archaeological sites. There are an overwhelming amount of walking tracks to choose from, however popular walks for the day include granite boulders at Square Rock, the Yankee Hat Rock art site and Mount Franklin. In the park there is also the opportunity to engage with other activities such as bike-riding and fishing in permitted areas.
