CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA

Surprises are abundant everywhere in Canberra's districts. Take time to get out and explore, and you are sure to take away fond memories of the bush capital. Ginninderra Falls is a short drive from Belconnen, while Mt Stromlo Observatory and the Cotter Reserve are only 15 minutes drive from Woden. Tuggeranong is the gateway to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.

Tharwa

This beautiful, historic rural village is on the way to Namadgi National Park and is home to Australia's oldest bridge. Enjoy a picnic at the Tharwa Bridge Reserve or take time to peruse the Cuppacumbalong Craft Centre during your rural outing.

Queanbeyan

Settled before Canberra, Queanbeyan is a typical inland Australian "city" with a township built around the main street, a welcome lack of high-rises and one shopping mall. Although only a 15 minute drive from Canberra's city center, Queanbeyan can feel like a world apart. The city is close to Molonglo Gorge and the magnificent Googong Dam — which is both an amazing engineering feat and... more