City Break Canberra has thrown off its boring-city shackles well and truly. The nation's capital is the new shopping mecca, home to lots of unique boutiques and bustling markets. Nestled between Kingston and Manuka in the stylish East Hotel, Muse is where books and great food and wine collide; a meeting place for those who enjoy a grenache with their Grenville. If you're more interested in the vessels you drink out of, drop by Bisonhome for Scandi-cool design by local creative director Brian Tunks.
Country Mile The Poachers Way food and wine trail is the go-to for Canberra foodies when they're looking to get out of the city. It loops about just north and east of Canberra, taking in Gundaroo, Hall, Murrumbateman and Bungendore near Canberra - barely off the Sydney-Melbourne highway, but light years away from Parliament House. Experience some of Australia's best food and wine, and a lovely country drive along the way.
Get the Bends South-west of Canberra you'll find Paddy's River Road, a 20-kilometre driver's cornucopia of fast corners, slow turns, undulations, elevation changes, differing camber - you name it, it has it. The backdrop is spectacular too, as it cuts through hills and bordering sections of dense pine forest and natural habitat. The awe-inspiring bitumen takes you to the Canberra Deep Space Centre Communication Centre. Operated by the CSIRO on behalf of NASA, it features impressive satellites and great information about space exploration.