 Visit the ACT – Australian Capital Territory & Canberra
Although the capital of Australia, Canberra and the ACT offer more than just politics and government. Canberra is a city where you can get your adrenalin pumping.
One of the best things about Canberra and the ACT is it offers easy access to the surrounding bush, forests and waterways, and its just a short trip to the Snowy Mountains and its winter sports.
Canberra's clean environment is an ideal location for skydiving, parachuting and other adventure activities. You can try hot air ballooning, canoeing, hang gliding, mountain bike riding, parasailing, paintball skirmish, and white water rafting.
 A great adventure location is the near-by Ginninderra Falls, a nature park set in the bush just west of Canberra's most northern suburbs. You can abseil off the spectacular Pinnacle lookout, try a cannoning experience at the Ginninderra Falls or kayak down the Shoalhaven river.
There are a number of paintball and laser skirmish courses located in Canberra with other extreme pastimes include indoor rock climbing and go-kart racing. Finally, you can learn to sail on Lake Burley Griffin with the local yacht club.
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IMPORTANT Some parks and reserves are still closed due to the January 2003 bushfires which devastated large areas of the ACT. For the latest information regarding park access please check with Environment ACT.
All images © Tourism New South Wales.
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 Capital Country & Southern Highlands
Close to Sydney and wrapped around Canberra, this region is a fascinating mix of natural beauty, adventure and beautiful waterways. From abseiling to bushwalking; orienteering to ballooning; from white-water rafting to horse riding. You can jump from a plane, try fly fishing, ride a steam train, camp in the wilderness, explore the Wombeyan Caves or visit a jail – whatever you want to do you can do it in the Capital Country & Southern Highlands.
Try starting your adventure at Morton National Park or Bungonia State Recreation area. For water sports you can kayak down the Shoalhaven River. The sheer cliffs of this area are great for abseiling, finally explore Bungonia’s caves.
 Skydive near Goulburn, or fish for trout in the Wollondilly River while you head to Wombeyan Caves where you can explore the caves and stay overnight in a cabin or pitch a tent. If you enjoy four wheel driving there are many tracks in this region that will test you. Further trout fishing can be done in the creeks around Crookwell. Water sports and boating is provided on Lake Wyangala at Grabine State Recreation Area. Head south to Yass and tackle the Hume & Hovell Walking Track.
Carey’s Caves are a hidden treasure at Wee Jasper. There are a number of camping reserves and the Goodradigbee River offers great fresh water fishing. Burrinjuck Dam and Good Hope are suitable for watersking, boating, fishing and camping.
 The Southern Highlands
The Southern Highlands is well known for its colourful gardens, leisurely pursuits, diverse landscape, shopping and welcoming accommodation. But there is another side to the area that offers a range of activities to pursue and enjoy.Golfing is a favourite past time for locals and visitors. Whether you are a serious golfer or just want to release all that pent-up energy there is a selection of courses from which to choose. Golf Professionals are on hand to assist, advise and for lessons or there is even a golf driving range if you just want to practice your swing.
 Fly Fishing is a great way to escape and at the same time test your skills against the elusive freshwater trout. Learn some basic 'streamcraft' and freshwater fishing techniques with an experienced guide. Explore the scenery and some of the remote wilderness areas within the region from the comfort of your own 4WD by joining with a tag-along tour. If you prefer natural pursuits of a slower pace then bushwalking is the perfect choice.
A truly spectacular drive takes in the route from Mittagong to Wombeyan Caves. The road is mountainous but for the adventurous it is worth the effort. The tortured road cover farmland, mountains, valleys and rivers. Points of interest along the way include a man made tunnel, spectacular views over the Burragorang Valley and a delightful picnic spot and swimming hole at Goodman's Ford. At the end of the drive you can discover the underground world of Wombeyan Caves.
Discover some of the most beautiful and rugged countryside on horseback.
Journey into the past with a visit to local museums including The Court House and Historical Museums at Berrima. Discover a different history at Bradman Museum where you can relive the glories of Australian cricket and follow Sir Donald Bradman's footsteps as he grew up in Bowral and went on to become a cricketing legend.
Train enthusiasts can visit model railway displays and purchase that special piece to add to your own train set, or for a different day out take a trip on the Cockatoo Run. This heritage train travels four days a week from the coast to the Highlands and return.
For something really different why not visit the Moss Vale saleyards. The yards are under cover and sales take place every Wednesday. Cattle sales offer a real country experience.
Throughout the year many events and festivals can be enjoyed. Agriculture Shows - demonstrating and displaying the best of country life. Bowral Tulip Time festival with its wonderful gardens and beds of tulips, Bundanoon is Brigadoon and its many thousands of visitors who come to enjoy the Scottish dancing and bagpipes and the annual Jazz Festival for lovers of jazz. Fox hunting, dressage events, show jumping and much, much more.
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NSW National Parks can be closed at times because of bushfire and bushfire danger. We advise you check with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service before you set off. Phone 1300 361 967 (within NSW) or (02) 9253 4600 or visit www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au. Remember, play it safe and tell others where you go and when you will be back.
All images © Tourism New South Wales.
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Disclaimer: The information contained about this region is provided as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, Break Loose Publishing disclaim any liability or responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. For our complete Disclaimer please follow the link at the foot of the page.
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