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Lanyon Homestead — Image credit: ACT Historic Places

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Lanyon Homestead

Experience one of Australia's premier historic properties at Lanyon Homestead, just a thirty-minute drive from Canberra's city centre. Nestled at the foot of the Brindabella Ranges along the magnificent Murrumbidgee River, Lanyon offers breathtaking views of the Australian countryside. Step back in time with a guided tour of the beautifully restored 1859 homestead, furnished to reflect its rich past. Explore original outbuildings that showcase the property's pastoral heritage and wander through rambling gardens with panoramic vistas of the hills beyond. Relax with a picnic on the lawns or enjoy a delightful meal at the Barracks Café. Lanyon Homestead also caters to school and group visits with special packages that include guided tours and dining options. For events and gatherings, function rooms and picturesque outdoor spaces are available for hire. Easily accessible by car with ample parking, Lanyon Homestead is a must-visit destination for those seeking history, natural beauty, and a glimpse into Australia's pioneering past.

Tharwa ACT

0.0 km away

You don't need to know how to use tools to enjoy blacksmithing — Image credit: Tharwa Valley Forge

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Tharwa Valley Forge

Tharwa Valley Forge delivers authentic blacksmithing and bladesmithing experiences every weekend and most days of the week. Tharwa Valley Forge provides everyone from novices to experts with the opportunity to experience traditional crafts and to learn new skills. Experience Blacksmithing in a working forge, design and create your own kitchen knives, or come together as a family and work on a project together. These are just a few of the many experiences available all year round. Tharwa Valley Forge has been teaching people how to create amazing things since 2003. Each year, they run over 100 courses and are the largest school of their type in the world. Tharwa Valley Forges' award-winning instructors are among the best in Australia, and their world-class facilities ensure an incomparable experience. The ten-acre campus is set in bushland on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River and is adjacent to Namadgi National Park. Heritage-listed accommodation is available on-site at the historic Cuppacumbalong Homestead. For those staying at Cuppacumbalong during their course, there is plenty to see and do. Go bushwalking along marked trails, visit historic sites along the river, and see native wildlife, including kangaroos and wombats.

Tharwa ACT

2.5 km away

The Art Shed

Galleries, Museums and Collections

The Art Shed

The Art Shed is the gallery and studio of artists Malcolm Cooke and Marily Cintra in Tharwa. The gallery features the ceramic works made by Malcolm and Marily, with changing exhibitions during the year. They are currently featuring new wood-fired works from the large wood-fired kiln in the front of the gallery/ studio of Malcolm Cooke. Kiln opening events are to be featured during the year. The Gallery is open at weekends and public holidays.

Tharwa ACT

2.6 km away

Lanyon Vikings

Entertainment Venues

Lanyon Vikings

Enjoy yourself at Lanyon Vikings, whether dining for lunch or dinner at Red Rock Bistro or stopping in for a caffeine hit and a treat at Moo+Brew Cafe. Head down to S Bar and relax while you watch the game on the big screens, or play a game of pool with a mate while enjoying an ice-cold bev.

Conder ACT

3.9 km away

Shaded barbeque areas

Natural Attractions

Point Hut Pond Park

Stop off en route to or from Tidbinbilla to take the children to the playground at Point Hut Pond Park. Make use of the barbeques and shaded areas. Walk around this serene park and it’s pond and enjoy great views of the hills. Toilet facilities and parking available. Dogs are allowed.

Gordon ACT

4.1 km away

Orroral Homestead

Natural Attractions

Namadgi National Park and Visitors Centre

Namadgi National Park, including the Visitor Centre, is open and welcoming visitors. With remote wilderness experiences, a wide range of natural environments, an abundance of native wildlife, and Aboriginal and European cultural sites, there are many reasons to visit Namadgi National Park. Namadgi covers 106,095 hectares, with 160 kilometres of marked walking tracks. Camping is available at Woods Reserve, Honeysuckle, Orroral and Mt Clear Campgrounds. Namadgi National Park is located at the northern end of the Australian Alps, 45 minutes' drive from Canberra city.

Tharwa ACT

4.6 km away

Views from Mt Tennent in Namadgi National Park

Natural Attractions

Mt Tennent

Mt Tennent offers a challenging 15-kilometre return walk with magnificent views. Start from the Namadgi Visitor Centre car park, walk along the Woodland Walk, then on the Mt Tennent Track to Cypress Pine Lookout (4.5 kilometres return). Continue up the track and follow the trail that leads to the summit. You can also start at the locked gate on Apollo Road (first kilometre on private property) following the Mt Tennent fire trail. Mt Tennent is one of the most popular walks in Namadgi National Park, taking approximately four to six hours to complete. Visit the Namadgi National Park Visitors Centre for the latest track conditions, weather updates, local information and detailed maps before embarking on any bushwalk. Hot and cold drinks and snacks are also available.

Tharwa ACT

4.6 km away

Pine Island Reserve, Canberra — Image credit: ACT Parks - ACT Government

Natural Attractions

Pine Island Reserve

Pine Island Reserve is a popular riverside recreation area located along the Murrumbidgee River in Canberra's south. Set within the scenic Murrumbidgee River Corridor, the reserve offers a relaxed natural setting for picnics, swimming and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy open grassy areas, shaded picnic spots and easy access to the river, making it a well-known destination during the warmer months. Facilities include free electric barbecues, picnic tables, shelters, toilets and a playground, providing a family-friendly environment for a day out. Walking and cycling trails connect the reserve to nearby locations, including Point Hut Crossing and Kambah Pool, with Pine Island also forming part of the Murrumbidgee Discovery Track. Surrounded by native vegetation and river landscapes, the area is ideal for walking, birdwatching and enjoying the natural environment.

Greenway ACT

7.0 km away

Town Centre Vikings

Entertainment Venues

Town Centre Vikings

Located in the heart of Tuggeranong in Canberra, Town Centre Vikings is the perfect location at any time of the day. Simply enjoy a barista-made coffee or tea paired with one of their delicious cakes or sandwiches from Moo+Brew Cafe. Open for lunch and dinner, their chefs at Town Centre Bistro are always cooking up a storm. Offering you all your bistro favourites from the classic chicken schnitty to a big juicy steak or even lobster mornay for those feeling a little bit fancy. How about a hit of tennis or a round of barefoot bowls? Whether it’s a catch-up with friends and family or team bonding, get everyone together for some friendly competition at Town Centre Vikings.

Greenway ACT

7.4 km away

Metaphysica

Amusement and Theme Parks

Metaphysica

Metaphysica offers Virtual Reality escape rooms, adventures and mini games that will instantly transport you and your family and friends to amazing new worlds and experiences. Transform into a time-hopping adventurer examining the earth’s core elements, physics and electricity across the multiverse while solving puzzles that can’t be experienced in reality. Are you ready for the challenge? Great fun and suitable for the whole family, kids parties, team building, special events or just a fun night out.

Greenway ACT

8.2 km away

Take your aim!

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Delta Force Paintball

Movie-set scenarios, quality equipment and professional staff are just a few features you can expect on a day out at Canberra’s premier paintball centre, Delta Force Paintball. Enjoy playing on quality fields, many of which are new to Australian shores, and experience an action-packed paintball adventure. You won’t be disappointed! The minimum paintball age is 16 years old, however, MiniBall is paintball specifically designed for those as young as 10 years of age.

Greenway ACT

8.5 km away

Erindale Vikings

Entertainment Venues

Erindale Vikings

Get into Erindale Vikings to start your day off with a barista-made coffee from the Moo+Brew café or treat yourself to one of their delicious cakes. Looking for dining options? Then grab your friends and family and dine in at The Cookery, offering lunch and dinner with all your club favourites, plus an indoor and outdoor play area for little ones. If you’re after a location to watch the biggest games and live sport, Sideline Bar is the place to kick back with an ice-cold bev or to play a game of pool.

Wanniassa ACT

9.7 km away

Urambi Hills

Natural Attractions

Urambi Hills

Experience invigorating views, flora and fauna on this four-kilometre walk. Park your car or get dropped off at the beginning of Learmonth Drive and walk along the ridges. Alternately you can head towards almost the end of Learmonth Drive and start your walk from the spot where these images were taken.

Kambah ACT

11 km away

Booroomba Rocks at dusk

Natural Attractions

Booroomba Rocks

Booroomba Rocks in Namadgi National Park offers stunning views of Canberra and across the Brindabella Ranges. Wander through tall forests and take the walking track up a short steep incline to experience panoramic vistas from the top of massive granite cliffs. If you're feeling adventurous, you can walk to the Booroomba Rocks starting point from Honeysuckle (an additional 9km return). Visit the Namadgi Visitor Centre for the latest track conditions, weather updates, local information and detailed maps before embarking on any bushwalk. Hot and cold drinks and snacks are also available

Tennent ACT

11 km away

The Micro-Market — Image credit: Amberly Farm

Shopping and Markets

Amberly Farm Micro Market

The Amberly Farm Micro-Market began as humble egg fridge with an honesty box system. Now, the farm gate store - built out of a shipping container, offers a wide range of products from Canberra and surrounds. Conceptualised as an all-week farmer's market, the Micro-Market runs entirely self-serve, showcasing the best of the region and attracting a loyal following of customers from far and wide. Amberly's Farm's own range has expanded from their popular pastured free-range eggs to producing black angus beef, microgreens, seasonal flowers, and the ever popular Ma's range of condiments (made by Carol "Ma" of Amberly). Situated against the tranquil backdrop of the Bullen Range and amongst the flocks of happy hens, Amberly Farm is only a short drive off the Tuggeranong Parkway.

Kambah ACT

12 km away

Murrumbidgee Discovery Track

Natural Attractions

Murrumbidgee Discovery Track

Distance: 27 kilometres one-way Time suggested: 12 hours Difficulty: Hard The Murrumbidgee Discovery Track is 27-kilometres, following the Murrumbidgee River between Point Hut Crossing in the south and Casuarina Sands in the north, passing through Pine Island and Kambah Pool. This challenging track offers the opportunity to explore the river corridor either in shorter sections or as a full-day trek. Along the way, visitors will encounter a rich mix of river oaks, red stringybarks and scribbly gums, open grazing country, and dramatic riverine landscapes. Highlights include elevated views over the Murrumbidgee River, the striking Red Rocks Gorge, cascading waters, and impressive rock formations carved into the gorge walls. The track also features points of historical interest, including a dry-stone wall built in the 1860s to mark early rural property boundaries, and sections that form part of Canberra's Centenary Trail. Lookouts and river crossings add variety to the experience, while sections near Pine Island and Point Hut Crossing provide easier walking options. The Murrumbidgee Discovery Track is best suited to experienced walkers, with transport required at both ends for those completing the full length. Dogs are not permitted. Cycling is permitted in the sections between Kambah Pool and Pine Island, and signage along the track provides important safety and site information.

Weston ACT

12 km away

Deep space communication antennas — Image credit: CDSCC

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex

Take a leap into outer space at the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex, a 45-minute drive from the heart of Canberra. At the visitor centre, you'll discover the role Canberra plays in NASA's Deep Space Network - an international network of antennas that supports dozens of interplanetary spacecraft missions. The site features four large radio antenna dishes that send and receive data from spacecraft exploring the solar system and beyond. The large 70-metre dish is the largest steerable parabolic dish in the Southern Hemisphere. Exhibits in the visitor centre include real space hardware and memorabilia, and includes an actual piece of the Moon returned to Earth on the Apollo 11 mission. It is 3.8 billion years old! Enjoy excellent views of the antenna complex and watch films on the latest space discoveries in their theatres. A unique place in Canberra and Australia to visit.

Tidbinbilla ACT

13 km away

Incredible views from Gibraltar Peak — Image credit: VisitCanberra

Natural Attractions

Gibraltar Peak

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve offers outstanding wildlife and natural experiences. The 8.2 kilometre Gibraltar Peak walking trail is well worth the effort; affording magnificent views from the top. The most direct route to Gibraltar Peak starts from Dalsetta, passing through open grassland before the climb to Eliza Saddle. From here, the trail traverses for a short distance featuring some fantastic views. After a steep climb, the imposing Gibraltar Peak is reached. Return via the same route or take the longer route via Eliza Saddle, Birrigai Time Trail, the Visitor Centre and Congwarra Trail. This walk is rated moderate to hard and will take approximately three to four hours return. Plan ahead for your walk, don’t rely on a mobile phone and avoid walking alone. Please note: the Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre is currently closed; however, the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is open as per normal opening hours. Maps and brochures are available outside of the Visitor Centre for those who need them. There is limited reception at the reserve so the Visitor Centre Wi-Fi will be maintained to support communications. Tidbinbilla Visitor Information staff can still be contacted via phone, or for more information visit the Tidbinbilla website.

Paddys River ACT

13 km away

The Sanctuary has an abundance of wildlife for you to discover, as does the Koala enclosure — Image credit: ACT Parks

National Parks and Reserves

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

See koalas, kangaroos, birds, reptiles and more in the natural setting of Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, just a 45-minute drive from the Canberra CBD. Keep an eye open for wandering wallabies and emus, and you may even catch a glimpse of an elusive platypus! There are 24 marked trails at Tidbinbilla – ranging from a 15-minute walk to full-day hikes. The kids will love the Nature Discovery Playground, and you'll love the idyllic picnic spots, barbecue areas and fresh open air. School holidays are also a great time to visit with regular kids' activities to keep the little ones busy! Maps and brochures are available outside the Visitor Centre for those who need them. There is limited reception at the reserve, so the Visitor Centre Wi-Fi will be maintained to support communications. Tidbinbilla Visitor Information staff can still be contacted via phone, or for more information, visit the Tidbinbilla website.

Tidbinbilla ACT

13 km away

Mindjagari Track - trail marker — Image credit: ACT City and Environment Directorate

Natural Attractions

Mindjagari Track

The Mindjagari Track network is roughly 26 kilometres of difficult management trails and walking tracks that can be connected in various ways. This network of trails gives you access to spectacular country and provides some of the most challenging day walks in the ACT. There are four routes to ascend the Tidbinbilla Range, with a variety of loops to choose from once up on the range. The views are breathtaking, stretching across to the Brindabellas and beyond, as well as offering a stunning perspective of Canberra. The enchanting subalpine woodlands, wildflowers, and impressive rocky outcrops make the challenging climb well worth the effort. Highlights include the distinctive 'Pimple' rock formation, the 360-degree view from Tidbinbilla Mountain, and abundant wildflower displays in summer. These are some especially rewarding and memorable walks. Cycling is allowed on management trails only (not permitted on walking tracks). Depending on your chosen route, there are several options for returning off the mountain range to shorten your walk. Familiarise yourself with these options before heading out and be mindful of Tidbinbilla closure times.

Paddys River ACT

14 km away

Statues and spires atop the Vishni Siva Mandir Temple and Library

Landmarks and Buildings

Vishnu Siva Mandir Temple and Library

Visit the Mandir where you can pray and meditate or simply appreciate the intricate detailed architecture depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. Share in the traditional and authentic cultural, religious and social Indian celebrations and activities. Make a booking for a vedic astrology session or a yoga class. Their well established public library of religious books is a major resource centre for South Asian art and literature studies.

Mawson ACT

14 km away

Square Rock

Natural Attractions

Square Rock

Explore huge granite boulders, Alpine Ash forests and Snow Gum woodlands. The Square Rock Lookout is around 1400 metres above sea level with stunning views of the Australian bush. Look for black rock skinks basking on the rock platforms on sunny days, and wedge-tailed eagles gliding above the cliffs on the warm updrafts. The walk is approximately 10.5 kilometres return, taking around four and a half hours to complete. The walk starts at the Corin Hub on Corin Road near the Smokers Gap entrance to Namadgi National Park. About halfway along the track is Smokers Flat, a flat grassy herb field with healthy bogs on the edges. Visit the Namadgi National Park Visitor Centre for the latest track conditions, weather updates, local information and detailed maps before embarking on any bush walk. Hot and cold drinks and snacks also available.

Tharwa ACT

15 km away

Corin Forest Drone View — Image credit: Corin Forest

Natural Attractions

Corin Forest

Corin Forest, located in the Tidbinbilla Mountain Ranges just 45 minutes from the heart of Canberra, is a year-round alpine adventure. Surrounded by tall forests in a secluded mountain valley, the rustic lodge provides a unique venue in the region. During winter Corin Forest provides Canberra's only snow experience. Rug up and get set for beginner skiing or snowboarding, with a lesson from one of their fantastic instructors. Visit the dedicated snow play area for tobogganing, snowmen and snowball fights. Afterwards, warm up with a hot chocolate by the fire in the rustic lodge. In summertime, take in the spectacular views of the Nation's Capital, with Namadgi National Park and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve right next door. Ride on the exhilarating Alpine Slide that descends 1.2 kilometres through the forest. Enjoy one of their delicious stonebaked pizzas in the picnic area, named among the top 10 picnic spots in Australia. Nearby Square Rock, and Tidbinbilla make for a great day trip amongst Canberra's natural beauty. Corin Forest is on Corin Dam Road, accessible by car via Point Hut Crossing or the Cotter. Check their Facebook page for updates on road closures and detours on snowy days.

Paddy's River ACT

15 km away

Googong Lookout — Image credit: Visit Queanbeyan-Palerang [QPRC]

Landmarks and Buildings

Googong Lookout

Perched on top of a hill in Googong, you'll find panoramic views over the town and beyond at this new lookout. Complete with seating and shade, it also features additional information about the Glossy Black Cockatoo. The lookout's shelter design was inspired by the tail feathers of the endangered species.

Googong NSW

15 km away

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