Canberra Region

Shaw Wines Credit: Shaw Wines

With some of the Canberra Region impacted by the Summer 2020 bushfires, it is more important than ever to support and visit our surrounding areas. Most areas have bounced back and are ready to welcome visitors.

From the glittering waters and white sand dotting the beaches of the South Coast, to the rural charms of the countryside, and the snow-capped mountains of the Australian Alps, make sure you leave your delegates some time to explore the wider Canberra Region.

COOL CLIMATE WINE REGION

The Canberra District Wine Region has been creating distinct Australian wines for 160 years, receiving national regard and becoming among the top choices of connoisseurs around the world. The region is home to 140 vineyards and more than 30 boutique cellar doors, all located within an easy 35-minute drive from the city centre. The range in temperature, vineyard elevations, soil types and winemakers’ skills combine to create outstanding varietals like Shiraz, Riesling, Sangiovese, Pinot Gris, Tempranillo, Malbec and even Grüner Veltliner. Visit Shaw Wines in Murrumbateman, where your VIP delegates can enjoy dining excellence in a private cellar dining room or on the terrace overlooking the vineyards, or head to Clonakilla Wines for an exclusive tasting with worldrenowned winemaker Tim Kirk.

Robyn Rowe Chocolates, Murrumbateman Credit: Destination NSW Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve Credit: Lean Timms

SOUTHERN TABLELANDS

Immerse yourself in the rural charm of the region’s villages and towns, boasting character, history, art, gourmet delights and wineries.

Feast on handmade chocolates at Robyn Rowe Chocolates in Murrumbateman, settle in for a cosy winery lunch at Contentious Character, or marvel at the 400-million-year-old rock formations in the caverns of Wombeyan Caves. History buffs can catch a glimpse of mid-19th century town life at Braidwood, Bungendore or Yass, and reconnect with early rural Australia, while art enthusiasts will be delighted with the many galleries, shops and design studios throughout the tablelands.

NATIONAL PARKS AND NATURE RESERVES

There’s a good reason why Canberra is dubbed the bush capital.

With 70% of the ACT covered in pure open space, parkland and nature reserves, here is the chance for your delegates to experience Canberra’s remote alpine bush at its finest. Just a short drive from the city, your group will enjoy spectacular views, walking and biking trails, fishing spots and animal encounters at Namadgi National Park and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Team building activity options are plentiful, including bush walks, cycling tours and wildlife spotting. Learn about the rich Aboriginal history of the Ngunnawal people with a visit to archaeological sites dating back over 21,000 years or a walk on the Birrigai Time Trail to the Birrigai Rock Shelter, one of the oldest rock shelters in the region.

Perisher Ski Resort Credit: Perisher Kayaking, Jervis Bay Credit: Dee Kramer

ALPINE ADVENTURES

Whether it’s hurtling down the hillside on skis or a mountain bike, wandering amongst the wildflowers or casting a line for fresh river trout, your group will love the fresh mountain air and stunning scenery of Australia’s Alpine region. Best of all, it’s practically on Canberra’s doorstep, only 2.5 hours along Kosciuszko Alpine Way or Snowy Valley Way Hike Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest peak, take a scenic drive through Cooma and Jindabyne, or experience the year-round beauty of our alpine region at Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa, where event planners will find meeting spaces, boutique accommodation and team activations. Snow enthusiasts can hit the slopes at Perisher, Thredbo, Guthega, Charlotte Pass and the family-friendly Selwyn Snowfields, while summer visitors will be spoilt for choice with hiking and moutain biking trails.

SOUTH COAST

A scenic two-hour drive is all that stands between your delegates and the delights of whale watching, kayaking, swimming, surfing or simply lazing on a beautiful beach. Discover long, secluded, and sheltered beach coves, heritage towns and unspoilt coastline that are the perfect antidote to a busy conference program. From Jervis Bay, an annexe of the ACT, down to the Sapphire Coast, the region offers delegates a chance to relax and recharge, or to get active with a variety of experiences on offer. Take a surfing lesson, try stand-up paddle boarding, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, or chuck a line from a fishing charter. Hungry? Try some freshly shucked oysters from Narooma, Merimbula or the Clyde River, or visit the Bodalla Dairy Shed for all your cheese and dairy cravings.

CAPACITY TABLE AND MAPS