Cities mean concrete, traffic and noise, right? Canberra breaks that mold by embracing nature.While Canberra itself is awash with cosmopolitan wining and dining choices, its appeal extends beyond typical expectations. On top of the usual urban adventures, you'll also find a mecca of hiking and cycle trails and wildlife galore here. In fact, 80 per cent of the Australian Capital Territory is a designated nature park. Exploring its diverse offerings means a city break with a difference.
Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary, located north-east of Canberra, is a conservation area which aims to provide a safe haven for reintroduced species. Take a twilight tour here and step back in time to how the Australian bush would've looked 100 years ago.
It's at night when life becomes more animated in the bush, as nocturnal animals start their search for food. A guide will take you deep into the sanctuary and, if you're lucky, there's a chance you'll witness the Eastern Bettong, a small kangaroo-like marsupial, foraging on native truffles. It's a truly special experience considering this species has been extinct from the Australian mainland for almost 100 years; as their numbers also started to dwindle on Tasmania, the decision was made to relocate some Eastern Bettong to Mulligans sanctuary in 2012 where they now thrive in the predator-free surrounds. The sounds of the dark will be explained by your guide – from the different species of frog calls to the distant cry of the Bush Stone-curlew bird.
If you haven't had your fill of fauna, wildlife spotting opportunities abound in the ACT. At Namadgi National Park, swamp wallabies, kangaroos, echidnas and wombats are local residents. At the wetlands, forests, grasslands and sub-alpine habitats at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve you can check out wildlife, such as koalas and emus, in their natural settings.
Even near the city's heart, nature is never far away, and sometimes with a side of extravagance. The safari-style digs at Jamala Wildlife Lodge, situated in the National Zoo & Aquarium, cater for those looking for an exceptional luxury experience - it's certainly not every day you wake up to a tiger outside your window.
For something a little more down-to-earth, but still sticking with the nature theme, head to the fantastic new camping facilities at Canberra Park, with its caravan park and 73 tent sites keeping the great outdoors close to hand.
To get out amongst it, keen hikers or cyclists won't want to miss the opportunity to tackle the 145km self-guided Centenary Trail, a non-motorised loop that showcases Canberra's unique mixture of urban and rural environments, with plenty of iconic sites and hidden treasures to be spied along the way.
Walkers should prepare for a seven-day adventure, averaging 20km a day, while cyclists should be able to complete it in three. For a more relaxed walk or cycle, head to the trail around the masterful centrepiece of Canberra – the large and lovely man-made Lake Burley Griffin, where you can also take to the water for a spot of rowing, sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding or even fishing. A picnic in the grounds here is a superb way to while away an afternoon.
For something a little more formal, head to one of Canberra's many impressive eateries. You can't go wrong at the multi-award winning Eightysix or Bar Rochford. More upmarket still is the two-hatted Aubergine, which showcases the best of regional seasonal produce with its five-course tasting menu. Their extensive wine list has more than a few local options on there.
Canberra is surrounded by a distinct wine wonderland. It's home to 140 vineyards, with more than 30 wineries within a 35-minute drive of the city centre. The range of terroir and climate means that varieties such as sangiovese, riesling, chardonnay, pinot noir, merlot, shiraz, tempranillo and rarer varieties like gruner veltliner all thrive here.
All the excitement of urban culture rubbing shoulders with nature means Canberra is a destination that really is the best of both worlds.
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