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...
A true hidden gem, the picturesque Moorabool Valley makes for a relaxing and rewarding long weekend escape.
With its undulating hills and vineyards, the Moorabool Valley is both a beautiful sight and a generous mix of things to do and discover. Expect boutique wineries, farm-to-table eateries, charming accommodation and stunning natural scenery.
The best part? Despite its many drawcards, the region is peaceful and uncrowded, allowing you to truly switch off. It’s also only 90 minutes from Melbourne and just west of Geelong, making it an easy and accessible getaway when you’ve only got a few days to spare.
If you’re after a ready-made long weekend itinerary, the Moorabool Valley and Geelong make an ideal pairing.
Day 1
Morning
Create your own signature scent. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Start your day in central Geelong, in one of the city’s most cosmopolitan locales. The inner suburb of Newtown is leafy and vibrant, with a host of cafes, boutiques, galleries and specialty stores.
Aysha Hansen Fine Fragrances is a must-visit if you’re a fragrance enthusiast. The artisan perfumer hosts hands-on workshops on weekends, when you can create your own signature scent from a selection of botanical and exotic essences. Beyond being a unique experience, the perfume is a personalised memento of your escape.
Afternoon
Head to Austin’s Wines for a relaxed, seasonal lunch.
Now it’s time to head to the Moorabool Valley for a weekend of tasting, wandering and unwinding.
Stop into Austin’s Wines for a light and seasonal lunch. The family-run winery offers a casual menu filled with locally sourced foods for snacking and pairing with their cool-climate wines – think grazing and cheese boards, flatbreads and small plates. Make sure to pick up a bottle of Austin’s signature pinot noir to take home.
While boutique accommodation abounds, Blame Mabel is a favourite – and for good reason. Check in after lunch for sweeping views over the surrounding hills, a collection of thoughtfully designed accommodation and a distinctly rustic charm. It offers a genuine country stay that allows you to really slow down. If you’re not sampling at the onsite cellar door, you’ll be spending your downtime exploring the property and your evenings warming up around a crackling open fire.
Night
Settle in for a memorable dinner. (Image: Batesford Hotel)
Dinner at the historic Batesford Hotel is a must. This welcoming venue offers country character and refined elegance in equal measure, and the food is a standout.
Order a round of share plates or pizzas with creative toppings, or go for hearty mains like slow-cooked lamb rump with ancient grains and ricotta gnocchi that melts in your mouth. If you’re travelling with little ones, the kids’ menu is surprisingly considered, with options to suit even the pickiest eaters.
Day 2
Morning
Dig into a homestyle feast. (Image: Meredith Farm Store)
It’s almost guaranteed that you’ll wake up at Blame Mabel feeling rested and recharged – and very ready for a proper breakfast.
The Meredith Farm Store is a go-to for a homestyle feast. The morning menu is simple but seriously delicious, with classics like smashed avo, Turkish eggs and breakfast muffins given a Meredith twist. Many of the dishes incorporate the farm’s famed dairy products (including the iconic goat cheese) and seasonal produce.
Pick up some sweet and savoury treats and a few drinks from the shop to fuel the rest of your day – you’re about to explore on foot.
Afternoon
Hit the trails and explore rugged beauty.
Your afternoon is best spent in the rugged Brisbane Ranges National Park, a sprawling bushland reserve with Victoria’s most significant habitat for wildflowers. Choose from a network of walks and hikes that range from relatively flat trails to more challenging terrain.
You can expect plenty of gorgeous scenery whichever path you opt for, with eucalypt forests, rocky outcrops and panoramic lookouts throughout the park. There are also several scenic picnic spots where you can savour your Meredith Farm bounty.
Night
Cosy up by the fireplace with a charcuterie board. (Image: Sarah Miles)
A busy day of exploring calls for a relaxed evening in, and Blame Mabel delivers. Whether you’re staying in the restored farmhouse, the cosy self-contained cabin or the communal lodge, you’ll have access to ample cooking facilities and plenty of cosy corners to unwind in after dark.
Finish the evening with a round of board games, cosying up with a good book from the well-stocked bookshelf or a soak in the outdoor tub under a sky thick with stars.
Day 3
Morning
On your third and final day, you’ll want to soak up the quiet beauty of your surrounds. After being woken by the soft glow of morning sunlight, enjoy a lazy breakfast of freshly collected and cooked eggs or build-your-own muesli and creamy yoghurt, paired with seasonal produce from the garden.
Once you’ve packed, ease back towards Geelong for a relaxed afternoon.
Afternoon
Take home freshly baked treats. (Image: Paddock Bakery)
Pop by the Geelong Vintage Market to wander rows upon rows of collectable retro treasures, from furniture and home decor to books and vinyl.
To wrap up your long weekend adventure, wander through the surrounding Federal Mills precinct, which houses a mix of businesses, retailers and eateries. The precinct itself is a historic and character-filled space with large-scale hand-painted murals, making it a great spot for a leisurely stroll. Grab some freshly baked pastries from Paddock Bakery for the drive home.
