Cotter Avenue Recreation Area

Picnics, play, and riverside adventures just 20 minutes from the city!

Escape the city and enjoy the great outdoors at Cotter Avenue, a much-loved spot for families to picnic, play, and relax by the river. With shady grassy areas, BBQs, swimming, fishing, and bushwalking, it’s the perfect place for a day in nature.

Take the Cotter Dam Discovery Trail, lined with fascinating stories of Canberra’s water history, and be rewarded with an impressive amphitheatre-style viewing platform overlooking the dam wall.

Just around the corner is Casuarina Sands, offering playground fun, picnic tables, BBQs, plenty of space to splash in the river, and easy access for all abilities. There’s even limited camping nearby at Cotter Campground if you want to stretch the adventure into an overnight stay.

📍 Only 23km from Canberra’s city centre, it’s a quick trip for a day of riverside family fun.

💡 Spark Pop Tip: Pack swimmers, towels, and a picnic basket — Casuarina Sands is a favourite spot for little ones to splash about while parents relax.