We’ve been cooped up and locked down in ways we never thought possible.

Over the past few months, because outdoor spaces were less restricted, wilderness adventure in our backyards (ACT) has started trending like never before.

Many people are discovering (or re-discovering) their love of the outdoors. If you’re on the hunt for an outdoor adventure that’ll dose you up on fresh air, these locations are a must do.

1. Get ‘naked’ while glamping at the Mt Majura Vineyard

Yes. Naked!

Naked Cubby Co invites you to strip down to the bare essentials – no wifi, no technology - for an unforgettable overnight stay in their luxury safari tents that include high thread count linens, books, board games, wine, a crackling fire and breakfast in bed. Tucked into nooks in and around Mt Majura Vineyard, you’ll wind your way 600m through the wines to your private oasis. Take a self-guided gumboot tour of the vineyard and then sit back and melt into your natural surroundings. Packages start at $260.

More info: nakedcubbycollective.com

2. Snow play at Corin Forrest

Less than one hour from the heart of Canberra lies Corin Forrest, the closest snow field to both Canberra and Sydney. Snowplay ($20), tobogganing ($5 + snowplay entry), skiing lessons ($129) and throwing snowballs ($0) has never been so accessible! The 1.2km Alpine Slide – think bobsled without the ice – is $25 well spent as you coast effortlessly through the forest, after catching a lift to the launch pad. And when you’re done, the Lodge serves up wood-fired pizzas around an open indoor fireplace while you toast marshmallows and defrost.

More info: corin.com.au

3. Hunt for truffles

For a truly unique winter experience join in the Truffle Festival, held every winter, and race along with the hunting dogs as they put their noses to the ground in search of one of the Canberra region’s lesser-known culinary treasures. Several local farms offer the experience in various durations, costs, tasting options etc.

More info: trufflefestival.com.au

4. Conquer the Centenary Trail

Move over, Parliament House…there’s a new quintessential tourism experience in town.

The Centenary Trail is Canberra’s answer to Larapinta or the Overland Track. It boasts a 145km loop of sign-posted walking/cycling trails, for self-guided adventures. Completing the track takes approximately seven days by foot, averaging around 20km per day OR three days on a bike, averaging 45-50km per day. Bragging rights go to anyone who has completed the whole thing, whether it takes you months, weeks, days or exactly 23 hours and 14 minutes like my friend Brendan who RAN the entire thing non-stop, six months ago. For those not quite as ambitious as Brendan, there’s an independent guidebook that breaks the loop down into 16 shorter day hikes. The book is called Walking and Cycling Canberra’s Centenary Trail, by Nina Tallis Didcott.

More info: environment.act.gov.au

5. Picnic on top of the world at Booroomba Rocks

This spot offers major bang for your buck. Just 30mins from the city center, along Naas Road in Tharwa, you’ll find the carpark and starting point for the 2.5km return hike out to Booroomba Rocks. The walk is short enough to be leisurely yet challenging enough to work up a sweat. At the peak you’ll find a large rock platform with views that seem to go forever. It’s the perfect place for a special picnic! If you’re feeling energetic you could opt for the longer 10.5km return hike from the nearby Honeysuckle Campground. In fact, why not bring your tent and spend the night?

More info: visitcanberra.com.au

6. 4WD to remote heritage homestead accommodation, Nil Desperandum

If you’ve been dreaming of a one of a kind getaway, then look no further! Nil Desperandum is an historic European heritage homestead nestled in the foothills of the Tidbinbilla national park. Accessible only by 4WD or AWD, you are guaranteed that otherworldly feeling of simpler times and pleasures. The homestead is made of rammed earth. It has a fire pit, tin roof, camp stretcher beds, indoor open fireplace, cold running water from rainwater tanks, solar lighting, drop toilets, covered porch with a gas barbeque and let’s not forget the views of endless greenery, rolling hills and starry night skies. And best of all, it has access to 20-odd walking tracks that range from 15mins to eight hours, in duration.

More info: airbnb.com

7. Shoot clays just 10mins from the city

This is the activity for those that love the combination of challenge and adrenaline. And banter…loving banter is essential for being able to enjoy the realization that this sport is harder than it seems. Clay shooting is available at the Majura Park Gun Club for anyone 12 and over, with beginner sessions every Wednesday night ($40) that include all equipment and tuition. Group sessions for 10+ people are also available and include access to barbeque facilities and all equipment ($110 per person).

More info: majuraparkgunclub.com.au

8. SUP on the Molongolo River

There is something about stand up paddle boarding (SUP) that makes people smile! It’s almost impossible not to smile when you’re balancing on the surface, carving a path through the water beneath you. It is somehow exhilarating and calming at the same time. If you don’t have your own gear, SUPCBR offers lessons for the newbies and board hire for the more experienced. Prices are $66 per one hour lesson and subsequent board hire is $33, $55 or $77 for one, two or three hours, respectively. SUP is a great way to explore a beautiful and lesser known part of Canberra, Molongolo Reach.

More info: supcbr.com 

Regardless of your budget or fitness level, Canberra’s outdoor playground has you covered.

Article written by - Erica Whitby from ACT