Spring has arrived, bringing with it warm sunshine, blooming flowers and not one, but two three-day weekends on 27-29 September and 4-6 October.
Bec Cuzzillo writes about her favourite weekend escapes only two hours from Canberra, and asks where will you be going for the long weekends in September and October?
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Springtime in Canberra is great for many reasons (Floriade, anyone?). Not only do we get the luxury of two long weekends in a row, but we have the beautiful beaches of the NSW South Coast, the lush countryside of the NSW Southern Highlands and the adventurer’s dream destination of the Snowy Mountains on our proverbial doorstep. Only two hours from Canberra, these three locations provide the perfect playground for Canberrans faced with the bliss of two long weekends in a row.
NSW South Coast
Take advantage of the warmer Spring weather with a weekend trip to the NSW South Coast. A favourite weekend getaway for many Canberrans, the NSW South Coast has so much to offer.
Some like to stay in and around the bustling Batemans Bay area, others head north along the coast to quiet beaches like those at Mollymook and Narrawallee and some prefer to go further south to the likes of Broulee, Moruya or Noorooma.
For those who don’t like the beach or want a break from the sun, the NSW South Coast also has you covered with cute inland towns like Milton, Mogo and Tilba Tilba, where boutique shopping and cafe hopping is a must.
NSW Southern Highlands
The NSW Southern Highlands is the perfect location for a quiet weekend away from Canberra. Historic towns like Bowral and Berrima provide the perfect country backdrop for a weekend spent enjoying delicious local produce and sampling local wines. The region is also known for its lush green countryside, gardens and national parks.
There is plenty to keep the outdoorsy types happy, with bushwalking tracks at Mount Gibraltar, kayaking on Kangaroo River and cycling along the Wingecarribee River. A weekend in the NSW Southern Highlands wouldn’t be complete without seeing the spectacular Fitzroy Falls from one of the many lookouts in Moreton National Park.
Snowy Mountains
Despite the snow having melted away, the Snowy Mountains is still an idyllic destination for a weekend getaway from Canberra. Jindabyne with its beautiful lake is the perfect place for those who enjoy water sports and fishing. Kosciuszko National Park is for the more adventurous, with kayaking, mountain biking, camping, bushwalking, rafting and caving all on offer.
The Yarrangobilly Caves is a highlight. Located at the northern end of the park, the five limestone caves are around 440 million years old and there is a natural thermal pool for those who like their water a warm 27 degrees Celsius.
With so many great destinations only two hours from Canberra, where will you be going for the long weekends?
