Pocket-sized adventures near the nation’s capital, from Namadgi National Park to a cultural city stay.
From creative city escapes to country jaunts, the the Australian Capital Territory is made for mini breaks with its mix of culture, nature and culinary clout. Explore the capital’s arts and dining scenes, discover local vineyards and farm stays or venture into the great outdoors. Find the best weekend getaways in the ACT below, all easily accessible from Canberra.
A vino trail through Canberra’s wine region
The vineyards at Lerida Estate offer cool-climate varietals. (Credit: VisitCanberra)
Tell me more: The few who know about the Canberra District Wine Region are in on a brilliant little secret. More than 50 wineries sit within 35 minutes of the capital, with passionate makers pouring perfumed shiraz and rieslings across cellar doors in towns such as Yass and Murrumbateman – technically in NSW, but happily sharing the bragging rights with the nation’s capital.
A wholesome farm stay at Beltana Farm
Sleep in a yurt at Beltana Farm, located a short drive from Canberra. (Credit: VisitCanberra)
The onsite farm promises top-notch food and cosy vibes. (Credit: VisitCanberra)
Join the truffle hunt in the winter months. (Credit: VisitCanberra)
What:Beltana Farm is a working truffière containing more than 800 oak and hazelnut trees.
Tell me more: Alice and Doug O’Mara spent eight years tending Beltana Farm before their truffle dogs found a harvest worth talking about. Guests can join the hunt in the winter months, then eat what’s been unearthed (along with other farm-to-table goodies) at the onsite restaurant, before sleeping it off in one of three luxury yurts warmed with kindling fireplaces.
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An adventure through Namadgi National Park
Namadgi National Park is perfect for hiking. (Credit: VisitCanberra/We are Explorers)
What?Namadgi National Park holds nearly half the ACT’s landmass with granite peaks, alpine grasslands and the territory’s only publicly accessible Aboriginal rock art site at Yankee Hat.
Tell me more: One of the best weekend getaways in the ACT for wildlife lovers, the park is known for its large population of Eastern grey kangaroos, which you will see grazing around the national park containing the ancient Ngunnawal ochre paintings. Climb Booroomba Rocks for views over the Brindabella Ranges and stop at Gibraltar Falls via a slight detour on the 45-minute drive back to Canberra.
A capital-sized cultural fix in Canberra
Visit the National Portrait Gallery.
Find inspiration inside the National Portrait Gallery. (Credit: Mark Mohell)
Tell me more: A cultural weekend in Canberra is all about world-class art, history, democracy and striking modernist architecture. Because the city was purpose-built to contain the nation’s treasures, you can easily pack an inspiring itinerary into a few days. Start at the National Gallery, before moving to the National Portrait Gallery next door and over to the grass-roofed Parliament House. Discover all of the top things to do in Canberra for your next weekend break.
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Carla Grossetti has written across print and digital for Australian Traveller and International Traveller for more than a decade and has spent more than two decades finding excuses to eat well and travel far. A prestigious News Corp cadetship...
Eleanor Edström is Australian Traveller’s Associate Editor. Previously a staff writer at Signature Luxury Travel & Style and Vacations & Travel magazines, she's a curious wordsmith with a penchant for conservation, adventure, the arts and...
From pink salt landscapes to oases fringed by forests of red gums, the lakes of this rural region are astounding.
You’re going to find peace and quiet when you take a road trip through the lakes of the Wimmera Mallee region. Whether it’s mirror-like pink salt lakes that look like an inland sea, or lakes fringed by forests of red gums that showcase Victoria’s arid beauty, there’s a lake for you out here somewhere.
1. Lake Tyrrell
The colours of Lake Tyrrell blend into the sky. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)
Located in the dead heart of the Mallee, Victoria’s largest salt lake, Lake Tyrrell, is a landscape photographer’s dream – especially at sunrise and sunset when the pink salt flats look like a gigantic mirror. It’s easy to camp or park a caravan nearby, too, though the tiny town of Sea Lake is just south (with accommodation). In winter, shallow water covers the salt, creating surreal reflections of the sky.
2. Nhill Lake
There’s a permanent water source here, so there’s always plenty of water for water skiing, swimming and fishing (the trout and redfin fishing here is legendary). Located beside the pretty heritage town of Nhill with its main street of historic buildings, there’s options for eating and drinking right next door. There’s also a barbecue area with plenty of shady picnic spots and a boardwalk for walking around the lake.
3. Lake Bringalbert
Lake Bringalert is a great spot for aquatic adventures.
Located south-west of the pretty Mallee town of Kaniva, Lake Bringalbert epitomises the best of ‘outback’ Victoria. It’s ringed by red gums and red mallee and feels completely hidden from the world – you’ll barely ever see another person. There’s basic camping on its foreshore and Kaniva offers more accommodation options. It’s the perfect lake for swimming, kayaking and skiing, and the stars at night come without even a hint of city glow.
4. Lake Hindmarsh
If you’re a bird fan, you’ll love Lake Hindmarsh. Located north of Dimboola, Victoria’s largest natural freshwater lake is like an inland sea full of pelicans, swans and numerous species of ducks – but it also teems with everything from spoonbills to parrots. Sunsets here will blow your mind – the lake is a mirror for the pinks and golds you’ll see on the horizon. There’s free camping spots along the foreshore if you’d like to really contemplate the magic of the lake.
5. Pink Lake
The Pink Lake is most vivid after rain. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)
Also known as Loch Lel, the summer months offer up some seriously vivid pink water colour at this lake north of Dimboola. The pink varies throughout the year, but is best after rain (hence why summer is the time to visit).
Pink Lake, also known as Loch Lel, is located near Dimboola in the Grampians. (Image: Tourism Australia)
There’s plenty of birds, including wedge-tailed eagles, but you’re as likely to spot big lace monitors, kangaroos and echidnas. Nearby, check out the uber-cute heritage town of Dimboola and its eclectic shops, and Little Desert National Park, full of walking trails through mallee heathland.
6. Lake Lascelles
You can camp at Lake Lascelles.
On a hot summer’s day, there’s nowhere better for a cooling dip, kayak or boat ride. You can camp by the lake, or at powered caravan sites – or the pretty town of Hopetoun offers numerous accommodation options a short walk away. At night you’ll see the lights of Hopetoun reflect off the lake. Fish for yellow belly, redfin or catfish, or try water-skiing. There’s also a great walking trail around the lake, where there’s more birds than you can count.
