Sydney to Canberra: Road Trip Itinerary for a Fun Long Weekend in the Capital

Looking for a fun long weekend getaway from Sydney? Take a road trip to Australia's capital city, Canberra. With its beautiful parks, museums, galleries, and restaurants, Canberra has something for everyone.

Surrounded by rugged mountains and bushland, Canberra is a cool city-meets-country destination. If you haven’t road-tripped down to Canberra since school excursion days, it’s time for a revisit. Not sure where to start? Here’s your itinerary for an action-packed long weekend in Canberra.

Brunch at Some Café

Nestled in the charming country town of Collector, Some Cafe is a must-visit for any foodie or coffee lover. With a focus on using fresh, local ingredients, the menu features a range of delicious options from all-day breakfasts to homemade baked goods. The cosy, rustic atmosphere of the café makes it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a cup of their specialty coffee or tea. Plus, the friendly and attentive staff will make you feel right at home. 

5/7 Murray St, Collector 

Wander around or Sail on Lake Burley Griffin

This manmade wonder has a fantastic walking trail that will take you the whole way around, and provide great vistas for photo opps. Thanks to Go Boat Canberra, you can skipper your own boat and enjoy a picturesque picnic (and maybe a cheeky glass of wine) on Lake Burley Griffin. No boat license required.

Sitchu Tip: One of our favourite ways to get around the lake is by scooter! You'll find plenty parked up along the way and will just need to download the app before you get started. Be sure to stay in the designated bike lanes. We guarantee you'll have a blast! 

Lunch at Compa

A brand-new addition to bustling Bunda Street, Compa has nailed the brief. You can expect an elevated take on the classic Italian steakhouse with the sleek interiors to match. Start with the house soda (incredible) before delving into the wine list and pairing a drop with your main of choice. The puffy bread is a must order as is the Moran family farm nduja for dipping.

148 Bunda Street, Canberra 

Check-in at QT

Located just minutes from the shoreline of Lake Burley Griffin, the QT is as central as it gets. The hotel is bright and quirky with surprises dotted throughout. As for the rooms, all your comforts are catered to with a signature pizzazz. Also home to Capitol Bar & Grill, a dining destination in its own right, you're sorted for food if you don't fancy heading out after a long day exploring. 

1 London Circuit, Canberra 

Dinner at Bada Bing Dining Club 

Serving retro Italian diner realness, Bada Bing Dining Club is the ultimate update on the classic pizza and pasta combo. They're not messing with what's good, just elevating the quality with pasta and pizza dough crafted fresh in-house. 

122 Alinga Street, Canberra 

Breakfast at Margot

Looking for a bar that can satisfy your caffeine cravings in the morning and your wine and cheese cravings in the evening? Look no further than Margot, a beautiful bar located on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin. At Margot, the beverages take centre stage, with a carefully curated selection of accompaniments to satisfy any peckish craving. We love their minimalist approach, allowing you to truly savour the flavours of the drinks and the delicious Wildflower Pastries that come with your morning coffee.

West Kiosk, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes  

Head to Capital Region Farmers Markets

Access the freshest produce that Canberra has to offer at the Capital Region Farmers Markets. Held every Saturday morning at Exhibition Park, these farmer's markets will delight all. With more than 100 stalls, sample organic fruit and veggies, warm baked goods, meats and seafood, wines and more. Load up your basket for the week ahead!

Exhibition Park, Flemington Road, Mitchell

Every Saturday, 7am to 11.30am

Lunch at &Sando

Time to refuel before your hike with a coffee and sandwich from Matt Moran's &Sando. Expect freshly baked bread, fillings for days and a selection of pastries for the road. Don't miss this stop! 

148 Bunda Street, Canberra 

Hike up Mount Ainslie

Ask any Canberran what one of their favourite hikes is and they’ll say: ‘Mount Ainslie is a beauty’. Hike from the base up to the top and be blown away by breathtaking views of the city or walk around the mountain on one of the many walking trails. The hike to the top is 4.2km up and down and offers those who want a workout a fairly steep climb in parts. Make like a true Canberran and make it up there to see the sunrise!

Starting point: Behind the Australian War Memorial off Treloar Cres, Campbell

Duration: 1hr 45 mins

Small Bar Hopping

Canberra's bar scene is second to none, and there are plenty to check out. Around Garema Place you will find edgy cocktail bar Bar Beirut with its dark hues, wooden bar-tops and live DJs spinning French rap and mushroom jazz. 

Over on Alinga Street, Highball will teleport you to the balmy shores of Cuba and then head to one of the latest additions to Verity Lane Market, Dear Prudence, for a beautiful wine.

If natural and funky wines are your drops of choice, head straight to Paranormal Wines for the best selection in town. 

Breakfast at Highroad

This funky café and bakery in Dickson is a favourite among locals, and for good reason. With a focus on fresh and local ingredients, Highroad offers a variety of delicious breakfast and lunch options, from classic avo toast to creative, fusion-style dishes. And if you're in the mood for something sweet, their bakery selection is sure to satisfy, with freshly baked pastries, cakes, and cookies. But the star of the show at Highroad is their coffee, made with beans roasted in-house for a perfectly balanced and rich flavour. 

1 Woolley St, Dickson 

Visit Haig Village Park Market

A well-loved local market that pops up each Sunday, you can pick up everything from fresh produce and artisan crafted homewares, to kids fashion and handmade gifts. If you have the time, also peruse the streets around Braddon to spot cool murals, stylish boutiques and delicious cafes. 

Haig Park Village Markets- Haig Park, Braddon, behind the Mandalay Bus

Every Sunday, 9am-2pm

Learn a New Skill at Canberra Glassworks 

Worth a visit just for a viewing, Canberra Glassworks also offers visitors the chance to get hands-on with a 40-minute one-on-one glassblowing workshop. You'll get loads of guidance, an education and your own glass or vase to take home, made by you! A seated viewing gallery allows other visitors to watch you work on the hotshot floor. Don't miss the gallery and shop on your way out. 

11 Wenworth Avenue, Kingston 

Pick up Some Premium Wines

Swish, sip and repeat at some of Canberra’s premier wineries. At Lark Hill you can simply visit the cellar door, or make a day of it and linger over lunch at the restaurant, Agostinis. Just a 15-minute drive from the city center, Mount Majura Vineyard has made a name for itself for its boutique wines and beautiful views. To learn more about viticulture, sign up for the gumboot tour.

Looking to enhance your Canberra trip experience? Be sure to check out our monthly guide featuring the top events happening right now. And if you're searching for the perfect accommodation options, our guide to the best places to stay in Canberra has got you covered.