The best day trips from Canberra [2024]

Lerida Estate, one of the most recommended day trip destinations from Canberra. Photo: Dani Hardgrave.

There’s nothing better than a road trip and we’re pretty lucky in Canberra to have so many great places close enough to visit relatively easily in a day.

From the beaches of Batemans Bay, to the heritage of Braidwood, the canola fields of the Riverina, the Big Merino at Goulburn and the charms of Cooma, there’s plenty to see and do around the Capital region as well as in Canberra itself.

This list of the best day trips from Canberra has been compiled based on the suggestions from the previous post, along with comments from other similar posts.

Whether you’ve just moved to Canberra or you’ve lived here your whole life, there are sure to be a few destinations you’ve never been to, so why not add them to your must-visit list. Please also feel free to let us know if you have any other recommendations and we will incorporate them into any future updates.

Or if you’re after something specifically tailored to wineries, our article on the best wine tours in Canberra may be of interest to you.

Enjoy!

Take a trip to one of the region’s vineyards and enjoy cheese, accompaniments and wine. Image: Supplied.

Less than one hour’s drive

• Hall (Approx 15 kms/20 mins): While it’s technically still within the ACT border and barely qualifies for day trip status, the monthly Hartley Hall markets are a treat. Worth a visit for its historical buildings, you can explore Hall with the National Trust’s self-guided heritage walk which takes about 90 minutes, and then refuel at the centrally located 1882 Bar & Grill for lunch.

Enjoy a delicious meal from 1882 Bar & Grill. Photo: Michelle Taylor.

• Gundaroo (Approx 40 kms/35 mins): A small and cute place, Gundaroo is within easy reach for lunch with a visit to the Cork Street Café recommended. Grazings Restaurant is also considered ‘top notch’. Gundaroo is a relatively young wine region but that hasn’t stopped some fabulous cellar doors from springing up. Gundog Estate’s cellar door is in the old stables behind the Royal Hotel and Grazing.

• Bungendore (Approx 40 kms/40 mins): A beautiful little town within easy reach. Visit the village antiques store, the wood works gallery, the Paul Kowalski photography gallery or take some time out relaxing at Lake George. There are plenty of ways to while away some time in Bungendore, from exploring the beautifully preserved colonial buildings made of stone, timber and brick, enticing galleries and quirky shops to visiting the traditional country markets or nearby wineries.

D&K Kitchen roast turkey with stuffing, cranberry jus, duck fat potatoes and market vegetables. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Garlic scape powder and perfect bulbs of locally grown garlic at Southern Harvest Farmers' Market. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Bridgette Cathles (centre) teaches eager students at her cheesemaking class at Contentious Character winery in Bungendore. Photo: Michelle Rowe

The Gathering in Bungendore was converted from an old hot dog shop into an elegant, Scandi-style space. Photo: Michelle Rowe

The Gathering's breakie bowl features granola, yoghurt, honey, house-made compote and milk. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Try your hand at giant chess in the grounds of The Carrington Inn. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Corn fritters with poached eggs, home-made relish and parmesan at The Gathering. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Telisha Summerfield and her husband Nathan have created a popular local gathering spot. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Artist Ray Barnett of Bungendore Fine Art in front of some of his work. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Bungendore Fine Art is a partnership between eight artists, who all display their work in the gallery. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Bungendore Village Leather has clocked up 51 years of trade. Photo: Michelle Rowe

If you can't find the leather good you're looking for in Bungendore Village Leather, you are simply not trying hard enough. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Wendy and Brian Lake of Bungendore Village Leather. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Cire Trudon candles from Manon & Moss. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Browse all manner of clothes and accessories at Jamayca RED in Bungendore. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Decorative ceramic pieces in a window display at Suki & Hugh. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Gallery space at Suki & Hugh, Bungendore. Photo: Michelle Rowe

The pretty cottage exterior belies the world of treasures that awaits inside at Manon & Moss. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Louise Sailer says "natural luxury living" is the ethos behind Wild Rose Organics. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Soaps in fragrances such as lemon myrtle, lavender and mintwood are among the finds at Wild Rose Organics. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Old tin signs at Village Antiques Bungendore. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Silversmith Xanthe Gay is the 'X' behind X Gallery in Bungendore. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Xanthe's handcrafted silver at X Gallery in Bungendore. Photo: Michelle Rowe

• Murrumbateman (Approx 40 kms/40 mins): This is one for the wine-lovers, with so many Murrumbateman wineries to choose from. Recommendations include the Four Winds Vineyard for its wood-fired pizzas, the Shaw Vineyard Estate for its lovely setting, Eden Roads Wines for its knowledgeable staff, Gallagher Wines for its friendly staff and Flint in the Vines for a long leisurely lunch. The local pub also received a mention, as did the Murrumbateman Field Days.

Lerida Estate, one of Canberra’s most recommended wineries. Photo: Lerida Estate.

• Collector (Approx 60 kms/45 mins): Collector’s main claim to fame is its colourful history, with The Bushranger Hotel in the main street the site where a member of bushranger Ben Hall’s gang shot the local police constable after holding up the publican back in 1865. The Bushranger Hotel is a great pub with an excellent café/bistro, and Some Café is popular spot with the locals. There are also some nice wineries nearby, including the town’s own, Collector Wines. And, be sure to check out one of the region’s most acclaimed wine makers, Lerida Estate. As a day trip destination, Lerida Estate’s glorious vineyards offer more than simply breathtaking views. Perfectly poised amongst the vines is their winery, a Glenn Murcutt designed architectural masterpiece. The winery’s Café Lerida boasts modern Australian fare, and some wonderful accompaniments to their wines.

1-2 hour drive

Yarrh Wines offers a choice of wine-tasting alone, or a session in which wines are matched with locally made foods. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Choose four of your preferred wines from the Yarrh Wines tasting list. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Tanya Olinder of Shaw Wines says the sit-down wine-tasting format helped the winery navigate COVID restrictions. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Floor-to-ceiling windows at Yarrh Wines frame the vineyard's beautiful Yass Valley setting. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Shaw Wines is a frequent medal-winner for its locally-made wines. Photo: Michelle Rowe

The impressive building that Graeme Shaw added to the Shaw Wines vineyard three years ago. Photo: Michelle Rowe

The move into a new building enabled Shaw Wines to offer customers a more relaxed wine-tasting experience. Photo: Michelle Rowe

The spacious cellar door at Shaw Wines. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Jeir Creek Winery owner Anurag Pandey (right) with his sister Sadhana and brother-in-law Rohit Dwivedi outside the cellar door. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Try some of the museum wines at Jeir Creek winery in Murrumbateman. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Dionysus Winery owner Wendy O'Dea explains the winemaking process at her small vineyard. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Michael and Wendy O'Dea pluck the last grapes of the season from the vines. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Tastings of Dionysus's wines are served in COVID-friendly beakers. Photo: Michelle Rowe

The new sculpture garden at Dionysus Winery is a quiet place to sit and contemplate. Photo: Michelle Rowe

• Yass (Approx 60 kms/1 hr): An old town rich with history, which was (and may still be) home to some ‘big money’ families with farms in the area. Cooma Cottage is a great example of architectural evolution and there are a lot of sites of great significance to the various Aboriginal peoples who have called the region home. The Peter Crisp Galleries are well worth a visit with amazing glasswares and beautiful gardens. And you can’t go past the Valley’s wonderful wine region.

• Captains Flat (Approx 60 kms/1 hr): A quirky old mining town with an old pub that boasts about previously having the longest running bar in the Southern Hemisphere.

• Gunning (Approx 70 kms/1 hr): Pay a visit to the local pub the Telegraph Hotel or enjoy the monthly Gunning Market.

• Braidwood (Approx 85 kms/Just over 1 hr): This heritage listed town is one of the few left in Australia to retain its original Georgian town plan. Make sure you visit the old-fashioned lolly shop and the Dojo bakery with bread to die for!

Scott Williams of Bees R Us produces a range of honey and beeswax products from the hives on their local farm. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Pop in to the Bees R Us store in Braidwood to check out the locally made honeys and beeswax products. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Tim Wimborne may have lost many of his mountain pepper crops during the first, but he is branching out with new Braidwood Food Company products and a restaurant. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Garlic does well in cool-climate Braidwood, with a handful of local producers value-adding with popular products including black garlic and pickled garlic scapes. Photo: Michelle Rowe

McCurleys of Captains Flat specialises in homemade preserves, sauces and more. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Bronwyn Richards in her impressive Wynlen House market garden in the heart of Braidwood. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Traditional granola and yoghurt, and avocado on toast are elevated to new levels at Braidwood's Albion Cafe. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Sandra Hand and other volunteers at the Braidwood and Villages Information Centre are on hand to assist during your visit, including tips on top local producers. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Rosa keeps a steady line of traditional Italian dishes flying out of the kitchen at Garanvale. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Traditional Nepalese Momo dumplings are a must-order at Braidwood's Smokey Horse. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Dojo Bread owner Mark Barrington in his Braidwood bakery. Photo: Michelle Rowe.

Mark Barrington is a stickler for perfection. Order a pie or sausage roll, by all means... just don't ask for sauce. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Local and sustainable produce is the focus at Braidwood's Albion Cafe. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Peter and wife Jade run a thriving business inside an historic shearing shed in Braidwood. Photo: Michelle Rowe

The tagliatelle con gamberi at Garanvale Woolshed Italian Restaurant. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Rosa's bruschetta comes on a homemade pizza base. Photo: Michelle Rowe

• Goulburn (Approx 90 kms/Just over 1 hr): This relatively large regional city has a charm about it and you can tell that historically there was plenty of wool money there evidenced by some nice architecture. If you haven’t already met the Big Merino it’s almost a rite of passage for every visitor to Goulburn.

Goulburn's iconic Big Merino. Photo: file

Goulburn Adventure Playground. Photo: supplied

Bellbird was a tonic for the Goulburn Film Group members in the aftermath of bushfires. Photo: Transmission Films.

Belmore Park, Goulburn, is a showpiece. Other views in the main street are not so pleasant. Photo: Darryl Fernance.

Photo: Visit NSW

• Wee Jasper (Approx 90 kms/1.5 hrs): While Wee Jasper received some mixed reviews because there isn’t a town centre as such, you may find it an interesting place with some good camping/picnic/bushwalking spots beside the river.
• Crookwell (Approx 115 kms/1.5 hrs): Crookwell is an experience with rolling green hills and some really nice B&Bs and self-contained accommodation. It’s also well worth driving on a little further to the Pub of The Mill in Laggan.
• Cooma (Approx 115 kms/1.5 hrs): There’s plenty to choose from in Cooma in its location enroute to the snowfields. The Lott was recommended for a great feed.
• Jugiong (Approx 120 kms/1.5 hrs): This tiny village delivers more than you expect. There’s The Quirky Crow with its lovely pottery and gallery, the Sir George pub, an historic stone cottage, and a monument to Richie Benaud, as well as a fabulous café serving homemade organic jams and sauces for sale and a great fruit and veg store.

Settle in to a comfy sofa or armchair for a drink or lunch at the Sir George Hotel, Jugiong. Photo: Michelle Rowe

The fish and chips at Sir George Hotel, Jugiong. Photo: Michelle Rowe.

Sit outdoors under shady trees at Jugiong's Sir George Hotel. Photo: Michelle Rowe.

Outdoor dining area at Sir George Tavern.

Jugiong's Long Track Pantry is the perfect place to pick up gourmet provisions. Photo: Michelle Rowe.

Jugiong's Long Track Pantry is a huge draw for gourmet tourists. Photo: Michelle Rowe

Inside Parlour J in Jugiong. Photo: Supplied.

• Taralga (Approx 135 kms/just over 1.5 hrs): A gorgeous place an the Taralga Hotel is definitely worth a visit.

• Steampacket Hotel (Approx 140 km/just over 1.5 hrs)
  The historic Steampacket Hotel has reopened with the pub’s new owner, Ben Johnston, saying it’s full steam ahead after major renovations for the charming local venue. Upgrades include a refreshed restaurant, sports bar, cosy ‘jungle’ chill-out space, and beer garden.Designed to be more welcoming than ever for families and friends, Ben–who also operates The Old Canberra Inn and Dickson Taphouse—is introducing a new vibe while retaining the hotel’s character. On the menu will be good-old pub food, craft beer, local wines, and a calendar of community events and live music.New manager, Jake Adams, who is relocating to Eurobodalla from Geelong in Victoria where he managed the iconic Beachhouse Restaurant, says the Steampacket Hotel will retain its all-important community spirit.Located in the heart of Nelligen, and only 20 minutes from Batemans Bay, the Steampacket Hotel’s affordable gastro pub menu will showcase local seafood, award-winning Clyde River oysters and regional produce. The bar will offer 24 taps with 12 beers on offer, plus independent, local, boutique beers including from the Broulee Brewhouse. Wines will feature local drops from Cupitt’s, Two Figs and others.The Steampacket Hotel is a perfect spot for locals and for those travelling to the South Coast from Canberra.
  

  Newly renovated Steampacket Hotel in Nelligen is now open. Photo: Nat Runko

  

  Newly renovated Steampacket Hotel in Nelligen is now open. Photo: Nat Runko

  

  Newly renovated Steampacket Hotel in Nelligen is now open. Photo: Nat Runko

  

  Newly renovated Steampacket Hotel in Nelligen is now open. Photo: Nat Runko

  

  Newly renovated Steampacket Hotel in Nelligen is now open. Photo: Nat Runko

• Southern Highlands (Approx 160 kms/Just under 2 hrs): So many great towns to visit in the district including Bowral, Mittagong, Moss Vale, Berrima and Bundanoon among other smaller towns. A must-do trip for those who have never been.

Bowral town centre, via Visit NSW

'Sweety Pie & Bubbles Trail' at the Centennial Vineyards, Bowral.

Central Mittagong, via Aussie Towns.

Main street through Moss Vale, via Southern Highlands.

The Surveyor General Inn, Berrima via Visit NSW.

Eling Forest cafe is right on the Hume Highway just past the Berrima turnoff

• Gundagai (Approx 160 kms/Just under 2 hrs): Gundagai is small but cute. There is a café with wooden booths that has gone unchanged since the 50s and a big park with an old wooden bridge.

• Batemans Bay (Approx 150 kms/2 hrs): Batemans Bay is a charming seaside town with plenty to do. It is also well worth driving on a little further to Mogo where there are some great crafty shops, bike trails and a world-class wildlife park. Only downside is that traffic can tend to build when it’s time to head home. Maybe you should stay the night! Corrigans Cove Resort is the perfect place to settle in.

Corrigans Cove Resort, Batemans Bay. Photo: Corrigans Cove Resort.

• Young (Approx 160kms/2 hrs): Boasts some great eateries and apparently, the car museum in Binalong is worth a stop on the way back. Visit the Hilltops region in cherry season and enjoy all things cherry!

More than a 2 hour drive

• Moruya (Approx 175 kms/Just over 2 hrs): The best of country life near the beach. Enjoy lunch at The River Restaurant, browse the quirky shops or kick back on the riverbank.

• Cowra (Approx 190kms/Just over 2 hrs): Cowra isn’t too far away and the Japanese Gardens are worth a look. Don’t miss the diorama at the Cowra Visitor Information Centre.

• Kangaroo Valley (Approx 200 kms/2.5 hrs): Definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for a touch of nature, with Fitzroy Falls, Carrington Falls and Belmore Falls all noted as highlights.

• Yarrangobilly caves (Approx 170 kms/2.5 hrs)

Yarrangobilly thermal pool near Talbingo. Photo: Visit NSW.

• Wombeyan caves (Approx 170 kms/Just over 2 hrs)

• Nowra (Approx 190 kms/2.5 hrs): Beautiful beaches and, if you have time, drive another 40 minutes to Jervis Bay and its spectacular beaches.

• Kosciuszko National Park (Approx 200 kms/2.5 hrs): A beautiful natural environment, home to the Thredbo Ski Resort and the towns of Crackenback and Jindabyne.

• Bundawang National Park (Approx 200 kms/2.5 hours): Offers spectacular day hikes.

• Temora (Approx 200 kms/2.5 hours): The Aviation Museum received a few mentions.

• Tumut (Approx 200 kms/2.5 hrs): A typical but great country town.

• Picton (Approx 215 kms/2.5 hrs)

• Ulladulla (Approx 200 kms/Just over 2.5 hrs): Not only is Ulladulla’s coastline stunning, so is the countryside. Be sure to visit to Cupitt’s Winery and enjoy a delicious lunch with a breathtaking view.

Cupitt’s Winery in Ulladulla has stunning views. Photo: File.

• Canowindra (Approx 220 kms/Just over 2.5 hrs): Great for foodies, with the Spanokopita from a place called The Shed receiving an honourable mention.

• Narooma (Approx 220 kms/3 hrs)

Beautiful mountain walks in the Snowy Mountain. Photo: Supplied.

If you’re looking for more information on travelling around Canberra and its regions, check out our articles on the best beaches near Canberra, best hotels and resorts on the South Coast, best restaurants and bars on the South Coast and 10 things to do on the South Coast. Or if you’re interested in places to visit whilst you’re in Canberra, check out our list of the top 10 Canberra places to take visiting family and friends, the best wine tours and the best tours in Canberra.