Get back to nature - Take a trip to Canberra
Located just a few hours from Sydney and somewhat defined only by its National Monuments, the ACT (Australian Capital Territory) offers an escape from the hustle and bustle for kids and families alike.
Surrounded by bushland and National Parks, Canberra enjoys an abundance of activities and wildlife to keep kids entertained and educated in the school holidays. Here are a selection of places you may like to introduce your children to;
The National Zoo & Aquarium: A wonderful place for children to get up close and interact with animals from all over the world.
Cold fun: Whether it’s hot or cold outside, you can try ice skating indoors at Phillip Ice Skating Centre or in the middle of winter, take a toboggan down the slope or build a snowman at Corin Forest, located only a short drive from Canberra.
Rock Climbing: Learn to rock climb or abseil with K7 Adventures – Canberra, or test your skills at Canberra Indoor Rock Climbing.
Ride, scooter or segway: Explore the picturesque Lake Burley Griffin on a bike, scooter or segway. Scooters and segways are available to hire throughout the year.
Stromlo Forest: Stromlo Forest Park is the ultimate active outdoor circuit – for cycling, mountain biking, running, walking or horse-riding.
Playgrounds and Parks: Canberra is full of parks and adventure playgrounds. The coolest playground in town is at the National Arboretum Canberra, where you can explore the boundless landscape or create your own adventure within the magical Pod Playground.
Climb a mountain: Mount Ainslie Lookout offers an impressive and well-earned view after a trek up the mountain starting near the Australian War Memorial.
Spot a Platypus: Head to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and explore the wetlands for an elusive platypus. You can watch the daily pelican feeding, take a hike, or watch the kangaroos from the playground.
Cruise: Take a one hour cruise of Lake Burley Griffin and find out all about Canberra’s central features. Enjoy a spray from the Captain Cook Memorial Jet as you float by.
Ballooning around: An early start during March is the perfect time to see the Canberra Balloon Spectacular. All colours and sizes of hot air balloons take to the skies.
Floriade: Make sure you take in at least one of the 30 days of fun at Floriade. Plenty of themed activities for kids, plus rides, games and heaps of space to explore.
Autumn Lights: Enlighten is a spectacular display of architectural projections on our iconic attractions, plus music, yummy food and surprises along the way.
Kangaroo hopping: Hop from park to park and enjoy getting close to kangaroos in their natural environment. Head to Weston Park, Tuggeranong Hill, The Pinnacle at Hawker, Mount Painter, Aranda bushland, Farrer Ridge (off Athllon Drive) and Wanniassa Hills.
