Cities Near Canberra
Cities near Canberra, Australia: 4 notable destinations within day-trip and weekend range, including Wollongong, Sydney, Newcastle. Compare distance, drive time and flight time, with day-trip and getaway ideas.
The closest notable city to Canberra, Australia is Wollongong, about 116 mi (187 km) away — roughly 2 hr 42 min by road. Below, 4 nearby cities are ranked by distance, with real drive and flight estimates and whether each works best as a day trip or an overnight getaway.
| City | Distance | Drive | Flight | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wollongong | 116 mi / 187 km | 2 hr 42 min | Drive/rail | Day trip / overnight |
| Sydney | 153 mi / 247 km | 3 hr 34 min | Drive/rail | Weekend getaway |
| Newcastle | 222 mi / 358 km | 4 hr 51 min | 55 min | Short break |
| Maitland | 225 mi / 361 km | 4 hr 54 min | 55 min | Short break |
Weekend getaways from Canberra
Far enough for a change of scene but still an easy hop: Wollongong, Sydney. Worth an overnight or a full weekend.
Getting around
Nearby cities are usually quickest by car or train; for the longer hops a regional flight can save time. Tap any city above for its full distance, driving-time and flight-time breakdown, or plan a specific route with the tools below.
Frequently asked questions
Notable cities near Canberra include Wollongong, Sydney, Newcastle, Maitland. The closest is Wollongong, about 116 miles (187 km) away. The table above lists each with its distance, drive time and best use.
