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:
The Journey:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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: