Camping is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you want to explore the outdoors or just escape for some peace and quiet, camping is an excellent option that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With camper trailers becoming more affordable than ever before, there has never been a better time to start planning your family’s next getaway! Discover the best getaways in or around Canberra for the whole family to enjoy.
Southern Highlands
The Southern Highlands is an adventurer’s delight. Keen hikers will enjoy the Southern highlights trail, which starts in Camden (southern New South Wales) and ends in Queanbeyan, which is a stone’s throw away from Canberra. If you walk this trail, prepare for kaleidoscopic views of forests, waterfalls, towns of all sizes, and—depending what time of year it is—budding spring flowers or golden autumn leaves.
Can’t get enough hiking adventures? The Southern Highlands host a wealth of national parks with ample opportunity for such activities. Be sure to check out the Illawarra Fly Treetop Walk, which provides a panoramic view of the forest from over 20 metres above the forest floor. Kids will also love Australia’s highest zipline tour through the Southern Highlands rainforest.
If you’re keen to get up close and personal with some beautiful rainforest, you may want to set up camp in one of Canberra’s closest towns: Braidwood or Queanbeyan. Alternatively, you may want to drive the extra mile to Mittagong or Bowral. It would be a worthwhile way to extend the journey!
Batemans Bay
If your family is a beach family, you need to check out Batemans Bay. Located on the New South Welsh coast, Batemans Bay is one of the closest beaches to the ACT. It’s just under a two-hour drive from Canberra.
Batemans Bay at sunrise
With its turquoise, calm waters, Batemans Bay is as family-friendly as it gets. If you have younger kids, take them for a paddle in the shallows! In the ‘deep end’, there are opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, and even kayaking. If you’re not in the mood for a dip, you could take one of the many walking trails. These walks contain a goldmine of Aboriginal history.
Being such a popular holiday destination, there are plenty of caravan parks around Batemans Bay. Check out locations under the BIG4 franchise.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
If you’re a local looking for things to do in Canberra with the family, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve may just be your best bet. Located a one-hour drive southwest from the Canberran city centre, Tidbinbilla is a great option for time-poor Canberran locals. Take the family on one of the many local bush trails, which are the stomping grounds of native wildlife, including kangaroos! Go in the school holidays and sign your kids up for school holiday programs, or perhaps some bush ranger activities.
Tidbinbilla River on a misty day.
This is one of the best places to visit in Canberra if you’re aching to stretch the legs and get back to nature. It’s best for hiking holidays or short Canberran family holidays. We recommend staying at Wildfest Pop Up Family Wilderness Camp.
Brindabella
When travelling, some people dream of placing a foot on either side of a state border, just so they can claim to be in two states at once. If this is on your bucket list, you need to check out Brindabella, which is located in both the ACT and New South Wales. Brindabella National Park makes for a fun day trip from Canberra. It’s also one of the great weekend getaways from Canberra. Enjoy the scenic alpine tracks made for hiking, bike riding, horseriding, and four-wheel driving. This park is a mountainous, alpine wonderland with many opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Brindabella Range
If you and your family are active outdoorsy types, you will love Brindabella National Park. Around here, there are many campgrounds to choose from, including the Coree campground, Lowells Flat campground, Flea Creek campground, or McIntyres campground.
Yass
A mere 45-minute drive from Canberra, Yass is among one of the easiest Canberra family holidays to do. If you’re a local, it is easily day-trippable. Out Yass way, there is so much fresh produce to try and fine wine to sample. If mummies or daddies want a moment to themselves, Yass has their evening drinks covered! Animal lovers and children will delight in meeting woolly friends at one of the alpaca farms. If you want a taste of culture, there are also local art galleries and historical buildings to check out, including the Old Produce Store Binalong.
If you’re up for a laid-back, cultural experience filled with good food and wine, then say ‘yes’ to Yass and one of its caravan parks. There is the Yass Caravan Park, Joe O’Connor Park, and Yass Showground.
Snowy Mountains
During winter, the Snowy Mountains are exactly what it says on the tin. If your family is a snow family, bring your snow gear—from the warm clothing to the sporting equipment, including skis, ski poles, and snowboards. During summer, the Snowy Mountains become an adventure seeker’s paradise. Bring your bike, your hiking boots, or your pet horse and walk or ride the trails however you see fit. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you could even book a Segway Eco Tour of the Snowy Mountains.
Thredbo, part of the Snowy Mountains, in the heart of winter
Wanting to set up camp on the Snowy Mountains—weather permitting, of course? Hit up the Old Snowy campground, the Wares Yards campground, or the Thredbo Diggings campground, to name a few. Whether you’re a snow bunny, a summer adventurer, or both, there’s a holiday here with your name on it.
Jervis Bay
The stunning Jervis Bay is home to the world’s whitest sand and most pristine waters. Before you take a dip or paddle in its calm shores, take a moment to savour the view. This coastline is a spectacle to behold. More adventurous families may enjoy snorkelling underwater or perhaps paddling a kayak. No need to bring your own, as kayaks are available here to rent out. Get here at the right time of year and enjoy whale- or dolphin-watching cruises. You can also take a sunset eco-cruise.
The picturesque Jervis Bay. Check out those pristine waters!
If your family loves the beach, put Jervis Bay on your list of weekend getaways from Canberra. It is one of the best-looking beaches worldwide. Its calmer waters also mean that younger kids can join in the fun. Book your place at Jervis Bay Holiday Park and go hit the beach!
Taralga
Taralga is a town of historic significance, located northeast of Canberra. It is a 90-minute drive away from the city. Besides spending time in the town itself, you can do family-friendly activities such as exploring the Wombeyan Caves, walking the Wombeyan track (which features stunning waterfall scenery), and shaking hands with locals at Wombeyan Karst Conservation Centre. Set up camp nearby at the Wombeyan Caves campground.
Once you’ve explored the beautiful natural scenery, you can treat yourself to some local cuisine. Be sure to try something garnished with fresh berries!
What are you waiting for?!
Canberra is such a great starting point for adventure and weekend getaways. If you’re a family who likes to travel on their own terms, it’s best to have an RV in tow (literally). Our Escape camper trailer would be ideal for any of the above holidays. Light to tow and easy to set up, the Escape is spacious with capacity for off-road travel. And if you’re wanting to complete a rural road trip, off-roading capability is pretty important!
Couple the Escape with a four-wheel-drive and you’ll be good to go. This camper trailer is suited to couples or families, comes complete with a queen-sized mattress (or two single beds—whatever floats your trailer), and has extra storage space for all the kids’ toys and accessories. Whichever of these road trips you choose, our Escape will get you there and home again!
