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

Looking for a fun long weekend getaway from Sydney? Why not 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. And if you haven’t road-tripped down to Canberra since school excursion days, it’s time to hop in the car. So buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable adventure! 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. Don't miss out on this hidden gem during your next visit to Collector.

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’s license required.

Lunch at Agostini's

Looking for an authentic Italian dining experience in Canberra? Look no further than Agostinis at the East Hotel, a family-owned and run restaurant that's passionate about Italian cuisine. Known for their perfectly baked pizzas, cooked in a state-of-the-art Marana Forni pizza oven, Agostinis also offers a range of other mouthwatering dishes. For a relaxed lunch, or a sweet treat, indulge in their homemade gelato. And now, there's even more reason to visit - Agostinis has recently opened a brand new private dining room, Il Camino, perfect for intimate gatherings and special occasions.

East Hotel, 69 Canberra Avenue, Griffith

Check in at East Hotel

The East Hotel is one of Kingston's top spots for a luxurious getaway. With a range of contemporary rooms and suites, you'll feel right at home and experience the city like a local. And when it comes to dining and entertainment, East Hotel has got you covered. Treat your taste buds to delicious Italian cuisine at Agostinis, or indulge in a craft cocktail at Joe's Bar. For book lovers and wine enthusiasts, Muse is the perfect spot to unwind and relax. So whether you choose to explore the city or stay in, East Hotel has everything you need for an awesome night in Canberra.

69 Canberra Avenue, Kingston

Cassie Abraham

Dinner at Such and Such

If you're looking for a trendy new spot to dine in Canberra, be sure to check out Such and Such. Opened in January by the team behind Canberra's only two-hatted restaurant Pilot, this all-day eatery is the perfect spot to indulge in nostalgic yet modern flavours. Don't miss out on their locally-leaning drinks list, designed to perfectly complement the food. In addition to the delicious menu, Such and Such showcases the creative talent of Canberrans through their art and design.

220 London Circut, 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 center stage, with a carefully curated selection of accompaniments to satisfy any peckish craving. We love their minimalist approach, allowing you to truly savor the flavors 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-11.30am

Lunch at Corella

Located on the buzzing foodie strip of Lonsdale Street in Braddon, Corella serves up modern Australian cuisine infused with a variety of native ingredients, including finger lime, macadamia, rosella, saltbush, and bush tomato. Each dish is expertly crafted and bursting with flavor, making for a truly memorable meal. And don't miss out on the drinks menu, which also incorporates native flavors into their cocktails. 

14 Lonsdale Street, Braddon

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

Dinner at Terra

If you're looking for a unique dining experience in Canberra, Terra is the place to be. This produce-driven foodie destination has an inviting atmosphere and a menu that showcases the best of Australian ingredients. But the real star of the show is Terra's dinner options, cooked over an open flame to perfection. From juicy steaks to fresh seafood, every dish is expertly prepared and bursting with flavor. Our favourites include the Chargrilled Octopus, Beef Brisket and the Potato Gratin.  It's a truly unique and memorable dining experience that you won't find anywhere else in Canberra. 

40 Marcus Clarke Street, City West

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 Beirut Bunker Bar with its dark hues, wooden bar-tops and live DJs spinning French rap and mushroom jazz. And indulge in the exquisite selection of gins at the sensational Tipsy Bull bar.

Over on Alinga Street, prohibition-era themed drinking spot The Highball Express 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.

Breakfast at Highroad

This funky café and bakery in Dickson is a favorite 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 flavor. 

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

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.