Make it Wil Weekend in Canberra

 If you think this is a guide to bar-hopping in Australia’s capital city, think again. This one’s much healthier and won’t give you any hangover. This is an invite for you to get away from the city crowd to experience the wonders of nature and wildlife over the weekend.

Drive about an hour or two, or even less, from the city center and you can have your pick of the best locations in the world for outdoor action, ranging from mountain biking to ice climbing. 


canberra australia

Stromlo Forest Park


In less than an hour from the city, you’ll arrive at this world-class outdoor sports facility in ACT. It has mountain biking trails that suit all levels of bikers. It has a four-cross track, trials, downhill courses, and a cross-country single trail that stretches to about 50 kilometers.


Stromlo also offers tracks for equestrian and criterium cycling. If you simply want to run or walk while enjoying the spectacular countryside scenery, the park is also worth the trip.

Australian Alps Walking Track


Are you up to walking for the whole weekend? Or maybe a little longer? Let’s say for about 50 to 60 days?


This extension of the Victorian Alpine Walking Track can be hiked starting or ending in Tharwa. You’ll have your fill of the beauty of the country’s four national parks and some of its highest peaks. It is a popular destination, especially in the springtime when all the vegetation and wildlife seem to come alive. The 650-kilometer stretch of the track is up to Walhalla.


This extensive track of natural wonders presents many possibilities even for the weekend traveler. You can camp out in wilderness, stay in one of the exotic huts in the area, or keep yourself comfortable in an alpine resort after a day of hiking.  

Wee Jasper


This village, which is about a 1-hour drive northwest of Canberra, may be small, but it’s teeming with promises for the outdoor explorer. Caving is the main reason people come to this place.


Carey’s Cave is the most fascinating caves to explore. Upon descending, you’ll see in its 7 chambers rock surfaces and crystal formations that will leave you in wonder. Guided tours are done for a little over an hour.


With its proximity to the city, it is possible to do the caving in just one day. However, if you’re looking for a really interesting getaway, spend the weekend with your family or friends on the site and experience some “real” camping– no powered sites or shops within the Wee Jasper reserves.

Kosciuszko National Park


If you’re looking for an extreme challenge at the end of the week, you can try ice-climbing to the top of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. But if that’s too much for you, you can opt for skiing, snowboarding, or kayaking in the park. If you want a much more laidback vacation, the place is also a great spot for fishing and even stargazing.


You won’t have any problems choosing a place to stay the night. You can splurge for romance and luxury in a mountain chalet, or you can easily fit your family’s budget with the cabins and caravan parks in the area. Backpacker type of accommodation is available, too. The drive to the Kosciuszko National Park takes about 2 hours or so from the center of Canberra.

Montague Island


Scuba diving in winter is one of the craziest things to do for anyone in the world – except for someone who’s in Montague Island. This adventure destination a little bit farther south in New South Wales will give you a new diving experience. You’ll get to swim and dive with hundreds of Australian fur seals when you visit within the August to December period.


Another attraction for those who are into underwater photography is the wreck of Lady Darling, a 239-foot vessel that sank in the late 1800s.


Accommodation in the area isn’t a problem. Motor inns, caravan parks, B&Bs, and retreats with a little more luxury are available. 


The waters, the trails, or the mountain tops – whatever it is you want to conquer, you’ll find it in this part of Australia. And perhaps, when you return to the city after your action-packed weekend, you can finally think of that drink or two (or more!) with your traveling buddies to celebrate your recently concluded adventure. 

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