Top Regional Spots Near Canberra Tempting Young Families

Craving a change of pace from city life? Many young Canberrans are swapping their city residences for fresh country air, greater affordability, and an abundance of open space where kids can just be kids. Here are six spots luring young families away from metropolitan life.

Googong

The self-contained township of Googong is conveniently positioned just 25 minutes’ drive from Canberra’s CBD and is growing rapidly among young families looking for affordable house and land packages. This award-winning masterplan community is bordered by Googong Dam, a popular spot for fishing, canoeing and bushwalking. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered for family living – from brand-new parks with trampolines and ropes courses to picnic areas, community gardens, soccer fields and a jam-packed calendar of child-friendly events. Within Googong, families have access to both a public school and Anglican school, along with a shopping village and handful of cafes.

Murrumbateman

Nestled among picturesque vineyards and rolling hills, the village of Murrumbateman offers country living close to the city. It has long lured Canberrans for its relaxed lifestyle, close-knit community and large properties, with a growing number of young families coming to the area. There is a small shopping hub and childcare centres, while most primary and high-school aged children attend school in Canberra, just a 30-minute drive away. Families can enjoy serene cycling and equestrian trails through natural bushland, delicious restaurants at some of the region’s 20 boutique wineries, and bimonthly farmers markets brimming with fresh local produce.

Merimbula

The heart of the Sapphire Coast, Merimbula gives families an idyllic, sun-soaked lifestyle with plenty of opportunities to get back to nature. Take the kayaks out on Merimbula Lake, hit the waves at glistening Main Beach and stretch your legs at stunning Mimosa Rocks Walking Track, keeping your eyes peeled for native wildlife. Merimbula has a welcoming and inclusive community with a great range of sports clubs and a good choice of local schools. Families with older kids also have the University of Wollongong, Bega Campus and TAFE NSW close by. Houses here encompass generous blocks of land, while locals converge at beachside kiosks, fish-and-chip shops and the village cafes.

Batemans Bay

Further up the coast, Batemans Bay is a popular holiday spot turned sea change destination among Canberrans looking for easy going coastal charm. It has a mild climate with plentiful open spaces and gorgeous beaches. Life here revolves around the ocean, with snorkelling trails, surfing and secret coves. There’s a local primary and secondary school along with fantastic community amenities, including an all-abilities playground, gyms, sailing club and a good mix of supermarkets and shops. The Batemans Bay Sunday Market (held on the first and third Sunday of every month) brings the community together with artisanal foods, live music and antiques.

Yass

The country community of Yass is just 45 minutes from Canberra and has seen a surge in popularity over the past two years. Perfect for those wanting to escape the city hustle, Yass gives families the freedom of wide-open space, flanked by pristine bushland. Among its historic main street – dating back to the 1840s – you’ll find cafes and restaurants housed within beautifully resorted Victorian buildings. There are bi-monthly farmers markets, where you can sample the region’s farm fresh produce, and lovely parks, playgrounds and reserves. Day care centres, primary schools and a local high school cater to families of all ages, while a library, Olympic swimming pool and sports fields add to the neighbourly feel.

Goulburn

Just an hour from Canberra, Goulburn offers families the best of both worlds – it’s close enough to commute for those working in the city, yet provides a peaceful retreat from the daily grind. This regional hotspot is rich in family amenities with spacious, reasonably priced properties, surrounded by unspoilt national parks. Kids can run wild at Adventure Playground or get active at the Goulburn Aquatic & Leisure Centre, while scenic bushwalking, cycling and horse-riding trails encourage families to get back to nature. Goulburn has a progressive, friendly community with everything from sports to arts groups and high-quality education available to students of all ages.