Amazing road trips to explore in the ACT

Canberra is known for being the central spot for all things educational, not to mention its close proximity to some of the best wineries around. We’ve put together some of the best road trips around the ACT.

1. Canberra museum road trip, ACT

The most culturally enriching road trip on offer in Australia is one that takes you around our very own capital city, laden as it is with world-class museums and galleries that are all easily accessed via its wide, uncongested roads.

Immerse yourself in Canberra’s many opportunities to explore Australian culture and art.

National Gallery of Australia & National Portrait Gallery

Start at the National Gallery of Australia on Parkes Place for a roam around rooms filled with everything from abstract masterworks to the affecting Aboriginal Memorial at its entrance (the National Portrait Gallery is a three-minute walk from the NGA so leave the car where it is for this).

The Aboriginal Memorial is a powerful installation that commemorates First Nations history.

National Museum of Australia

Next, head to the National Museum of Australia (six minutes’ drive along Parkes Way) to wonder at Cadel Evans’ bike, the 1866 Melbourne Cup and civil rights campaigner Faith Bandler’s gloves among (lots of) other things.

The CSIRO Discovery Centre & National Dinosaur Museum

The CSIRO Discovery Centre is a five-minute drive from the museum via Clunies Ross Street, with an extra shot of science served up at the National Dinosaur Museum, 14 minutes away in Gold Creek Village.

Australian War Memorial

After that, it’s 18 minutes to get to the Australian War Memorial (via Barton Highway). And if you can squeeze it in, Calthorpes’ House in Red Hill (off Mugga Way) is a hidden gem: a historic house that recreates 1920s life with the Calthorpe family.

Distance:

43.5 kilometres

Stay:

Midnight Hotel has streamlined interiors, a stylish indoor pool and a hip hood locale in Braddon; East Hotel is a vibrant spot close to the cultural action.

Enjoy a stylish stay in Australia’s capital city.

2. Canberra’s cold climate wine region, ACT

Spending even the briefest time exploring the area that stretches between Yass and the ACT will instantly make you understand why there is an “it’s mine, no it’s mine” debate about which region can rightfully lay claim to it: technically it is part of NSW’s Southern Tablelands, but the whole area is also affectionately claimed by Canberra. The reason? Because it’s a picturesque, productive cold-climate wine region, with a burgeoning gourmet foodie scene bubbling along nicely in the background.

The shining gem of the region is Murrumbateman, which is best explored on two wheels and pedal power (the sleek, accommodating Abode Murrumbateman has bikes for guests to borrow), cruising between cellar doors at Clonakilla, Shaw Wines, Helm Wines and The Vintner’s Daughter. Fill your basket with a few top drops and grab the fixings for a perfect picnic: treats from Robyn Rowe Chocolates, fresh produce from Murrumbateman Village Market (every second Sunday) and a sourdough loaf or a sausage roll at Clementine Bakery in Yass.

Distance:

50 kilometres from Yass to Gundaroo.

Pedal through picturesque landscapes of the Murrumbateman region.

Keep reading our special Top 100 Road Trips in Australia editorial series.