Whynot

During a visit to Bees Nest Nature Reserve (half an hour’s drive), on the Shoalhaven River, you might be lucky to spot an endangered koala up a tree. Other wildlife to keep an eye out for includes bandicoots and birds such as cockatoos and colourful parrots. With its gorgeous sandy beaches facing Jervis Bay, Huskisson (an hour) is well worth the drive. In town, check out the Jervis Bay Maritime Museum & Gallery, with nautical equipment, historic artefacts and a boardwalk snaking among the mangroves to Currambene Creek. Australia’s capital Canberra (an hour and a half) spreads out from Parliament House, a modern building set within a circular area of parkland. From there, cross the Molonglo River to reach the National Museum of Australia, with displays illustrating the history of the country, and the imposing Australian War Memorial, at the foot of Mount Ainslie.