Capital, Coast and Country Touring Route
The Capital, Coast and Country Touring Route offers an unforgettable self drive experience through spectacular coastlines, historic townships, pristine national parks, world-class national attractions and delicious gourmet trails around Canberra.
At a glance:
- Sydney – Canberra (3 hours, 30 mins)
- Canberra and surrounds (2 days, 2 nights)
- Canberra – Batemans Bay (2 hours, 30 mins)
- Batemans Bay – Kiama (2 hours, 12 mins)
- Kiama – Sydney (2 hours, 45 mins)
The Journey:
- Nearest Major City: Canberra, Sydney
- Duration / Distance: 6 days, 5 nights (717km)
- Mode of Transport: Self-drive, coach touring
Day One
Fitzroy falls, Southern Highlands, New South Wales
Sydney – Southern Highlands – Inland New South Wales – Canberra
Enjoy the scenic views of rolling green hills and dramatic waterfalls in true national park wilderness or uncover treasures such as antiques or books at the local country markets and speciality shops. Explore quaint villages, learn about the region’s history, or discover a part of Australian sporting history. Treat your tastebuds and sample cool climate wines at one of the many cellar doors. With plenty to see and do in the Southern Highlands region, you’ll have trouble deciding what to do first.
Overnight: Canberra
Highlights:
- Get close to nature at the Illawarra Fly Tree Top Walk.
- Discover rainforest gullies, stunning look outs, waterfalls and native wildlife at Fitzroy Falls.
- Explore the impressive Wombeyan Caves.
- Visit the Bradman Museum. Home to the greatest collection of Sir Donald Bradman cricket memorabilia in the world.
- Enjoy traditional home-style cooking at Grandma’s Little Bakery.
- Drop into an award-winning winery near Lake George, just 45 minutes from Canberra.
Day Two
Segways around Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Canberra
Explore Australia’s national capital, Canberra. A multicultural city that reflects and tells the story of Australia. Visit one of many world class museums and galleries around Lake Burley Griffin to uncover the history and culture of the country.
Check out Canberra’s emerging dining precincts including award winning restaurants and a thriving local arts scene.
Shop at flourishing weekend markets or captivate the kids with a flurry of family friendly activities in and around Lake Burley Griffin.
Overnight: Canberra
Highlights:
- Take a cruise, hop on a segway, or bike around Lake Burley Griffin.
- Learn about Australia’s story at iconic national attractions such as Parliament House, National Museum of Australia and the Australian War Memorial.
- Dine at Canberra’s newest precincts of NewActon, Kingston Foreshore by Lake Burley Griffin and Braddon.
- Shop up a storm at boutique shops or the weekend markets.
Day Three
Gilbraltar Falls, Namadgi National Park, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Canberra and Region
With a variety of diverse experiences all located within close proximity to the city, Canberra is a perfect self drive destination and a great base to explore the region. Start your day with a bird’s eye view of the city in a hot air balloon, then spend your day along the Poacher Way sampling award winning wines. Alternatively, meet a cheetah at the National Zoo & Aquarium, or venture out to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve or Namadgi National Park to spot native Australian wildlife.
Overnight: Canberra
Highlights:
- Enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding Brindabella mountain ranges and Canberra from a hot air balloon.
- Sample award-winning cool climate wines at one of 30 wineries in the region.
- Meet some of the planet’s most exotic animals at Australia’s only combined Zoo and Aquarium.
- Go on a spotlight tour and discover the magic of Tidbinbilla by Torchlight.
- Take in the majestic Gibraltar falls, a cascade waterfall with a 50m drop, or choose from over 160 km of marked walking trails in Namadgi National Park.
Day Four
Bungendore Woodworks Gallery, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Canberra – Bungendore – Braidwood – Batemans Bay
Journey through historic Bungendore and Braidwood as you recharge your batteries on your way to the South Coast.
Bungendore, a traditional Australian country town is set in a picturesque valley in the Southern Tablelands offering numerous specialty shops and heritage buildings, providing an evocative glimpse of 19th-century life in rural Australia. Historic Braidwood is one of the little gems of the Southern Tablelands being the first complete town to be listed on the State’s Heritage register. It also retains most of the Georgian town plan, one of the last left in Australia.
Before stopping at Batemans Bay, take a side trip and visit Mogo Zoo, located in historic gold mining village of Mogo.
Overnight: Batemans Bay
Highlights:
- Shop from the best of Australian wood art at the Bungendore Wood Works Gallery.
- Discover the region’s heritage and sample unique cheeses, cider and wine at the Braidwood Cheese factory and Sully’s Cider and Wine.
- Stop by award-winning wineries including Lark Hill Winery and Restaurant, a certified biodynamic estate.
- With more than 200 animals, including the infamous pride of white lions, Mogo Zoo is a must see attraction.
Day Five
Picnic, Pebbly Beach, Murramarang National Park, New South Wales
Batemans Bay – Jervis Bay – Kiama
The stunning South Coast of New South Wales boasts spectacular coastal views, outdoor and nature experiences suitable for the whole family. Discover crystal clear bays and lakes, beaches and beautiful rivers that are perfect year-round for fishing, diving, canoeing and boating. The pristine bushland is enjoyed by bush walkers, bird lovers and cycling enthusiasts. Top it all off with some great food and wine at cafes and restaurants located by a river, overlooking the beach or among the vines.
Overnight: Kiama
Highlights:
- Pack a picnic lunch at Pebbly Beach in Murramarang National Park, famous for its abundant population of kangaroos.
- Explore the subtropical Minnamurra Rainforest, featuring spectacular waterfalls and elevated boardwalks taking you right into the 400 hectare rainforest.
- Home to the whitest beaches in the world, Jervis Bay is also a playground for whales, dolphins, kangaroos, seals, penguins and a vast array of native birdlife.
Day Six
Sea cliff bridge, Kiama, New South Wales
Kiama – Wollongong – Sydney
Boasting breathtaking scenery and spectacular coastline, the drive from Kiama to Sydney features some of the most beautiful and rugged sea cliffs, look outs and rock pools in Australia.
Explore pristine national parks, historic villages and unforgettable gourmet experiences along the way.
Stop by Bald Hill Lookout and spend some time soaking up the atmosphere before heading down the cliff hugging roads hanging above the ocean. With the 665 metre Sea Cliff Bridge a highlight, enjoy the amazing driving scenery, quaint coastal villages and uninterrupted views of the ocean.
Highlights:
- Experience the dramatic Kiama Blowhole and Little Blowhole where the Pacific Ocean meets the land.
- Enjoy spectacular ocean views and dramatic coastlines from the Sea Cliff Bridge and Bald Hill Lookout, an internationally renowned hang gliding point.
- Visit Nan Tien Temple, known as the ‘Southern Paradise’, the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere.
- For a real thrill, experience skydiving with Skydive the Beach and Beyond in Wollongong.
