day trips from canberra with dogs

📍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.

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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 quarter s 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.

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 shor t 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 Wadbillig a 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 t own’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.

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.)

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.

📍35 Best Fun Things To Do In Canberra, Australia. (Attractions & Activities.) (2024.)

📍13 Best Weekend Getaways From Canberra From A Road Trip Enthusiast. (2024.)

📍8 Best Canberra Lookouts In The City & Countryside. (2024.)

📍14 Best Things To Do In Jindabyne, New South Wales Throughout The Year. (2024.)

Abode Canberra Review: In-Depth Look At Belconnens’s 4-Star Apartment Hotel.

Ibis Styles Canberra In-Depth Review Of The Narrabundah Hotel.

Belinda Antonenko is the founder of Journey.Discover., a travel website primarily dedicated to showcasing Australia. She lives in South East Queensland and loves nothing more than road trips, adventure, camping, photographing everything and finding unique and exhilarating experiences.

Dog-Friendly Canberra: Visiting Canberra with a Dog

When I recently visited Canberra with my dog, I was surprised by how dog-friendly the city is. Sure, I didn’t try and take my dog inside of parliament house or the many museums that pepper the city. But there’s so many dog-friendly things to do, not to mention dog-friendly hotels. If you’re visiting Canberra with a dog, read on to find out about the best dog-friendly options in the capital city of Australia . 

Dog-Friendly Sightseeing in Canberra

What really surprised me during our visit to Canberra with our dog was how many popular sightseeing stops in Canberra are dog-friendly. If you’re heading to Canberra with your pup, add these to your itinerary.

#1 Visit Parliament House

Just as humans can walk on the lawns in front of Parliament House, dogs are also allowed access to this space, sometimes dubbed “The Great Verandah”. For the ultimate Canberra dog-selfie, get a photo of your dog outside the front of Parliament House.  

The whole Parliamentary Zone, extending from Parliament House down to the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, contains many important buildings, and is fine to walk through with your dog. Check out Old Parliament House, the National Library, the Portrait and National Gallery and the International Flag Display.  

#2 Explore the War Memorials

Across the lake is the Australian War Memorial. While naturally dogs cannot visit the interior of this important memorial with your dog, it’s fine for them to explore its exterior, including multiple tanks and statues.

Perhaps also walk along Anzac Parade with your dog, viewing the many other memorials that line the road over a 1km stretch. It’s recommended to allow 80 minutes for a self-guided walking tour .

#3 Take in the Views from Mount Ainslie

To appreciate the unusual layout of Canberra, designed by Walter Burley Griffin, head to the summit of Mount Ainslie. One of the tallest peak that surrounds Canberra, Mount Ainslie lies at one end of the axis that extends through Parliament House to the Australian War Memorial. There’s also some great signs at the lookout illuminating the history of the city’s design. 

The easiest way to reach the summit of Mount Ainslie is to drive up, with a carpark at the top. However, it’s also possible to walk up to the summit through the Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve, with a walkway starting behind the War Memorial. Dogs are welcome in the reserve on a leash, for more details of the walk see here .  

#4 Stroll Through the NGA Sculpture Garden

While dogs are naturally not allowed inside the National Gallery of Australia, the same restrictions don’t apply to the Sculpture Garden outside. We checked for signage, discovering none except for a warning asking for cyclists to take care, but of course keep your dog on a leash. 

The Sculpture Garden contains 30 works by both Australian and International sculptors from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. One of the most famous works is a partial edition of Rodin’s The Burghers of Calais.  

Perhaps enjoy a wander through the Sculpture Garden as part of a longer walk along the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, perhaps walking the 5km length of the Bridge to Bridge Walk (see below).  

#5 Head to the National Arboretum

The National Arboretum on the western edge of Canberra is a rather new addition to the city. It was established in 2005 following the devastating bushfires of 2003 that swept through the area, opening to the public in 2013. But as trees take a long time to mature, it still looks quite young, except for a few older sections. 

One of the most popular spots at the moment are the Himalayan Cedars, one of the older sections of the Arboretum, planted just over 100 years ago. The trees are mainly planted in monocultures, so the plantings of deciduous trees are sure to look special during Autumn. 

There’s a huge number of walking trails throughout the Arboretum, over 20km in total. Dogs are welcome on all trails, but keep them on a leash and bring your own poo bags. Dogs are just not allowed inside the Village Centre, the POD Playground and the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection.

Entry to the National Arboretum is free, although there is a fee for parking next to the Village Centre.

#6 Taste the Local Wine

The Canberra wine region is renown in Australia as a cool-climate wine region producing quality wines. Many wineries have a cellar door open to the public, with dogs often welcome. 

A number of the wineries are located near Lake George, on the road from Sydney . I’ve previously stopped off at the dog-friendly Lerida Estate , who make some fine rosés. There’s also an on-site cafe with an excellent lunch menu, perfect for a dog-friendly lunch stop on the way to or from Canberra. 

This time we headed over to the Murrumbateman area, to the northwest of Canberra, on the way to Yass.  We enjoyed a tasting at Shaw Wines , the largest winery in Murrumbateman, who have a beautifully modern cellar door. Dogs are allowed outside on the terrace, but not inside the winery where seated tasting usually take place during the winter months. 

Another option close by is the Murrumbateman Winery , a more rustic kind of cellar door. Well-behaved dogs are welcome to visit, including inside, where they might meet resident wine dogs, Mollie.

Merry Heart CBR has put together a list of the most pet-friendly cellar doors in Murrumbateman , ranked by pet-friendliness. Alternatively, contact Merry Heart CBR to book a dog-friendly guided winery tour to wineries in the area, leaving someone else to do the driving!

#7 Sniff the Flowers at Floriade and Tulip Top Gardens

Canberra is famous for its annual Floriade Festival , a month long Celebration of Spring held during September and October. The centrepiece is the ornate flower displays in Commonwealth Park, in between Lake Burley Griffin and the CBD. 

Dogs are able to join in the fun, with generally the final day of the flower displays in mid-October designated as a Dogs’ Day Out. As well as exploring the flowers, there are usually plenty of fun dog events. Double check the program when it’s released to confirm the date and what’s happening this year.

Around the same time of year, Tulip Top Gardens in Sutton opens to the public for about a month. These beautiful gardens are located just off the Federal Highway, the main route from Sydney to Canberra, just before you cross the border into the ACT. Best of all, up to two leashed dogs are welcome to join you any day.

#8 Play in the Snow

As the coldest capital in Australia, a few falls of snow is typical most winters in Canberra. But to be guaranteed of enough snow to play in, the closest spot to head is Corin Forest , 45 minutes south of the centre of Canberra.  

Corin Forest operate a snow play area, with a combination of snowguns and snowmaking machines generating plenty of snow cover every day. An entry fee applies and bookings are advisable.

While their picnic area is dog-friendly, generally the snow play area is not open to dogs. However, they host a handful of designated Snow Dogs sessions each September. It’s best to check their Facebook page and website closer to the time (usually late August) to find out the date and make a booking.

Find out more about where to experience snow in Australia with your dog

#9 Head Out on the Lake

Lake Burley Griffin lies at the centre of Canberra. So experiences the city from a different perspective and get out on the lake. With your dog of course!

GoBoat offers electric picnic boats for hire from Trevillian Quay in Kingston. With no boat license required and hire periods from just an hour available, it’s an easy yet affordable way to enjoy some time on the water with your dog. There’s even the option to add on a grazing box. I’ve rented one of their boats in Sydney and can attest to their quality!

Another option are the paddle boats from Capital Paddle . Launching from Regatta Point close to the Canberra CBD, explore the lake under your own paddle power, with dogs welcome to join you. Just note it closes over the winter. During the summer months it is open most weekends, depending on the weather.

Dog-Friendly Walks in Canberra

There’s no shortage of dog-friendly walks around Canberra, before for a fun adventure with your pup except for during the hot days of summer.

For starters, there are multiple walking and cycling paths around Lake Burley Griffin. A total of 30km of paths are divided into the Western, Central and Eastern Loops, with dogs permitted on most of them. The most notable exception is the section of the Eastern Loop that passes through the Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve.

The most popular dog-friendly option is the Central Loop, otherwise known as the Bridge to Bridge Walk , as it loops in between the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge and Kings Avenue Bridge. Along the way it passes popular sights such as the Captain James Cook Memorial water jet, Commonwealth Park, the International Flag Display and the National Gallery of Australia Sculpture Garden. Use this self-guided walking tour brochure along the way.

While dogs need to stay on leash on the Bridge to Bridge Walk, a great off-leash walk in Canberra is the Shepherds Lookout Walk in the Woodstock Nature Reserve. Starting from a small carpark near the end of Stockdill Drive in the Belconnen area, it’s a 600m walk to the lookout over the Murrumbidgee River.

Return by the same route or the slightly longer loop. While dogs are allowed off-leash on this track, they are prohibited from the rest of the nature reserve.

Other on-leash dog walking options around Canberra include the Farrer Ridge Nature Reserve Walking Trails , the walking trails in Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve including the Mount Ainslie Summit Track , and the 20km of walking trails in the National Arboretum.  

Dog-Friendly Parks in Canberra

Around the Canberra area there are seven fenced dog parks. They’re located in:

• Belconnen (Lake Ginninderra Dog Park)
• Greenway (Mortimer Lewis Drive at Lake Tuggeranong)
• Yarralumla (Weston Park)
• Forde (Amy Ackman Drive)
• Casey (Springbank Rise)
• O’Connor (Fairfax Street)
• Duffy (Warragamba Avenue)

For further details, check out the City Services webpage . There’s also this handy map highlighting all off-leash dog areas in the ACT, plus prohibited areas. (Click on Dog Exercise Areas in the upper left of the map to display the highlighting.)

On our visit to Canberra, we checked out the Yarralumla Dog Park , in Weston Park. It’s quite large, with separate fenced areas for small and large dogs, which we always appreciate for our Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel. Inside are water taps and benches to sit on. Be warned that much of it is dirt, so it will be muddy after rain.

Just outside of Canberra if you’re passing through Queanbeyan, also check out Barkley Dog Park in Googong. This large and rather wild park is a delightful spot for adventurous dogs, and even features a dam. It’s located just off Grazier Road with a handy carpark next to it.

Dog-Friendly Swimming in Canberra

While Canberra is far from the coast, there are still plenty of options for dogs to swim during the hot summer months. (When we visited on a cold winters day, it was definitely not a consideration!) 

Around the lakes of Canberra, dogs are prohibited from public swimming beaches and must remain on-leash in most areas, but there are seven designated dog swimming beaches . These are located at:

• Gordon (Point Hut Pond)
• Greenway (Lake Tuggeranong)
• Yarralumla (Orana Bay and Kurrajong Point Beach in Weston Park)
• Gungahlin (Yerrabi Pond)
• Belconnen (Lake Ginninderra and Diddams Close) 

Another option that I’ve heard plenty recommendations for is to head to the Murrumbidgee River, outside of the city.

Dogs are allowed off-leash in the Uriarra Recreation Reserve Area, including the Uriarra East, Uriarra West and Swamp Creek picnic areas. There’s plenty of welcoming water holes to cool down in. Dogs are also allowed off-leash on the western riverbank of the Point Hut Crossing recreational area. 

Are Pets Allowed on Public Transport in Canberra?

If you’d prefer to leave your car behind when travelling around Canberra, luckily Canberra and the ACT are now more pet-friendly when it comes to public transport, as least for small pets.

Pets were initially only allowed on the new light rail line that runs between the CBD and Gungahlin Place, but they are now also allowed on buses, with permission from the driver. However, pets need to travel in a secure pet carrier, so it’s really only practical for small pets. Check out the full rules . 

Dog-Friendly Cafes in Canberra

There’s plenty of dog-friendly cafes and restaurants to choose from around Canberra.

One of the best dog-friendly cafes in Canberra is the Local Press Cafe on the Kingston Foreshore, perfect to combine with a walk along the banks of Lake Burley Griffin. The cafe specialises in fresh and natural wholefoods, along with cold pressed juices.

Alternatively, head to The Cupping Room , in the centre of Canberra. Brought to you by the Ona Coffee team, Canberra’s largest speciality coffee roaster, they’re serious about their coffee, plus serve up brunch seven days a week. Try to have your pup snapped for their Instagram page .

We wrapped up our day in Canberra with a visit to Snapper & Co , at the Southern Cross Yacht Club in Yarralumla. Voted Canberra’s best fish and chips, put in a takeaway order then sit on the outdoor tables or spread out on the lawns for a picnic with your pup. The fish on my fish burger was large, delectable chunks! 

Dog-Friendly Pubs & Bars in Canberra

If you’re after a pub dinner with your pup, a great spot to head to is the Kingston Hotel . With a large beer garden, leashed dogs are welcome to join you outside, where they can even select from their own doggie menu and be brought a bowl of fresh water.

Capital Brewing Co is also dog-friendly at their Fyshwick Taproom, both inside and out. Enjoy a beer from their core range or special releases. Plus brodburger have a permanent food truck in the taproom serving up burgers and hot dogs.

Dog-Friendly Accommodation in Canberra

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive commission if you make a purchase using the links. See my full disclaimer .

In the last couple of years a growing number of Canberra hotels, both old and new, have put out a welcome mat (plus usually a treat) for four-legged guests. If you’re heading to Canberra, there’s a wide variety of dog-friendly hotels to choose from.

Abode Hotels have multiple hotels dotted around Canberra. Currently, their Belconnen, Gungahlin, Kingston, Murrumbateman and Narrabundah hotels welcome pets. (Skip staying at the Tuggeranong or Woden locations if you have a pet.) 

All rooms in the Abode Hotels are self-contained, with a small kitchenette, always a handy option when you’re travelling with a pet and the weather turns miserable. To book a pet-friendly room, select the Pet Package on their website. Note that you should bring your own pet bed, and if you have a second pet (up to two are permitted per room) an additional charge applies.

In particular, I’ve heard excellent feedback about Abode Narrabundah , with all pet-friendly rooms having access to a dog run.

For a more luxurious stay in Canberra, consider the Ovolo Nishi . This five-star luxury boutique hotel is located in Canberra’s CBD, near Commonwealth Park. With artistic touches, including restored vintage furniture and original artworks in each room, your dog is also treated in style when you select a V.I.Pooch package. 

The V.I.Pooch package at Ovolo hotels includes a bed and bowls for your pup, along with a “Doggy Bag” containing specially designed dog toy and treats. There’s also pet-friendly staff on hand to provide assistance when needed. 

Another luxury pet-friendly hotel in Canberra is the glamorous QT Canberra . Book a Pup Yeah! package and your pup will enjoy a designer dog bed for the night, as well as their own mini-bar (full of treats!) and in-room dining menu. Enquire about the option of dog walks and grooming. There’s a size limit of 20kg, and an additional $150 cleaning fee applies.

Alternatively, make a booking at the heritage-listed Mercure Canberra . There are dedicated pet-friendly rooms, each with a private courtyard, and no size limits. A dog bed and bowl are provided. The hotel also offers the option to book pet sitters.

If you’d prefer to stay at a caravan park, the most dog-friendly option around is the c , located just before you cross the border on the road from Sydney. They have four “dog freedom sites”, powered sites which are fully fenced, as well as two dog-friendly bungalows. The regular powered and unpowered sites also permit dogs. 

Alternatively, we also stayed not far from Canberra in the town of Bungendore, at the Bungendore Showground . While the facilities are basic, there’s a friendly caretaker and powered sites are just $25 per night or unpowered sites $15. Just over 35 minutes from the centre of Canberra, make sure you visit the local Wood Works Gallery.

Head Next To

• Dog-Friendly Batemans Bay
• Dog-Friendly Snowy Mountains
• Dog-Friendly Tumut

About the Author

Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.

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7 thoughts on “Dog-Friendly Canberra: Visiting Canberra with a Dog”

Thanks for this great insight into traveling through Canberra with pups. I’m currently here and your advice is helping with my plans.

Great to hear, thanks!

Thank you for this helpful information. It’s great when we’re able to travel with our little friend too.

Thanks for this info. We thought Canberra would be too strict on dogs to be able to visit but now on our way with our schnauzer with a light heart.

Have a great time in Canberra!

Thanks for this, there are some things I didn’t know about in my own back yard. But the idea that Canberra has pet friend transportation is a little bit of a stretch. The fact that you have to have your small dogs in a carrier, defeats the point of not taking your car, cause what do you do with the carrier once you arrive at your destination? you have to carry around. It also is limited to small, so if you have medium to large dogs you are excluded. Can’t wait for Aust to be more like places in NZ that you can just walk on to ferries and buses just as we humans do.

However, I do love the fact that there is Uber Pets, so if you walk somewhere but too far or two late to do both ways, you can order a uber that allows you to take your furbaby (not in a carrier) in the uber with for a small extra fee.

I certainly agree that the public transport in Canberra is still not that pet-friendly, but at the moment it’s better than nothing. It’s great for people taking small pets to the vet if they don’t have their own car. And as a non-car-owner in Sydney, where the rules are similar, I make use of the buses to take my dog on adventures in surrounding suburbs. (His carrier is lightweight, so it’s easy to carry like a shoulder bag.) Fingers crossed that public transport soon becomes more pet-friendly in Sydney (there’s a petition!) and Canberra.

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Arts & entertainment, design & style, travel & leisure, search concrete playground, eight epic (but easy) walks you can do with your dog in canberra this year.

Head into the capital's great outdoors with your four-legged friend.

If you want to take your dog on a new adventure but don't want to have to work too hard to keep up, Canberra offers seemingly endless hillside journeys that'll leave you with enough energy to get through the day. Each side of the city presents a fresh summit to reach with dog-friendly paths winding through some of Australia's most diverse bushland. So, grab the lead, say the magic word and send your dog into fervour — these eight walks around Canberra shouldn't have either of you panting for too long.

Please stay up to date with the latest  ACT Government  health advice regarding COVID-19.

Shepherds Lookout

600 metres return

Located within Woodstock Nature Reserve, Shepherds Lookout is another much-loved destination for a weekend stroll with your best mate. That’s because it offers excellent views of the Murrumbidgee River — undoubtedly one of the region’s centrepiece natural landmarks.

At just a 30-minute drive from the centre of Canberra, Australia’s second-longest waterway is well worth the trip to explore. The walk itself is a rather simple one, with the loop clocking in at a modest 600 metres. However, you’ll likely end up taking longer than you expect as your curious pup explores its surroundings — just be sure to keep them on a lead so they don’t wander off while you’re soaking up the picturesque Murrumbidgee and the nearby New South Wales border.

Start creating a personalised itinerary — or add to an existing list. Save it, share it and take it with you on your next local adventure.

Mount Painter Summit Walk

3.7 kilometres return

Situated north of Canberra in the suburb of Cook, Mount Painter has an array of peaceful walks that feature great views of the surrounding landscape. The summit walk is one of the most popular, thanks to its sealed trail and multiple lookout points.

It begins at Bindubi Street, and the first views you’ll come across are of Mount Ainslie and Black Mountain. Just up ahead, there are sprawling views to the west of the Brindabella Mountain Range. Most walkers complete this in just over an hour, so this urban walk is one that you and your pup can take on and complete before breakfast at nearby dog-friendly spot Two Before Ten .

Image: Steve Bettinger via Flickr

Red Hill Lookout Walk

3.2 kilometres return

For a summit hike that rewards you with a coffee at the end, the Red Hill Lookout Walk has to be at the top of your list. As you make your way through the thick bushland, you’ll cast your gaze over the likes of Woden Town Centre, Molonglo Valley and Lake Burley Griffin from various viewing points.

After about 30 minutes of walking, you’ll arrive at the peak and the wonderfully weird building that houses both fine diner Onred upstairs and Coffee ‘n’ Beans cafe downstairs. Find a seat outside and grab yourself a bite to eat from the menu of Aussie cafe classics like eggs benedict, smashed avocado and a steak sandwich. Don’t forget to reward your pooch with a nibble, too.

Image: VisitCanberra

Mount Ainslie Kokoda Track

4.5 kilometres return

For outstanding views within touching distance of the city centre, Mount Ainslie , and specifically the Kokoda Track, fits the bill. Depart from Remembrance Park, right behind the Australian War Memorial, for a relatively easy 4.5-kilometre stroll to the summit along a firm trail. Towards the top, things get a little tougher as you have to ascent some stone steps to complete the walk.

Along the way, the views looking back across the city are top-notch. This is a popular dog walk trail for Canberra locals, so your pooch will likely make a few new mates along the way, too. At the summit, you’ll experience panoramic vistas of Lake Burley Griffin and the mountain ranges in the distance. Break out a lunchtime spread at the picnic tables, and give your pup a well-deserved drink at the water fountain.

Mount Taylor Summit Walk

3.8 kilometres return

Situated on the edge of the city, Mount Taylor is a well-trodden landmark for those who love nature but don’t want to travel too far. Its summit walk, which is just under two kilometres from the base and has an elevation of 856 metres, is a touch more strenuous than others with some steep sections and uneven rocks — so, perhaps only bring Rufus along if he’s still a spritely pup. If you’re keen, you’ll find two of the access points in the suburb of Kambah — on the corner of Mannheim Street and Sulwood Drive, and at Colquhoun Street off Sulwood Drive.

Once you reach the peak, you’ll be rewarded with views of Tuggeranong Valley and Woden Valley, plus a glimpse of Namadgi National Park . If you’re feeling especially keen, take your doggo on a pre-dawn walk and experience sunrise as the city comes to life.

Image: Pascal Vuylsteker via Flickr

Cooleman Ridge Nature Track

3.6-kilometre loop

The Cooleman Ridge Nature Reserve places you among some distinctly Australian flora and fauna. The area was once cleared to make way for cattle grazing, but it’s since been restored to some of its original natural beauty. The nature track, a loop trail that is roughly 3.6 kilometres, begins at the end of Kathner Street in Chapman, and offers a reasonably peaceful saunter up through a ridge of towering eucalypt trees. You’ll likely see other native species such as indigo false sarsaparilla and native pink geraniums, too.

The wildlife here is particularly vibrant, as wedge-tailed eagles and Australian kestrels are known to roam the area, so be sure to keep Luna on a leash at all times. You’ll also be able to admire the distant Brindabellas from the summit, and the Cooleman Trig station marks the turnaround point to complete the loop.

Image: Reuben Gibbes

Molonglo Gorge to Blue Tiles Trail

6 kilometres return

Just a quick 20-minute drive from Canberra, Queanbeyan offers a range of natural landmarks that your dog will love. One of the most striking is the Molonglo Gorge, which formed more than 15 million years ago. Featuring a variety of dense bushland, rock pools and streams to cross, the recreation park has plenty of walks to consider.

The Blues Tiles Walk is a particular favourite — the somewhat challenging endeavour meanders along an overgrown path of native trees and rocky outcrops. Throughout the six-kilometre round-trip, you’ll get to see a variety of wonderful landscapes. When you find the perfect spot along the river, unpack some lunch and relish the tranquil location while your best mate has a frolic in the water. On your way back into town, make a stop at Capital Brewing for a well-deserved beer (for you) and a nap in the beer garden (for Fido).

Mount Ainslie to Mount Majura Circuit

16.6 kilometres return

If you’re seeking a day-long adventure, the Mount Ainslie to Mount Majura Circuit is a trip that’ll see you complete two of Canberra’s best-known peaks. Make sure you carry plenty of food and water, as this 16.6-kilometre (return) walk links the Kokoda Track with the wooded trails of nearby Mount Majura. Depending on your pace (and your furry friend’s), the entire hike should take about four hours to finish — just be sure to pack enough water for you both.

Throughout the walk, you’ll be surrounded by countless plant species, including cypress trees, kurrajong trees and a range of eucalyptus varieties. There’s also a chance you’ll come across eastern grey kangaroos, rock wallabies or even an echidna or two — so make sure Patch stays close.

To discover more outdoor adventures to have in Canberra, head to Visit Canberra  and start planning your next city break.

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Five must dog-friendly things to do in Canberra

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Canberra is the capital city of Australia.  It is a public service town enclosed by NSW.  It is 2 hours from Sydney and three hours from the snow.  What has changed over the last few years is the city has become welcomed more dogs as it positions itself as a dog-friendly tourist destination.

Take them to an off-leash dog park

Canberra is inundated with off-leash dog parks that stretch from Gungahlin in the north to Tuggeranong in the south. In between, there are parks in Duffy (south) and O’Connor and Lake Ginninderra (North).

Many of these dog parks offer enclosures for both large and small dogs except for Forde which only has one enclosure.  The off-leash dog parks have running water for those warm days and trees to offer some shade for your pooch.

The off-leash dog parks offer a chance for your dog to socialise with other dogs both large and small while you enjoy a coffee and digest the latest political stories.

For more information on the off-leash dog parks, please visit my post on Canberra’s off-leash dog parks.

Enjoy a staycation at one of Canberra’s dog-friendly hotels

COVID-19 has put the brakes on international travel and some domestic travel when States and Territories close their borders.  One activity growing in popularity is staycations.

Canberra is one place where staycations have taken off while also putting out the welcome mat for households with pets.   If you are a visitor or a local wanting a weekend away from home, there are a range of hotels that offer dog-friendly accommodation.

Adobe group

At the pinnacle, there are Abode group of hotels that are located at Gungahlin, Belconnen, Woden, Tuggeranong, Kingston and Narrabundah and if you want to go a little further out they also have a hotel at Murrumbateman.  Abode offers self-contained hotel accommodation with small kitchenettes, which are just perfect for preparing scrumptious meals for your traveling guests.  The other bonus is complimentary wifi.

Abode has a pet package that is exclusive to all hotels in Canberra except Woden and allows you to bring two pets with you.  Your four-legged travel companion will enjoy all the comforts of home on your next trip to Canberra.

Ovolo Nishi

If you are looking for a more central hotel to the city then Ovolo Nishi is probably the best bet.  It is only a short walk from New Acton to the city’s restaurants and shopping centre.  Every room is kitted-out with a flat-screen TV, free high-speed WiFi, and modern bathrooms, while some also include a fully equipped kitchen.

Unlike regular pet-friendly hotels that allow dogs, the Nishi offers you an indulgent experience, complete with amenities (and treats!) to pamper you and your pooch like a true VIP.

Their V.I.Pooch holiday accommodation package provides you with the following:

• A doggy bed where your furry buddy can snuggle and relax like a real boss
• An eating/drinking mat and food bowl so they can feast in style
• A doggy bag with specially designed dog toys and treats, and…
• Dog-friendly staff on hand to provide assistance when you need it

Other hotels

Another hotel based in the city offering VIP pooch service is the QT hotel, which is just down the road from the Nishi.  Their pet-friendly rooms come with fetching features, including a poochie cute mini bar packed with treats for whining and dining.  A favourite for pet owners is the decadent in-room dogs’ dinner menus designed by QT Head of Treats.  The hotel will charge you’re a $150 cleaning fee after your visit.  Their Pup Yeah! Service is only for dogs under 20 kilos.

Other potential options for your furfriends are the Mercure Canberra that not only offers pet-friendly accommodation but also a pet mind service.  As part of the star treatment owners will receive a pet-friendly room and a food bowl for your pooch.

Have lunch at a dog-friendly café

Walk past most cafés around Canberra today and you will find a doggy bowl with water.  However, some cafes really turn it on for their four-legged visitors.

South Canberra

Starting in Yarralumla there are two cafes worth visiting – Beess and Co and Yarralumla Gallery and Oaks Brass .  Both are Canberra institutions and toss out the welcome mat for dogs.  Yarralumla Gallery and Oaks Brasserie is particularly dog-friendly as has a canine menu and is a nice stopping off point when walking around the lake.

In the inner south suburb is the dog-friendly café Little Bird .  It boasts a generous outdoor area perfect for dogs that catches the morning sun and also provides good shade midday and afternoon. Open for delicious breakfasts and lunches every day and it only a short stroll from Lake Burley Griffin (see below).

North Canberra

Still in the suburbs but to the north of the city in Lyneham is The Front Galley and Cafe which is super-friendly to our canine friends.  Your dogs will be well looked after while you enjoy a delicious meal and drink.  Around the corner is Tilley’s which also looks after your dog.  They are plenty of outdoor tables that are heated during the winter.  It is not unusual to have a pack of dogs over the weekend.

Still in the north is 2before10 at Aranda.  It must be one of Canberra’s dog-friendliest café where your pooch is lovingly spoilt.  It offers water bowls for thirsty dogs and its specialty is some well-constructed coffee-sack ground ‘dog-blankets’.  There are two options for outdoor dog-friendly seating: a row of spacious outdoor tables under a south-facing deep eave is a perfect spot in the heat of summer, and a courtyard around the side provides sunnier seating in cooler weather.

Back across the lake and in the far north of Canberra is Frankie’s at Forde .  It is one of Canberra’s best suburban venues, certainly, in the north, Frankies is always worth a visit. They also have a second menu for dogs and a canine hydration station!

Stroll around Canberra at dog-friendly walks

There are plenty of dog-friendly paths and parks around Canberra whether you live in the South or the north.  One of the best in Canberra is the Centenary trial which encompasses the city and snakes around the outer suburbs.

The centenary trial is 145km of self-guided If you are walking around parts of the Centenary trial make sure that you do not inadvertently stray into one of the national parks where dogs are not permitted, like Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary.  The map indicates where dogs are not permitted.

The second fantastic walk is the bridge-to-bridge walk around Lake Burley Griffin – (Commonwealth Bridge to Kings Avenue Bridge).  It is an approximate 5km walk that talks in some of our best national institutions where you can pull in for a coffee.  The national portrait gallery is very dog friendly with plenty of seating outside and water for your dogs.  The bridge-to-bridge walk is popular in all seasons in Canberra with locals getting out on the weekends.  While you are there why not enjoy the Australian of the Year Walk.

Only a short drive away in Reid and Campbell is the self-guided walking tour from the steps of the Australian War Memorial along the National Capital’s major commemorative way.  Anzac Parade (the Parade) is set along Canberra’s magnificent Land Axis, a key feature of the Griffins’ original 1912 plan of the city. The Land Axis is now bookended by Parliament House at one end and the Australian War Memorial at the other.

Weston Park is another gentle walking track.  There’s plenty of room and facilities for picnicking with picnic tables, electric barbecues and public toilets.  There is also plenty of room to throw the frisbee with your pooch.

Visit a Winery with your furpets

Canberra is surrounded by cool-climate wineries from the north-west at Murrumbateman to the North at Lake George.  Why not travel out to one of the wineries with your dog to enjoy a hearty lunch and a bottle of wine from one of the award-winning wineries within 30 minutes of Canberra.

North of Canberra

At Lake George, why not go to Lerida Estate and Cafe Lerida .  Lerida has a beautiful menu and caters for large group and functions.  They have sensational views across to Lake George to the hills of Bungendore.

Cafe Lerida provides two very pleasant dog-friendly outdoor areas to choose from, both bordered by a herb garden: a tiled courtyard with full shade/full sun options just outside the tasting room; and a grassy spot just around the corner with large shade umbrellas for hot days. A water bowl is also provided for visiting dogs which can be refreshed from a tap in the courtyard.

A short drive from Canberra’s north you will find Wamboin and Norton Rose Wines   From the veranda there are sensational views for Wamboin where you can watch the kangaroos and some wedge tail eagles chase the rabbits.

Karen and Simon will welcome you and feed you some delicious slow-cooked BBQ meats from their American menu while you sip on some of their wines.  If you are lucky you will get to meet Charlie and Rosie, their two dogs.  There is a dog-friendly courtyard outside of the restaurant which have full sun options for a winter’s day.

North West of Canberra

To the north-west at Murrumbateman is Murrumbateman Winery .  Like Norton Road Wines, you may be welcomed by the winery dogs on your arrival.

There are plenty of outdoor tables to choose from – either on a large, rustic deck shaded by a marquee during warmer months or on the lawn under mature, tall claret ashes.

The winery is open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm.  Even their wines are dog-friendly, having a 2019 Wine Dogs Pinot Grrris.  Just like every cellar door needs a good wine dog, every house needs a good wine.

Just call ahead to make sure that they can fit you in with a dog-friendly table.

There is plenty to do in Canberra with your four legged friend from gentle walks, to lunch at a dog friendly café to a visit to one of the beautiful wineries.

Thought about portraits with family and your pets?  Why not contact Alistair at Moist Nose Pet Photography to arrange a no-obligation chat.

Looking to have some portraits with your pets?  Why not contact Alistair at Moist Nose Pet Photographer to arrange a no-obligation chat.

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10 Day Trips From Canberra That You Will Enjoy

Michela Australia Destinations Australia Road Trips , Canberra 1

Canberra is an exciting city with incredible sights and attractions and a thriving dining and café scene. While there is plenty to do in the city, getting out of the city for the day to explore the scenic countryside is also worthwhile.

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Canberra is lucky to be surrounded by an abundance of exciting destinations, all within an easy drive from the city, so you can still stay in the Canberra city centre and venture out there. If you haven’t booked your hotel yet, here is what we recommend:

Best Places to Stay in Canberra ➡️ Mercure Belconnen ➡️ Ovolo Nishi ➡️ Sebel Campbellì

Day Trips from Canberra

Here are some excellent day trips from Canberra that you will enjoy.

Visit the historic village of Gundaroo

Located across the border in New South Wales but just a 35-minute drive north of Canberra, Gundaroo is a cute little historic village dating back to the gold rush days in the 1800s. Visit the Gundaroo Colonial Inn for a beer or a pub lunch while enjoying the atmosphere of this charming 1872 pub. Down the road, Grazing Restaurant, located in the 1865 Royal Hotel building, gets rave reviews for its fantastic food. There are also several cellar doors in town where you can taste wines from the local region.

A day trip to the wine region of Murrambateman

The wine region of Murrambateman is the east of Gundaroo. If you’re a wine lover, a day trip to this excellent wine region is a must. Cool climate wines do well, such as Riesling and Pinot Noir, and some of the best vineyards near Canberra are located here, including Eden Roads Wines, Four Winds Vineyard and Shaw Vineyard Estate.

The weekend is the best time to go as more cellar doors are open, and you can make a day of it. Enjoy a day of wine tasting and indulge in a lovely lunch at one of the vineyards.

A day of skiing at the Snowy Mountains

Canberra is located in Australia’s high country, and it is close enough to New South Wales ski resorts that you can hit the snow for the day in the winter.

Head off early, and in two and a half hours, you can reach Perisher or Thredbo for a day of skiing and play in the snow. The Snowy Mountains are well worth visiting at any time of the year, though, and Kosciusko National Park is a great spot to do some hiking or mountain biking. At the same time, the towns of Jindabyne and Cooma are beautiful places near Canberra, where you can stop and explore.

Visit the heritage-listed Braidwood

You can reach Braidwood in just over an hour’s drive east of Canberra. This charming heritage-listed town is full of history. Walk the streets lined with old historic buildings and visit the Braidwood Museum . There are some excellent cafes and places to eat, such as TorPeas or The Albion, along with boutique shops and antique stores to explore. Don’t miss the superb bakery, Dojo Bread. Admire the old theatre across the street and enjoy one of their fantastic pies.

Drive to the Lanyon Homestead

To get a taste of farm life in the 1800s, visit Lanyon Homestead , half an hour’s drive south of Canberra. This historic homestead is full of history, dating back to 1835.

The stunning main home of the property was built in 1859, and you can enjoy a tour of the house to learn about its history and admire its charming old-world features. Enjoy tea and scones at the café, sitting inside the historic building or at one of the outside tables on the lawn.

Take a dip at the Cotter Reserve.

The Murrumbidgee River is where Canberrans go on the weekend to swim and escape the city during summer. There are several right spots to take a dip, but Cotter Reserve is one of the most popular, located on the tributary, the Cotter River.

This scenic spot is just half an hour’s drive west of Canberra, but you will feel a world away from the city. Enjoy a picnic on the river with forest and tranquillity all around. Take a refreshing dip at one of the swimming holes on the river, visit Cotter Dam or take the kids to the fun-filled playground at Cotter Avenue.

Drive to the ocean and visit Batemans Bay

Canberra might be an inland city, but it is actually not that far from the east coast , so you can still enjoy a beach day trip from the city. Batemans Bay is the top spot that Canberrans go to when they want to visit the ocean, located just a two-hour drive down Kings Highway.

This charming seaside town has plenty to offer, with some excellent cafes for lunch, Crumb and Espresso Yourself. When you’ve recharged with some great food, there are a ton of water activities to enjoy. For many, it is best to spend the day on one of the fantastic beaches located just outside of town.

Visit the historic town of Bungendore

If you’re heading to Batemans Bay, or want to enjoy a day trip within a short drive of the city, stop in at the historic town of Bungendore. This little town is just a half hour’s drive east of Canberra and is full of little gems that will draw you in.

Visit the historic Bungendore Royal Hotel for a beer or eat at one of the charming small cafes. The Bungendore Wood Works Gallery is well worth checking out for its excellent local handmade wooden art pieces, furniture and other household items.

Go to the Canberra Deep Space Communications Complex

To the west of Canberra is a NASA funded series of substantial deep space satellite dishes used to examine space, right here in Australia’s capital. The complex is impressive to view, and the attached visitor centre makes visiting the Canberra Deep Space Communications Complex a good day trip from the city.

Stop at the Gibraltar Falls

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve i s an excellent spot to head to for the day to escape the city and get back to nature. The highlight is a visit to the scenic Gibraltar Falls , which tumbles 50 metres down into Gibraltar Creek. This lovely spot is located just west of the Canberra Deep Space Communications Centre, so you could even combine the two into one big day trip.

There are so many beautiful places around Canberra that you could never get bored. Whether you want to get back to nature for the day, visit a country town, or even go to the beach, all this is possible on a day trip from Canberra.

How to organise your day trips from Canberra

The best way to organise your day trips from Canberra is to hire a car if you prefer to go on a self-driving day trip from Sydney or an extended weekend tour.

Find the best deals: ➡️ Car Rentals

Guided Activities and Tours From Canberra

If you are on a tight schedule, you may want to combine a guided day tour with public transport trips from any city; here below is a top selection of guided day tours.

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Flickr Photo Credits: Gundaroo Murrambateman Snowy Mountains Lanyon Homestead Batesman Bay Deep Space Communication Complex

First published in 2017, last updated in March 202 4

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Agness October 25, 2017 @ 8:15 pm

Canberra seems like an awesome travel destination and going there would be a dream come true for me! When’s the best time of the year to explore it?

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10 dog friendly walks in canberra 2024.

Ally Burnie

Ally is happiest in her hiking boots out in nature and exploring all that Mother Earth has to offer. Whenever she gets the chance, you’ll find her travelling, going on long road-trips, camping, swimming in the ocean and having some mad Jeep adventures.

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Searching for the best dog friendly walks in Canberra? Good news – Australia’s capital is full to the brim with epic dog friendly hikes and shorter walks, and we’ve rounded up the best for your next adventure.  

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Country on which these adventures take place who have occupied and cared for these lands and waters for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

10 Best Dog-Friendly Walks in Canberra

Canberra is a pretty underrated outdoor adventure destination, in my humble opinion. This is especially true when it comes to hiking and nature walks. In fact, it’s estimated that no Canberran lives over 3.5km from a nature park or forest. How good’s that?!

Our capital city has an enormous amount of jaw-dropping natural scenery and epic hikes to tackle, and the best news of all, heaps of them are dog friendly (the best kind of hiking trail, to be fair).

Read more:  10 Bits of Gear for Adventure Dogs

So, if you and your pooch are looking for the best Canberra dog walks for your next big day out together, we’ve gathered the top ten. These walks have earned a spot on this list based on their outstanding reviews (Google, AllTrails etc) from other keen hikers and their pooches. 

We’ve also included some handy tips and tricks to make sure your pup remains safe, and that Canberra’s precious flora and fauna remain safe as well. 

Don’t live in Canberra? Here are some more dog friendly walks from around the country;

• 14 Best Dog Friendly Walks in Melbourne
• Dog Friendly Walks in the Blue Mountains
• The 10 Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Sydney
• 11 Dog Friendly Walks Brisbane

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10 best dog walking trails in canberra, 1. bridge to bridge loop.

Nearest town: Molonglo Valley Distance: 5km Time: 1 hour Leash rules: On-leash 

A classic Canberra walk, the Bridge to Bridge loop over the Molonglo River/Lake Burley Griffin is a breezy 5km walk to enjoy with your pup. There are various starting points around the lake, but the mapped route begins from the parking area at Wendouree Drive.

This dog friendly hike has some epic views and sight-seeing opps, including Canberra’s most iconic views of the bridge, the National Library, the National Museum and the fountain (AKA Captain Cook Memorial Jet). Keep in mind this trail is pretty popular, especially on the weekends.

2. Narrabundah Hill Circuit

Nearest town: Duffy Distance: 6km Time: 1.5 hours Leash rules: On-leash/off-leash 

For a lovely hike through a nature reserve where your doggo can roam free off-leash (when no cattle are present), check out Narrabundah Hill. With plenty of greenery for both you and your dog to enjoy, this laid-back walk will take you around 90 minutes. 

Experience the sweeping views out over the Brindabella Range (a great place for bikepacking Canberra , FYI), and the rich Canberran countryside. This circuit starts from Eucumbene Drive where you can explore the woodland around the hill, visit the trig station on top and then loop back to the roadside.

3. Molonglo Gorge to Blue Tiles Trail

Nearest town: Molonglo Valley Distance: 6.4km Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes Leash rules: On-leash

For a slightly harder dog friendly walk in Canberra, check out the Molonglo Gorge to Blue Tiles trail. Also known as the Blue Tiles Walk, this hike is located on the eastern border of Canberra and is a quiet riverside walk with lovely scenery, and not too far from the city centre. 

This track follows the Molonglo River the whole way, and while it’s a defined path, it can be rocky and steep in some sections. With the soundtrack of the flowing river and the opportunity to view some freshly sprouted wildflowers, if you’re there in the spring, you and your pooch will be in nature heaven. 

There’s also a picnic spot at Molonglo Gorge Recreation Area near the trailhead, and at the end of the trail where you turn around. 

4. Lake Ginninderra Loop Trail

Nearest town: Belconnen Distance: 7km Time: 1.5 hours Leash rules: On-leash

Another classic Canberra walk, grab your dog and your sunnies and head out to the beautiful Lake Ginninderra. A delightful urban walk taking in recreational parks, a lake, and residential areas, there are also plenty of cafes and restaurants around to keep you caffeinated and your pup hydrated. 

Lake Ginninderra is particularly scenic during autumn when the trees are out in all their orange and red glory, and the wildlife’s out and about around the shoreline. There are plenty of stops along the way to set up shop with a little picnic too.

5. Cooleman Ridge Bicentennial National Trail Loop

Nearest town: Chapman Distance: 10km Time: 2.5 hours Leash rules: On-leash

Cooleman Ridge Nature Reserve is a 187-hectare protected area on the southern edge of Weston Creek, and a popular dog friendly walking spot in Canberra. 

The reserve is part of a connected expanse of woodland across northern Tuggeranong that includes Mount Taylor, Farrer Ridge, and Wanniassa Hills Nature Reserves to the east, and McQuoids Hill Nature Reserve and the Murrumbidgee River Corridor to the west.

The Cooleman Ridge loop is a 10km trail following a mix of fire trails and single tracks, offering incredible views across Weston Creek and west toward the Brindabellas and Namadgi (which is a great region for overnight hikes near Canberra ). 

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6. mount taylor summit walk.

Nearest town: Pearce Distance: 8km Time: 2.5 hours Leash rules: On-leash

For one of the best short walks with your pooch, definitely give the Mount Taylor Summit Walk a go. 

Though it’s a summit walk, it’s a relatively easy hike and is popular with hikers and runners. The trail was recently renovated too (ya know the feels, so good underfoot!). Watch out for the roos that like to frequent the trail, especially if your dog loves a chase. 

There are several routes to the summit as well, so you can pick your preferred path. Once at the top, you’ll have expansive views over Tuggeranong and the Brindabella Ranges, as well as a panoramic view of all of Canberra. 

7. Mount Ainslie Kokoda Track

Nearest town: Campbell Distance: 4km Time: 1.5 hours Leash rules: On-leash

One of the great walks in Canberra that fortuitously happens to allow dogs on the trail too, the Mount Ainslie Kokoda Track is not to be missed. 

The trailhead is located in Remembrance Park at the rear of the Australian War Memorial. It’s a well-maintained paved/gravel path up to the summit, and while the track is short, it gets a little steep towards the top, with a fair few steps to keep you and your dog on your toes/paws. 

For some really great views, try timing your walk with sunrise or sunset to experience some of the best views of Canberra from above.

8. Gungahlin Pond Loop

Nearest town: Gungahlin Distance: 4km Time: 1 hour Leash rules: On-leash/off-leash

For a lovely family-friendly and dog friendly walk in Canberra, head to Gungahlin and walk the Gungahlin Pond Loop. This easy trail passes by the Golf Club and the Candlebark Close Neighbourhood Playground, one of the nicest children’s playgrounds in the area to stop at with the human kids along the way.

The Gungahlin loop includes off-shoot walks and bike tracks from Yerrabi Ponds and into Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve. There’s plenty of Aboriginal history to check out in the area as well, from 100-year-old border markers to historic villages, homesteads, an ochre ground, and scarred trees.

9. Mount Painter Summit Walk

Nearest town: Cook Distance: 2.6km Time: 1 hour Leash rules: On-leash

For a stunning 360-degree view of Cook and the surrounding lands, head up Mount Painter, a short 2.6km walk that’ll take you about an hour. 

Not really the biggest mountain in Canberra – more of a large grassy hill just a short drive north of Canberra – but once you reach the top you’ll still be sitting about 730m above sea level. 

It’s a beautiful quick hike for everyone to enjoy, with views over Whitlam, Lake Burley Griffin, Black Tower, and the Woden Valley. With a sealed trail and multiple lookout points, this is one of the most popular and loved dog friendly walks in Canberra. 

10. Shepherds Lookout

Nearest town: Holt Distance: 1.2km Time: 30 minutes Leash rules: On-leash

Shepherds Lookout Walk is a very easy but scenic walk that’ll take you around 30 minutes to complete (depending on how hardcore of a sniffer your dog is).

You’ll walk through Woodstock Nature Reserve, about 600m to the lookout for impressive views along the Murrumbidgee. The lookout is a great place to view the ACT border, which is about 3km downstream and marked by powerlines over the river.

Dog Walking Safety Tips

Unless you’re in a designated off-leash area, it’s very important you keep your dog on-leash at all times. This isn’t just for their safety (1080 baits can be found in various parks and can be lethal for domestic pets), but also for the safety of local fauna and flora.

And please, always pick up after your doggy and dispose of the rubbish in a designated bin (don’t bag it and leave it on the floor thinking you’ll come back for it – it’s too easy to forget).

Read more: Remember to leave no trace !

Photo thanks to Tourism Australia

Dog Friendly Walks in Canberra FAQs

Where are dogs allowed in canberra.

Canberra is a pretty dog friendly city with plenty of dog friendly walks. From a hike up Mount Ainslie to a stroll through the NGA Sculpture Garden, Floriade, Parliament House and more, there are plenty of dog friendly places in our nation’s capital.

Are dogs allowed up Mount Ainslie?

Dogs are allowed up Mount Ainslie as long as they’re on-leash. The trail starts from the bottom near the National War Memorial. 

Can I take my dog to Mulligans Flat?

Dogs are not allowed at Mulligans Flat, which is part of the Bicentennial National Trail which crosses the smaller, northern section of the reserve known as ‘little Mulligans’, paralleling Mulligans Flat Road on its northern side. 

Are dogs allowed on the Centenary Trail?

The Centenary Trail is a 145km self-guided loop trail for walkers and cyclists. Some parts of the trial are dog friendly, while others are not. You’ll need to check your intended route to see if you can bring your pooch along. You can definitely take your mountain bike though…

Are dogs allowed up Black Mountain?

Black Mountain is part of Namadgi National Park , meaning dogs are not allowed on this trail or anywhere in the park itself.

Where are the best off-leash parks in Canberra?

Inner North Dog Park, Yarralumla Dog Park, Weston Creek Dog Park, and Lake Ginninderra Dog Park are some of the best and most popular off-leash parks in Canberra.

Get Out & About in Canberra with Man’s Best Friend

There are some ripper walks in Canberra to experience with your best bud, and plenty across the rest of the country too. So where will you and your four-legged-friend go first?

Photos thanks to Visit Canberra

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The Best Day-Trips from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

Elisa elwin.

• May 29, 2020

OAWK » Australia » Australian Capital Territory » The Best Day-Trips from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

With the Snowy Mountains and the beautiful Southern Highlands, Canberra is one of the best places to visit for a day trip

Explore the Southern Highlands’ historic villages and old-world charm on a day tour

The Snowy Mountains are one of NSW’s most popular destinations for outdoor lovers

The Snowy Mountains are a year-round paradise for enjoying the outdoors. Take a road trip from Canberra  to one of the region’s towns, like Jindabyne, Thredbo, Tumut and Perisher.  Tumut , a 2.5-hour drive from Canberra, is the perfect mountain escape where visitors can explore the mountainous terrain as they bike, hike, fish and golf. Don’t miss a stop at  Tumut River Brewing Co  for a range of local craft beers and pub-style meals (booking essentials or take-away is available). 

Book now your Thredbo and Perisher Day Trip from Canberra here

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Best day trips from Canberra

From lunches at vineyards to mini-beach vacations – leave the house this weekend for an adventure-filled daytrip to one these sweet destinations not too far from Canberra’s CBD.

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Best day trips from Canberra for snow

Ready for some wintry outdoor fun? Canberra is ideally located near a plethora of ski resorts including the Snowy Mountains , Thredbo , Perisher , Charlotte Pass and Mount Selwyn – the closest ski resort to Canberra’s city centre. During the cooler months, each of these ski resorts transforms into a winter wonderland and offers all kinds of activities including downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing and lessons for beginners.

Best foodie day trips from Canberra

Hungry? The inland areas on the outskirts of the ACT, known as Tablelands are home to charming country towns, an eclectic heritage, a buzzing art scene and more importantly; incredible food and wine. Spend the day hopping between farm to table produce restaurants, award-winning wineries and old-school pubs and you can taste everything the Tablelands have to offer. For one of the best vanilla slices in town, head to the Bakery at Marulan . If you’re travelling with kids, be sure to stop by Young for some berry-picking.

Best beach day trips from Canberra

You don’t have to go far to find the ocean. For a beachy day trip, venture out of Canberra to the laid-back coastal town of Huskisson. Along the bushy, scenic drive, be sure to stop by the Loaded Dog Tarago Hotel for a delish pub lunch. Once you’ve reached town, check out the vintage stores, great cafes or head straight for the white sand and sparkling waters of Jervis Bay. If Canberrans head east along the Princes Highway, they’ll have access to the wonders of New South Wales’ brilliant South Coast. Just over two hours from Canberra is Batemans Bay, the Sapphire Coast and Shoalhaven Coast (pictured here is the ocean pool at Bermagui). While you’re there, try your hand at surfing, explore the beachside by foot, and enjoy the charm of the quaint country towns.

Best day trips from Canberra for families

Get the kids out of the house and off their devices for a few hours with a visit to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. This expansive, protected area on the fringe of the Namadgi National Park has a huge variety of birdlife, as well as kangaroos, wallabies, wild emu, platypuses and koalas. Take on one of the 21 walking trails through the park – including the wheelchair accessible Koala path – and make your way to the remarkable views out across the Gibraltar Peak. For more, venture further into Namadgi National Park and learn about the local Ngunnawal people who have lived on the land for at least 21,000 years. Check out the day hikes up to the granite boulders at Square Rock, and the popular Mount Franklin (yes, of the bottled water fame).

Best day trips from Canberra for wine lovers

Drive 35 minutes from Canberra’s CBD and you’ll be in Murrumbateman, Canberra’s wine region. The cooler climate means grape varietals like riesling, pinot noir, chardonnay, merlot and shiraz thrive. Book a wine tour at one of the vineyards likeLerida Estate, and a lunch at Four Winds Vineyard and indulge your tastebuds for the day. On the other side of town is Gundaroo, a beautifully preserved colonial village and also home to delectable food and wine experiences. Book a lunch a Grazing, a leading Yass Valley restaurant set inside a lovingly restored former hotel built in 1865. The award-winning restaurant serves fresh seasonal produce, all grown in the chef’s garden. The family-owned Tallagandra Hill Winery should also be added to your list. Every weekend, the husband and wife team open their cellar door for a lunch paired with their exceptional wines and cheese.

Best 4WD day trips near Canberra for wine lovers

For those who enjoy the journey more than the destination, Canberra has plenty of off-road adventures and 4WD tracks to explore. Brindabella National Park (just over an hour from the city) has some thrilling driving tracks, complete with zigzagging descents and climbs. While Deua National Park (two hours’ drive from town) offers more tricky river crossings, steep ascents and best of all, gorgeous views of the river valley.

5 best restaurants in Canberra

Some of Australia’s most exciting culinary developments have been going down in a city that has, until recently, mostly stayed off the foodie radar.  But could it be that our country’s governmental capital has also quietly become its food capital? These are the five restaurants making Canberra’s case.

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THE 5 BEST Day Trips from Canberra

Day trips from canberra.

• Canberra to Murrumbateman
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Half-Day Canberra Winery Tour to Murrumbateman /w lunch

2. Full-Day Canberra Winery Tour to Murrumbateman /w lunch

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4. Full-Day Canberra Brewery, Wineries & Distillery tour /w lunch

5. Canberra Murrumbateman Winery Expedition: Full Day

6. Canberra Floriade Tour

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8. Capital 3in3 - 3 Craft Beer Hotspots in 3 Hours

9. CanBEERa Explorer: Capital Brewery Full-Day Tour

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15 Canberra day trips to escape the city

From the Snowy Mountains to the stunning NSW South Coast, Canberra is situated in one of the best locations for a fun day trip. Here are 15 trips to take for when you feel like escaping the capital city, whatever the season.

Spring/Summer

Life’s a beach.

The beach is never far away for Canberrans wishing to visit the NSW South Coast. Drive to Batemans Bay to enjoy the picturesque beachside town or visit the popular Sapphire Coast. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous and have some time up your sleeve, Mollymook might be calling your name, or with its white sand beaches and bushwalking trails, Jervis Bay is always worth the visit.

Go wine tasting

Canberra is surrounded by wine regions with 140 vineyards located within around 30 minutes’ drive from the city. Just moments from Canberra Airport, still in the ACT, you’ll find Mount Majura Vineyards and Pialligo Estate Vineyard . Right on the ACT-NSW border at Hall, you’ll find Capital Wines right in the village, or turn off the Barton Highway onto Wallaroo Road to explore Brindabella Hills Winery, Surveyors Hill Vineyards, Wallaroo Wines or Pankhurst Wines. Or turn north off the highway onto Nanima Road to visit Wily Trout Vineyard and Poachers Pantry .

Murrumbateman has several wineries to choose from. Visit Four Winds Vineyard cellar door for delicious wine and food with an Instagram-worthy backdrop or call into Eden Roads Wines to see the organically managed vineyards. Lake George Winery has award winning wines while Gundog Estate Cork Street Cellar Door offers a tasting experience like no other.  Tallagandra Hill , between Murrumbateman and Gundaroo, is another popular choice featuring friendly hosts, great wine and cottage accommodation beside the vineyards.

Explore the Tulip Top Gardens

Something to remember for spring days, Tulip Top Gardens is located 20 minutes away north of Canberra at Sutton NSW. The Gardens are only open during spring but it’s worth the wait to see the colourful displays. Because of COVID restrictions in 2020 and 2021 and for those who weren’t able to leave the house, they offered a Digital Season Pass to tour the gardens from the comfort of your own home.

Follow the trail at the canola fields

In the springtime, the Binalong Canola fields create glorious patchworks of brilliant yellow, making it a beautiful spot to stop and explore the Canola Trail. Two hours away from Canberra, the whole trail can be toured in a day but it also has a variety of accommodation options as you explore the shires of Coolamon, Junee and Temora.

Mountain bike or walk alpine trails

Thredbo is not only beautiful in the winter. Thredbo Mountain Bike Park is Australia’s premier biking destination with the only summer-long chairlift-accessed gravity trails in the country. If bikes aren’t your style, grab some hiking boots and experience the natural beauty of Australia’s highest mountains in summer as you walk the alpine trails. With glacial lakes, unique flora and fauna, and mountains as far as the eye can see, it’s a must do.

Autumn/Winter

Hunt for truffles.

On the edge of Canberra you’ll find the Truffle Farm . Open from late May through to early September each year, the homestead farm comes alive with an onsite restaurant whose chef has graced the kitchen of several Michelin-star restaurants worldwide. Join a hunt and follow the truffle hunting dog as it searches for truffles and learn how the prized fungi are prepared for market. Take the opportunity to try one and buy some products from the farm.

Visit Corin Forest

Located 45 minutes away in the Tidbinbilla Mountain Range, Corin Forest is Canberra’s local winter snow recreation area. For those who don’t have much experience in snow, Corin Forest is perfect for learning how to ski or throw a snowball. Snowplay offers snowman building, tobogganing and snowball fights while the Alpine Slide descends 1.2km through the majestic Mountain Ash forest.

Relax at Lake Crackenback Resort and Spa

Surround yourself with the Snowy Mountains and curl up next to the fire at Lake Crackenback Resort and Spa. The resort offers a range of boutique accommodation, guest activities at no extra cost, unique on and off resort experiences, as well as deep tissue massages, rejuvenating facials and indulgent spa packages.

Ski at Perisher, Thredbo or Charlotte Pass

Perfect for a weekend away, Canberra is a short drive away from several beautiful ski resorts. Perisher is located within the Kosciuszko National Park and can be reached by car or ski tube. There are areas to suit all abilities, a range of on-snow accommodation and numerous pubs, restaurants and cafes.

Situated in the heart of the Snowy Mountains and only 10 minutes away from Perisher, Charlotte Pass is Australia’s highest resort at 1765 metres. Open for skiing and snowboarding in winter and hiking in summer, Charlotte Pass receives some of the most consistent snowfalls, offering a unique snow experience.

Along with skiing and snowboarding for all ages, Thredbo offers boutique shops, cafes and restaurants, an indoor swimming centre and even a sled track. For a treat, visit Eagle’s Nest , the highest restaurant in Australia. At 1,937 metres, you can find it perched at the top of the Kosciuszko Express chairlift, offering 270-degree views of the area.

All Year Round

Swim in the yarrangobilly thermal pools.

Three hours away from Canberra in the NSW Snowy Mountains, the spring-fed Yarrangobilly Thermal Pools are mildly mineralised swimming pools that stay a consistent 27 degrees all year. Visit after spending the day skiing at Thredbo or bushwalking in the mountains, pack a picnic to spend a therapeutic afternoon relaxing.

Explore the underground

Within a three hours’ drive from Canberra, an abundance of caves are waiting to be explored . Visit the Yarrangobilly Caves for the day or take a caving tour in some limestone caves at the Wee Jasper Reserve less than an hour away. This area has fantastic exploratory caves, abseiling caves and a show cave with great limestone natural features.

Visit Gibraltar Falls and hike Booroomba Rocks

Drive 45 minutes south of Canberra to visit Gibraltar Falls. Watch the water from the viewing platform, use the picnic shelter and barbecue near the car park, or bushwalk around the area to enjoy the native wildlife and unspoilt environment.

Further down from the waterfall is a popular bushwalking spot at Booroomba Rocks, located at Namadgi National Park. The walk offers stunning views of Canberra and across the Brindabella Ranges, with the shortest walk just 2.5km return.

Visit Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and Namadgi National Park

Forty minutes away from Canberra, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is home to a variety of wildlife including birds, kangaroos, wallabies, platypus and koalas. With 21 trails to explore, there’s something for everyone including guided activities, educational activities about Ngunnawal culture and heritage, and exhibitions about rural life in the Tidbinbilla Valley.

Venture further into Namadgi National Park to learn more about the Ngunnawal people and explore the walking trails. While 80 per cent of Namadgi National Park was burnt during the 2020 Orroral Valley bushfire, there are some areas the public can access, just make sure to check before you leave for the day.

Climb Mount Kosciuszko

Set aside a couple of hours and pack some snacks to conquer Australia’s highest mountain. Popular in summer, the mountain offers amazing views of historic huts, weathered snow gums, rock formations and wildflowers. For those who don’t mind the cold, the mountain can be hiked in winter for snowy views. The walk is snowbound between June and October but you can cross-country ski or snowshoe; just be aware no snow poles mark the route. For more information, visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Country escape

Visit some of Canberra’s neighbouring towns in regional NSW for a change of scenery and some fresh country air.

The Yass Valley hosts an array of festivals and workshops year-round while the Upper Lachlan region has the remarkable Wombeyan Caves , which are estimated to be between 400 and 430 million years old.

The Hilltops area has one of the most exciting wine regions, taking in the towns of Boorowa, Harden and Young.

Take a short trip to historic Queanbeyan, visit the charming village of Bungendore or duck into Braidwood to support local speciality shops.

For something special, join the Pie Trail in the Southern Highlands in June and enjoy one or more of the locally made pies from 30 pie outlets around the region. Be sure to check COVID-19 restrictions before visiting.

What are your favourite day trip locations? Tell us in the comments below.

Regional NSW getaways

G etaway: griffith nsw, gem of the riverina, getaway: road trip through central nsw, getaway: sapphire coast sparkles in winter, getaway: go west to wagga wagga, getaway: tallagandra hill winery.

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Published on 01 Sep 2023

6 best day trips from Canberra

Whether you’re a bushwalker, nature lover, wine sipper or would-be surfer, day trips are an awesome way to take a break from the daily grind and discover new places, people and experiences. From the wintery grandeur of the Snowy Mountains to the sparkling waters of Batemans Bay, an exciting weekend adventure is literally a few hours away from the Canberra. So what are you waiting for? Here are some of the best places to visit near Canberra and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

• Close by are beautiful nature reserves and a stunning wine region.
• Batemans Bay, a favourite destination of Canberrans, offers beautiful coastal views.
• If you love skiing and snowboarding, plenty of Snowy Mountains resorts are nearby.

1. Capital wine region

Drive time from ANU: Under an hour

If you love a splash of vino and are keen to taste some local wine varieties then … cheers! The first vines in Canberra’s wine region were planted in the 1840s. Today the region is home to over 140 wineries and 30 cellar doors. Plus, the distinct variations in altitude, temperature and soil types of the area mean there are many different palette pleasers, from riesling and chardonnay to pinot noir, merlot, shiraz and tempranillo.

Here you can visit cellar doors, meet the winemakers and reward your designated driver with a bottle to enjoy when you’re all safely home. Aside from savouring lovely liquids, you can also chow down on mouth-watering lunch options designed to pair perfectly with your chosen wine drop.

Road trip reward: Splash out and book a wine-tasting tour to learn about a wine’s body, length and tannins. It’s a superimpressive skill to have for your next date night!

Grab a pizza at Four Winds Vineyard and enjoy the sun and views amongst the vines.

2. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Drive time from ANU: 45 minutes

In terms of places to visit near Canberra, the rugged Namadgi National Park is an ancient and diverse landscape managed by the Ngunnawal people for tens of thousands of years. Within it, you’ll find an expanse of natural bushland, the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve .

With over 20 bushwalking trails to explore, from short walks to longer hikes, there are lots of opportunities to spot some native wildlife, including koalas, cockatoos, emus and possibly the Southern Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby. (This is the only place in the ACT where it’s found, so it comes with bragging rights).

Then, check out The Sanctuary , a large wetlands ecosystem. Keep your eyes open here for a notoriously shy platypus or head to the Birrigai Time Trail. This winds through the valley before making its way up to the Birrigai Rock Shelter, the oldest rock shelter in the ACT. And its history is pretty impressive. The Ngunnawal people used this shelter over 16,000 years ago; yes, that was during the last Ice Age!

Road trip reward: Treat yourself to a ranger-guided tour to get the lowdown on fascinating facts, including about Australian animals, fire ecology and Aboriginal culture and heritage.

A tree-lined road in the Southern Highlands.

3. Southern Highlands

Drive time from ANU: 2 hours

There is soooo much to explore and experience in the Southern Highlands , we can’t possibly cover it all here. From Moss Vale to Mittagong and Burrawang to Bundanoon (how cute are those names?), the region is packed with heritage towns sprinkled amid stunning natural scenery, quaint antique shops and cafes, and wildlife peeking through every one of its pockets.

Surrounded by national parks – from the rainforest to the eucalypt variety – there are many amazing hikes here. Add a waterfall and a scenic lookout or two, and you’ll definitely put “adventure” into your weekend. One of our favourites is Carrington Falls. It’s a bit of a drive (two and a half hours), but the waterfall views are oh-so-worth-it.

Always wanted to fly? At Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures , you can add a bit of airborne authenticity by doing it among the treetops. The unique zip line and a 1.5-kilometre treetop walk through the stunning Illawarra Rainforest end in a spiral tower that rises to a breathtaking 45 metres above the forest floor.

And if you love cricket (or at least its most famous Australian legend), don’t miss the Bradman Museum. Nicknamed “The Don” and knighted in 1949 (and from then on called “Sir”), Don Bradman is renowned as the greatest batsman of all time. He was born in Bowral and the museum houses a collection of items that explore his achievements and some of the game’s history. Legend alert!

Road trip reward: If you visit in September, don’t miss the Tulip Time Festival, where over 100,000 tulips share their colourful characters with everyone. Bloomin’ beautiful.

If you’re keen to get out and about and into the thick of nature, Batemans Bay has so much to offer.

4. Batemans Bay

With its chilled coastal atmosphere, Batemans Bay at the base of Clyde Mountain is the northern gateway to the Eurobodalla Shire and a fantastic place to start exploring the surrounding forests, villages, beaches, national parks and waterways. Fishing, diving, snorkelling, swimming, jet skiing, kayaking, surfing and sailing… if you love all these things, this will be your local marine paradise.

Love all creatures, great and small? The Mogo Wildlife Park (a 15-minute drive from Batemans Bay) has over 250 animals, including rhinos, gorillas, zebras, giraffes, squirrel monkeys, snow leopards, meerkats, red pandas, Sumatran tigers, otters, white lions, ring-tailed lemurs; yes, beasts galore!

Continuing with the animal theme, fancy a snorkel with a seal? The pristine waters of Batemans Bay Marine Park are home to these as well as dolphins, sharks, stingrays and an abundance of super-cool underwater plant life in all the colours of the rainbow. Sign up with a registered tour operator, and they’ll give you an unforgettable tour of sites such as The Maze, The Tunnel and The Chimney.

If all of the above sounds a little too energetic, you can always take a cruise down the Clyde River to Nelligen with a brown bag of salty fish and chips or check out local produce, vintage clothing and bric-a-brac at the Batemans Bay Sunday Market.

With so much to do, Batemans Bay is one of the best places to visit near Canberra. (And if you study medicine at ANU, you might end up on a rural placement there .)

Road trip reward: Oysters. They’re not to everyone’s taste but if you relish these moreish molluscs, head to the Oyster Shed on Wray Street. They’re as fresh as the day's catch.

Couple watching the sun set at the summit of Mount Kosciuszko in Kosciuszko National Park.

5. The Snowy Mountains

Drive time from ANU: Under 3 hours

If you’re a bonafide snow bunny, hop along to the high country’s two biggest ski resorts, Perisher and Thredbo , in Kosciusko National Park. Whether you’re a seasoned powder chaser or content to meander down the beginner slopes, you’ll find lots of white stuff at both resorts generally from June to late September.

From skiing and snowboarding to tobogganing and snowshoe exploration, both locations offer exhilarating alpine experiences with unforgettable scenic splendour. They also have all the complementary cold weather taste-pleasing bonuses from hearty lunches to steaming coffee (or cheeky schnapps) that you can enjoy in front of a blazing fire.

Road trip reward: Ditch the car and book a same-day bus service for a quick, stress-free day trip. They’ll negotiate the traffic delays, cost of petrol and timing logistics for you and deliver you outside the Skitube train!

6. Jervis Bay

Drive time from ANU: 3 hours

Okay, so this is a bit of a drive. But the reward when you get to the Shoalhaven region will cancel any crankiness sustained from an early morning weekend wake-up. Think astonishing marine life, sparkling aquamarine waters and sand the colour of snow (and according to Guinness World Records, Hyams Beach has the whitest sand in the world!).

Uncovering this coastal paradise can be done in a variety of adventurous ways. You can try fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing, kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding, or take a cruise to spot a frolicking dolphin or breaching humpback whale. There are also over 30 beaches to explore in the Shoalhaven if you prefer a relaxing paddle.

For a little national park action, check out Booderee National Park (with its kangaroos and birdlife), Jervis Bay National Park (birdlife, dolphins and whales) and Jervis Bay Marine Park (with its fur seals, penguins, sea dragons and bottlenose dolphins). You can also snap some Insta-worthy pics at Cape St George Lighthouse , Point Perpendicular Lighthouse or on the 2.5-kilometre White Sands Walk.

Road trip reward: Also known as the Devil’s Elbow (with a name like that, we like it already), the Ocean Cave Lookout features huge caves at the bottom of cliffs that tower over 60 metres above the ocean. Time for a selfie!

The lighthouse area at Point Perpendicular.

No time to get away? Then holiday at home! You don't need to leave Canberra to have a great time. Check out what’s on in Canberra .

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THE 5 BEST Day Trips from Canberra

Day trips from canberra.

• Canberra to Murrumbateman
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Half-Day Canberra Winery Tour to Murrumbateman /w lunch

2. Full-Day Canberra Winery Tour to Murrumbateman /w lunch

3. Private Canberra Day Tour from Sydney

4. Full-Day Canberra Brewery, Wineries & Distillery tour /w lunch

5. Canberra Murrumbateman Winery Expedition: Full Day

6. Canberra Floriade Tour

7. Canberra Private Sightseeing Tours from Sydney

8. Capital 3in3 - 3 Craft Beer Hotspots in 3 Hours

9. CanBEERa Explorer: Capital Brewery Full-Day Tour

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• Half-Day Canberra Winery Tour to Murrumbateman /w lunch
• Full-Day Canberra Winery Tour to Murrumbateman /w lunch
• Canberra Floriade Tour
• Private Canberra Day Tour from Sydney
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Canberra & surrounds

The capital of cool.

Australia’s national capital is an exciting meeting point of world-class art, awe-inspiring nature and acclaimed food and wine sourced from the surrounding wine region. The added bonus? It's just a hop, skip and a jump away from Sydney and many other NSW regions. Find day trips, road trips and much more below.  

Day trips from Canberra

Yass Valley

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Queanbeyan & surrounds

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Insider’s guide to the Canberra District Wine Region

This highly regarded and flourishing Canberra District is one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions, with more than 140 vineyards and 30 cellar doors producing award-winning, elegant wines. Meet winemakers Ken Helm from Helm Wines, Sarah McDougall from Lake George Wineries and Susan Bruce from Poachers Pantry, who share what they love about the region. 

Short breaks from Canberra

Southern Highlands

Snowy Mountains

Batemans Bay

Sapphire Coast

A long weekend in murrumbateman & queanbeyan.

Slow life down with a weekend away exploring the pastoral corners of the Canberra Wine District in Murrumbateman and Queanbeyan. Saddle up for a horse ride along pretty bushland trails, sip shiraz straight from the barrel and learn about truffle hunting before tasting these subterranean treasures. 

Escape the city at these stylish stays

Road trips from canberra.

Tablelands Food & Wine Trail

Heritage Towns, Contemporary Tastes

Outdoor adventures near canberra, getting there.

Canberra is an easy three-hour drive from Sydney. There are also daily train and coach services, and the journey takes 3.5 to four hours. You can fly into Canberra Airport and hire a car to explore the region. There’s a huge range of accommodation in the capital from luxury hotels and serviced apartments to budget-friendly motels, caravan parks and B&Bs.

Visit the official VisitCanberra website

VisitCanberra has everything you need to plan your perfect getaway to the city, from accommodation and attractions to events and hidden bars. 

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Dog-friendly camping near Canberra

History and heritage meet head-on with nature in Australia ’s lakefront capital.

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Popular camping styles for Canberra

Miranda Springs Farm Stay

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Elm Grove Sanctuary Community

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Southern Tablelands Bush Camping

Dog-friendly camping near Canberra guide

Looking for a camping adventure near Canberra, Australian Capital Territory with your furry friend? Look no further than Bahwidgee ~ Tumut River (390 reviews), Karoola Station (324 reviews), or Tomakin River Camping (314 reviews), you can expect top-notch facilities and amenities like potable water, pet-friendly areas, and clean toilets. Plus, with average prices as low as $33 per night and options starting at just $10, you can enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank. So pack up your gear, grab your pet, and get ready for some wildlife watching, fishing, and hiking in the stunning landscapes near Canberra. Happy camping!

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Pod playground, National Arboretum Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © VisitCanberra

Canberra with kids: a 5-day itinerary 

With world-class museums and ample outdoor adventures, the ever-surprising Canberra region is an ideal short break destination for families.

 By Megan Arkinstall

The Aussie capital has long been a favoured destination with families. Anchored by its world-class museums and galleries, which are designed not only to educate but also to excite, it’s a fascinating playground for travellers of all ages.

The city itself has changed dramatically over the years, with a sophisticated food and wine scene and a host of new premium hotels adding to its already excellent cultural offering. Indeed, the Canberra region is an all-encompassing destination sure to please the entire family. Here's how to explore it in five days.

Canberra with kids: a 5-day itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Canberra

Questacon, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © Events ACT

Start your family adventure with a visit to Questacon , where learning about science and technology is a blast. Kids can play with easy-to-understand experiments, take a freefall down a six-metre (20-foot) slide, watch how lightning is formed, walk over the surface of the moon, and much more.  

The museum is located a stone’s throw from the city’s famous Lake Burley Griffin, so head there when you are finished inside to take a stroll along the lake and wander through the National Gallery of Australia’s Sculpture Garden , located on the shore. If time permits, board an hour-long afternoon scenic cruise with Lake Burley Griffin Cruises . For a casual dinner, Brodburger is a cheap and cheerful burger joint located a short drive from the cruise departure.

Day 2: Day trip to Murrumbateman 

Clonakilla Wines, Murrumbateman, New South Wales © VisitCanberra 

On the way back to Canberra, stop in at Poachers Pantry to purchase smoked meats, deli items and wines. You can also pre-order a gourmet picnic hamper.

• Drive time: under 1 hour

A quick 40-minute drive north from Canberra will bring you to Murrumbateman, just over the  New South Wales  border. This former gold mining town is now the main hub of Canberra’s cool-climate wine region. There are more than 20 boutique wineries to visit around the area, some of which are kid-friendly, such as renowned vineyard Clonakilla , which offers outdoor games and kids’ food boxes, and Tallagandra Hill , which has a pizza truck on Sundays as well as a kids’ playground.

Fortunately for the kids, it’s not all about wine. If you have a sweet tooth, head to Robyn Rowe Chocolates , which not only makes delicious handcrafted treats but has ample grassy areas for the kids to run and play on too.

Families with small children should pre-book a visit to Babylon Farm , which includes a farm tour and the opportunity to feed goats, chickens and alpacas. Or, if you want a little adventure, Burnelee Excursions on Horseback offers two-hour weekend horse rides on its 1,400-hectare (3,450-acre) property.

Day 3: Canberra 

National Dinosaur Museum, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © VisitCanberra

Unmissable experience

If you are in the city on a Sunday, be sure to head to the Old Bus Depot Markets  which feature an array of stallholders touting local artistic wares as well as delicious food and produce.

Back in Canberra, it’s time for another day of exploring. First, head to the National Zoo & Aquarium , one of the country’s best zoos, just a 10-minute drive from the city centre. To have a truly memorable experience, pre-book one of the Close Encounter tours, such as hand-feeding a tiger, meeting the meerkats or even becoming a zookeeper for the day.

If you have a young palaeontologist in your family, the National Dinosaur Museum – a 15-minute drive north of the city – is a must for its massive collection of interactive dinosaurs, skeletons and fossils. Pair your visit with a stop by the nearby Cockington Green Gardens to wander around incredible landscaped gardens that are filled with miniature buildings and scenes from around the world, including a miniature steam train.

Stay: Fully immerse yourself with the animals at the luxurious Jamala Wildlife Lodge at the National Zoo & Aquarium.

Day 4: Day trip to Braidwood  

View from Mt Ainslie, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © Rob Mulally for VisitCanberra

• Drive time: about 1 hour

Head out of the city today towards Braidwood, a historic town in the New South Wales Southern Tablelands. On your way, stop by the Farm Shop Café at Pialligo Estate for a coffee break, about 15 minutes’ drive from Canberra’s city centre. This beautiful property boasts a vineyard, smokehouse and farm, and has a sensory playground for kids right by the café.

Another hour east and you’ll arrive at Braidwood, a National Trust Gold Rush town resplendent in colonial architecture. Pay a visit to the Braidwood Museum to learn about the local history of gold fever and bushrangers, and then browse shops such as The Boiled Lolly , an old-fashioned confectionery store, and DOJO Bread for authentic German-style bread.

Drive another 30 minutes south of Braidwood to Monga National Park to walk through ancient rainforest on the Penance Grove Walking Track . 

Back in Canberra after a day exploring, head to Mt Ainslie Lookout for sprawling views over the city (or if you have older active kids you can walk to the summit from behind the Australian War Memorial).

Top things to do in Canberra with kids

Day 5: Fyshwick and the Arboretum 

National Arboretum Pod Playground, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory © VisitCanberra

Head into the outer-suburb of Fyshwick this morning for breakfast at artisanal bakery Wildflour , which has a kids’ menu and a playground. While in town, beer lovers should check out Capital Brewing Co. , a kid-friendly small-batch brewery with a cubby house and games to entertain while you sample the brews.

Before hitting the road, be sure to pay a visit to the National Arboretum , a 15-minute drive from the city centre. Home to 94 forests of unique trees from around the world, pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the ground or grab a bite at Sprout Café and enjoy watching the kids climb, slide and explore the cubbies and pods of the unique Pod Playground. It’s a great way to release energy before the trip home.

For inspiration and more things to do in the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales, go to  visitcanberra.com  and visitnsw.com .

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Everything you need to know about canberra. one destination., dog-friendly camping in canberra and the surrounds.

Posted on 20 February, 2016

Camping is a great way to spend a few lazy afternoons getting back in touch with nature, but what happens if you have a four-legged friend that you just can’t bear to leave behind?

The simple answer is to take them with you! Canberra and the surrounding regions surprisingly have quite a few dog-friendly camping spots where you can set up your tent and join your pooch in the natural lifestyle they were born to lead. Here are a few areas that you can set up camp if you are looking for something to do this weekend.

Wee Jasper Reserve

Wee Jasper is about an hour’s drive headed in the direction for Yass, NSW, and is also accessible via the Cotter, but the drive is absolutely worth it! Not only do you wind yourself around rolling green hills and lush countryside, but there are heaps of areas where you and your dog can camp for the cheap – such as Micalong Creek, Billy Grace camp, Carey’s camp, Fitzpatrick Trackhead, and Swinging Bridge.

Pets are allowed in all areas, and with a variety of facilities available depending on your chosen camping spot, such as toilets, showers and BBQ’s, you could easily set up camp for the weekend! There are heaps of beautiful walks to go on around the area so there are plenty of chances to get back to nature without leaving too much of your home comforts behind.

My Japanese Spitz Buddy absolutely loved the ample space and relaxing nature of this reserve that he jumped in a muddy puddle just to prove it!

More information available here:  www.weejasperreserves.com.au

Old Kowen Homestead Recreation Area

Generally you will pass the sign leading to Kowen Pine Forest past Queanbeyan on your way to the south coast, but did you know that the Old Kowen Homestead Recreation Area is a great place to go camping within the pine forest plantation?

This camping spot is about 8kms from the entrance gate and is very secluded for all of your camping needs. There are no showers, but you can find toilets, wood fired BBQ’s and a central picnic shelter as well. The best part? Pets are allowed!

Bookings are essential though, so make sure you book through the Namadgi Visitors Centre on 6207 2900, or through Canberra Connect on 132 281. Discover more about  Kowen .

Woods Reserve

Woods Reserve is located near Canberra’s south towards Gibraltar Creek on Corin Road. It is a popular location for camping, picnics and even functions (yep, there’s the opportunity to have events there as well!). There are heaps of equipment and provisions available, with gas powered BBQ’s, picnic tables, hot showers and flushing toilets, so you really won’t feel like you are roughing it at all.

With Gibraltar Creek nearby and plenty of birds around, nature will call to you here at the Woods Reserve, and your four legged friend is absolutely welcome as long as they have a leash handy.

Find out more about Woods Reserve .

Blue Range Hut Recreation Area

The Blue Range Hut Recreation area can be found within the Uriarra Forest on Blue Range Road, just 2.6kms from the Brindabella Road intersection. You can book the whole recreation area for events and large gatherings, but there is also a great area for some wonderful camping and hiking through some of the alpine trails of the northern Namadgi National Park.

The recreation area is surrounded by the debris from a heritage listed World War 2 Italian internment camp, so you will be getting a bit of a history lesson in your camping as well, and with dog exercise areas available, your little pampered pooch can also learn a thing or two.

Discover more about Blue Range Hut Recreation Area .

DON’T FORGET!

Don’t forget that while you are enjoying the great outdoors, it’s also important to make sure that your dog remains happy and healthy on your camping trip.

Keep them away from any campfires (and make sure you check whether you can have fire or not before you head out), monitor them at all times and ensure they are secure in their new environment, clean up after them and watch out for the protection and preservation of native Australian wildlife, such as wombats, kangaroos and other bushland animals.

Please be wary of any snakes and smaller critters such as ticks and leeches that might be out and about, and for more information on camping with your pets you can check out the ACT Rescue and Foster Dog ’s March newsletter, the RSPCA website, and for more tips on camping with your pets you can go to PetCloud .

Image of ‘ young couple… ‘ via Shutterstock

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One Response to Dog-friendly camping in Canberra and the surrounds

Thanks for these tips. We always want to camp with our border collie Cooper but it’s very difficult to manage with the National Parks dominating most regions. Your list is a great help, I’ll definitely be checking out these camps.

Cheers, Sean.

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